Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Arts & Entertainment

Could This New Umbrella Coat Solve Our Umbrella Etiquette Problem?


By

Jen Carlson

Published Nov 14, 2011

Modified Nov 14, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Jen Carlson

Published Nov 14, 2011

Modified Nov 14, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

You know how when it rains and everyone takes out their umbrellas and the sidewalks become even more unbearable and some people even deign to carry those huge golf umbrellas? Well this new jacket could solve all of our rainy day problems. It will keep you dry, and as a bonus, will make you look sort of like Darth Vadar. Or the grim reaper. Or an extra in Harry Potter. Or maybe just someone who works in a meth lab.

Who cares what it makes you look like, though—this thing could solve the age old problem New Yorkers have with umbrella etiquette. According to ABC News, designer Athanasia Leivaditou was inspired to create her Umbrella Coat Raincoat after moving to NYC, saying, "Rainy days put a strain on my movements. I had to hold the umbrella and do other things at the same time. Instead of getting frustrated with the physical constraints that my body imposed in such situations, I thought that I should come up with a solution." It's made of waterproof synthetic leather, and provides head-to-toe coverage... but what about shielding your face? "A clear plastic membrane extends from the umbrella hood... while strings keep the hood secure so that it doesn't collapse."

She also came up with a solution to getting sleepy at work, creating the Life/Desk Convertible to Bed, which is basically the George Costanza dream.

Tagged

coat

design

raincoat

umbrella

umbrella etiquette


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE arts-entertainment

Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain

Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.

By

Sonia Rao

Published Oct 23, 2026


In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff

We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."

By

James Ramsay

Arts & Entertainment

In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff

We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."

By

James Ramsay


A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings

By

Hannah Frishberg

A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history

By

Sonia Rao

The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.

By

Sonia Rao


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .