Every self-respecting woman should have an umbrella in the bins of her accessories. Umbrellas are very different in their structure, handle height, design and, of course, in cost.

Today let's look at several options for branded umbrellas that actively hold positions in the top five rankings. So, let's see what criteria you need to choose this accessory for yourself correctly, let's not pull the cat for all its details, let's get down to business.

First of all, decide what color, size and style you want to buy an umbrella. The next item, the price, think about how much you are willing to pay for a decent umbrella, because often the price depends on the quality. Choose this item of clothing so that it fits your image, this is very important.

Choose only a mechanical design, as the semi-automatic and automatic wear out quickly. Pay attention to the knitting needles, they must be composite, metal and have caps on the tips that protect the fabric from damage. Familiarize yourself with the inscriptions on the labels, what material it is made of, how many knitting needles it has, and so on. It is better to buy an expensive branded umbrella that will last you a long time than to change them every year.

An English manufacturer, the umbrella reliably protects from rain, this brand is currently in fifth place in terms of quality and price. Price from three thousand rubles. British manufacturers have come up with something that will appeal to absolutely all women, moreover, of different ages. Variety of colors, bright design, high quality and mechanical assembly. The J346-2315 HeartCheck is the most loved by customers model of this accessory. His colors are not flashy, on a light coffee canvas there is a brown cage with red and gray patterns. The umbrella is really durable and will serve you for quite a long time. It has a plastic handle with a start button. There are transparent umbrellas for sale made of durable film, but they do not particularly complain about the demand from the buyer. If it is very important for you to emphasize the status and elegance. pay attention to the company brand

Doopler is in fourth place in the ranking. Here is a very strong umbrella construction, which is very resistant to wind. In autumn, a strong wind often walks on the street, and this accessory will definitely not curl up in the opposite direction. The design is very different, for every taste and color, the company has established itself on the positive side. Each spoke is secured with special caps that protect your clothes and the umbrella itself from damage. The handle of the umbrella fits comfortably in the hand, but the biggest advantage is its price. Such a source of pride costs only one and a half thousand rubles. but what strength and design. Australian manufacturer.

Brand Flioraj is an idea of ​​English designers, but these umbrellas are made in Italy, China and India. Honorable third place. although I would give the first. The variety of shapes and colors conquers from the first time, as soon as you see the assortment. Umbrellas with frills, with floral and nautical motifs. You will have to pay two thousand three hundred rubles for such beauty. Very popular models of this brand with ornaments and with female silhouettes, in polka dots. Umbrella dome made of water-repellent fiber, comfortable handle, with start button. Assembly of all types of mechanics, automatic and semi-automatic, sizes from large to cane.

Italian luxury with bows. On the models of these umbrellas, you can often see umbrellas, they are drawn or available as an add-on. Oh, these Italians, they love small details that complement the beauty. The most beautiful, in my opinion, umbrellas with an internal pattern, when the dome is black on the outside, and a flower blooms inside. This is the second place in terms of rating and price, the price here is eight thousand and above. But what a great choice! The metal case, mechanics and what does the dome of the umbrella itself have to be sewn by hand!

Zest

So we got to the rating at number one. Firm Zest, the price is not at all expensive compared to the top option, but this company is not inferior in strength and quality. A huge arsenal in the design solution, drawings of urban landscapes on the dome of umbrellas, animals and geometric shapes are mainly in demand. The addition construction even goes up to five! Even if there are strong gusts of wind outside, you still do not threaten to stay wet, the umbrella reliably protects against rainy days.

The classic men's model of a folding umbrella with a hook handle, made in neutral black color, will always be relevant. The frame of this umbrella is made of steel and fiberglass, which ensures its strength, and the anti-wind system protects it from eversion in case of strong gusts. But besides these undeniable advantages, this model has some more interesting features:

1. A huge dome with a diameter of 125 cm can easily accommodate not only a large man, but also a couple and even, if necessary, a family.
2. The handle is made of wood, which gives the umbrella a more stylish and expensive look. In addition, the tree, heated by hand, keeps the heat for a long time, which is very pleasant on a cold autumn day.
3. The deep dome additionally protects the shoulders thanks to its special concave shape.

