Top 10 Best Beach Umbrellas in 2021 (Sport-Brella, Tommy Bahama, and More)

Check out our top picks for the best beach umbrellas that offer great protection from elements. 

Before you buy a beach umbrella, you need to understand umbrella types, sizes, and materials. 

The main criteria that you look for is a UV proof umbrella. If you are attaching it to a chair, you need a clamp-on umbrella. But if you need shade for more than one person, a commercial-grade umbrella will be the best bet.

A clamp-on umbrella is small and generally has eight panels. It comes with a clamp attached to the bottom of the pole that you attach to a lounge chair or table. Clamp-on umbrellas are suitable if you’re lounging at a calm beach with less wind. Being smaller in size, they are easy to carry as well.

Commercial-grade beach umbrellas are generally used in beach areas with heavy traffic. They are made of weather-resistant material, like canvas and a fiberglass frame. The reinforced fiberglass frame can handle the elements without breaking down. Being heavy-duty, these umbrellas are made to withstand consistent use.

It’s best to choose the size depending on the number of people that require shelter and the amount of shade you need. 

An umbrella with a diameter of eight feet or more is ideal if you’re seeking shelter at the beach with your family or friends. If you’re hanging out solo at the beach, a five feet umbrella should suffice. The ideal size for an all-around umbrella is a diameter of six to seven feet. UV-proof umbrellas usually come with a diameter of six feet or more. 

Apart from the umbrella’s dome size, its folded size also matters. That helps you decide whether it’s easy to transport by car, motorbike, or by hand. You can also find pocket-sized beach umbrellas that fold down to a compact size. 

Polyester, vinyl, nylon, and canvas are typical fabrics for beach umbrellas, with polyester and nylon being the most common. These materials are durable, easy to clean, and mold-resistant. These highly-flexible materials are also resistant to water and wrinkles and can dry very quickly.

Acrylic and olefin umbrellas are also used to make beach umbrellas. These materials are also wrinkle-resistant. Olefin is an easy-to-clean material and is known for its UV-resistance and strength. On the other hand, acrylic is soft yet UV-resistant.

Canvas is the most waterproof option of all because it comes with a PVC-coating. The canvas used for beach umbrellas is woven out of cotton, hemp, or linen. These materials make them durable and resilient to the elements.

The umbrella's frame is a rib-like structure with spokes. The canopy is placed above the frame. The frame can be made of steel, aluminum, iron, wood, or fiberglass. Of these, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass are the most common for their excellent durability and strength.

Both steel and aluminum are very resistant to corrosion, unlike iron, which can rust. However, saltwater can cause aluminum and steel to rust. Look for powder-coated materials that will stay resistant to rust in the salty beach air. 

Fiberglass frames are the most versatile. They are sturdy, flexible, and can retain the umbrella's shape under windy conditions. 

The pole is the umbrella's spine and connects it to the anchor below. PVC, wood, steel, or aluminum are the most popular materials, and they are usually powder-coated to prevent rusting. Some have metallic finishes for aesthetic purposes. 

The poles of beach umbrellas are often detachable or foldable. You can also find umbrellas with a pole that can be tilted, which helps to anchor the umbrella at the angle of your choice. Telescoping poles help adjust the umbrella's height, too.

In general, an umbrella with a telescoping design or detachable poles is highly portable. 

While at the beach, you should be able to relax without worrying about UVA and UVB rays. So, i's best to consider an umbrella with a UV coating. A UV-resistant fabric will be attached to the fabric's bottom to absorb and reflect the sun's rays. The UV coating will also slow down the material's deterioration. 

Due to the coating, the shade under the umbrella can also stay a few degrees cooler than the outside temperature. Furthermore, UV umbrellas generally come with a tilting mechanism that allows you to angle the umbrella towards the sunlight. 

Umbrellas with UV coating will have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. Always go with an umbrella with UPF 50+. It can block more than 98% of the sun's UV rays, protecting your skin even when it's burning hot outside. The higher the UPF rating, the better it is for you. For example, UPF 100 can block 99% of the UV rays.

A sand anchor holds your umbrella firmly to the sand in the absence of a firm footing using a threaded design attached to the bottom of the pole. More threads will provide more stability to the umbrella. You just push the pole into the beach sand, and, depending on the depth of the sand, the umbrella will stay put.

You can also find umbrellas with attachable anchors. You'll have to insert the umbrella's pole into the anchor and lock it in place using a tightening mechanism. When not in use, you can detach the anchor and transport it with ease. 

If the umbrella doesn't have a sand anchor, go for one with a base where you can place your bags or belongings to weigh it down, keeping it steady and stable.

Wind can break or bend the umbrella's frame and ribs. Since beaches are often windy, it will be useful to consider an umbrella with an air vent. Air vents make an umbrella resistant to mild and moderate sea breezes. 

The vent is like a small chimney placed at the dome's center. It allows wind to escape, preventing damage to the umbrella in windy conditions. They can also let heat escape through the vent and create a comfortable temperature under the shade.

Wind-resistant umbrellas are also sturdier than standard beach umbrellas. Instead of a vent, some umbrellas have a flap on the canopy. The flap can be opened to let wind and heat escape. The use of a flap or vent can also reduce the pressure on the anchor caused by winds.

A heavy umbrella will be difficult to transport to the beach. So, you want one that is very lightweight and portable. You should also consider whether it comes with a carrying bag.

The bigger the canopy, the heavier the umbrella will be. Similarly, a longer and bigger pole can also add a lot of weight to the umbrella. Products with removable poles and anchors can make transporting easier.

If you're camping with your family, consider a separate umbrella for the kids. They will enjoy having a space of their own to relax and play. 

Looking forward to hitting the beach? Don't forget to check out our recommendations that can make your day more comfortable and fun! 

When you look for a beach umbrella, UV protection is a mandatory requirement. You should also select a product with quality fabric, a frame, and a pole to ensure that the umbrella will be heavy-duty and hold up to years of use. 

The choice of color is subjective, but a brighter color or unique design can help you find your spot on a crowded beach. No matter what type of umbrella you choose, enjoy lounging in the shade!

Author: Biji Ravindran

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Even if you'll be under the canopy all day, your skin is still being exposed to harmful UV rays outdoors. That's why you should always remember to bring your trusty SPF, like this one by skincare enthusiast and acne positivity blogger Joanna Kelly!