Umbrellas are an age-old invention famous in every culture and civilization. Over time, the umbrella has evolved into a versatile tool for various purposes. With modern engineering and design practices, umbrellas made with a wide range of materials are available in the market. But there’s one thing that all umbrellas have in common: it doesn’t matter if it’s a golf umbrella, a promotional umbrella, or an antique. They all need a beautiful handle. Whether it be an intricately adorned antique wooden handle or a sleek and modern aluminum handle, umbrella handles can be made with various materials to suit the purpose and utility of the specific kind of umbrella.
Here, we’ll list some materials used to make umbrella handles and where they fit best. Read on and learn something new!
Contents
5 – Silica Gel umbrella Handles
7 – Plastic & Acrylic Umbrella Handles
Table of Contents
1 – Wooden Handles
Did you know? The first umbrellas existed more than 4000 years ago!
Wooden umbrella handles gained popularity in nineteenth-century England, where umbrella handles were carved out of elegant mahogany and ebony wood and handcrafted with intricate designs and motifs to please the customers. As such, umbrellas with such beautiful wooden handles became a status symbol in nineteenth-century England, familiar with the region's nobility.
Nowadays, wooden handles for umbrellas are often made using pressed plywood which is more durable and light and can be engrained with patterns of grains. These handles are usually embossed with the manufacturer’s logo and can either be crooked or straight, depending on the style of the umbrella.
No matter the style, a wooden handle on an umbrella will surely bring elegance to your daily carry item, reminiscent of the noble culture through which these wooden handles evolved.
2 – Aluminum Handles
Did you know? Umbrella hats became gained popularity in the nineteenth century.
Aluminum is a dynamic material with wide-ranging applications prized for its malleable structure, which can be folded and molded to make whatever shapes we want. When it comes to umbrellas, aluminum is used to make the frame, shaft, and handles. Aluminum handles are a lightweight addition to your favorite umbrellas as the metal gives a shiny lustrous finish, doesn’t rust easily and gives long life to the umbrella. Moreover, modern-designed umbrellas usually feature aluminum handles as the grey tones of the handle are a defining feature of modern and industrial design.
3 – Rubber Handles
Did you know? The Chinese were the first to invent water-proof umbrellas!
Rubber is a natural polymer obtained from a select range of trees. It’s used in almost all outdoor products in one form or another. It's a universally utilized product, from tires to pens to door stoppers. In the case of umbrellas, rubber handles are a great addition to the whole structure, as they provide additional comfort and grip and stop the umbrella from slipping if the hands are wet. Additionally, the rubber handles offer a firm weight to the umbrella, which can prevent the umbrella from blowing away in strong winds. It’s also more comfortable to hold as it takes the shape of the hands quickly after use. How to Clean the Sticky Umbrella Handle?
4 – EVA Foam Handles
Did you know? The first water-proof umbrellas used a wax or oil coating.
EVA, also called Ethylene-vinyl acetate, is a synthetic material used extensively in industrial products. It’s a soft, malleable, and durable foam that can be folded and molded into a desired shape or form. It’s usually cut into sheets and used to make shoe soles, yoga mats, and even mattresses. It even forms the basis of hot glue and adhesives.
For umbrellas, the EVA handles provide a soft, comfortable, yet firm grip to the user. The ability of the foam to restore its original shape even after pressure is applied ensures that the handle remains new and smooth even after extended use. EVA handles also act in the same way as rubber handles, giving a good grip in slippery conditions while being incredibly light and soft at the same time.
5 – Silica Gel Handles
Do you know that Vienna produced the first foldable umbrella in 1928?
Silica Gel is a squishy absorbent material that keeps its shape and can handle a lot of force and pressure without tearing. For people who work in the field for long periods, keeping hold of an umbrella for so long can be tiring for the hands. Any other material can get uncomfortable after long periods of continued use. In that case, silicon umbrella handles offer a relatively higher level of comfort and ease of use. The soft, squishy material feels like an organic layer and easily molds into the hands of the user, decreasing any strain on the hands. These handles are a great way to add more comfort for the prolonged use to your umbrella.
6 – Bamboo Handles
Did you know? Golf umbrellas are the largest, with a canopy reaching 60 to 70 inches in diameter.
From the fertile valleys and expert craftsmen of china came the bamboo umbrellas. Made with paper canopies to protect them from the sun, these beautiful umbrellas became a part of Asian culture, spreading from china to japan to all of Asia over time. Today, you can find both natural and imitation bamboo umbrellas in the market, which serve as a testament to the ancient legacy of the art. Usually made as sun umbrellas rather than rain or storm umbrellas, the bamboo handles and shaft provide a lightweight but solid material for umbrella handles. With a bamboo handle umbrella, you are carrying a unique history with you everywhere you go.
7 – Plastic & Acrylic Handles
Do you know that people in the US buy around 33 million umbrellas every year, worth $348 million?
Plastic has become an all-star material used for making everything in the modern industrial world. Regarding umbrellas, plastic handles are a great affordable option for designing umbrella handles with great utility and usability. As the plastic doesn’t degrade, it’s a good option for making long-lasting mass-produced umbrellas to fit any description and purpose.
Let's take plastic umbrella handles one step further. We can use acrylic to cast beautiful, transparent handles for umbrellas that provide the same benefits as regular plastic and are much more durable. It also adds an elegant aesthetic to the umbrella.
8-Others
Conclusion
Did you know the umbrella handle can make all the difference for antique, modern, or stylish umbrellas? To achieve a comfortable and premium feel, remember this helpful guide the next time you purchase a new umbrella or commission a set of promotional umbrellas for your brand. Choose the perfect handle to elevate your umbrella game!
300+ types of umbrella handles for you to choose from. Hfumbrella, custom umbrella handles supplier & manufacturer, info@hfumbrella.com
