London doesn’t fare well in the rain, which is ironic considering the city’s never-ending drizzle.
You can expect disruptions as part and parcel of your commute and swarms of people carrying umbrellas going to war with one another on the city’s narrow pavements. It’s not the ideal way to start the day.
Those clutching large, lofty umbrellas are usually the culprits. Big umbrellas are hard to manoeuvre and heavy. Petite parasols, on the other hand, take up less space, can slip into your handbag or backpack and retain the easy-use, pop-up-and-go design of their oversized contemporaries. These compact alternatives are undoubtedly the superior choice.
Their size, however, also means they are easier to lose. Traditional black umbrellas are constantly abandoned on trains or planes, inevitably winding up in Lost Property departments or reclaimed by fortunate future passengers who stumble upon them at the optimal moment.
Colourful styles are much more practical as they are easier to spot. More importantly, they are set to brighten up even the greyest of days. This is the goal of brands such as Liberty, Oliver Bonas and Mango, who stock vibrant pieces that will pop against the sea of black brollies. Umbrella envy? It’s a thing.
From funky florals and painterly landscapes, to statement swirls and fruit-clad prints, there are ample umbrellas of a smaller size to spark joy on even the dampest of Monday mornings.
Discover the best small umbrellas to help you brave the spring showers and browse the lively edit below.
Rifle Paper Co. Hydrangea Umbrella
Head into spring in style. This hydrangea-clad brolly is as pretty as it is useful. The pale blue backdrop peppered with ivory-white blooms will keep the rain at bay.
Buy now £44.95, Harrods
Oliver Bonas Pink & Orange Botanical Print Umbrella
Make mornings brighter with a recycled umbrella by Oliver Bonas. Not only is it a sustainable pick, but it’s hard to lose thanks to a sunny orange and pink botanical design.
Buy now £20.00, Oliver Bonas
Liberty Thorpeness Compact Umbrella
Florals for spring? Whatever Miranda Priestly thinks, we can’t resist a petal print. Liberty’s Thorpness umbrella is a cute, compact choice that will make for a cheery springtime accessory.
Buy now £45.00, Liberty
Signare Carry the Masters with You Umbrella
Choose from Van Gogh’s celestial landscapes, Monet’s waterlilies, Degas’ ballerinas and more. Signare’s unique umbrella designs are ideal for art lovers who favour a statement piece.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Fulton x Morris & Co Floral-Print Umbrella
Allow a blanket of succulent lemons and yellow blooms to shield you from the drizzle. This Fulton x Morris & Co parasol embraces dopamine accessorising for when the weather doesn't play ball.
Buy now £27.00, Selfridges
Barbour Portree Umbrella
Turn out a true Clueless moment with a pink tartan brolly to spark accessories envy. Barbour’s failproof pick will see you through the seasons, from light April showers to winter downpours.
Buy now £28.00, ASOS
Mango Daisy Folding UmbrellaMango Daisy Folding Umbrella
We were pleasantly surprised by Mango’s eclectic range of umbrellas. From mod-inspired florals to easy-breezy colourblocks, the high street brand has brollies to browse by the dozen.
Buy now £15.99, John Lewis
The White Company Fulton Metallic Star Eco Umbrella
An umbrella that is as sturdy as it is sophisticated, this star-scattered piece is a subtle yet snazzy choice for commuters. What’s more, it’s made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly find with flair.
Buy now £28.00, The White Company
totes Supermini Umbrella and Foldaway Shopper Set
Need to revamp your shopping arsenal? Inside this super set, you’ll find a sassy pink ditsy print umbrella and a foldaway bag. Keep both to hand for rainy days when a food shop calls.
Buy now £18.00, John Lewis
Merry People x Blunt Metro Umbrella
Tap into the current penchant for funky geometric prints with this Merry People x Blunt Metro Umbrella. A cherry red and bubblegum pink houndstooth print coats this unmissable umbrella and makes it a must-have for miserable, grey mornings.
Buy now £69.95, Merry People
