Understand the Difference Between Umbrella and Parasol Before Making Any Purchase

Umbrellas and garden parasols were invented three thousand years ago in ancient China, Egypt, India, and Assyria. They eventually migrated to Europe, where they evolved in terms of style, material, and recognition. A handheld umbrella and parasol were then utilized as a weather protection tool.

What is an Umbrella?

The phrases umbrella and parasols are frequently used interchangeably in different countries when it comes to the relevant language. Trendy umbrellas (in Latin, "shade"), are made of thicker waterproof fabric like polyester and nylon to keep rain, snow, and hail at bay. A curved handle is usually included with an umbrella to make it easier to grab and hang at the storage.

Umbrella isn’t only useful for protecting you from the rain, but it also has other vast, prestigious functions in numerous cultures. In Chinese belief, paper umbrellas are connected with good luck, protection against evil spirits and wars, and even influencers of longevity. Different civilizations have discovered new uses for umbrellas, which can be observed in several rituals.

Within the Tibetan culture, umbrellas are so revered that they worship the Buddhist immortal 'Sitatapatra,' who is known as 'the white umbrella' in English. 'The white umbrella' immortal denotes protection against supernatural threats in Chinese civilization.

What is a Parasol?

A parasol (Latin meaning para "shelter/shield" and sol "sun"), is made of delicate materials such as canvas, lace, silk, cotton, linen, and plastic. Unlike umbrellas, parasols are primarily intended to protect against sun exposure. Moreover, it is also assumed that a parasol has lavish designs. A straight shaft and handle are standard features of parasol creation.

Parasols are much more effective than normal sunscreen at blocking UV radiation from the sun, and they can reduce the temperature as well. This means that even on a hot day, staying in the shade will keep you cool. It blocks direct sunlight from reaching the table, and if the material is water-resistant or waterproof, it may provide shelter from summer or heavy rain.

Not only they are different in definition and purpose, but their representation also differs throughout their cultures and time eras. At various cultures around the world, they will represent shelter, protection, royalty, trait, power, prosperity, prestige, and fashion. Making an umbrella or a parasol is a talent. They are still handmade in some societies today.

Material Used

An umbrella must be made through a specific material to be used during heavy rains as well. Nylon is the most frequent material used in modern rain umbrellas. Nylon is a lightweight, waterproof material. This means that no rain will infiltrate or absorb the umbrella, and the user will remain dry and comfortable. Plastic is another material utilized in the manufacture of rain umbrellas.

On the other hand, in the manufacture of parasols, various materials, such as polyester, Teflon, acrylic, and cotton, are commonly used. The shade frame is composed of steel or aluminium, but sometimes other materials such as wood, bamboo, or plastic are also used. Parasols do not require waterproofing. Therefore, they are ornate with various fashionable materials, allowing the designer to be more creative and artistic.

Functionality

Umbrellas are used to protect people from getting wet due to rain. As a result, extremely explicit materials need to be used for it to be effective in carrying out this function.

On the other hand, parasols are developed for a completely different purpose, which is to block harmful rays from the sun, keeping users cool and protected from sunburns. At the same time, they relax and enjoy outdoor gatherings.

Exterior Appearance

Umbrellas are designed to perform a practical function, which is to keep people dry in the rain. Hence, their functionality makes them less fashionable and more useful. The majority of umbrellas are composed of nylon and aluminium material with a spherical shape, making them sturdy, durable, and long-lasting.

However, parasols aren't usually waterproof, therefore they offer a little more fashionable versatility. Parasols are significantly more customized, with lace, tassels, and various ornamental embellishments available. These are generally used as a fashion symbols. In ancient times, the parasol was used by an elite group of women as a part of their culture and fashion. Men were ridiculed for carrying a parasol. Today, most parasols are trendy, colourful, and fashionable which is used in open beaches, restaurants, and gardens to enhance their beauty.

Types of Umbrellas

•Classic umbrellas are common types with metallic, polyester, or wooden shaft and microfiber canopy. The classic umbrella has a curved handle that can be manually or automatically closed with one hand.

•Wind-resistant umbrellas are made of strong material with double layer cover. This double layer makes it heavy to withstand strong wind.

•Golf umbrella has a straight handle to make it convenient for golf players to keep in their golf bag. They are made to withstand the harsh weather in golf areas.

•Paper umbrellas are majorly used by the Chinese. They offer protection from sunlight and strong wind.

•Beach umbrellas are heavy and large to accommodate a whole group under the shade at the beach.

Types of Parasols

•Free standing parasol in the most common type similar to an umbrella, with a pole in the centre of the canopy and can be placed in the centre of the patio.

•Cantilever parasols are hanging parasols with side posts or side poles making the entire space under the shade available for the group. They are fashionable and expensive.

•Tilting parasol is operated by a crank handle that can help in unfolding and tilting the parasol. This way people can use the shade wherever they need more.

•Beach parasol don require nay base to hold it. The pole has a pointed end that spikes into the sand.

•Balinese parasols are decorative shades with wood handles and lace valance. They are available in vibrant colours used for fashion and style.

Chardina Outdoor Co. Ltd. is a Chinese company that deals with the outdoor product used in China. Since 2010, they have been focusing on products like parasols, furniture covers, and their accessories and parasol bases. Many of their products are widely accepted by the European companies. Their staffs are well educated, knowledgeable, and trained about various outdoor products that are required to meet market standards. If you’re looking for a partner in outdoor products, you can try Chardina Outdoor.