If you’ve ever ordered promotional umbrellas for a corporate event or client giveaway, you’ll know the options can feel a bit… endless. Compact? Golf? Vented? Do you go all-in on quality, or find something budget-friendly and hope for the best?
Let’s cut through the noise.
The best umbrella for your event depends on three main things: how it’ll be used, who’s receiving it, and how you want your brand to show up. Some umbrellas are there to make a statement. Others just need to be practical and presentable. Either way, you’ve got choices — and we’ll help you make the right one.
Here’s what you need to know.
Start with the Purpose
Before anything else, ask yourself: what’s this umbrella for?
If you’re handing it out en masse at a conference or trade show, you’ll want something lightweight, easy to pack, and budget-friendly — but still nice enough that people actually use it.
If you’re giving it to clients, partners, or staff as a thank-you gift, you’re aiming for something a bit more premium. The sort of thing they’d genuinely reach for on a rainy day, not just stash in a cupboard.
That decision alone narrows your options.
Budget vs. Premium: What’s the Difference?
Let’s be clear — budget doesn’t have to mean cheap and cheerful. We offer a range of entry-level umbrellas that are still well-made, durable, and look the part. But they’re designed with volume and value in mind. Think:
- Basic folding umbrellas with manual open
- Lightweight metal frames
- Smaller canopy sizes
- Simple one- or two-colour branding
They’re ideal when you need quantity, not complexity. Great for giveaways, outdoor events, and trade shows where umbrellas are more of a nice surprise than a central feature.
Premium umbrellas, on the other hand, are built to impress — and last. These come with extras like:
- Fibreglass ribs for strength
- Windproof frames
- Automatic open/close mechanisms
- Wooden or rubberised handles
- Larger canopy coverage
- Full-colour or edge-to-edge printing
These are umbrellas you’d be proud to hand a client, or put in a gift bag at a brand activation. The ones that don’t feel like merch — they feel like products.
Size Matters: Compact, Golf or Something in Between?
When choosing umbrella size, there’s a bit of trade-off between portability and presence.
Folding umbrellas are the most popular for giveaways. They’re easy to carry, fit in bags, and still give you decent branding space. We’ve got versions with automatic open, colour-matched sleeves, and even eco-friendly options made from recycled materials.
Golf umbrellas are the statement piece. Big, bold, and impossible to miss. Perfect for sporting events, outdoor launches, or anywhere you want your branding seen — even from across a field. These often come with fibreglass frames, vented canopies for wind resistance, and high-impact printing.
Walking umbrellas are a nice middle ground — classic shape, non-folding, but still compact enough for daily use. These are popular in corporate gift packs or as part of uniform programmes.
The right choice depends on your audience. Are they likely to carry it home on the train? Or open it up during the event itself? Will they use it once, or keep it for months?
Recommended Models for Different Scenarios
Here’s what we typically recommend, based on what our clients ask for:
Trade Show Giveaways
Go for a simple folding umbrella. Single-colour canopy, screen-printed logo. Affordable, useful, and easy to carry. Great for branding without blowing the budget.
Corporate Gifts or Client Packs
Choose a mid-range or premium auto-open walking umbrella with a wooden handle and smart branding. Feels classic, costs less than you’d think, and has long-term use.
Outdoor Events or Brand Activations
Large vented golf umbrella with multi-panel or full-wrap print. Goes big visually and shows your brand at scale. These get noticed and photographed — especially in grey weather.
Staff Packs or Launch Events
Eco folding umbrella made with RPET fabric. Clean, modern, and says something about your values. More brands are leaning this way, and it’s a good look.
Durability and Function
It’s easy to overlook, but if the umbrella falls apart after a couple of uses, it reflects poorly on your brand. Even budget options need a certain level of resilience.
That’s why we’ve phased out most of the ultra-basic umbrellas you’ll find elsewhere. Every model we offer is selected to hold up in real-world use — not just look good in the box.
If weather is a factor at your event, or if you’re in a market with a lot of rain and wind, it’s worth upgrading to vented or windproof frames. You’ll avoid awkward scenes of umbrellas inside-out on the pavement — and your brand looking flimsy by association.
Branding That Actually Works
The best umbrellas keep your brand front and centre — but tastefully.
We can print on multiple panels, inside the canopy, or even the handle. Screen printing is ideal for bold, simple designs, while digital is perfect for full-colour artwork or wraparound graphics.
We always send mockups first, so you’ll know exactly what it’ll look like before anything goes to print.
And if you’re after something subtle — embossing, tonal printing, custom tags — we’ve got those options too. Sometimes less really is more, especially with premium gifts.
Need Help Choosing?
We’ve been at this for decades.
Whether you’re ordering 50 umbrellas or 5,000, we’ll help you pick the model that fits the moment — and your message.
Get in touch now for tailored product suggestions and sample packs. Let’s find the umbrella that works for your brand — and the people who’ll be carrying it.
