Now we get to the nitty-gritty etiquette questions.
August 12, 2013 5:23 AM Subscribe
What is the proper way to carry a furled umbrella?
You are a man about town, a stylish man, a man of taste. To that end you carry a standard sized umbrella with a hooked handle, roughly three feet in length. How do you properly carry said umbrella in the most gentlemanly way possible?
I see four possible ways the umbrella may be on your person and not actively in use:
-It is dry and the fabric is tied down with the attached strap.
-It is dry and the fabric is left loose, so the umbrella billows slightly.
-It has recently rained and the umbrella is wet and tied down.
-It is wet and the fabric has been left loose to dry.
Does the manner of carry depend on the state the umbrella is in?
The possible ways I have thought of to carry an umbrella include:
-Grasp the umbrella by the middle and carry it at the side, parallel to the ground.
-Carry by the hooked handle. This feels like it necessitates using the umbrella as a walking stick, as the umbrella is too long to comfortably carry this way without it touching the ground.
-Grab the shaft of the umbrella just short of the handle and carry it at a slight angle to the ground, either leading you or trailing behind.
-Grab by the handle and allow the umbrella to rest jauntily on your shoulder.
You are a man about town, a stylish man, a man of taste. To that end you carry a standard sized umbrella with a hooked handle, roughly three feet in length. How do you properly carry said umbrella in the most gentlemanly way possible?
I see four possible ways the umbrella may be on your person and not actively in use:
-It is dry and the fabric is tied down with the attached strap.
-It is dry and the fabric is left loose, so the umbrella billows slightly.
-It has recently rained and the umbrella is wet and tied down.
-It is wet and the fabric has been left loose to dry.
Does the manner of carry depend on the state the umbrella is in?
The possible ways I have thought of to carry an umbrella include:
-Grasp the umbrella by the middle and carry it at the side, parallel to the ground.
-Carry by the hooked handle. This feels like it necessitates using the umbrella as a walking stick, as the umbrella is too long to comfortably carry this way without it touching the ground.
-Grab the shaft of the umbrella just short of the handle and carry it at a slight angle to the ground, either leading you or trailing behind.
-Grab by the handle and allow the umbrella to rest jauntily on your shoulder.
Oh, and I would never carry an umbrella "loose" while walking, especially in a crowd. It can be left to dry loose in an umbrella stand or similar, but always strapped down while walking.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:50 AM on August 12, 2013 [10 favorites]
posted by Rock Steady at 5:50 AM on August 12, 2013 [10 favorites]
I think the most "tasteful" thing is to ensure you're not whacking or running into other people with the umbrella; as such, I'd rule out your first option unless you're at a jousting match. I generally grasp the bound umbrella by the middle and let one end hang towards the ground if it's dry, or else hold it by the handle (and use it as a walking stick and/or dance prop as the mood struck me).
So long as you're not poking people with your umbrella, you're probably good.
posted by DingoMutt at 5:57 AM on August 12, 2013 [5 favorites]
So long as you're not poking people with your umbrella, you're probably good.
posted by DingoMutt at 5:57 AM on August 12, 2013 [5 favorites]
Best answer: If it is dry, you place it between your body and the crook of your arm, the end pointing downwards. This frees up your hands to retrieve you pipe, pack it and light it. Non-commissioned officers hold their umbrellas like a swagger stick at a much higher angle. However, while this is useful for keeping rapscallions away from your wallet on the omnibus, gentlemen have no need for such a stance and keep the umbrella at a more severe angle to make one's entrance and exit from a hackney carriage easier.
When you are not walking, it is acceptable to hold it like a cane or an ash plant. However, it is considered poor form to actually lean on it unless you are infirm or mentally weak.
If it is wet, you hand it to your butler.
posted by MuffinMan at 6:13 AM on August 12, 2013 [53 favorites]
When you are not walking, it is acceptable to hold it like a cane or an ash plant. However, it is considered poor form to actually lean on it unless you are infirm or mentally weak.
