Best Parasol for Sun Protection in 2021

Ahhh Parasols. Whenever I think of these I immediately envision myself in a beautiful dress jumping into a chalk drawing on the sidewalk. Yes, you guessed it, I go straight to Mary Poppins.

Parasols have always been very popular among some cultures but are now appearing all around the globe. I’ve been to lots of weddings where the bride and bridal party have use these and they are quite the accessory at the races instead of your usual headwear.

Parasols do however provide another benefit besides helping you look fabulous. Sun protection!

There is no better way to protect yourself then to cast your own personal shade. Yes of course you should still use sunscreen but there may be times where it isn’t practical to reapply when needed, for example at a wedding! You can’t exactly lather sunscreen on when you have your makeup done.

Buyer’s Guide

 

So when you’re on the search for your new fashion (and sun protection) accessory you’ll want to keep an eye out for a few key features.

Size

If you are after something large enough to comfortably fit two people then a parasol may not be the one for you. Most parasols are for single use only.

Parasol sizes are measured across the arc rather than the width so to make sure you will have enough coverage always check the size before committing to your purchase. A ‘regular’ parasol size is between 40 to 50 inches.

UPF Rating

Another handy thing is know about is UPF ratings. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and the resulting number provides important information on how much of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays may penetrate your parasol and reach your skin.

UPF rated sun protection items can be ineffective if you don’t use them correctly so it’s important to remember the following:

• Fabric sun protection items should not be pulled too tight as it may become thin and transparent, resulting in less effective protection.
• Items may become significantly less effective when it becomes wet
• Old items should be replaced as it may lose its ability to protect you from those rays. Go on just buy a new one!

See the table below for a detailed breakdown on UPF ratings:

UPF Rating	Protection Category	Percentage of UV Blocked
15-20	Good	93.3 – 95.9%
25-35	Very good protection	96.0 – 97.4%
40 and over	Excellent protection	97.5% or more

Material/Make

You’re going to come across a few options when it comes to materials and colors. You might already have something in mind for what you want to purchase. See my list below to help get your head around some of ones you may come across.

• Aluminium Alloy – strong sturdy option
• Fibreglass – built strong and safe for use in storms
• Polyester – perfect for protecting you from rain and sun
• Printed fabric – Let your personality shine through with a bold print or pattern. There is no need to think parasols are boring! There are lots of options for you to explore.
• Plain fabrics – Corporate and classy. Plain print parasols are available in a large number of colors.

Use

Generally parasols are used to protect you from the sun but I have included some options that will have you covered in both sunny and wet conditions.

If you are after an umbrella dedicated to sun use it could be different to an umbrella you want to use in the rain. So be sure to decide whether you want a parasol that can do both or just sun or rain.

The last thing I want is for you to get sunburnt or for your parasol to get damaged in the rain!

Manual v Push Button Operation

This is all about how you are going to get your parasol up, open and protecting you from the sun. Some parasols will open with one press of a button. Others will require you to push them open yourself.

To make the comparison easy to consider check out my pros and cons for both below.

Push Button Opening

Pros

• Easy to use – especially for children and the elderly
• Fast opening
• May be more expensive

Cons

• Once broken, are difficult to fix
• May be unable to be used if broken or malfunctioning
• May cause injuries if opened unexpectedly or by children

Manual Opening

Pros

• Easy to use
• User controls opening and closing
• May be cheaper

Cons

• Can be fiddly and tricky especially for younger children or the elderly
• Requires some coordination and hand strength

Price

Parasols may range anywhere from a small amount of cash into the hundreds of dollars for some brands.

You want to look for a quality parasol that isn’t going to fall apart on you in your hour of need, or flip inside out on a hot windy day (come on I know you have seen this happen before!).

It’s always ideal to look for a quality parasol within your budget to start off with but if you think a higher priced parasol will provide a better quality, then don’t be afraid to spend a little extra.

Best Parasol for Sun Protection Comparison

 

5 Best Parasols for Sun Protection

 

After thorough research that combined discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in sun safe and fashion forums SimplySunSafe has chosen the 5 best parasols for sun protection.

All of these parasols provide great sun protection, suit everyone’s budget and have great UPF ratings.

1. Migobi Folding Flouncing 42-inch UPF 50+ UV Parasol

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The Migobi Parasol is a great option for those after both sun and rain protection. It has a classic look with a wave decorative edge for a little bit of flair. This is SimplySunSafe’s pick for the best parasol.

The polyester fabric cover is perfect for protecting you from all weather conditions and is rated UPF 50 for excellent sun protection.

The shaft and skeleton is made from aluminium alloy and fibreglass to give you a sturdy reliable parasol.

This parasol is 42 inches when opened perfect for the solo traveller and folds down to a nice and small 9.4 inches. The Kilofly is manual opening and closing.

For colors you’ve got 3 options – green, pink and blue – with a matching parasol sleeve for convenience. This parasol option is also in the low budget range.

Warranty has you covered for 1 year and there is a 30-day guarantee.

2. kilofly UPF 40+ Embroidered Sun Protection Folding Parasol

Last update on 2021-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The kilofly parasol is a fashionable feminine option. Perfect for special occasions like garden parties and weddings.

