A umbrella, also called parasol or umbrella, is a portable utensil or a fixed or folding structure to provide shade. It is used to protect yourself from the sun, for example on beaches or outdoor pools. Unlike the umbrella, created to protect you from the rain, it does not have to be waterproof.

It was designed from the same principle as the umbrella and developed approximately 4,000 years ago by the Chinese civilization where the umbrella was also created. From there it spread to Persia, Egypt and Greece; and it was right there where, since the 19th century, umbrellas began to be used exclusively by the noble classes.[1]​.

Before, they were made of light and fine fabrics, often with lace; Nowadays, they are mostly made of plastic materials.

Today's umbrellas are made from a wide variety of materials. For the frames of the umbrellas, the most used material is aluminum due to its lightness and hardness. However, it is not the only material for the frames, you can also find stainless steel and tropical woods; and recently even fiberglass. Stainless steel umbrellas can reach somewhat high prices, however they are ideal for beaches and pools where humidity and salinity can deteriorate other materials. On the other hand, wooden umbrellas are aesthetically very pleasing to the eye, although they are heavier than those made of other materials, the natural appearance that tropical woods give to the umbrellas is unique. Finally, the new fiberglass umbrellas seem to mix the best of all the previous ones. Fiberglass umbrellas are light like aluminum, flexible, strong like stainless steel, and are manufactured to imitate wood, making them an ideal option.

The textiles used for umbrellas are many and can vary between vinyl and acrylic canvases, to specialized fabrics for outdoors. Promotional umbrellas commonly have a thin plastic cloth or canvas; which protects from the sun but not from UV rays. They are very light, easy to print and waterproof, however they do not withstand the heat of the sun for long, as they become hot and tend to discolor.

Among the most attractive are the witches' lace umbrellas, which can be found in a variety of colors and designs. Nowadays they are often used in celebrations such as weddings due to the beauty and delicacy of their designs.[2]​.