London Undercover - my new umbrella

Just as a drought is declared in south east England it has started to pour, with April showers bringing us thunder, hail and heavy rain. As a man in search of style, I now reserve my anorak for brisk mountain walks, so the question arose as to how I could keep dry. Tweed has shower-proof properties, but not enough to keep a man dry in a torrent. I therefore bought an umbrella from Mr Porter and was introduced to a brand I hadn't come across before - London Undercover.

The umbrella I chose is the "Classic Black & White Prince of Wales umbrella. Brown Interior. Combined Maple wood shaft & handle with laser etched London Undercover logo. Made using recycled materials". It's light, beautifully-made and looks very smart indeed.

London Undercover's range of umbrellas is based on a very British sense of humour. I love the Naval Battle Map Umbrella (below), although a maritime pedant might have certain reservations. Firstly, it's not a "map"; it's a chart. Secondly, a naval man wouldn't be seen dead with an umbrella, particularly on board his vessel (who said that there are three things you should never sail with - a wheelbarrow, an umbrella or a naval officer?)

Photographs from London Undercover

Another that caught my eye was Greenline Routemaster, described as follows, "Classic vintage Green Line coaches livery umbrella with historic Routemaster seating moquette interior. The Green Line brand, first established in 1930, was used for coach services linking central London with country towns within a 30-mile radius. Vintage Lincoln Green Exterior with Gold Trim. 1960's Routemaster Seat Fabric Pattern Interior. Combined Maple Wood shaft & handle with laser etched London Undercover logo. Made using recycled materials".

The very British, quirky nature of these products will appeal to buyers and I see that London Undercover offer free shipping.

If it's pouring with rain where you are, I suggest you spend lots on an umbrella, it's the best way to guarantee a dry Spring and Summer.