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How to Custom Five Fold Umbrella Manufacture: Complete Guide for Brands & Distributors
Custom umbrellas are an excellent promotional item and retail product, combining practicality, brand visibility, and mass appeal. Among them, the 5-fold umbrella stands out for its compact design, portability, and premium appeal. Whether you’re an importer, distributor, or e-commerce brand, understanding how to custom five fold umbrella manufacture can give you an edge in a competitive market.
This guide covers all the essential steps and details in custom five fold umbrella manufacturing, from design choices and materials to production workflow and quality checks.

What is a Five Fold Umbrella?
A Five fold umbrella is a highly compact, ultra-portable umbrella that folds five times, making it small enough to fit in pockets, handbags, or travel pouches. Compared to 2- or 3-fold umbrellas, the 5-fold model offers:
Smaller folded size (as short as 16–18 cm)
Lightweight body
Sleek, stylish design
More mechanical joints, requiring precise engineering
Because of its design complexity, careful manufacturing is crucial.
Key Elements in CustomFiveFold Umbrella Manufacturing
1. Frame and Ribs Material
When customizing a five fold umbrella, frame durability is essential. Common material options include:
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Aluminum alloy: Lightweight and rust-resistant
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Steel: Strong but slightly heavier
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Fiberglass ribs: Flexible and wind-resistant
The folding mechanism must be smooth and reliable to ensure user convenience. A high-quality folding umbrella must not jam or twist during operation.
2. Canopy Fabric and Coating
The canopy is the main visual and functional part of the umbrella. Popular fabric options include:
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Pongee: Premium choice, soft touch, and high waterproof capacity
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Polyester: Common, affordable, and quick-drying
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Nylon: Lightweight but less UV-resistant
For UV protection, consider adding a black glue (black rubber) coating or silver coating, which helps block up to 95% of harmful sun rays. UV-coated umbrellas are in high demand in summer markets.
3. Handle and Shaft Design
The handle is the part the user interacts with most, so customization should consider:
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Rubberized anti-slip handles for better grip
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Plastic or acrylic handles for color flexibility
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Wooden or metallic handles for premium branding
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Telescopic shafts made of aluminum or steel, designed for smooth folding
Adding a custom logo or pattern on the umbrella handle boosts branding impact.
4. Custom Printing and Branding Options
When producing a custom umbrella, the canopy becomes a mobile advertisement. You can choose:
Silkscreen printing for single-color logos
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Heat transfer printing for full-color patterns
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Sublimation printing for photo-realistic designs (on white fabric)
Consider printing:
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Company logo
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Promotional slogans
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Custom artwork or themed patterns
Multiple panel printing is available (1–8 panels depending on design).
5. Packaging and Accessories
Presentation matters. Options for packaging include:
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OPP bag (standard)
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PVC transparent pouch
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Zippered fabric pouch with logo
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Customized gift box or retail box
You can also request:
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Hang tags
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Instruction manuals
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Barcode stickers for e-commerce use
These details make a difference in wholesale umbrella appeal.
6. MOQ and Lead Time
Manufacturers typically offer low minimum order quantities (MOQ) for basic designs (starting from 500–1000 pieces). For fully customized umbrellas (with special materials, coatings, or packaging), MOQs may increase.
Standard lead time:
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Sampling: 5–7 working days
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Mass production: 15–30 days after sample approval
Early planning ensures timely delivery, especially during peak seasons (March–May for rainy season, August for back-to-school promos, etc.).
7. Quality Control Standards
Ensure your umbrella manufacturer has clear QC processes for:
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Frame tension testing
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Open/close mechanical tests (500+ times)
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Waterproof coating durability
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Printing color consistency
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UV protection verification (if applicable)
Ask for a factory audit report or product test certificate (e.g., SGS, REACH) for larger orders.
8. Finding the Right Umbrella Manufacturer
Look for factories with:
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OEM/ODM capability
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In-house printing and sewing workshops
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Experience in five fold umbrella manufacturing
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Export experience to your target country
Good communication, reliable timelines, and transparency are key for long-term cooperation.