The 10 Best umbrellas

It might seem pessimistic, but investing in a brolly for summer is a good idea – pick a bright one to lift your spirits...

1. Team GB

£14.99, johnlewis.com

You'd be optimistic to turn up to the Games without some kind of protection from the elements. This Team GB golfing umbrella will shelter the Olympians this summer.

2. Stripes

£15, Topshop, topshop.com

These zig-zagging vintage stripes will jolly up your rainy workwear of a damp and soggy morning and they're suitably sassy for summer – which promises to be a washout!

3. Map lined

£120, London Undercover, mrporter.com

Sometimes an umbrella can be used to convey gravitas or, conversely, as a pointing device. This one has an aristocratic hauteur, thanks to its classic design.

4. Miss Marc

£40, Marc by Marc Jacobs, harveynichols.com

Marc Jacobs isn't one to hide his lights under a bushel – or an umbrella, for that matter. Make a statement with his "Miss Marc" design, featuring kooky cartoons.

5. Ducks

£19.95, Joules, joules.com

Let the raindrops be like water off a duck's back with this umbrella, which is wittily decorated with flocks of flying birds. It's light and compact, but sturdy enough to withstand a gale.

6. Be a good sport

£22, Cath Kidston, cathkidston.co.uk

Given the British climate, it's best to pack a brolly if you're heading to the Olympic Park. What could be more patriotic than one with cartoons of the various activities?

7. Check

£135, Burberry, net-a-porter.com

Burberry's impressive catwalk shows often finish with a rumble of thunder and a sprinkling of indoor rain, so where better to look than this label for a chic piece of wet weather kit?

8. Lightweight

£7.49, Uniqlo, uniqlo.com

The Japanese chain Uniqlo specialises in practicality and superb value for money. This functional and un-flimsy umbrella is the perfect example. It will stand up to Great British gusts.

9. Stem Print

£30, Orla Kiely, orlakiely.com

Designer Orla Kiely is known for her signature stem prints, so proclaim your style credentials with this striking pattern, eye-catching enough to stop you leaving it on the bus or in a pub.

10 Tiny

£17, Fulton, selfridges.com

When it comes to umbrellas, Fulton knows best. Founded in 1956, the company has supplied brollies to the Queen and the Queen Mother – and you never see those ladies caught in the rain.