The parasol is most often thought of with Victorian society in England and the U.S. Perhaps the chief reason for it’s popularity at the time was the Victorian admiration (or obsession) for a fair complexion. It was more than a sign of beauty, it showed the world that a woman was a lady and didn’t have to work outdoors. They were as a much a part of a well-dressed lady’s outfit as were her gloves, hat, shoes and stockings. . A fashionable lady carried a different parasol for each outfit. They became popular gifts for men to give their lady. Like the fan and lacy handkerchief, the parasol was both practical and an aid to the subtle art of flirtation. Parasols continued to increase in popularity until the Edwardian era in the early 1900s.

While older women have long used parasols for protective purposes, it has been only recently that young women have seen them as a fashion accessory. After remaining out of fashion for about 90 years, parasols had a resurgence around 1990 as many women no longer considered it healthy or wise to be in the sun too long. Increased awareness about skin cancer contributed to the renaissance of parasols. Parasols are being carried again in increasing numbers in the U. S., Great Britain, France and especially Japan. Parasols are now coming out in new materials (Solarweave)including fabrics with UV protection that filter out 97% of UV rays.