This "100% light blocking" feature means light leaks through the seams, but does it?
To protect their skin from the strong summer sun, many people choose parasols that are labeled "100% shading."
However, when you hold up that parasol and look up at the sky, have you ever noticed light shining through the seams like twinkling stars, and wondered, "Is it really working as expected?"
In fact, the true performance of a parasol is not determined solely by the shading rate of the fabric. In conclusion, what ultimately determines the shading performance of a parasol is not only the performance of the fabric itself, but also the "quality of the stitching."
No matter how good the fabric is, if the stitching is poor, light will leak through and the fabric will not be able to fully block heat and light.
Why does light leak through even with 100% blackout fabric?
Parasols are made by sewing together multiple triangular pieces of fabric (links). The problem lies in the "seams" that join these pieces of fabric together.
When sewing fabric with a sewing machine, the needle penetrates the fabric, creating a "pinhole." This pinhole and the small gap between the thread and the fabric are the main causes of light leakage.
Light is particularly likely to leak in the following cases:
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Needle selection: If the needle is too thick for the thickness of the fabric, it will create a larger hole than necessary.
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Thread quality: If the thread is too thin or of poor quality, it will not seal the needle hole well.
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Number of stitches: If the stitch spacing is too large, the gaps will become larger, reducing the light-blocking properties and durability.
Unfortunately, there are many products on the market that simply use blackout fabric, but the overall quality of the product is not indicative of that.
If cost is prioritized and the sewing process is simplified, the umbrella will end up leaking light, ruining the specifications of the fabric.
Professional attention to detail
Umbrella manufacturers like us spend a lot of time fighting these invisible pinholes.
For example, we adjust the thickness of the sewing needles in 0.1mm increments to match the characteristics of the fabric, minimizing pinholes. We also deliberately set the spacing between stitches to increase density and physically block out light.
Furthermore, an important part of the design concept is to use high-density fabric that is less likely to cause holes to expand when pierced with a needle.
When choosing a parasol in the future, it will be important to consider not only the shading rate but also the manufacturer and the philosophy behind the product.
Rather than looking for cheap products or products that only emphasize design, check to see if the product description mentions stitching and whether the brand has a proven track record.
Fabric, bone, and sewing technique. Only when all these elements are fused together at a high level can true 100% light blocking be achieved, making your summer comfortable.