The umbrella is fully automatic, opens and closes at the touch of a button (do not try to close the umbrella manually, this may cause damage to the mechanism. The handle of the umbrella is equipped with a loop for easy carrying, the umbrella itself is packed in a black polyester bag, so that when folded after rain, this umbrella will not wets the rest of the things in your bag.

All parts are made of quality and durable materials, and the Austrian manufacturer Doppler provides a 12-month warranty on their large rain umbrellas, which indicates the durability of the product.

Top of elegance

The ever-fashionable cane umbrella is that accessory, male or female, with which you can never go wrong, and a gift that will definitely come in handy. If you like an elegant style with a little trendy notes, then this model is what you need. With 16 spokes and a classic hook handle, this black umbrella combines restraint with extravagance. In addition, 16 spokes give the frame special strength, which, coupled with the “anti-wind” system, allows you to survive any bad weather. A large dome with a diameter of 112 cm will reliably protect even a large man or couple from rain.

Separately, it is worth dwelling on the materials from which this strong umbrella is made. The frame here is made following the example of premium models made of steel and fiberglass. The dome is made of pongee - a multi-component material woven from shaped twisted threads, very durable and perfectly retaining its shape. Water flows off such a dome, and the fabric remains almost dry. An additional Teflon coating gives an interesting reflection in the sun and a pleasant smoothness. The handle in this model is covered with eco-leather (leatherette), pleasant both in appearance and to the touch.

This men's umbrella is semi-automatic: opens with a button, closes manually. The mechanism works well and is easy to slide, so no extra effort is required.

high tech umbrella

Umbrella from Xiaomi is, of course, first of all, technology and high-quality materials. An ultra-light frame made of abrasion and corrosion resistant aluminum and fiberglass, an ergonomic, perfectly smooth handle and 100% polyester fiber FONEWR material. It is worth dwelling on the properties of this material in more detail.

1. FONEWR has a water repellency index of 5, which means it is completely waterproof. It is enough just to shake off the drops from the umbrella - and it is already dry.
2. The UVoutex FABRICS coating provides UV protection, so the umbrella can also be used as sun protection.
3. The material does not sag over time, does not wear out and does not lose color.

Naturally, the umbrella opens and closes automatically with just one button. The opening mechanism is absolutely safe and smooth. Each umbrella is tested for 1000 openings and closings before being sold, which guarantees a perfectly smooth operation of the mechanism. In addition, the sharp ends of the spokes are protected by special balls for the safety of both the owner of the umbrella and those around him. The average diameter of the dome is 106 cm, the minimum length is 33.6 cm, as well as its low weight, make this umbrella universal, suitable for both men and women. The manufacturer does not recommend the use of an umbrella by children without adult supervision.

bright touch

To add a positive touch to a rainy autumn day or brightness to a noisy summer thunderstorm, a small Unit umbrella will help you. Its folded length is only 23 cm, so it can easily fit into even the smallest bag or backpack. It is also convenient to take it with you on trips, because it will not add weight to your suitcase. If you are looking for not only a compact umbrella, but also a lightweight one, male or female, this is your choice, as it weighs only 203g.

The frame of the umbrella is made of metal, aluminum and fiberglass. This combination provides lightness and good strength. The material of the dome - pongee - is very durable, with excellent water repellency. A pongee umbrella will dry very quickly, in just a couple of minutes, and will not sag over time due to the special weaving. The shape of the dome is very comfortable, lowered at the points of attachment to the spokes, so that water will not drain onto the shoulders.

Such an umbrella can be bought both in bright colors (orange, red, blue, green) and in discreet ones (gray or black). Perhaps the only drawback of this model can be considered a mechanical type of folding, however, it also has its fans. The umbrella comes with a matching case.

For any person, an umbrella is an absolutely necessary thing. And, of course, we want it, like any thing that we buy, to be beautiful, stylish, comfortable and elegant. To attract attention and emphasize your individuality. But if you do not want to pay a lot of money for an umbrella that breaks in two days, then the first thing to think about is its durability and reliability.

How to choose a high-quality and reliable umbrella, what to pay attention to first of all, how to properly care for your umbrella - we'll talk about this in our article.

Qualitative components

Any umbrella consists of a rod, spokes, a dome and a handle. Let's take a closer look at these important components.

Kernel

The rod not only holds the entire structure of the umbrella, but is also responsible for its folding. Umbrellas are considered the most durable, in which the stem is solid - these are cane umbrellas.

