Abstract: An umbrella including a shortenable frame having dome ribs and a crown at the end of a stick. A cover is supported by the dome ribs and is attached to the crown and peripherally to the ends of the dome ribs. The cover is also attached to the dome ribs at intermediate points between the ends of the dome ribs and the crown. The cover includes a plurality of radially extending stiffened areas including a flexible hinge area at a position such that each radially extending stiffened portion is separated into at least two radially aligned portions whereby the cover material can fold therebetween. The full extent of the radially extending stiffened areas is provided on the portion of the cover between the crown and the intermediate attachment points.