Maximize the heat-blocking effect of your parasol! A comprehensive guide from choosing the right color to using it

July is a month of intense heat, and the term "heat blocking" is gaining attention as a way to stay cooler. However, are you choosing a parasol based solely on the specifications?

You might expect that the higher the heat blocking rate, the cooler it will be, but from a maker's perspective, we want to emphasize the importance of "wise use" that goes beyond the numbers. In this article, we will unravel the essential wisdom for maximizing the potential of a parasol and lowering the perceived temperature.

Heat-blocking rate figures and the reality of how it feels

Generally, if the fabric itself has a heat-blocking rate of 35% or more, it is deemed to have a heat-blocking effect, and some products have figures as high as over 65%.

However, on extremely hot days with temperatures exceeding 35°C, it is actually very difficult to clearly feel the difference between a 35% and 65% heat blocking rate on your skin. Rather than focusing too much on the numbers, understanding how heat is released and the characteristics of the color will ultimately be a shortcut to feeling cooler.

"White" reflects and "black" absorbs

The principle of heat insulation can be easily understood by imagining a car parked in a parking lot in midsummer. The temperature inside a black car is more likely to rise than a white car because black has the property of "absorbing" heat, while white has the property of "reflecting" heat.

Similarly, for parasols, light colors such as white and silver tend to reflect heat well, resulting in higher heat-blocking rates. In contrast, black fabric absorbs heat once, so the numbers appear to be at a disadvantage. However, there's no need to give up on your favorite black parasol because of this. The important thing is to create a "space" that prevents the absorbed heat from being transferred to your body.

15cm of space for coolness

The biggest factor that determines the heat-blocking effect of a parasol is the "space" between the umbrella and your head.

Are you worried about sunburn and wearing your umbrella too low? If the umbrella fabric is too close to your head, the heat stored in the fabric is transferred directly to your head, trapping heat underneath the umbrella. If your body temperature rises, it not only increases the risk of heatstroke, but can also have a negative impact on your skin condition.

Ideally, leave a sufficient gap of about 15 to 20 cm between the umbrella and your head. This creates a layer of air that blocks heat transfer from the fabric, effectively lowering your perceived temperature while protecting your skin.

A heat-shielding style that can be completed by combining it with a hat

Parasols are a powerful tool for blocking direct sunlight from overhead, but they cannot completely block the intense glare from the ground.

Therefore, we recommend using a parasol in combination with a hat. A hat blocks light from coming through gaps that the parasol cannot cover, and also acts as a barrier to prevent the heat trapped under the umbrella from being transferred directly to your head. By combining it with arm covers, etc., you can reduce heat damage to your entire body.

In the end, rather than a difference of a few percent, choosing your favorite sunscreen that you want to wear every day and using it correctly is the most reliable way to protect yourself from heatstroke and UV rays.