With the rains becoming a regular feature one must be prepared to battle a fresh installment of muck and puddles everyday. All shops, malls and footpaths in Ranchi are ready with solutions. Chic and transparent umbrellas, mackintoshes and parasols are up for grabs and both customers and buyers are sticking to the latest trends.

“While umbrellas are an indispensable accessory, colourful and fashionable raincoats are children’s favourite,” says Nishchaya Midha, owner of Chunmun at GEL-Church complex. Among accessories, Midha said, colourful umbrellas, cool jackets, buttoned or zip-up coats, Chinese umbrellas as well as coats made of microfibres and high-tech fibres are selling well.

Modern day raincoats come in many fabrics and styles and colours and have replaced the traditional nylon and light weight fabrics. Midha, who has been in the business since 1995, says the durability factor is always on the consumer’s mind. “While K.C. Pal and Tulsi Pal are already on the list, Chinese waterproofs have entered the market with a bang,” he said.

Colours are making a splash, the brighter, the better. “Aquamarine is my favourite colour. I wish I could collect umbrellas in all colours and match them with my outfits,” says a 17-year-old fashion freak, Mansi Dutta.

Midha points out that manufacturers have to keep many factors in mind. Now, natural and artificial blend fabrics combined with rubber are available that make them water resistant and enhance the quality.

Gone are the days when raincoats were just long plastic sheets. Today, they come in all shapes with special ones designed to be worn over shorts and skirts or sports outfits. The past few years have seen a great change in rainwear and shop owners are prepared in every way, even if that means importing the best.

One can well imagine how hard it must be for buyers to resist the beautifully stacked umbrellas imported from China, ones that can be folded so small that they can be fitted into one’s purse!

“Our motto is less profit and more volume and thus I am getting returns of 10 per cent on my investment annually,” says Midha.

So, all those raring to join the rain dancers dressed in bright colours, have nothing to worry about. There’s plenty to choose from.