...Standing out in a crowd.

Paul Smith can always be relied on to put the twist into classic, and colour onto drab. Looks like a plain, black brolly? No chance, check out the colourful swirls on this brolly.

Black with striped details, £49, Paul Smith (www.paulsmith.co.uk)

...People on the move.

A unisex collapsible brolly can be picked up for under a fiver, but three uses and it'll morphed into wire and rags. Rather, invest in a quality brand like Tumi and it should last as long as your passport.

Collapsible umbrella, £65, Tumi

...A city gent.

Sharp suit, buffed shoes? Don't let your ultra smart look down by carrying that dead-beat brolly you found in the back of a cab. Invest in some quality British craftsmanship and strut your umbrella with pride.

Pinstriped umbrella, £135, by Aspinal

...Your inner hunter/gatherer.

It'll take more than a copy of Horse and Hound held above your head when there's a down poor on the mountain/salmon river/trout lake/bear pit . You need protection and ease. An umbrella that doubles as a comfortable seat. Perfect.

Shooting stick umbrella, £109.87 Distinctly British

...The golf fanatic/popular person.

Got more than eight friends who like to walk side-by-side in the rain? You need a golf umbrella. Play golf? Ditto. The umbrella on steroids needs no introduction. Here's one of the best around.

64" golf umbrella £24.99 by Callaway