The rod of a folding umbrella consists of several separate parts connected to each other. In a large folding umbrella, the stem has 2-3 parts, in a small lady's one - 4-5. The more parts and, accordingly, the places of their connections, the less reliable the design of the rod.

If you find it inconvenient to carry a cane umbrella with you, give preference to large folding umbrellas. And before you buy an umbrella, be sure to open it and shake it well. The places where the parts of the rod are connected to each other must not move or wobble. If the connections are loose, the umbrella will last until the first strong wind.

The rod can be made of plastic, aluminum or steel. The latter is by far the most durable, but also the heaviest. But the junction of the rod with the dome, be sure to choose only metal. Plastic is not allowed here, as it can easily break from a strong impact.

In addition, the rods are round or ribbed. A ribbed rod with the largest number of faces is considered more reliable.

spokes

The number of spokes in an umbrella varies from 4-6 to 16 pieces. The more, the more reliable the design. Buying an umbrella with less than eight spokes is a waste of money.

Like the rod, the spokes are made from different materials - aluminum, steel and fiberglass.

• Aluminum spokes are soft, with a matte finish. An umbrella with such knitting needles will be light, but completely fragile.
• The steel spokes are shiny, strong and heavy. A steel umbrella is not afraid of the strongest gusts of wind, but it will weigh significantly more than aluminum.
• Fiberglass spokes are light and strong. Fiberglass looks like plastic. In combination with a steel rod, this is the most successful version of an umbrella, but also the most expensive.

Speaking of knitting needles, it is necessary to mention a few more points:

• It is important that the spokes are attached to the dome at least at two points each (the more attachment points, the better).
• The spoke should fit snugly against the dome with the groove up.
• When choosing an umbrella for a child, make sure that the ends of the spokes are closed with rounded plastic caps.

Now many manufacturers equip their umbrellas with an anti-wind system. Its essence is that the spokes are supplemented with special springs that allow them to bend in both directions in strong winds without breaking. It is important to remember that in such areas it is impossible to bend the knitting needles back on your own. It is necessary to close and open the umbrella again so that they fall into place.

Dome

The dome of the umbrella is sewn from different fabrics. The most common are nylon, polyester, pongee and satin with water-repellent impregnation.

• The nylon dome is the worst - it is not strong enough and will easily tear in strong winds. In addition, brightly colored nylon quickly sheds and fades. The only plus of this material is the low price.

• A polyester dome is a budget option for a good umbrella. It hardly sheds, dries quickly and does not shrink. However, it also lacks strength.

• Pongee is a polyester blend with cotton. It is much stronger and dries in five minutes. However, the price of such umbrellas starts from three thousand.

• Satin domes are sewn for expensive umbrellas. This fabric is almost impossible to tear, it dries quickly and is pleasant to the touch.

• There are also umbrellas made of genuine leather. They are very heavy, very uncomfortable and prohibitively expensive.

Pen

Handles are made of plastic, wood or rubber.

• The plastic handle is the most fragile. Such handles break easily even with weak blows.

• The wooden handle is much stronger, more comfortable and more beautiful. But the tree is prone to chipping and does not tolerate water well. If paint or varnish peels off a wooden handle, water, falling on unprotected wood, will easily ruin it.

• The rubber handle is the highest quality and reliable. She is not afraid of water or blows.

However, do not forget to just hold the umbrella by the handle in the store. Whatever material it is made of, you should feel comfortable and pleasant to hold it in your hands.

Models and varieties

Conventionally, umbrellas can be divided into several categories according to different criteria:

• Men's, women's, children's and beach.

It all depends on the size and appearance. Men's umbrellas tend to be larger and plainly patterned, or simply black. Since the weight of an umbrella for men is not of great importance, men's umbrellas are often made with a steel shaft and spokes, which makes them more durable and of higher quality.

In women's and especially children's umbrellas, weight is a significant value, so they are often made with aluminum parts, which makes them fragile and short-lived, or with fiberglass spokes, which greatly increases their cost.

Beach umbrellas have the largest dome diameter and usually have plastic or aluminum parts.

• Mechanical, with an automatic or semi-automatic opening system.

The mechanical mechanism means that you will open the umbrella manually. This, of course, is not as convenient as simply pressing a button, but the simplicity of such a mechanism ensures its strength and quality. According to statistics, such umbrellas are more durable and break less often.