If it is wet, you hand it to your butler.
posted by MuffinMan at 6:13 AM on August 12, 2013 [53 favorites]
None of your options are really suitable and your numbers 1 and 4 are actively dangerous. Do not carry your umbrella at any kind of angle, and particularly do not sling it over your shoulder. Because I'm personally sick of being poked, whacked, or otherwise hurt by rogue umbrellas being waved around by people doing those exact things. Keep it under control close by your body at all times, hold it in the middle if it's longer than your forearm, and make sure it is never anything except parallel to your body.
It should also be tied down tightly as much as possible, not flapping material around as you walk. If it's really wet and you don't want to tie it up then OK, I can possibly understand that. But since you're already holding it all gathered up in the middle and close to your body for the safety of everyone around you, you might as well tie it down. It can dry out when you get wherever you're going.
posted by shelleycat at 6:16 AM on August 12, 2013 [5 favorites]
It should also be tied down tightly as much as possible, not flapping material around as you walk. If it's really wet and you don't want to tie it up then OK, I can possibly understand that. But since you're already holding it all gathered up in the middle and close to your body for the safety of everyone around you, you might as well tie it down. It can dry out when you get wherever you're going.
posted by shelleycat at 6:16 AM on August 12, 2013 [5 favorites]
-Grab the shaft of the umbrella just short of the handle and carry it at a slight angle to the ground, either leading you or trailing behind.
This one, except the longer part is always leading you, because then you can see where it is and people won't walk into it without you noticing.
posted by Etrigan at 6:23 AM on August 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
This one, except the longer part is always leading you, because then you can see where it is and people won't walk into it without you noticing.
posted by Etrigan at 6:23 AM on August 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I assure you, gentle billowing of a bumbershoot does not have any bearing on being a stylish gentleman. When it stops raining, give it a vigorous shake away from others and fasten its loop. If, after a vigorous shake, you feel your umbrella is still too wet to fasten, consider upgrading to a higher quality umbrella.
The only acceptable way of carrying an umbrella is with the ferule pointed down, either perpendicular to the ground or at a slightly acute angle. Whether you do this with the umbrella's loop in your hand, or over your forearm, or by grasping the umbrella's handle-shaft, so long as the ferule points down (and not, say, into the vitreous humor of a child's eye), you're doing well. Do not rest it on your shoulder. It's not a rifle.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:25 AM on August 12, 2013 [23 favorites]
The only acceptable way of carrying an umbrella is with the ferule pointed down, either perpendicular to the ground or at a slightly acute angle. Whether you do this with the umbrella's loop in your hand, or over your forearm, or by grasping the umbrella's handle-shaft, so long as the ferule points down (and not, say, into the vitreous humor of a child's eye), you're doing well. Do not rest it on your shoulder. It's not a rifle.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 6:25 AM on August 12, 2013 [23 favorites]
This is an interesting question, and at times I have employed each method as my mood dictates. I normally grasp the middle of my umbrella (if it is a full sized) so that it points forward, and then tilt the front part down, bending at the wrist.
Beagle's suggestion may not be entirely serious, but when the mood strikes I am wont to make similar arrange-ment - but normally from the front.
posted by Teakettle at 6:31 AM on August 12, 2013
Beagle's suggestion may not be entirely serious, but when the mood strikes I am wont to make similar arrange-ment - but normally from the front.
posted by Teakettle at 6:31 AM on August 12, 2013
Admiral Haddock is correct and his directions should be edited into a catchy but stern slogan and put up on posters all over the London tube. I am quite fed up of being poked by long umbrellas as I walk up the escalator.
posted by Dorothia at 6:44 AM on August 12, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by Dorothia at 6:44 AM on August 12, 2013 [3 favorites]
I hook the handle around my elbow and have it hanging there as if it were a handbag, leaving both my hands free and the pointy bit pointing straight towards the ground.
