There's only a 10 cm difference between a 100 cm and a 110 cm umbrella canopy. Yet those extra centimetres can make a difference when you're trying to keep your shoulders, sleeves or bag dry. That doesn't mean a bigger umbrella is always more convenient.
Which Canopy Size Is Right for You?
Let's compare four canopy diameters: 90, 100, 110 and 120 cm. These are useful reference points – actual umbrellas also come in sizes such as 97, 108 or 115 cm.
| Illustration | Size and recommendations |
|---|---|
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90 cm – a smaller canopy for one person. A good choice if you don't need much room under your umbrella. However, with a bulky jacket or a shoulder bag, parts of your clothing or belongings may be exposed to the rain. |
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100 cm – a practical everyday size. Well suited to daily journeys around town. The canopy is usually wide enough to cover one person's head and shoulders without taking up too much space on busy pavements. |
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110 cm – extra room for your shoulders and belongings. Worth considering if you have broad shoulders, often wear bulky outerwear or carry a bag over your shoulder. |
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120 cm – a generously sized canopy. Offers plenty of room for one person and can also provide shelter for two. How comfortably two people fit depends on their build and the weather. A canopy this wide can be less convenient on narrow or crowded pavements. |
Don't confuse canopy diameter with the umbrella's size when closed. For example, a full-length umbrella with a 90 cm canopy may take up more storage space than a folding umbrella with a 110 cm canopy.
How Much Difference Does 10 cm Make?
Compare two umbrellas with similarly shaped canopies measuring 100 and 110 cm across. The larger canopy extends an extra 5 cm on each side. Assuming the same proportions, its area when viewed from above is also approximately 21% greater.
Of course, that doesn't mean you'll get 21% better protection from the rain. But the extra width can help when your shoulders or bag are close to the edge of the canopy.
The difference between 90 and 120 cm is more noticeable – an extra 15 cm on each side. Still, a larger canopy has its drawbacks. It can be harder to pass people on crowded pavements, and wind-driven rain may still reach your clothing. The depth of the canopy and how you hold the umbrella also affect how well it protects you.
Check how the canopy is measured. The straight-line diameter of an open umbrella and the distance measured along the curved fabric are not the same. Before comparing two models, make sure the manufacturers are referring to the same measurement.
If you're choosing an umbrella for one person and aren't sure where to start, a canopy of around 100 cm is a sensible starting point. For more room around your shoulders, clothing or bag, consider a model closer to 110 cm.
Explore the available options in our folding umbrellas and umbrellas with large canopies categories at Koffer.UA.