A full automatic is a mechanism that allows you to close and open an umbrella by pressing a single button located on the handle of the umbrella. The main advantage of such an umbrella is convenience. But in quality it loses to mechanical models.

A semiautomatic device, as the name implies, is opened by pressing a button, and closed, like a mechanical one, by hand. It is not much stronger than a full automatic, but it is much less convenient. Perhaps not the best choice.

• In the shape of a saucer, dome or custom shape.

The shape of the saucer is the classic and most common for an umbrella. Almost all folding models have this form. It is quite comfortable and well protects the face and most of the clothes from the rain.

Domed shape - with more rounded and elongated ends. This shape will protect your face and clothes much better, and in strong winds it will help to keep your hair. But most often such a dome is made with a large mechanical cane umbrella.

• Non-standard forms are different. Perhaps the most popular is the shape of the heart. There are square and triangular umbrellas, flower-shaped or multi-layered, ruffled or double parasols for lovers. They look cute and original, but most often they do not have convenience and reliability.

The diameter of the dome also matters, but remember that the larger it is, the larger the umbrella itself will be when folded.

Care

In order for the umbrella to serve you faithfully for many years, it is important not only to choose a high-quality model, but also to properly care for it.

A few tips for caring for your umbrella:

• It is important to dry the umbrella after each use. It is best to do this in a half-open state, so as not to stretch or deform the fabric of the dome. Silk umbrellas are dried only when closed.
• Do not put the umbrella back in its case until it is completely dry.
• In no case do not put weight on the umbrella - this can damage the spokes.
• At least once a month, the umbrella must be cleaned with a gentle detergent, soap, or wiped with ammonia diluted in water.

So let's recap.

Winter is gradually losing ground, and spring, beloved by many, is in a hurry to replace it. Warm weather, bright sunshine and the beauty of awakening nature can sometimes be replaced by heavy torrential rains. The weather doesn't have bad weather, but few people like to get wet to the skin. That is why now is the time to get a high-quality and beautiful umbrella. Umbrellas from well-known brands ensure that you stay dry and enjoy walking in the rain.

Peculiarities

Every person should have an umbrella. This applies even to those who travel by car most of the time. Umbrellas from the best companies have a lot of advantages. The manufacturer is always responsible for its quality, otherwise its products will simply be unclaimed. In addition, a self-respecting brand that strives to get as many positive reviews as possible always chooses only the best materials.

High-quality brand umbrellas are not afraid of the wind, many models are completely water-repellent. This way your umbrella won't break in windy weather and you won't have to dry it for a long time. The mechanisms of branded umbrellas are also worthy of attention. They are easy to use and rarely break. Thanks to this, you will not find yourself in an awkward situation at the most inopportune moment.

Popular brands

Zest

The brand has been on the umbrella market for a long time and has earned a good reputation. The variety of models is simply amazing. The manufacturer has more than three hundred umbrellas of various types and colors. The range includes umbrellas loved by everyone, canes, automatic models, car umbrellas. The last option is a novelty of the new season. The car umbrella is very compact, so you can put it in your car without taking up much space.

The colors are also very varied. The most popular are umbrellas-canes of silver and gold colors. These models look very unusual and attract the attention of others. A variety of prints, some of which are real masterpieces, are also in high demand.

Prize

This manufacturer is characterized by the manufacture of budget options for umbrellas. In addition, the variety of models is also not so wide. Basically, in the collection of this company there are classic options for umbrellas: these are black male models and cane umbrellas in classic colors.

Despite the low price of products, the brand still tries to maintain good quality. Cost reduction is achieved by using mechanical systems instead of automatic ones. Materials can be very different, basically - these are ordinary nylon coatings that do not let moisture through, but dry for a long time.

Derby

This manufacturing company mainly specializes in the manufacture of large umbrellas that protect from the sun. The range includes large and small models. All umbrellas have the ability to adjust in height and adjust the angle of inclination. Bright colors allow you to enjoy a good beach holiday without harm to health.

In addition to beach umbrellas, the brand also produces a small number of models for children. These are special umbrellas with a smaller canopy and interesting colors. Classic umbrellas for adults are also present in the brand's collections, but in very limited quantities.

