Choose a customised umbrella in Singapore by how it will be used: a straight golf umbrella (canopy around 115 to 120cm) for outdoor events and client gifts, an auto-open folding umbrella for daily commuting, a reverse umbrella for drivers, and a capsule or mini umbrella for small bags. Most are branded by UV or screen printing on canopy panels.
People in Singapore use umbrellas almost every week, for sudden downpours and strong midday sun, so it pays to choose the size and type carefully. This guide walks through the umbrella types in our umbrella collection, what each one is good for, and how to plan the logo. If you want the broader case for umbrellas as a branding item, read our earlier article on why custom umbrellas work as corporate gifts in Singapore.
Main Types of Customised Umbrella in Singapore
Straight golf and long-handle umbrellas
Straight umbrellas give the largest canopy and the biggest print area. The high-end straight golf umbrella is listed with a canopy diameter of about 120cm, an aluminium alloy frame and impact cloth canopy, with UV or screen printing and sticker options. The 24-rib straight long-handle umbrella is listed at about 115cm, with steel and fibreglass construction and a wide range of colours. These suit golf days, guests walking from car parks to venues, and substantial client gifts.
Auto-open folding umbrellas
Folding umbrellas are what most office staff actually carry. The folding 8-rib automatic umbrella is listed as unfolding to about 110cm and folding down to about 28cm. There is also a 10-rib automatic sun-and-rain umbrella and a lightweight carbon fibre tri-fold model, listed with an aluminium alloy frame and a folded length of about 22cm. One-touch opening is handy when stepping out of an MRT exit.
Reverse (inverted) umbrellas
A reverse umbrella closes inside out, so the wet side folds inwards. That makes it popular with people who drive or take private-hire cars. Options include the rainbow non-dripping reverse umbrella (about 25 inches, polyester canopy, fibreglass ribs), an automatic reverse folding umbrella with a ring handle, and an LED light folding reverse umbrella for evening use.
Capsule, mini and pocket umbrellas
Small umbrellas suit staff who carry a sling bag rather than a backpack. The 5-fold mini umbrella is listed with a canopy of about 90cm and a folded size of about 15 x 6cm, in Taslan fabric. The folding capsule umbrella opens to about 91cm. They pack easily into welcome kits, but the logo area is smaller.
Sun-and-rain and transparent umbrellas
For outdoor roadshows and family days, a UV vinyl automatic umbrella gives shade as well as rain cover. A transparent hemmed umbrella in POE is another option when you want a lighter look; the logo is printed directly on the clear canopy.
Umbrella Size and Type Comparison
| Type | Canopy size (as listed) | Best for | Logo method listed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight golf / long-handle | About 115 to 120cm | Outdoor events, golf days, client gifts | UV or screen printing, sticker | Largest print panels; bulky to carry on public transport |
| Auto-open folding (8 or 10 ribs) | About 98 to 110cm | Daily staff use, conference gifts | UV or screen printing, sticker | Good balance of coverage and portability |
| Reverse / inverted | Standard to large | Drivers, sales teams, client gifts | UV or screen printing | Wet side folds inwards; slightly heavier |
| Capsule / mini / pocket | About 90cm | Welcome kits, mailers, lifestyle gifts | UV or screen printing | Smallest logo area; very portable |
| UV sun-and-rain | About 98cm | Roadshows, family days, outdoor staff | UV or screen printing, sticker | Useful for sun as well as rain |
| Transparent | About 97cm | Fashion-led or youth campaigns | UV or screen printing | Logo shows against the sky; keep artwork simple |
How to Choose a Customised Umbrella by Use Case
Events and roadshows
A golf umbrella gives the most visibility at a venue drop-off point. For take-home giveaways, an auto-open folding umbrella is easier to carry. Our guide to event door gifts in Singapore covers how to plan quantities and packing.
Staff gifts
Pick a folding automatic or carbon fibre tri-fold model in a colour that matches your brand.
