Davek Umbrella

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Men don’t like to invest in nice umbrellas for a lot of reasons. We figure we’ll lose them. We don’t want to invest in future bad times. We don’t think about rain until it is falling on us. And while these are all persuasive arguments, they lose their potency when you have to show up to work soaked -- or use your daughter’s Dora the Explorer umbrella to get there. Rain is bad but being feeling embarrassed in the rain is worse, so we suggest you at least make yourself feel dry and good by spoiling yourself with a nice umbrella. New York City-based Davek offers three models: the portable Traveler, the 43” Solo and the 55” Duet.

UNIQUENESS

When it comes to umbrellas, you want to blend into the crowd. The umbrella is the most utilitarian of men’s accessories and its use should be restricted to the function it was designed for. Using an umbrella to distinguish yourself or make a style statement is near tragic; the only statement you are making in doing so is that you were neglected as a child. For this reason, we at AM have always vouched for the classic black umbrella. It is stoic and composed, which communicates that the man standing beneath it is as well (in contrast to the guys without umbrellas, who look frantic and disheveled as they rush home holding garbage bags above their heads). Davek offers the classic black in each of their three product lines; they offer plenty of other colors as well, but we’d prefer if you stayed away from Kiwi Green and Plum Lavender. Those elements that are unique to Davek umbrellas -- an automatic open- and close-button system, 190 thread-count nylon fabric, and an easy-to-tear-open strap -- are largely invisible and entirely practical. Just as they should be.

DURABILITY

Again, buy the Davek in classic black and you’ll be comfortable carrying it for as long as it lasts. According to the manufacturer, it’s going to last for a while. Davek umbrellas come with a lifetime guarantee, and they have the hardware to back it up: a solid steel shaft runs through the length of the handle, and carbon polymer ligaments support the umbrella’s nylon tent. The solid construction extends to the grip at the handle’s base, which is plated with brushed nickel to protect it against rust. And Davek also offers loss protection: every Davek owner is granted a half-price replacement umbrella if he loses the original.