The 10 Best Bubble Umbrellas
This wiki has been updated 34 times since it was first published in July of 2015. Traditional umbrellas have one major flaw: if you need to see where you're going, you have to tilt the canopy up slightly, which lets the rain get to you. These bubble umbrellas solve that issue, as most are transparent, allowing you to clearly see the path ahead without having to peer out from under them. Many drop down far enough to keep your shoulders dry as well as your head. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Collar And Cuffs London StormDefender
2. Becko Princess Dome
3. Kung Fu Smith Clear Birdcage
Editor's Notes
June 18, 2020:
In selecting bubble umbrellas for our list, we looked for durable construction that can stand up to high winds, clear canopy materials so users can see where they're going, and attractive designs.
We removed the Kung Fu Smith Totem and the Kung Fu Smith London because they don't quite drop down far enough to qualify as bubble umbrellas, and their opaque canopies interfere with visibility. In their place came the Sara Rain European Fashion Dome and the Collar And Cuffs London StormDefender, both of which are pattern-less and have completely transparent designs.
When it comes to staying dry and comfortable in the face of strong gusts, the CloudTen Helmet Dome and the Becko Princess Dome, both of which have invert-resistant builds, can be smart picks. The Haocoo Street lost its spot because it easily flips inside out in strong winds, and the Tdogs Clear Cherry also lost its place due to fragility issues.
Since umbrellas can be fashion accessories that elevate your style, in addition to items that protect you against the elements, we wanted to add some creative and attractive choices, like the Kung Fu Smith Clear Birdcage and the Maad Raining Men, the latter of which could make a fun white elephant party gift. Those wanting something timeless and sophisticated might like the Vera Bradley Women's 14983-R27.
Special Honors
Emporio Armani Transparent Dome Umbrella The Emporio Armani Transparent Dome Umbrella has the designer's signature eagle logo printed on the clear material, letting you show your brand loyalty while staying dry. It has a wind-resistant build and a canopy made of 100% polyethylene. With a simple black trim and handle, it should match most apparel, and its automatic-open function makes it easy to fully expand it in seconds when you feel those first drops of rain. armani.com
Hunter Original Glitter Moustache Bubble Umbrella The Hunter Original Glitter Moustache Bubble Umbrella has a hybrid frame made with fiberglass and reinforced plastic that makes it both strong and flexible to minimize the chances of breaking when up against powerful winds. It has playful glitter details on the trim and handles and a comfortable curved grip, while the canopy is generously sized and made of crease-resistant material. hunterboots.com
4. Totes Kids 02236
5. Smati Stick Birdcage
6. Galleria Enterprises Inc 23032B
7. Sara Rain European Fashion Dome
8. Maad Raining Men
9. Vera Bradley Women's 14983-R27
10. CloudTen Helmet Dome
Why Bubble Umbrellas Are The Best
These designs also offer more coverage due to a canopy that drops down further than traditional models.
The first time you spot a bubble umbrella, you might be a bit confused. On rainy days, you might be used to seeing a sea of regular black or solid-colored models with the canopies featuring less dramatic angles. Don't overlook these fashionable and useful accessories though — they certainly have their merits. We know that you're more likely to catch a cold when you are, well, cold, and carrying an umbrella is one line of defense against the elements. Now, let's discuss why the bubble model is superior to the rest.
If you live in a metropolitan area where you do a lot of walking, then you've likely had this experience: you're standing at a crosswalk, waiting to get the signal, but because you're under your dark umbrella, you cannot see when the light changes unless you lift your canopy. This, of course, means that you get wet. If you're stuck at a particularly long light, you may have to peek out from under your umbrella several times, each time, getting a bit damper. Then, there are those much-debated pedestrian crosswalks that don't exist at a traffic signal, but perhaps in between two on a long stretch of road. You press the button to activate the flashing lights so vehicles are aware of you, but you aren't quite aware of them if your opaque umbrella obscures your view. Most bubble umbrellas are transparent and will never interfere with your vision as you're walking around, allowing you to be more aware of your surroundings.
These designs also offer more coverage due to a canopy that drops down further than traditional models. The unique shape of bubble umbrellas does one other great thing, in addition to keeping the wind and water out: it makes it easier to navigate busy sidewalks. While traditional umbrellas jut out rather far around the user, increasing the likelihood that you bump into others, a bubble version sits a bit closer to the user, creating a nice little dome of personal space. Anyone who lives in an urban area can appreciate that.
Alternative Ways To Use Your Bubble Umbrella
Throughout the long and interesting history of these items, umbrellas have been put to use in many ways. They're good for much more than just protecting you from rain droplets and gusts of wind. Let's look at some fun, quirky ways you can use that accessory. When you want to add a bit of whimsy to a room — whether for an elaborate event such as a gala or just for the living spaces in your home — hanging a few of these decorative items from the ceiling will do the trick. This is especially true if you grab one with a charming print, such as butterflies or flowers. It's much easier and more affordable than hunting down hanging ornaments from antique stores.
During children's parties, you can use these items for this fun game: give each guest his own umbrella, stand at a height above them, and drop dozens of plastic balls.
There's another way your umbrella can be handy when hung from the ceiling, and that's as a place to air-dry clothing. While standing racks are certainly good for this, too, sometimes you simply run out of floor space in your home. Dangle a few damp items from each peg at the ends of the frame support of the canopy, and you'll have a little extra room for your delicates. If you have a few planters or potted herbs that don't do well in the rain, you can also use your bubble umbrella to protect these. Just shove the handle deep into the dirt, and the canopy will stop the downpour from reaching your little garden.
Umbrellas also make lovely accessories for special days. Brides, for example, can give each of their bridesmaids matching ones. These create some wonderful photo ops, when each lady has her umbrella open over her shoulder, looking back at the photographer. Then, they serve as keepsakes after the big day. During children's parties, you can use these items for this fun game: give each guest his own umbrella, stand at a height above them, and drop dozens of plastic balls. Each kid has to try to catch as many as possible inside his canopy, and the one with the most wins. As you can see, bubble umbrellas are actually quite a versatile item.
Other Accessories For A Rainy Day
If you have rainy days coming your way, then you may want to prepare yourself with a few other useful products and accessories. First off, a good set of rain boots is a must. This is especially important for women, as research has long shown cold feet can lead to urinary tract infections. If you think you can get away with wearing your ordinary, non-waterproof shoes during a downpour, you could be painfully mistaken.
Your phone may be just one of several valuable electronics you tote around.
You probably want to stay connected to friends, family, and coworkers, even while you're out walking in the rain, which means a waterproof cell phone case is also crucial. Sending even a single text without one could mean one expensive trip to the phone repair store. Your phone may be just one of several valuable electronics you tote around. Between a tablet, laptop, and charger, you may have a lot of items you cannot afford to expose to the rain. A waterproof backpack will protect these items, so you can arrive at your work or school prepared, rather than panicked over destroyed devices.
Don't forget Fido when it's damp out, either. He'll appreciate a little raincoat and even booties. Any dog owner knows that there's nothing like the smell of wet pooch to stink up a home. They also know that most pups don't love being toweled off so, it's best to just keep them dry at all times. If you want a cute photo op, you could even grab yourself a poncho that matches Spotty's outfit. With the proper products, a rainy day can still be a pretty good one.
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.