Domestic technical textiles Industry Segment-wise consumption of ...

Umbrella Fabric
Umbrella fabric is a medium weight, plain weave taffeta fabric used for manufacturing Umbrellas.
Umbrellas are used primarily in rainy seasons. They are also used for protection against Sun however
such usage is majorly in regions which encounter extreme sunshine especially the regions close to the
equator. Earlier umbrellas were manufactured using cotton fabric coated with waterproofing agent.
With advent and extensive usage of synthetic material the umbrella fabric used these days is polyester
and nylon taffeta fabric.
Product characteristics
Umbrella fabric is made of polyester filament yarn or nylon filament yarn in varying constructions i.e.
150T, 160T and 190T where T indicates the thread density. The umbrella fabric is expected to be
water-proof for the rainy season, should maintain physical form during extreme ultraviolet exposure
in the summer season, and should have high tear resistance and high abrasion resistance. The GSM of
umbrella fabric typically ranges from 110 to 280 based on type of umbrella.
Market dynamics and key growth drivers
The demand for umbrellas depends upon climatic conditions, population, usage of umbrella for
advertisement and social outlook. The umbrella market generally grows slowly due to reuse of old
umbrellas however the market has seen a spurt due to usage of umbrella in advertisement and
promotional activity by Corporates. Umbrellas for kids with fancy and contemporary designs are also
a growing market. The demand for umbrella is expected to grow at 7-10% over the next five years.
(Source: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises).
Market size of umbrella fabric and future forecast
The polyester and nylon taffeta fabric is primarily used for umbrella manufacture. Industry survey
revealed that umbrella taffeta fabric is still not manufactured in India and is imported. The other usage
of taffeta fabric is for some garment application and wind cheater manufacture.
The umbrella market in India is estimated to be 11 million pieces. The complete requirement for
umbrella fabric is fulfilled through imports. In FY 2007-08 approximately 7 million dozens of cut
umbrella straps in size ranging from 17” x 8” to 24” x 8” were imported. This translates into
approximately 9 million square meters of umbrella cloth. Thus, the market for umbrella fabric is
estimated to be 9 million square meters valued at Rs.80 crore. With umbrella being a necessity in
certain regions due to climatic condition, the increase in population as well as the increase in use of
umbrella in corporate promotional activity the market for umbrella fabric is expected to increase at
9% year on year, in line with increase in demand for umbrellas. Hence, the demand for umbrella