I must note that I am a woman with small arms and not a gentleman. Having carried many umbrellas this is definitely the easiest and least bothersome method for me though.
Oh, and always wrap the umbrella up tightly. Carrying it open or loose is pure madness. It can dry at your destination.
posted by stillnocturnal at 6:44 AM on August 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
I must note that I am a woman with small arms and not a gentleman. Having carried many umbrellas this is definitely the easiest and least bothersome method for me though.
Oh, and always wrap the umbrella up tightly. Carrying it open or loose is pure madness. It can dry at your destination.
posted by stillnocturnal at 6:44 AM on August 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
Best answer: How do you properly carry said umbrella in the most gentlemanly way possible?
Prince Harry and Prince William probably know how to do it right.
These fashionable gents seem to be doing something a bit more fashion-forward.
posted by bright colored sock puppet at 6:47 AM on August 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
Prince Harry and Prince William probably know how to do it right.
These fashionable gents seem to be doing something a bit more fashion-forward.
posted by bright colored sock puppet at 6:47 AM on August 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
I'd suppose the most gentlemanly way of carrying would be the way that is least likely to inadvertently whack a fellow pedestrian. Point the umbrella straight down or at a slight angle.
posted by Metroid Baby at 7:19 AM on August 12, 2013
posted by Metroid Baby at 7:19 AM on August 12, 2013
An umbrella should never be carried while billowing. It could inadvertently brush against another person, and that would be unfortunate. The hook should be placed on one's forearm, a little bit forward of midway between wrist and elbow, and the cut end of the hook should be on the inside, parallel to one's body. Facing it this way makes it less likely to swing out and smack someone else's shins.
Optional accessory (carried on the same side of the body): a plate of beans.
posted by MexicanYenta at 7:23 AM on August 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
Optional accessory (carried on the same side of the body): a plate of beans.
posted by MexicanYenta at 7:23 AM on August 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
How do you properly carry said umbrella in the most gentlemanly way possible?
Prince Harry and Prince William probably know how to do it right.
Yes. I have seen people hold it by the neck with the back sticking out horizontally while climbing subway stairs- this means everyone has to stay about three feet back from that person to avoid being poked, which annoys the people who see a big open space up ahead and don't understand why people aren't moving forward. Same with tossing it over your shoulder- hey, now it's at poke in eye level!
The princes have it right- the most gentlemanly thing to do is not physically hurt or inconvenience people as much as possible.
Please spread the word - somehow people do not know this. Those things are dangerous. Seriously, dangerous.
posted by sweetkid at 9:46 AM on August 12, 2013
Prince Harry and Prince William probably know how to do it right.
Yes. I have seen people hold it by the neck with the back sticking out horizontally while climbing subway stairs- this means everyone has to stay about three feet back from that person to avoid being poked, which annoys the people who see a big open space up ahead and don't understand why people aren't moving forward. Same with tossing it over your shoulder- hey, now it's at poke in eye level!
The princes have it right- the most gentlemanly thing to do is not physically hurt or inconvenience people as much as possible.
Please spread the word - somehow people do not know this. Those things are dangerous. Seriously, dangerous.
posted by sweetkid at 9:46 AM on August 12, 2013
Closed and tied, preferably inside the cover you keep in your pocket while not in use. At an angle from the handle/shaft, pointing forward if in a crowd, either/or if not.
posted by rhizome at 10:11 AM on August 12, 2013
posted by rhizome at 10:11 AM on August 12, 2013
Best answer: Harry and William are actually in a particular context unique to the English upper class: they're at a gathering of guards officers. (That's also why they are wearing bowler hats.) Note that it is clearly raining - their suitcoats have raindrops on them - yet the umbrella is still furled. That umbrella will never be unfurled, as that's a terrible faux pas in this context.
