06/23/2026
What did summer look like before sunscreen? ☀️
Meet an early 20th century embroidered linen parasol! 🌂
In the early 20th-century, parasols like this were a popular fashion accessory, especially among women, providing both shade from the sun and an elegant addition to an outfit! At the time, parasols provided physical shade from sunlight and heat, but did not offer modern ultraviolet protection. Unlike today's umbrellas, they were not made with ultraviolet protection factor-rated fabrics or UV-blocking coatings. Instead, protection depended entirely on fabric thickness, weave, and layering to reduce how much sunlight passed through!
By the late 20th century, especially from the 1980s onward, increased awareness of skin cancer led to the development of ultraviolet protection factor-rated textiles. These materials are tested to measure how effectively fabric blocks ultraviolet radiation, shifting parasols from mainly aesthetic items to engineered sun protection tools.
Overall, the parasol reflects how everyday objects change with scientific understanding and social needs, shifting from symbolism and style to health-focused design over time!
