To be considering getting a parasol?

[MrsTommyBanks]

Just that really. I'm really suffering in this heat and think it would be lively to have portable shade.
I've seen some lively parasols on line.
Would I look like a knob?

If you look a knob then you are in good company! I’m amazed that they have not made a come back this year, think you should start the trend off OP!

Buy one!
I went off thread and googled them we have been using umbrellas!

I can't decide between the ivory or black lace

If you look like a knob then I already do!
I have a condition which is made much worse with exposure to sun light, I’ve been rocking various parasols in strong sun for years.
Go for it. Everyone will be jealous in this weather.

Just to add they're popular here across the pond. Getting used to seeing them actually.

Too much?

I didn't know they were a thing. I'm excited now.

I was confused and wondered why you'd ask about buying an umbrella for your garden! Before I realised.

What are the big garden umbrellas called again?!

I just use an umbrella and probably look more of a knob than if I used a cute little parasol. It's much easier having one thing that's good for both rain and sun though what with the variability of the weather.

In places that are always sunny and hot it's very common and no-one would look at you twice.

I think they look pretty. And a little bit mysterious

I have a hand fan that I use a lot. I feel like a knob in London but I was one of four women with one in the same carriage in the Paris Metro.

Remember, it's cool because you're doing it and it's better than looking like a sweaty tomato.

9amTrain, the garden ones are also called parasols.

I've seen a few people recently using ordinary brollies; I've got a rather nice, large red one which I think I'll wheel out today!

I've used parasols for years, I used to sometimes get funny comments when using ones made from umbrella-like material. Mostly now I like to use the cheap Chinese fabric ones with flowers on, only a few quid each and come in loads of colours or a paper one from Japan which is my favourite but quite fragile.

I use the uv umbrella ones.

A knob?? For carrying a parasol?
I have one and several others round here do as well

They are really popular in Asia along with UV umbrellas. We don't usually get such warm weather over long periods of time so that's why they aren't so common. I love them.

You’ve inspired me to dig out the paper Japanese parasols I used to decorate my room with as a student! Shall be using one of those today, and enjoying my shade! Yay for my 18 year old self’s love of charity shops and double yay you for the inspiration!

How could you POSSIBLY be considered unreasonable for carrying a parasol ffs?!

Do it! I have several, a couple from my 70's childhood, one is a bit small but a beautiful Chinese paper one, it's off on hols with me soon :)

Where's the one in the picture from? I like it!

Definitely a good idea. I have a UV umbrella, which is practical but boring! And if you're worried about looking silly you'll definitely look better than everyone with sunburn!

You won't look like a knob. 😂
This has reminded me to pull out my fan though. Heading to London tomorrow and I think the humidity and heat will probably kill me. Let's hope my paper fan from Korea mitigates this.

Not a knob. I've seen people using umbrellas.

Ive thought about getting one. I live in a very high Japanese and Chinese tourist area and I've seen tons of them being sported the last few weeks. They just look so ladylike so may not look quite right on me with my complete lack of elegance 😂

@QuarrellingElephants

The one in the photo is from eBay

<a class="break-all" href="https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/50-Anti-UV-Sun-Rain-Protection-Windproof-Flower-3-Folding-Umbrella-Parasols-New/222923479081?ul_ref=rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?ff3=2&toolid=10044&campid=5338268676&customid=6655235f-4ebb-475c-8f52-a61fa0529b06&lgeo=1&vectorid=229508&item=222923479081&srcrot=710-53481-19255-0&rvr_id=1610816051017&rvr_ts=d64c1f341640ac1d1a21bbcbfffc6873&_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1&ul_noapp=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">m.ebay.co.uk/itm/50-Anti-UV-Sun-Rain-Protection-Windproof-Flower-3-Folding-Umbrella-Parasols-New/222923479081?ul_ref=rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?ff3=2&toolid=10044&campid=5338268676&customid=6655235f-4ebb-475c-8f52-a61fa0529b06&lgeo=1&vectorid=229508&item=222923479081&srcrot=710-53481-19255-0&rvr_id=1610816051017&rvr_ts=d64c1f341640ac1d1a21bbcbfffc6873&_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1&ul_noapp=true

There are so many to chose from. I like the elegant pretty ones. But I'm not an elegant sort of woman

@MrsTerryPratchett

Yes to the hand fan. I've had one since the menopause kicked in and it goes everywhere with me!

I bought one years ago - my daughter simply would not keep a hat on when a baby and on holiday it was a big problem. As she was mostly in a sling I figured a parasol would keep us both safe - I loved it! I'm not a slim elegant lady by any means but I felt so Edwardian ladylike, I say go for it!