Right, I’m sick of hiding from the sun. Will a UV umbrella make me look like a wally?

[ShadesOfPemberley]

My skin is ludicrously pale. I can wear all the factor 50 I like but if I go out in the full sun between 12 and about 3 I can literally feel my skin singeing. I hate hats, they just make me hotter. I am sick and tired of scurrying about between patches of shade on my way to places, or even worse barely going out to avoid the sun.

ive always quite fancied a UV umbrella but have never seen anyone else with one… until now! People must be as sick of the heatwave as I am because in the last 3-4 days I’ve seen roughly half a dozen sunshade carriers! A couple of them even looked completely fabulous (the others looked totally fine, albeit not fabulous as such)

I am quite a self conscious person though. I am also a hot sweaty miserable-in-summer person. Will a UV brolly just make me look silly, ridiculous or anything else that will enhance my already peak self-consciousness?!?

I am 50, in case that gives helpful brolly/wally ratio context.

Any advice on type/style/brands also appreciated. Don’t think I can pull off the bridal/Little Miss Muffet look. But I’m sure there are good alternatives out there? Wish I’d asked the two fabulous carriers now but I was driving past them (would have been walking but I was avoiding the sodding sun!)

I use a standard umbrella it helps a little with the heat.

Adult DD has used UV protection umbrellas for years (since being a teen). She’s allergic to UV so summer is a nightmare for her. She also has eczema in various areas all across her face and body, so full coverage UV clothing (like rash vests) can be more irritating than helpful, and it’s complicated by an allergy to a couple of major components of most sun creams. An umbrella is the best solution when she’s out and about.

DD is very pale anyway, and has always dressed in a long, flowy goth/alternative way, so the addition of a variety of umbrellas fits her aesthetic well. With the whole sun allergy/very little skin pigment/goth clothing there’s a distinct vampire vibe.

Luckily DD works permanent nights for the NHS, so at this time of year she can limit her exposure, but she does do normal human things when she needs to in the day, umbrella and all!

Shes just woken up to get ready for her shift, and she says, go for it!

I got a teal one with scalloped edges from Brollies Galore years ago and I love it. I wouldn't care if I got strange looks for using it.

The only challenge is taking it on holiday… it’s much longer than I’d realised so I ended up buying a bigger suitcase than I need normally, just so the parasol can fit diagonally.

I have a UV unbrella, wide brimmed hat and long sleeved cover up tops from Solbari, an Australian company that was recommended by someone on Mumsnet!

They are brilliant. I'm a redhead and these items are making the summer much easier to cope with.

I couldn't care less if anyone thinks I look silly. Not being burned is worth it.

Isn't it a faff to carry around ?
Shopping ,hand bag ,phone ,hat ,sunglasses .
And umbrella ?

We have a large HK community where I live and many of them wear large brimmed hats/visors and carry a brolly. Not sure if they're special UV ones. Not seen anyone make negative comments about it

I have one and probably look like a complete nutter, but I really don’t care.

Wouldn't be without it, use it all the time. Especially the last few weeks.

Although you do notice…..it’s just us and babies with umbrellas on their prams at this time of year 😂

Also, it means your friends/family can always spot you in a crowd!

There are a lot of Korean people where I live who take sun protection extremely seriously. Sun umbrellas, but also all skin covered with UV protective fabric, including face. I've not known any to get so much as a weird look at school pick-up. It's just different people's response to the excessive sun. So definitely use it without feeling self-concious!

I do struggle to not roll my eyes all the topless men in the middle of the day in town though - put your clothes back on!

Do you care about the opinion of the people who would judge you for using one??

The problem with umbrellas is that they arent 'hands free'