Trust

This brand is famous for the production of very high quality models. There is nothing unusual in its assortment, but this is only at first glance. Externally, umbrellas are no different from many other brands, but their mechanisms have absolutely no competitors. Models with a metal case will serve you for many years, they are not afraid of any bad weather.

Especially for fragile girls, the brand produces lightweight versions of umbrellas. Such models are much lighter than usual ones, you will not feel heaviness when you put an umbrella in your purse. Such an umbrella is much more pleasant to take with you at least every day. So you will be one hundred percent sure that the rain will not take you by surprise.

Sponsa

In the collections of this manufacturer you can find umbrellas of various colors and models. The most popular are umbrellas-canes with an automatic or mechanical opening system. If this umbrella model does not suit you at all, then the company has a lot of folding umbrellas in stock. A variety of colors surprises with unusual prints. For lovers of minimalism, Sponsa monochromatic models have been created, the color palette of which is absolutely limitless.

Sponsa is a company that has been manufacturing umbrellas for many years, so they are trusted, and their umbrellas are in extraordinary demand and have many positive reviews.

Fulton

The umbrella collection of this manufacturer is a real paradise for women. Women's models of umbrellas differ not only in their practical qualities. The emphasis here is on the design of the models. It is unlikely that you will find anywhere else an elegant black matte umbrella with glossy polka dots and ruffles all over the dome.

In addition, the manufacturing company is famous for the release of cane umbrellas with a transparent dome. Such models are the deepest and perfectly protect from rain. In addition, such an umbrella can easily be called a family one. You can fit under it with your soulmate. The brand's designers have not forgotten about men either, releasing a line of brutal men's umbrellas in black or dark blue.

Airton

Please your beloved child with a beautiful umbrella from Airton. The collection contains more than a hundred models of bright colorful umbrellas that will certainly please your child and make a walk in the rain a real adventure. Children's models are divided into umbrellas for boys and girls. On their domes you will meet your favorite cartoon and fairy tale characters, as well as plush toys and animals.

By purchasing an umbrella for your child, you can choose a model to your liking and for yourself. For adults, designers have also created a variety of umbrellas, with interesting prints and various types of mechanisms.

Three elephants

Three Elephants is one of the few Russian manufacturers that has earned an impeccable reputation and has become a worthy competitor to the umbrellas of foreign companies. Its always closer, so this company has many fans. Perfect design, excellent quality and quite affordable price make the umbrellas of this company very popular and in demand.

Designers presented models with a different number of spokes. For example, umbrellas with 10 spokes look very impressive. In addition, they also have practical significance. An umbrella with a large number of spokes flexes less, and the fabric remains unchanged.

Varieties of models

Cane

Umbrella in the form of a cane is very popular with both women and men. For many, this umbrella is a good addition to a business image. This model of an umbrella is very practical, but inconvenient because of the big length. It has to be carried only in the hands. A convenient hook-shaped handle that allows you to hang the umbrella on your hand helps to facilitate this task.

Folding

Folding umbrellas are considered the most popular due to their compactness and ease of use. They can have different types of mechanisms: automatic, semi-automatic or manual. All three types have their own advantages and disadvantages. Automatic models are certainly very convenient and easy to use. But like any automation. Sooner or later it starts to fail.

An umbrella is a fashion accessory, an addition to the image and simply an indispensable thing in a person's everyday life. Since ancient times, it has played a different role, but be that as it may, its main function has always been and remains the same - protection.

From the article you will learn how to choose an umbrella and it does not matter what it protects from - sunlight, heavy rain or snow, it still remains the most relevant and most convenient accessory in any of the above cases.

What are umbrellas

According to their properties, umbrellas are from rain, from the sun and from the wind. There are also umbrellas for women and men.

They differ significantly, but there are general rules for their device and choice. In addition, they now offer a choice of cane umbrellas or folding umbrellas, the dimensions of which may vary depending on how many times its spokes are folded.

You can purchase an option that will fit even in a small handbag, but you need to remember that the strength of the umbrella and its dimensions when folded and weight will depend on the quality and quantity of its constituent materials.

Number and quality of knitting needles

The spokes are the main elements that form the frame of the dome, and the strength and wind resistance of the umbrella will depend on them. Therefore, when buying an umbrella, you need to pay attention to the knitting needles in the first place.

