The Thing: a solid brolly for even the wettest of days

Trying to combat the rain—or the cold half-snow that passes for April rain—with a flimsy corner store umbrella is a futile endeavour. Which is why we’re happy to report that traditional full-size umbrellas are making a comeback. The best of them is the English-made Swaine Adeney Brigg, carried by both Prince Charles and that dude from The Avengers. Note its hand-carved oak handle (also available in chestnut, bamboo and Malacca), adorned with a gold collar; its high-tensile steel ribs, strong enough to carry a full-grown woman from rooftop to rooftop; and its ample canopy of durable nylon that promises to keep you Sahara dry. $579. Betty Hemmings Leathergoods, 162 Cumberland St., 416-921-4321.

(Image: Liam Mogan)