by Erin Feith, Coordinator of Research & Visitor Engagement
August 4, 2026
Long before the advent of air conditioning, other tools such as the parasol were used to keep cool. Derived from the Latin for “shield (or protect) from the sun,” the parasol has largely retained the same function for millennia, however, the demographic of parasol-owners has evolved as technologies developed, allowing the fashion piece to become more accessible and ubiquitous over time.
Depicted in artwork of ancient Egyptians, some of the earliest examples of parasol-like devices were constructed of palm leaves or feathers. Intermittently used in religious ceremonies over the centuries, parasols grew in popularity during the Renaissance. Even from this early point, the accessory was primarily associated with women, particularly those of higher status or social standing, acting as an adornment that indicated a lifestyle of leisure rather than outdoor labor. As such, they were typically made of the finest materials, including linen and silk, and featured handles of bamboo, ivory, and mother of pearl. Many were also designed to match a specific ensemble to further display one’s status.
A
s parasols became more widely accessible, they were offered in a variety of styles and materials. In fashion newspapers and magazines of the early 19th century, advertisements offered an endless array of options from colors to styles that best fit the needs of the buyer. Parasols also increasingly provided those of the middle classes with an opportunity to express themselves in fashion. Indeed, during the latter half of the 19th century, embellishments gained popularity as technology facilitated the addition of lace and ribbons onto the fabric.
A number of factors contributed to the decline of the parasol in the first decades of the 20th century, including the rise of the automobile which supplanted open carriages. Umbrellas also gained favor over parasols as they could more readily protect against rain. Although not disappearing completely, parasols were relegated to certain formal occasions by the mid-20th century. Today, in the examples that remain, the long-standing popularity of the parasol shines through.
