As a tool to appreciate the changes that occur over time: Clearing up misconceptions about the "lifespan" of parasols

For those who love things and want to use their favorite tools for a long time, the idea that a parasol has a lifespan of 2-3 years may sound quite sad. If a parasol that you have worked so hard to acquire loses its true essence in just a few years, it calls into question its completeness as a tool.

However, from the perspective of someone who understands the structure of umbrellas, there is almost no need to worry about this. The idea that a parasol's UV protection performance will be lost in a short period of time is merely a widely held belief that has been passed down in the past, given the current state of technology.

Evolution of functions from "painting" to "layering"

In the past, parasols were generally made by adding UV absorbers to the surface of the fabric as a post-processing step, but in this case, the performance would gradually decrease due to runoff from rain and friction.

In contrast, many of the modern functional parasols we rely on are laminated or coated with polyurethane (PU) on the underside of the fabric, a technology that integrates UV blocking functionality as a "layer" into the fabric.

In this structure, the light-blocking and UV-blocking properties are the responsibility of the physical membrane itself. This means that unless the fabric is torn or the inner coating is completely peeled off, the performance will not dramatically decrease. If you choose a high-performance model that boasts 100% light-blocking, that light-blocking property will continue to remain on your head for the life of the fabric.

Identifying the "season" of a tool

So why is the figure "2 to 3 years" so popular? It's because that's the turning point for the "overall condition of the umbrella as an umbrella," not UV protection performance.

Even if the light-blocking performance is maintained, the water-repellent finish will gradually deteriorate due to friction and dirt. Also, after several years of use, the gadget's "play" will become noticeable, with the moving bone joints and the fabric creases wearing down due to repeated opening and closing.

We don't urge you to replace your product just because its UV protection has decreased. Rather, proper care—for example, drying it in the shade after use to remove moisture, and gently wiping it clean—will help maintain its functionality for a longer period of time.

To remain a reliable partner even 10 years from now

Choosing a good umbrella is not just about buying shade, but about acquiring a device that will turn your summer travel time into a comfortable space.

If your parasol has a strong coating, you won't have to worry about its performance after a few years. Rather, you can enjoy using it for a long time, enjoying the handle that fits your hand better with use and the precise click feeling when opening and closing.

Parasols have evolved more than we thought. Why not step out into the strong sunlight this year with the peace of mind that comes with being protected by technology?