Coming from a slightly less rarified though still unfortunately posh background, I was taught that an umbrella should be used as a cane while walking, tapping the ground on every third step, or carried in the hand as William and Harry are doing. It should never be used to actually keep off the rain, unless you are a vicar or something equally wet. If it's raining and you're in town, get a cab. If its raining and you're in the country, have a bath when you get in.
posted by bebrogued at 12:38 PM on August 12, 2013 [3 favorites]
Coming from a slightly less rarified though still unfortunately posh background, I was taught that an umbrella should be used as a cane while walking, tapping the ground on every third step, or carried in the hand as William and Harry are doing. It should never be used to actually keep off the rain, unless you are a vicar or something equally wet. If it's raining and you're in town, get a cab. If its raining and you're in the country, have a bath when you get in.
posted by bebrogued at 12:38 PM on August 12, 2013 [3 favorites]
I understand, but the point is that they are not allowing the umbrella to stick three feet behind them, or swinging them to and fro and twirling them. There's a new etiquette specific to crowds-of-people-you-might-hurt
posted by sweetkid at 12:41 PM on August 12, 2013
posted by sweetkid at 12:41 PM on August 12, 2013
Oh absolutely, and I suspect that's also the reason behind the otherwise nonsensical etiquette of never actually making use of them - it's too likely on narrow and busy streets that you'll end up stabbing someone in the eye.
posted by bebrogued at 12:49 PM on August 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by bebrogued at 12:49 PM on August 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: So it seems like the consensus is that where the umbrella is actually grasped matters less than the fact that it is pointed downward, and perhaps slightly ahead of you to avoid hitting people in the shins.
I have never found pointing the umbrella slightly forward to be terribly useful, though, since there's always that moment that you let your attention lapse and the point digs in to the pavement. I also seem to be incapable of climbing stairs while pointing the umbrella forward.
No votes for riding the umbrella like a wooden pony, then?
posted by backseatpilot at 1:17 PM on August 12, 2013
I have never found pointing the umbrella slightly forward to be terribly useful, though, since there's always that moment that you let your attention lapse and the point digs in to the pavement. I also seem to be incapable of climbing stairs while pointing the umbrella forward.
No votes for riding the umbrella like a wooden pony, then?
posted by backseatpilot at 1:17 PM on August 12, 2013
No votes for riding the umbrella like a wooden pony, then?
If you are in a big, empty field, I mean sans even cows or dogs, go for it.
posted by sweetkid at 1:28 PM on August 12, 2013
backseatpilot: I have never found pointing the umbrella slightly forward to be terribly useful, though, since there's always that moment that you let your attention lapse and the point digs in to the pavement. I also seem to be incapable of climbing stairs while pointing the umbrella forward.
Are you using a particularly large umbrella, like a golf umbrella? Maybe look into a smaller model, or a collapsible one.
backseatpilot: No votes for riding the umbrella like a wooden pony, then?
I took that as read, along with playing Inigo vs Wesley and/or lightsabers.
posted by Rock Steady at 1:34 PM on August 12, 2013
Are you using a particularly large umbrella, like a golf umbrella? Maybe look into a smaller model, or a collapsible one.
backseatpilot: No votes for riding the umbrella like a wooden pony, then?
I took that as read, along with playing Inigo vs Wesley and/or lightsabers.
posted by Rock Steady at 1:34 PM on August 12, 2013
Hold it further down on the shaft, so that a lapse of attention will not cause the point to touch the ground.
For going up stairs, lift the umbrella higher and in front of you.
If you are riding the umbrella, you should be dressed in proper riding gear, otherwise it is inappropriate.
posted by yohko at 1:57 PM on August 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
For going up stairs, lift the umbrella higher and in front of you.
If you are riding the umbrella, you should be dressed in proper riding gear, otherwise it is inappropriate.
posted by yohko at 1:57 PM on August 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
Never take the stairs with an umbrella. Always press the elevator button with it. Otherwise, what is the point of carrying an umbrella?
posted by A dead Quaker at 6:14 PM on August 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by A dead Quaker at 6:14 PM on August 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:44 AM on August 12, 2013 [1 favorite]