Fox Umbrellas Review: The Rolls Royce of Rain

While James Smith & Sons is famous for its shop, Fox Umbrellas (founded 1868) is famous for its Engineering. Fox invented the modern umbrella. Before Fox, umbrella frames were made of whalebone. They were bulky and didn't fold well. Samuel Fox invented the "U" shaped steel rib frame. This allowed umbrellas to be rolled tight (the pencil look).

Based in Shirley, Croydon (not glamourous, but effective), Fox still makes the finest steel-frame umbrellas in the world.

The Product: The Tube Frame

A Fox Umbrella is defined by its silhouette. It is razor thin. When rolled, it looks like a walking stick. This is achieved by hand-rolling the canopy. It takes a skilled worker 20 minutes to roll one umbrella perfectly tight.

The Handles

Fox is famous for its animal heads. The "Nickel Animal Head" handle (Duck, Greyhound, Rabbit) is an icon of British eccentricity. It allows a City banker to express personality while wearing a charcoal suit.

The Verdict

Fox supplies many other luxury brands (Ralph Lauren, Harrods). But buying direct gets you the best price and service. They offer a full repair service. If a rib snaps in a gale, they fix it. At £150-£300, it is an investment. But it is the strongest, most elegant umbrella you can buy.

Pros:

• Incredibly slim and elegant profile.
• Strong steel frame (wind resistant).
• Repairable.

Cons:

• The steel tip hits the pavement with a loud "click" (some love this, some hate it).
• Tight rolling takes practice to maintain the look.

Related: James Smith & Sons Review | British Brushes