How to choose the best parasol cover

A parasol cover is an essential accessory for storing your parasol when the summer is over and the cold season is approaching. The cover will protect your garden parasol from severe weather conditions, preventing the formation of rust on the pole or mildew on the canvas. Parasol covers come in different sizes and shapes to fit your parasol.

But which cover should you choose for your parasol? With many options available, you’ll have to sift through thousands of products to find the perfect cover for your parasol. Knowing what features to look for can go a long way in finding the right cover. In this guide, we’ve covered essential points to keep in mind when shopping for a garden parasol cover.

What parasol cover size should you choose?

Size is perhaps one of the most important things to take into account when looking for a cover for your parasol. It's important to buy the correct cover size. If it's too small, you'll expose some parts of the parasol. If it's too big, it can easily trap water and dirt. To get the correct size, you’ll need to measure the length and width of the umbrella.

Most parasol covers come with stickers that indicate their size and compatibility with umbrellas. So, if you know the size of your umbrella, you can easily choose the right size using the specified measurements. It’s important to pay attention to the difference between the size of regular parasols and square parasols.

An umbrella cover that fits a round umbrella with a 33cm diameter can work on square umbrellas with a 23cm diameter. If you cannot find the measurement for your parasol, you may want to contact the manufacturer to get information. 

Additional features to look for

Apart from size, you must keep a few other things in mind when shopping for a parasol cover. These features will help you choose a cover that suits your needs.

Cover protection

It's essential to keep in mind the kind of protection offered by the parasol cover. One thing to keep in mind is that not all covers offer the same range of protection. Some covers can protect against water but are not UV resistant. Other models provide water and UV protection, while some are not waterproof.

If you want to store your parasol umbrella in a sheltered space, you can go for covers that are not waterproof. However, in any case, it's highly recommended to get a cover that is water- and UV-resistant.

Cover-up range

The amount of space covered by the parasol cover is another crucial point to keep in mind. Some covers provide full protection by covering every inch of the parasol, while others cover only the upper side, leaving the base and legs unprotected. Rarely will you find covers that cover the whole parasol.

If you have a sturdy, rust-resistant parasol base, you don’t need to cover the lower part. Covers are mostly designed to protect the fabric and the parasol's upper part, including the pole.

Colour

Parasol covers come in various colours to suit your taste and styling needs. Colours you can find on the market include black, grey, and others. It's a good idea to choose a cover colour that matches the colour of your patio or garden furniture. You can also choose a colour that contrasts your décor.

Remember that bright colours will show more dirt than darker ones. On the other hand, darker colours fade faster when exposed to the sun for extended periods. The good news is that most manufacturers make their products resistant to fading and damage by UV and rain.

It's recommended to create a cohesive look that is well-balanced rather than adding an attention-grabbing cover. Decorate your patio or garden with colours that suit your style, personality, and preference. You don't have to follow strict rules.

Stitching

Stitching is an important factor that determines how easy it is to tear a material. Most parasol covers are double-stitched to keep them strong and long-lasting. Sometimes, poor-quality covers tear up while you try to set them up because the stitches are loose. So, ensure you check the stitching. If you're buying online, zoom the image to check if it's double-stitched.

How to cover and store your garden parasol

Even if you have the best parasol cover, you need to know how to cover it to prevent damage. First, only cover the umbrella when it’s dry. Also, make sure it's closed and bound correctly before putting it on the cover. Ensure all straps are secure and store the umbrella. If you want to keep it in the basement, lay it down to prevent it from falling.

Looking for the best cover for your garden umbrella? Browse our collection to find the perfect option.