December 21, 2021 5 min read

Everyone knows that an umbrella is used to keep the rain off of you individually, but you might not know that a parasol is used to keep the sun off of you, as well.

If you are planning an event or deciding to have fun under the sun on a beach we are here to help you make a decision. 

The Purpose of a Parasol and an Umbrella for Outdoor Activity 

The purpose of a beach parasol is to provide shade and protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Parasols can also protect you from the sun if you're using a sunbed. Beach parasols are often brightly colored to make the users visible from a distance and to get attention from beachgoers.

The parasols can also be used to protect from sand and surf while people are sunbathing on the beach. A beach umbrella is an umbrella designed for use at the beach or pool.

The purpose of a beach umbrella is also to help to escape from the hot summer sun. Beach umbrellas are often brightly colored, which helps people to find them more easily on a crowded beach. Regular umbrellas are designed to protect from rain. However, people use both types of umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun. 

Umbrellas vs Parasols. Difference. Pros and Cons

Some of the pros to using a parasol are that they provide protection from the sun's strong rays, it is easy to carry with you, and has a wide array of "looks." This is not to mention the fact that parasols come in different shapes and sizes, so be sure to find the one that best suits your occasion. Parasols can prevent sun exposure and heat exposure. Parasols can be made from paper, cloth, or plastic. Parasol's cons are that it can take up a lot of room in your bag. However, parasols do fold up nicely and can easily be put in your purse. Parasols are great because they often come with a pocket or a hook to be able to hang it up when not in use.

The idea of beach umbrellas has evolved tremendously within the last decade. It has become one of the most important products that are being manufactured these days. This is mainly because of the various benefits that are associated with a sun umbrella such as a wide-angle that protects from the sun and many others. One of the pros to using an umbrella is that similar to a parasol it protects you from harmful UV rays, sand, and dirt on the beach, and from uncomfortable sand on your chair and on your back. Some of the cons may be related to purchasing the frustration that comes with trying to get the Umbrella to open or close. There are so many different factors that can interfere with the opening of umbrellas. The size of the beach umbrella is very important because smaller umbrellas are harder to open and close. The popular “poofables” are also not very easy to open because they are so large.

Main Differences Between a Parasol and an Umbrella

If you want to know what is the difference between a parasol and an umbrella keep reading. When you are traveling to a location so hot that you need to wear a parasol or an umbrella, you should know about the distinction between the two. Typically, a parasol is a small umbrella that rests on a metal or wooden pole. It has a hood that covers the head and shoulders. An umbrella is an open-weave device used to shield a person from rain or rays of the sun. The major difference between a parasol and an umbrella is that a parasol blocks the sun, while an umbrella prevents rain from ruining your clothes. Also, usually, a parasol can help several people at the same time, while an umbrella typically is used by one person. 

umbrella

When Should Use an Umbrella and When a Parasol?

The answer to this question lies in the time of the day, type of location, and user. The sun is most intense between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM, so an umbrella is the best option at these hours. Parasols are better suited for the evening when the sun's intensity has diminished. Also, an umbrella is best for an outdoor location with few trees, where parasols are better for an outdoor location with trees. As for the user, parasols are best for those who will be sitting down. Since parasols are closer to our heads than an umbrella, the parasol keeps us cool by shading our heads and keeps us visible to others, who can see us sitting.

Benefits of Using a Parasol and an Umbrella in the Sun 

Sunburn can be caused by two different things, either getting too many UV rays or being exposed too long without sunblock. The first thing is to talk about is using a parasol or a sun umbrella. Parasols are typically collapsible so if you want your umbrella to have more shade you can keep it open. Sun umbrellas are also collapsible but are typically stronger. Both are good if you are outside for a long time or are looking for protection from the sun.

To Wrap Things Up

It is up to you what is the best to choose: an umbrella or a parasol for your next sunny picnic to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. It's just a matter of preference and regional preference. However, deciding what product to use at the beach, it's best to take into consideration all the factors involved in the decision-making process.  

Commonly Asked Questions

1. Can an umbrella be used as a parasol?

In fact, an umbrella can be used as more than just a parasol. It can be used as a rain collector, protection from the sun, or even to help transport things without getting your hands wet. There are different shapes of umbrellas, depending on the situation. Also, despite modern stores carrying many different designs, umbrellas have been in use since ancient times.

2. Do parasols protect from rain?

No. The purpose of the parasol is to keep your skin from getting sunburned, not to keep the rain off your body.

3. Is there a difference between a rain umbrella and a sun umbrella?

what is a difference between umbrella and parasol

The main difference between the two is the material used to make the umbrella. A sun umbrella is usually made of a transparent or translucent plastic material. A rain umbrella is made of waterproof material, usually with plastic underneath and rubber on the top. Sun umbrellas are usually smaller than rain umbrellas are extremely lightweight. Since they are lightweight rain umbrellas are more often used.

4. Where is parasol used?

Parasols are one of the most useful things to have, especially during an intense summer. They are a type of awning, a portable yet still sturdy covering for a small area to provide shade from the sun.

Author - Fred Felton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the adventure watersports space, focussing on surf, kayak and rafting. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.


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