Summer shades, but only bigger

Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats have long been summer's first line of defence. As the heatwave becomes intense, another accessory is stepping into the spotlight — Sunbrella, offering both instant shade and a stylish finishing touch.

From fashion week runways to sporting events, carrying a sunbrella in broad daylight is quickly becoming the season's newest statement.

Rise of the sunbrella

The sunbrella is an umbrella used to shield people from the sun. Even the term brolly — a casual British word for an umbrella — is getting a seasonal makeover as umbrellas transition from winter essentials to year-round accessories. Retailers say demand for umbrellas during summer has steadily increased, while traditional frilly sun umbrellas, once popular in the Victorian era before fading from fashion, are making a comeback amid rising temperatures.Alongside regular umbrellas, anti-UV umbrellas are also becoming increasingly popular. These are designed with specialised canopies that aim to block harmful UV rays.

Seen on the runway

Luxury fashion has embraced the sunbrella with ease. At the Thom Browne Spring/Summer 2027 menswear show in Milan, models walked an outdoor runway carrying grey-and-white striped golf-style umbrellas, while guests in the front row were also spotted with black brollies to escape the blazing sun.

At Dior's Paris Fashion Week show, guests, including actors James Marsden and Mike Faist, were handed oversized cream umbrellas as temperatures climbed to 38°C. Luxury houses, including Burberry and Hermès, already known for their premium umbrellas, are also helping reposition the accessory from a rainy-day necessity to a chic summer companion.