We all know that having an ominous, overcast and rainy day can immediately dampen one’s mood. The first thing that comes to mind to complete this outfit is the first aged umbrella that happened to be inside-out in the back of your closet. But it is not only inconvenient, but also slightly hazardous to walk along a busy footpath or a congested street with a darkened and opaque canopy completely covering your head and body. You can’t see where you are stepping, you can’t see if someone is coming towards you, and best of all, you can’t enjoy the entire beauty of rain. This is where see-through umbrellas are here to help, combining today’s fashion with unmatched functionality.
See-through rain accessories have quickly become a must-have fashion statement, after a couple of years of being a curiosity. From commuting to work, shopping for groceries and even hosting a classy outdoor wedding or event, a see-through design can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll guide you through the numerous reasons you should switch, what type of materials will offer the best quality, and how to keep your new best accessory looking fresh and fashionable for as long as possible.
The Unbeatable Practical Benefits
The most appealing of all the advantages of a clear canopy is the clear line of vision. Rain ponchos require you to hold the handle high, ensuring that your neck, back and shoulders are exposed to the wind and rain.
Thanks to the transparent canopy, particularly the most common types featuring a “birdcage” and bubble designs, you can actually cover your head and shoulders completely. This effectively creates a dry chamber that will shield your hair and make-up while still giving you the ability to see ahead. You can safely navigate the city streets, see and avoid traffic and avoid crashes with other pedestrians on the busy city streets. This added visibility makes them an ideal choice for everyone from busy commuters in bustling city centres to back-to-school kids travelling home in the rain.
A Flawless Fashion Statement
Aside from being functional, transparent canopies are a huge fashion trend too. Perhaps the number one fashion benefit of a transparent canopy is that it is entirely noncommittal. Whether you are in your fuchsia pattern trench coat, or your black business suit, or weekend casual, a clear dome will never detract from your look. Rather than pretend your stylish ensemble is not there, you get to flaunt your style without getting wet.
This is why see-through rain gear is highly celebrated in the world of wedding and event photography. For weddings in wet weather, photographers always advise having clear canopies on stand-by. These can accommodate enough natural light to hit the faces of the intended subjects, removing the feared, shadowy effect of dark fabrics. They also prevent the bride, groom and bridal party from becoming invisible to the camera eye, thus transforming a threatening forecast into a romantic, cinematic effect.
What to Look for When Buying
Not all rain gear is created equal, and knowing what to look for will help you keep your gear through seasons of rain. When looking for the best clear umbrellas, be sure to scrutinise the canopy and frame materials.
Canopy Materials: There will be two types of plastic available: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and POE (Polyolefin Elastomer). Whenever possible, choose POE. POE is a superior quality, environmentally friendly material that’s far softer and more flexible than PVC. It’s less likely to be brittle in cold weather, and does not have the unpleasant, unpleasant odour found in cheaper PVC goods. In addition, POE materials are by nature anti-stick, which means that you won’t need to rip apart the plastic when you open your gear after a long time in storage.
Frame and Ribs: Since see-through canopies are typically made in a bubble shape to cover your head and shoulders, the wind affects them differently. To avoid ripped or inside-out gear in a strong gust of wind, look for an option with fiberglass instead of aluminium or plastic ribs. Fiberglass ribs are extremely strong, lightweight and flexible, helping them flex, not snap, in the wind.
The Handle: You’ll be holding onto this in wind and rain, so make sure it’s comfortable. Opt for a robust, comfortable J-hook handle. Not only is a curved handle a timeless and stylish choice, but it also means you can “carry” it over your arm or under your bag strap when it’s over (and it will be!).
How to Care for and Maintain Your Accessory
A little upkeep will go a long way to keeping your clear canopy looking its best. The most common problem people have with transparent plastics is that they can become faded or yellow, foggy or scratched.
The most important thing to remember is to never store your rain gear in a folded manner until it is dry. This is a sure recipe for mould and mildew that can cloud your raincoat. Once you come in from the rain, remove the canopy and store it in a well-ventilated place until it’s bone dry.
Embracing the Rain
Rainy weather need not be a wet blanket. By investing in rain gear for all occasions, you will be able to head out your door with confidence, knowing you will stay dry, in fashion and still be able to see. You will be able to savour the patter of the rain on the canopy, and see the drops fall down around you.