Today, umbrellas are used by individual to protect them from the heat of the sun and also the elements, wind, rain, snow and sleet. In countries where monsoon conditions exist, the umbrella is an essential item in their everyday life.

The umbrellas used currently have many features that traditional umbrellas lack. For example, there are now umbrellas that are designed so that they do not invert in very windy conditions. The term "windproof" is associated with this type of umbrella. Windproof umbrellas have fiberglas ribs and a special construction the minimizes them from inverting in windy conditions. This prevents it from blowing inside out during gusty conditions.

If the umbrella does invert, in will pop back into place without being destroyed. If the umbrella has metal ribs, if inverted it will be destroyed.

Windproof umbrellas are available in the following umbrella types, golf, folding, mini, stick, fashion, beach, market and patio. Because of their unique construction, compared to other umbrella types, they are normally more expensive.

This type of umbrella is commonly used as a promotional product imprinted with logos and a promotion message.