# Modernized Armor-Like Umbrellas The Rain Shield Protects the Sides of the Body, Not Just the Head By Meghan Young | Published 2012-10-26 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rain-shield References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/1671088/an-ingenious-redesign-of-the-common-umbrella) & [red-dot.sg](http://red-dot.sg/dconcept/portfolio/view.php?rid=184) The Rain Shield gives [the umbrella a much-needed update](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/original-duckhead). Although few would have said that it needed one, especially when companies started introducing the mid-way slit to allow the wind to pass through rather than flip the umbrella inside-out completely, the Rain Shield shows that it was sorely missing one crucial feature. It didn't provide cover for the side of the body, which can be as assaulted by water as the tops of people's heads, especially during [ferocious storms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pieces-for-rainy-days). As its name suggests, the Rain Shield is held like the shields once used by knights. The Rain Shield not only re-imagines the shape of the umbrella, it also tackles [the folding process](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/split-1). Instead of pleating around the pole, it folds flat to fit into bags and purses. The Rain Shield was designed by students Lin Min-Wei and Liu Li-Hsiang and is a Red Dot award winner. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Armor-like Umbrellas:** Designing umbrellas inspired by armor with unique features like side-body protection and redesigned folding mechanisms - **Extreme Weather Gear:** Creating specialized gear for extreme weather conditions to protect the body from onslaughts of water and wind - **Redesigned Daily Accessories:** Revamping everyday essentials to make them more functional and stylish with new and innovative features ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion Accessories:** Incorporating innovative design features in fashion accessories to make them more appealing and practical - **Outdoor Gear:** Designing specialty gear for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers that can withstand various weather conditions - **Product Design:** Exploring new product designs and features that can enhance user experiences and differentiate from competitors ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Flying Umbrella Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flying-umbrella.md) - [Two-People Umbrella Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shed-rain.md) - [Space-Inspired Folding Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloombrella.md) - [All-Weather Protection Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weatherman-trek-umbrella.md) - [OLED Weather Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ori-umbrella.md) - [Expertly Crafted Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-green-umbrella.md) - [Rainwater Multifunctional Planters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raindrop-1.md) - [Protective Earthquake Response Shields](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/testudo-shield-and-helmet.md) - [Branch-Like Umbrella Stands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aghsan.md)