Clad in shadows, the correct distance

As the season of strong sunshine arrives, parasols have become an indispensable "portable shade." Especially in recent years of intense heat, high-performance fabrics boasting 100% light blockage are a reliable shield for our skin against UV rays.

However, from the perspective of an umbrella designer, I want to convey that there's a trick to "how you hold it" to get the most out of its features. You often hear that "to prevent sunburn, you should hold it as low as possible." While this is certainly correct for UV protection, from the perspective of heatstroke prevention, it actually requires caution.

What's Happening on the Underside of the Fabric

Parasols with excellent heat-shielding properties block the sun's heat with their fabric. Consequently, the blocked heat accumulates on the umbrella's surface and near the fabric. If your head and the umbrella's canopy are too close, the accumulated heat can be transferred directly to you, making you feel even hotter.

As a guideline, it's ideal to keep at least 10-15cm of space between the top of your head and the underside of the umbrella. By creating an air passage within the umbrella, you prevent heat from building up and can enjoy the maximum heat-shielding effect. Trying to prevent UV rays by holding it too low and then falling ill defeats the purpose. The appropriate distance from your umbrella dictates your comfort in summer.

＜Heat Shielding Test: How heat remains in the umbrella fabric＞

Combine Your Tools to Navigate Summer

We strive daily to develop better umbrellas, but honestly, a parasol isn't a cure-all. While it can block direct sunlight from above, it's currently difficult for a single umbrella to perfectly block "reflected glare" from the asphalt.

That's why we recommend not relying solely on a parasol, but combining it with other tools. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are obvious, and recently, combining them with neck coolers and handheld fans has also become common practice.

Using the umbrella as a "base" and filling in the gaps with other items. Mastering the use of such tools will be the "ultimate countermeasure" for navigating today's harsh summers lightly and safely.