Regular umbrellas have 6 to 16 spokes. Although there are options for 4 spokes, the more there are, the smoother, more reliable and more resistant the dome is in strong gusts of wind.

Ideally, an umbrella should have a minimum of 8 spokes, made from a combination of durable metal or a combination of metal and strong, resilient plastic or fiberglass.

Such umbrellas are resistant to gusts of wind. But more often there are knitting needles made of steel, fiberglass or aluminum.

The spokes made of steel have a shiny appearance, are strong enough, but add extra weight to the umbrella. The advantage is that such spokes usually do not turn out with gusts of wind. The downside is that the umbrella will not have a compact look.

Lighter, but also strong material - fiberglass. Knitting needles made of it are soft, similar to plastic ones. This is a fairly durable material that will last a long time due to its resistance to wind.

Aluminum is the worst choice. Soft metal, light compared to steel, but quite brittle.

Umbrellas with such spokes are designed only for rain or sun, provided there is no wind. The advantage of the above umbrellas can be the most compact size and at the same time lightweight.

Umbrella dome material

For the dome, manufacturers choose different materials: from cheaper, but less reliable, to quite expensive, but of high quality.

The cheapest is nylon - a synthetic fabric, the quality is not very good. It is thin, quickly rubbed and torn, especially with low-quality knitting needles. It fades over time, and can also shed.

Therefore, such an umbrella should not be kept wet next to other things.

Polyester is considered more reliable. Its advantages are that it does not shed, it dries well and quickly, the fabric does not shrink. True, this material is also not durable, it is easily rubbed and torn at the points of fastening of the spokes, which leads to its leakage.

There is a more reliable version of this material, which is polyester with the addition of cotton. This is pongee, a rather expensive material that does not get wet and dries very quickly. Thanks to the addition of cotton fibers, the dome is durable and long-lasting.

There are domes made of polyester with Teflon impregnation. A feature of this dome is the color change depending on the lighting. In addition, the umbrella protects well from rain and dries quickly. But the fabric of such an umbrella is thin and soft, which does not protect it from rubbing.

Domes are also made of satin with water-repellent impregnation. Such an umbrella with good knitting needles will last a very long time, because it is durable, does not tear, and the ability to repel water reduces the drying time.

The downside is that it's quite expensive, but it's worth it.

Rod and handle

The rod of an umbrella-cane is always monolithic, motionless and reliable. To lighten the weight, it is often made of fiberglass.

A folding umbrella can be folded 2 to 5 times. For a small handbag, a mini umbrella with 4-5 additions is suitable. Men's umbrellas are usually made in 2-3 additions.

The best material for the rod is steel. It, in comparison with aluminum and plastic, is reliable and resistant to damage.

The shape of the rod can be round or multifaceted. The most reliable are multifaceted rods.

When buying, you should open the umbrella and shake it a little over your head. If the umbrella is folding, then at the junction of the rod blocks it should not loosen.

The immobility of the connection of the blocks guarantees the long service life of the umbrella.

Attaching the dome to the rod

This element deserves special attention. A cap is usually screwed onto the top of the dome to allow the dome to be held. It can be made of metal or plastic.

A metal cover will be more durable, since plastic can break on impact. In addition, the threads on the plastic quickly shrink, which makes the cover easy to lose.

1. The mechanism for opening the umbrella is better to choose a mechanical one. Automatic and semi-automatic machines that open and close thanks to a button break much more often.
2. Choose an umbrella with 8 or more spokes, the more there are, the better the canopy will be stretched and there will be no sagging.
3. Pay attention to the spokes. In addition to durable material, their fastening and length are also important. Properly fastened needles fit with the convex side to the dome and the groove down, which helps protect the fabric from tears. The length of the spokes must be the same.
4. It is important to fasten the spokes to the dome of the umbrella. There should be at least two such attachment points, but the more there are, the better the dome is fixed.
5. The ends of the needles should have caps or they should not be sharp, which is very important, especially when choosing an umbrella for a child.
6. An important detail that you should pay attention to is the reliability of fastening the handle and cap. The service life of the umbrella also depends on them.
7. Pay attention to the label, it should indicate the materials from which the umbrella is made.
8. Open and close the umbrella several times, checking how easy the mechanism is. If something interferes with its work, then there is a marriage in the system, such an umbrella should not be purchased.
9. When opening the fabric of the umbrella should be well stretched without sagging.