There are a few things to consider when buying a beach umbrella or shelter, such as size, sun protection and style. Plus, how tricky it is to set up and take down (no one wants to grapple with an unruly canopy in 35-degree heat while being whipped with sand).
Here, we’ve rounded up some standouts – from classic umbrellas and quick pop-up shelters to luxe ’70s-style beach tents for whiling away a summer’s day with friends or family. We’ve thrown in some beach chairs and pillows too, so get comfortable.
Baskk Aspen umbrella
$130
Hailing from the Sunshine Coast, Baskk is an outdoors brand focused on sustainability. Its lightweight umbrellas are laid-back and classic, featuring a canopy made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles and a wooden pole crafted from responsibly managed timber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.Basil Bangs The Weekend umbrella
$199
Basil Bangs is the chic, vintage-inspired project of a husband-and-wife duo based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Each style in the label’s shade repertoire feels just as retro as it does fresh. There’s triple coated fabric to maximise longevity, fixtures designed in-house to improve sturdiness and lots of summery hues to choose from. The Weekend is the most lightweight of the brand’s offering, but there’s also the Premium for a hinged canopy that tilts.Sunday Supply Co Black Rock beach umbrella
$279
Bold, black and completely relaxed, this Sunday Supply Co style is designed for days spent at the beach, by the pool, on the deck and in the garden. There’s a two-metre canopy for surplus shade, boho chic tassels made from 100 per cent cotton and a tilt mechanism for protection. It’s also waterproof and fade-resistant so it’ll stand the test of time.Unawatuna Premium beach umbrella
$249
Bondi label Unawatuna’s umbrellas come in limited-edition original prints inspired by suitably beachy themes: retro surf culture, tropical markets and crisp Mediterranean blues and whites. All are crafted with UPF50+ waterproof fabric and come with a matching carry bag.Zorali Sunday camp stool
$120
Made from durable, tear-resistant cotton canvas with reinforced edges, this fold-up stool is a lightweight and package solution for road-trip beach-perching. From campsite hangs to family picnics and even al fresco breakfasts, it’s a space-minimising option you can carry with ease.Sunday Supply Co Vista beach chair
$169
These stylish, lightweight beach chairs by Byron Bay’s Sunday Supply Co come with a detachable carry strap, so you can sling one over your shoulder while you trek across the dunes. Expect powder-coated aluminium frames and a choice of block colours and prints, plus machine-washable and tear-resistant cushions. There’s even a pocket for your book or sunscreen.Business & Pleasure Co The Tommy chair
$399
These quick-assembly chairs are the no-fuss compact version of Business & Pleasure Co’s deck and sling chairs. They combine treated hardwood frames with umbrella-canvas backs in some of the brand’s most popular prints and come with a detachable cotton carry strap.Homecamp Fenby foldaway chair
$389
Inspired by the iconic Tripolina folding camp chair, these classic beach seats from Aussie outdoor label Homecamp are made elegant and sturdy. Hand-constructed from sustainably sourced American red oak, stainless steel and heavy-duty canvas, they’re built to last and even come with their own custom-made carry bag.Business & Pleasure Co The Premium beach tent
$299
For shelter inspired by the ’70s, Business & Pleasure Co’s tasselled canvas beach tents riff on the brand’s signature luxe beach umbrellas. They’re suitable for park hangs, too, and offer an alternative two-tone design that spotlights retro scalloped edges.The Somewhere Co Riviera beach cabana
$349
The Somewhere Co’s cabanas make cosy sanctuaries to soak up the buzzy beach ambience while taking shade from the sun. Its compact design packs down to 115 centimetres for easy transport and there are internal pockets for secure storage of your phone and keys. The label brings its signature vibrant designs from its playful lunch-ware collection to the beach with stripes and checkerboard prints with cooler bags and recliners to match.Kathmandu Retreat beach shelter
$120
Kathmandu’s tent-like beach shelters can be zipped up for the safe storage of belongings when you’re in the ocean, and for beachside changing on your doorstep. There’s wind and sun protection, plus built-in floors.Hommey Picnic Stripes beach pillow
$39
No more using your beach bag as a head prop with Hommey’s beach pillow range designed for post-ocean dip comfort. Featuring the Aussie label’s signature bold colours and playful stripes, the cush pillows are made from 100 per cent terry towelling material with an inflatable insert for ease of transport.Sunnylife inflatable beach pillow
$40
Sunnylife launched in Sydney in 2003, aiming to export Australian summer style to the world. Each year it releases new eye-catching colourways and prints for its inflatable beach pillows and roomy beach cabanas. We rate the confidently stylish pastels embossed with floral detailing, plus this pillow comes with a ziplock storage pouch.Additional reporting by Jo Walker, Elizabeth McDonald and Alice Jeffery.
We hope you like the products we recommend on Broadsheet. Our editors select each one independently. Broadsheet may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
