The weather in the UK is unpredictable. One moment the sun is shining brightly, the next it's pouring with rain. More and more people are becoming aware of the importance of proper sun protection, not just at the beach, but also during a walk through the city or on the way to work. A UV umbrella is a practical solution for this. But what should you look for when buying one? In this article, we provide objective buying tips and highlight a few popular choices for you.
A good umbrella with UV protection does more than just keep you dry. It's an accessory that shields your skin from harmful radiation. Here are three key points to consider to make an informed decision.
The most important feature of a sun protection umbrella is its Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). This number indicates how much UV radiation is blocked by the fabric. An umbrella with a UPF 50+ rating blocks more than 98% of UV rays, according to its specifications. Many modern UV umbrellas, such as those from Beneunder, use a special black coating on the inside. This coating is designed to effectively absorb light and heat, which the manufacturer claims provides a cooler sensation underneath the umbrella.
Nobody wants an umbrella that flips inside out at the first gust of wind. A wind-resistant umbrella is therefore essential in the UK. Pay attention to the frame materials. Constructions made of fibreglass and aluminium alloy offer a good balance between flexibility and strength, making them more resilient against strong winds. The number of ribs also plays a role; more ribs generally create a more stable structure.
How and when will you use the umbrella? For the daily commute or for travel, a compact umbrella or a foldable umbrella is ideal. These models are often a lightweight umbrella and fit easily into a handbag or backpack. If you're looking for maximum protection for your entire body, a larger canopy diameter is a better choice. Check the dimensions when folded and unfolded to determine what best suits your lifestyle. A good travel umbrella combines low weight with a robust design.
Based on product specifications and functionality, we have selected a few models that stand out.
Why It Stands Out This model combines functionality with a striking appearance. The manufacturer, Beneunder, claims a UPF 2000+ protection that blocks over 99.9% of UV rays, thanks to its dual-layer L.R.C Black Coating. The large canopy, with a diameter of 99 cm, provides head-to-toe coverage. The inside features a classic floral pattern, making it an elegant designer umbrella.
Pros
Who Is It For? For anyone looking for maximum protection without compromising on style. Its large size also makes it practical for two people and a great choice for those seeking a functional and fashionable accessory.
Why It Stands Out This compact umbrella is designed for maximum portability. Weighing just 170 grams and with a folded length of approximately 15.5 cm, this is a true lightweight umbrella. The 'card-style' design is flat and small, allowing it to fit into almost any bag or even a coat pocket. Despite its small size, it offers UPF 50+ protection, according to the manufacturer.
Pros
Who Is It For? For the minimalist who always wants to be prepared. If you're looking for a reliable travel umbrella that you'll barely notice in your bag, this is an excellent option for daily use.
Why It Stands Out This model has a cheerful appearance with its fruit theme. It is a foldable umbrella that strikes a good balance between protection and portability. The manufacturer claims UPF 50+ protection and a high degree of heat blocking. An interesting feature is its water-repellent technology, which, according to the specifications, allows the umbrella to be dry with a single shake after a rain shower.
Pros
Who Is It For? For those looking for a functional umbrella with a unique look. It's a practical accessory for daily use and a great gift idea for someone who loves colour and design.
The models above are focused on personal use and portability. Are you looking for something different, such as a larger SPF beach umbrella for a day at the seaside with the family?
? View our full collection of sun protection umbrellas here
A regular umbrella is primarily designed to protect you from rain. Its canopy often provides some shade but is not specially treated to block UV radiation. A UV umbrella has a canopy with a special weave density and often a coating (like a black inner layer) designed to filter a high percentage of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
A good umbrella with UV protection has a UPF rating of 50+. This means that, according to standard measurements, the fabric blocks more than 98% of UV radiation. Some brands, like Beneunder, even claim higher protection factors for their specific coatings.
For the exterior, the colour makes little difference to the UV protection itself. The interior, however, is more important. A dark, matte interior (often black) is more effective at absorbing UV rays that reflect off the ground and other surfaces. This prevents radiation from reaching your face. A light-coloured interior can actually reflect radiation, which reduces the protective effect. That's why many high-quality UV umbrellas have a dark inner layer.