What about umbrellas? Do you use them much?

[Fyrefox]

Like rubbers or overshoes, umbrellas in the U.S. seem to be vanishing rain gear, while I would venture that you’d still find more umbrellas than “rubbers” in use. No, your typical American would often prefer to slog about unprotected in the rain.

Yet in the American stereotype of the proper Englishman, umbrellas still figure as part of the outfit when rain threatens. Full-sized umbrellas, too, not the wimpy compact ones. John Steed knew how to carry (and use) an umbrella! - - Dapper, wasn’t he? If I ever wanted to be given a proper thrashing, I’d want John Steed to do it!



I don’t know why Americans have largely turned away from umbrellas; perhaps they are seen as wimpy, an affectation. I still own some umbrellas, and carry one in my car, shamefully one of the compact ones. It is rarely used, even if it is raining. I kid you not, my umbrellas get dusty! I’ve tended to loose umbrellas; they are forgotten and left, or stolen if left unattended. Use an umbrella in a crowd, and you will draw attention and potentially poke someone’s eye out. Umbrellas and their usage seems to be less common at least stateside than in my past.

So how about you? Do you have umbrellas? And if so, do ‘ya use them? ️

 

[bobcat]

I went for a jog in the rain this morning. I think trying that with an umbrella would be a bit cumbersome. I prefer a good hat.

 

[Tommy]

We have them and use them when appropriate. We get plenty of rain here but, these days, being retired, we seldom find the need to walk any distance in it.

 

[officerripley]

I don’t know why Americans have largely turned away from umbrellas;

I know why; it's because it doesn't rain often enough around here.

 

[Blaze Duskdreamer]

Walker or power chair. The option for an umbrella has been taken from me.

Oddly, I'm finding I don't miss it and I was always one to grab the umbrella and take it with me if there were any dark clouds at all. But I've adapted with a light jacket, hats and find those actually more favorable as my hands are free. Ball caps are remarkably efficient at keeping your face dry and your glasses from making you wish you had those ones of Elton John's that had the windshield wipers.

I do, however, have an umbrella for my power chair. It is marketed as an umbrella but it's not what it sounds like. It's a sleeve that goes over the arm that the controls and wires leading down from them are to protect them from getting wet and shorting out on you. I take that scruplouly with me and protect the chair at the slightest sign of any dark clouds on the horizon.

 

[CallMeKate]

Speaking only for myself, I have never warmed up to using an umbrella my whole life... basically because I find them to be a pain in the Tuchus.

 

[Remy]

They can be a pain but I still use them.

 

[January]

I do not own an umbrella and cannot remember last time I used one.

 

[Pinky]

I have a mini-umbrella that stays in my handbag at all times. It's only used in a heavy rain.

 

[birdy]

I use them all the time when I take a walk in light drizzle.

I always have one in the car. My friend and I got caught in a terrible rainstorm one night walking to a venue. She had two in her car so we each had one to use.

 

[SeaBreeze]

Like rubbers or overshoes, umbrellas in the U.S. seem to be vanishing rain gear, while I would venture that you’d still find more umbrellas than “rubbers” in use. No, your typical American would often prefer to slog about unprotected in the rain.

Yet in the American stereotype of the proper Englishman, umbrellas still figure as part of the outfit when rain threatens. Full-sized umbrellas, too, not the wimpy compact ones. John Steed knew how to carry (and use) an umbrella! - - Dapper, wasn’t he? If I ever wanted to be given a proper thrashing, I’d want John Steed to do it!

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I don’t know why Americans have largely turned away from umbrellas; perhaps they are seen as wimpy, an affectation. I still own some umbrellas, and carry one in my car, shamefully one of the compact ones. It is rarely used, even if it is raining. I kid you not, my umbrellas get dusty! I’ve tended to loose umbrellas; they are forgotten and left, or stolen if left unattended. Use an umbrella in a crowd, and you will draw attention and potentially poke someone’s eye out. Umbrellas and their usage seems to be less common at least stateside than in my past.

So how about you? Do you have umbrellas? And if so, do ‘ya use them? ️

I have a couple of old umbrellas, one I keep in the Jeep. If I'm out walking the dog on a rainy or snowy day, I'll use one. If the rain or snow is light, I won't use anything but the hood on my jacket.

 

[911]

If I have to go outside in the rain, I use an umbrella.

 

[Fyrefox]

Men’s umbrellas tend to be dreary, black, utilitarian objects while women’s umbrellas are available in colors and prints. I think that if the right designer seized upon them and chose to re-invent the umbrella, they might experience a renaissance, become trendy, and more of a “must have” item. Remember Batman villain The Penguin? He made umbrellas kind of his signature item! Incorporate a firearm into an umbrella, and Americans would probably buy them in droves. I’m ready for a good “gimmick” umbrella!



When working, I did have to walk between my vehicle and different buildings a lot in all kinds of weather, and umbrellas were great at keeping the upper half of one’s body dry In a rain. The lower half, not so much, but at least it kept you presentable! Where to put a large, dripping object upon entering a car or building can also be a problem. Come to think of it, you never see The Penguin inconvenienced with a wet umbrella… ️

 

[horseless carriage]

Men’s umbrellas tend to be dreary, black, utilitarian objects.

As accoutrements go, an umbrella can elevate an outfit, even add a touch of sophistication.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I rarely need to use umbrellas anymore because if it's going to rain, unless I have an appointment I feel it's best not to reschedule, I just stay home. If it is raining lightly, if I'm wearing a hooded jacket, I might skip the umbrella, even though I'd carry it with me. Usually I'd be going from the stoop to a car, so often it's almost a waste of time to open the umbrella if it's just drizzling.

 

[Paladin1950]

I used to laugh at John Steed when he carried an umbrella around. That is until I saw who he hung around with. I have one in the back seat of my car. I'll use it if I need it.

 

[dilettante]

Who else owns a Blade Runner umbrella?

 

[Knight]

In an average year, Las Vegas gets about 4.19 inches of rain — for the entire year. A portion of that amount can be at night or even isolated to other parts of the valley. So no real need for an umbrella.

 

[hollydolly]

I have 2 or 3 umbrellas, I keep one in the car at all times as well... I rarely use them. Driving from A-B.. and rarely having to walk far to my destination, I'll just wear a coat with a hood.. but generally speaking people here are still using umbrellas, I see them every day that it rains.....

 

[dilettante]

I probably own 6 in various conditions, of various types, in various locations. There is always at least one in the car. One hanging with the coats near the front door. One compact folding umbrella still in a box of random stuff from cleaning out my office when I retired.

I should thin the herd and acquire one good quality replacement.

 

[LoveTulips]

Well since it can rain a lot here at times. I have given up the umbrella for hooded waterproof jackets. I just can't handle my purse, usually two shopping bags and an umbrella all at the same time

 

[Teacher Terry]

We get about 7 inches of rain a year so don’t need one. I do take it when I go to Europe.

 

[Paco Dennis]

 

[Manatee]

I keep one near the door in case it is raining when I go to fetch the mail. There is another that lives in the car.

 

[Jules]

I have several and use them. In the car, in the coat closet, always one in my suitcase. No sooner stepped out for the walk today and the rain started. Went back for the umbrella.

Where to put a large, dripping object upon entering a car or building can also be a problem.

In Sydney Australia, many of the buildings had a receptacle that you put your wet umbrella in and it wrapped it in plastic. I finally saw one of these on a very rainy trip to Vancouver.

At home, my wet umbrella is stored outside or slightly open inside. Never put up inside the house.