There’s something timeless about the ritual of setting up a little patch of paradise by the sea. The smell of salt in the air, towels flung across warm sand, and—of course—a trusty sun shade casting its cool shadow over the day. At Sun People Co., we’re endlessly inspired by this tradition. So we decided to take a look back at how beach shelters—and the culture around them—have evolved over the last hundred years.
1920s–30s: Elegance by the Sea
In the early 20th century, beach outings were a social affair. Seaside holidays gained popularity across Europe and America, and sun shelters became symbols of style and status. Striped canvas tents and parasols dotted the sand, often accompanied by full matching ensembles and wicker picnic hampers. Modesty was still in vogue—bathing machines and portable changing tents were common—but the idea of spending the day by the sea was firmly taking root.
1940s–50s: Post-War Simplicity and Sun Worship
After the war, the beach became a place of freedom and joy. As travel became more accessible, families flocked to the coast, and sun shelters evolved into lighter, more functional forms. Umbrellas remained popular, now in bolder, brighter colors. The 1950s marked the start of true “sun culture” in places like the French Riviera and California. Tanned skin became fashionable, and beach umbrellas weren’t just for shade—they were for style.
1960s–70s: Bohemia, Surf, and Sun
This was the era of freedom and flair. Surf culture surged, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and the West Coast of the US. Beach shelters ranged from retro-futuristic parasols to DIY canvas set-ups and tie-dyed tarps. The vibe was more relaxed, less uniform. Families, surfers, and bohemians each brought their own flair to the beach. The shelter wasn’t just a necessity—it was an expression of identity.
1980s–90s: Function Over Form
The rise of the pop-up shelter. In these decades, convenience started to overtake aesthetics. While some beachgoers clung to the charm of striped umbrellas, mass-produced nylon shelters and pop-up tents became common. They were light, portable, and practical—but often lacked the character of their canvas ancestors. Still, the beach remained a hub for families and friends to gather and unwind.
2000s–Now: The Return of Style and Sustainability
In recent years, there’s been a revival of classic beach style, with a modern twist. As awareness around sun safety and sustainability grows, more people are choosing high-quality, thoughtfully designed shelters—returning to natural materials, canvas textures, and timeless forms. At Sun People Co., we draw on the best of beach culture’s past—vintage stripes, elegant frames, and sun-smart designs—to create shelters that honour the golden eras of seaside living.
From Past to Present
The beach shelter has always been more than just protection from the sun. It’s a beacon for slow summer days, long lunches by the sea, and memories made in the sand. As we look back, we’re reminded of why we do what we do—because some things, like the joy of a beach day, never go out of style.