Umbrellas sit at the point where functionality and fashion meet. They’re unbelievably useful, yet also an elegant and stylish accessory. They’re also iconic in their own way – from that famous Gene Kelly scene in Singing In The Rain, to Banksy’s Nola (Girl With Umbrella), they’ve also played some key parts in popular culture over the decades.

And they have a rich and long history too, something we’ve written about before. Did you know, for example, that umbrellas have been around for thousands of years, with China, ancient Egypt, ancient Greece and the Roman Empire all being possible origins of the umbrella?

Facts About Custom Umbrellas

We’ve got lots more interesting bits of info about the umbrella. For example:

  • Teflon is the substance that is often used to keep modern umbrellas waterproof.
  • The word umbrella comes from the Latin word “umbra” which means shade or shadow.
  • In Europe, umbrellas were considered an accessory for women, with men not commonly using them until the mid 18th century.
  • A parasol is a lightweight umbrella that is specifically used to protect yourself from the sun.

But Why Use Umbrellas in Marketing?

There’s a few reasons why umbrellas can be a really useful tool in your marketing arsenal. First of all, everyone uses them – their appeal extends to everyone. And we need them in New Zealand because, let's face it, we get more than our fair share of rain! Secondly, their canopies can act as walking billboards.

Brand an umbrella with your organisation’s logo and information, and the next time it rains, you’ll benefit from a rush of extra advertising. Finally, they’re often collected in offices or homes, meaning one umbrella might actually be used by multiple people, extending your marketing reach even further. So check out our range of umbrellas and see for yourself why they make such great promotional products