It features a UPF 40 rated material that will provide solid protection from the sun. It is lightweight and packs down small enough to fit into a handbag or to be stashed away in your glovebox.

A great option for single-person use it measures 34 inches when opened. Manual opening and closing, this parasol comes with a matching cover.

A lace outer layer gives this parasol plenty of charm and character while the inner layer provides sun and rain protection. This parasol has you covered in both conditions.

Available in one color option only, the Kilofly parasol is at the bottom end of the price guide so won’t hurt your bank balance.

3. Honeystore Flower Wedding Lace Embroidery UV Parasol

Last update on 2021-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Honeystore have made a mark as a producer of fine parasols and umbrellas.

They feature their own designers and are continuously changing their products according to market needs.

The Honeystore Lace Parasol is a gorgeous option for those looking for something a little bit fancy and intricate. They feature an embroidered lace cover with handmade appliqué and sequins. This parasol will have to set apart from the crowd. Due to the intricate nature of this one you won’t want to get it wet.

It features double layered sun protection and not only is fancy it’s also got an excellent UPF rating of 50 so you will be well-protected from the sun. When opened this parasol is approximately 34 inches in size which will comfortably fit one person.

To fold this parasol is a manual system and features a double fold to be super compact and convenient.

This fantastic looking parasol is available in 7 different colors and is in the mid range budget.

If you are looking for something for a special event you should definitely take a look at this one.

4. kilofly Embroidered Lace Folding Anti-UV UPF 40+ Parasol

Last update on 2021-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Another kilofly parasol makes the top 5. This one is simply stunning so was hard to look past. It is perfect for a vintage photo shoot or high tea garden party. The lace edging is my favorite feature.

A UPF 40 cover provides you good coverage from the sun’s rays and opens to a size of 33 inches, another solo option.

The kilofly Lace Parasol will only protect you from the sun so don’t go and dance in the rain with this one.

A manual opening parasol, users have commented that it can be a little hard to open and close. This parasol is only available in the one color option which is a pretty beige with black lace trimming.

A low budget parasol option, definitely worth checking out if you are after something a little vintage.

5. Lily-Lark Blue Squares UV protection UPF 50+ Sun Parasol

Last update on 2021-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

So this is the ultimate in sun parasols. Lily-Lark have a signature range of classic, authentic, fashionable sun parasols.

A nice and high UPF 50 rating gives this parasol an extra reason for the huge price tag.

This parasol is handmade from bamboo so strictly no rain or high winds although it is water resistant. There are two sizes available a 31 inch and a larger 37 inch both still smaller sizes for single person use.

The fabric canopy features a stark print of cool oasis colors that will have you needing a cocktail and the beach. There is also a matching cover to ensure your special purchase is protected. If you prefer other prints Lily-lark has a wide range available.

Now this handcrafted piece does not come cheap and is definitely on the highest highs of budgets, but since parasols can be a little special, I decided to add this one in.

Conclusion

Thanks so much for reading my article on parasols. I love how sun safety does not have to be unfashionable and how so many businesses are now bringing out gorgeous options but still keeping sun protection in mind.

A parasol is a personal sun shelter that not only is a great fashion accessory but also your own personal shade. Remember a parasol is great for giving you some much needed shade but should be used with other sun protection.

SimplySunSafe recommends the Migobi Folding Flouncing 42-inch UPF 50+ UV Parasol as our champion pick and the personal parasol you should definitely consider purchasing.

After taking into consideration all the features in the buyers guide, this was the product that came out on top. If one of the other four better suits your needs, go ahead and choose that one because ultimately the decision is about you and your needs.

I love hearing from you guys, so if you purchase one of these items or find another parasol that suited you better please let me know about it in the comments. I’ll love researching and will update my guide. I hope you enjoyed my article on the latest and greatest parasols for protecting you from the sun.

FAQs

Q: Do parasols protect you from the sun?

A: Sitting under a parasol may give you partial sun protection; however, they do not protect you from sunburn. Parasol may block the sun overhead but does not provide any shade on your side when you are walking in an outdoor area facing west or east. Moreover, they scatter the sun’s rays in all directions instead of concentrating them accidentally in one direction. 

It’s important to note that parasols do not block UVA rays and can’t be used as a substitute for sunscreen. For maximum protection, it is best to alternate between using a parasol or an umbrella with broad coverage and applying a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Q: Which color of an umbrella is more effective against sunlight?

A: Black-colored umbrellas are the best for protection against the sunlight as they absorb the most amount of radiation. Besides, these umbrellas are painted silver from the inside to ensure they remain cool and radiate the UV rays. 

Q: Is Umbrella better than sunscreen?

A: No! Umbrellas are not as effective as sunscreens when it comes to sun protection. It is proven that sunscreens are three times more effective in preventing sun damage to the skin. So, you cannot substitute sunscreen for an umbrella. It’s recommended to use both for maximum sun protection. 

Q: How do I know which umbrella’s and parasols are safe to use as extra sun-protection?

A: The umbrellas that have some rating of being UPF are considered to be safe for sun protection. Besides, the fabric should be fade-proof and water vapor resistant to provide the maximum sun-blocking effect. Also, it should have a breathable material to prevent the head from trapping inside.

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