Umbrellas were once only used by women.

While umbrellas are used and appreciated by pretty much everyone living in rainy places, for centuries they were seen as something only to be used by women—associated with the fashionable parasols women would carry during nicer days to keep the sun from their skin. But in the mid-18th century, the barriers started to fall, with public figures like philanthropist Jonas Hanway carrying umbrellas during public events. Soon others took notice of the accessory's practicality and it wasn't long before men were using them as often as women.