The boundary between a "parasol" and an "umbrella for all weather": The evolution of umbrellas behind these ambiguous terms
"Is this umbrella a parasol? Or is it an umbrella for both sun and rain?"
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive in stores and through customer support. It's no wonder people are confused, as there is a slight gap between the technical terminology and common understanding.
To put it simply, most products currently on the market function as a "parasol" to block the sun, but also come standard with the specs to be suitable for both sunny and rainy days. Why has the once clear boundary between these two concepts become blurred? The reason behind this is the changing environment surrounding the Japanese summer.
A fusion of racing memory and water-repellent technology
About a quarter of a century ago, parasols were literally a luxury item reserved for sunny days only. Parasols, made from natural materials like cotton or linen and decorated with delicate embroidery and lace, would stain and damage the fabric if they got wet. When it rained, owners had to quickly close their precious umbrellas to prevent them from getting wet.
However, in the 2000s, consumer needs shifted towards a rationalization of "wanting to have just one umbrella." This is when all-weather umbrellas, which feature water-repellent and UV-blocking fabric, came into being. Initially, they were only a secondary function that allowed them to withstand light rain, but the violent downpours and rising temperatures of recent years have pushed umbrella specifications to their limits.
A simple sunshade is not enough. It needs to have the waterproof properties of an umbrella, but also block out heat more effectively. HEATBLOCK This is the category of "light blocking and heat blocking" represented by.
Changing search terms have redefined the term "parasol"
The rise of e-commerce sites has also influenced the definition of the word. While the correct category name is "all-weather umbrellas," many users search for the intuitive term "parasol."
As a result, sellers began to use the term "parasol (for both rain and shine)" more and more, and before long the terms converged into one. When choosing a parasol today, it's very simple if you think of it as having the following three-layer structure:
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Major category: All "parasols"
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Functionality: Most umbrellas are suitable for both sunny and rainy days (excluding decorative umbrellas such as lace)
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Added value: 100% light blocking, heat blocking, UV protection
If there are restrictions on its use in rainy weather, there will be a notice saying "Not for use in rainy weather." Unless there is a restriction, modern parasols are a reliable companion that provides both shade and protection from the rain above your head.
The luxury of choosing "for sunny days only"
On the other hand, not everything needs to be multi-purpose. There is also a certain charm to "sunny day umbrellas" that are not waterproof.
The fabric, made from natural materials woven at a low density, does not retain heat and allows the breeze to pass through for a cool feeling. Because it does not have a waterproof coating, it is highly breathable and prevents heat from building up inside the umbrella. This is the "emotional coolness" that cannot be expressed in numerical specifications.
A high-tech umbrella with ultimate functionality, or a classic one that lets you enjoy the texture of the material? The true joy of choosing an umbrella lies in going beyond the definition of words and identifying an umbrella that suits your style.