Client and VIP gifts
A straight umbrella with a wooden handle, or an umbrella in a gift box set, feels more considered. The collection includes a business two-piece gift box and a hair dryer and umbrella gift box set.
High-volume promotions
The rainbow advertising umbrella is listed with sticker branding in multiple colours, suiting short, colourful campaigns.
Fabrics, Print Panels and Branding Methods
Most canopies on our site are polyester, impact cloth, Taslan or POE (for clear umbrellas). The number of ribs decides the number of panels: an 8-rib umbrella has eight panels and a 24-rib umbrella has 24 narrow ones. Wide panels give the logo more room, so an 8-rib or 10-rib canopy is usually easier to brand than a 24-rib design.
UV printing and screen printing are the methods listed for most umbrellas. Screen printing gives solid, opaque colours and suits simple one- or two-colour logos. UV printing handles gradients and multi-colour artwork. Stickers are listed on some models for quick, low-complexity branding. Common layouts are one logo on a single panel, the logo on two opposite panels, or alternating panels with logo and tagline. For a full explanation of each technique, see our guide to logo printing methods for corporate gifts.
Planning Checklist for Your Customised Umbrella Order
- Decide who will use the umbrella (guests, staff, drivers, VIP clients) and where.
- Choose the type first, then the canopy size and colour.
- Confirm how many panels will carry the logo and send vector artwork.
- Check that your logo colour contrasts with the canopy colour.
- Request a sample if the umbrella is for a key client.
- Allow enough production and delivery time before your event date.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a golf umbrella for staff who commute by MRT, where a folding model is more practical.
- Placing a detailed logo across a narrow panel, which makes small text hard to read.
- Printing a dark logo on a dark canopy without a contrasting outline.
- Ordering too late for the year-end monsoon period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size umbrella is best for corporate gifts in Singapore?
For most staff and conference gifts, an auto-open folding umbrella with a canopy of roughly 98 to 110cm is the most practical choice because it fits into a work bag. For outdoor events, golf days or VIP clients, a straight golf umbrella of about 115 to 120cm gives better coverage and a larger logo area.
Can you print a logo on every panel of a customised umbrella?
Yes, a logo can usually be printed on one, two or all panels, depending on the umbrella and the artwork. Printing on more panels increases visibility but also affects the quote. Tell us how many panels you want branded and send your logo file, and we will advise on layout and the most suitable printing method.
Is a golf umbrella or a folding umbrella better as a gift?
A golf umbrella is better when coverage and visibility matter, such as for drivers, event ushers and clients. A folding umbrella is better for daily use because it is compact and easy to carry on public transport. Many companies order golf umbrellas for VIPs and folding umbrellas for staff.
Are UV umbrellas useful in Singapore?
Many people in Singapore use umbrellas for shade as well as rain, so a sun-and-rain model is a practical choice for outdoor roadshows, field teams and family days. The National Environment Agency advises carrying an umbrella and staying in the shade to protect against UV, and notes that UV index levels are highest between 11am and 3pm.[1] Our UV vinyl automatic umbrella is listed as a sunscreen umbrella. Check each product page for the materials and finish of the model you prefer.
How long does it take to produce customised umbrellas?
Production time depends on the umbrella model, the quantity, the number of printed panels and your delivery date. Simple printing on stock colours is generally quicker. If the umbrellas are for year-end use, note that the Meteorological Service Singapore describes the Northeast Monsoon as running from December to early March, with higher rainfall from November to January.[2] Share your event date when you enquire, and read our guide to corporate gift lead times in Singapore for planning tips.
Ether Gifts has 20 years of experience supplying corporate gifts, with 1,000+ customisable items for businesses in Singapore. Tell us how the umbrellas will be used, your quantity and your date, and we will suggest suitable models and branding options. Request a quote to get started.
Last reviewed: 18 October 2026. This article was prepared by Ether Gifts as a general buying guide and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice.
