Never open an umbrella indoors, we're told, it's bad luck. I personally think it's because you'll get a rotten picture. The umbrella cuts off pretty much all the light!!
When it comes to the monsoon, your choice of raingear says plenty about you - and not always what you think! So what should you choose? And what's better in this unpredictable weather?
The folding umbrella that fits into even the tiniest bag is a very practical choice. For anyone who is outside everyday - aka the school-going and working crowd - this makes perfect sense. You don't want to be caught out in a shower, but equally you don't want to be lugging a huge umbrella around with you all day. Also, you don't want to have to find an awning to duck under to have to take out a raincoat or rain jacket and then have all the faff of putting the darn thing on! Be warned though, folding umbrellas do not do well in torrential downpours. They won't keep your bottom half dry. Plus they're likely to turn inside out in heavy winds. If you live near the sea you'll know exactly what I mean.
A large umbrella is useful for sounding the depths of puddles in a downpour. It will also protect you far, far better than a folding one will. But they are an absolute pain to carry around. Unless you happen to be a doorman or a chauffeur, I frankly think large umbrellas are only worth it during a rainstorm.
I've always been a fan of parkas and anoraks. For the uninitiated, they are fancy words for raincoats. When you're travelling, they fold up small and fit into a suitcase. You don't have the faff of carrying them, you just wear them - and you usually get a few extra pockets into the bargain. I especially love those raincoats that fold into tiny pouches you can chuck into your bag. This one from Primark is a perfect example of that. On this wet day in Normandy (we were on the beaches where the Allies landed in WW2) it kept me and my camera dry. Like with the foldable umbrellas, these type of raincoats aren't going to cut it in a full-on downpour.
On those type of days, you're better off choosing something like this one from Zara. This even has covered zips on the pockets to make sure that not the tiniest drop of rain goes through. The hood has a brim which keeps the rain off your face very well. The only problem is, of course, the fact that it's made of a thickish plastic-y material. Unless it's pouring, you will wind up perspiring in this jacket. Raincoats are for those who do a lot of travelling or use public transport during the monsoon. You can't always guarantee that the seats in the train or the cab will be dry. A jacket means you can sit down without the fear of soaking your outfit through and through. If you travel via motorbike, no umbrella is going to keep you dry! You'd better look into raincoats and rain jackets.
What's my rain gear of choice? I'm a bit paranoid during the monsoons, so I have everything on the list. I usually carry a small umbrella, but depending on the weather you might find me in wellies, with my Zara jacket and a huge umbrella! (Yes, I am that person.)
But what do you carry during the monsoon??
Till next time,
MumbaiGirl.
IG: @maryannecp
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