Clad in shadows, the correct distance

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

However, as umbrella designers, we want to convey that there's a trick to "how you hold" your parasol to maximize its effectiveness. We often hear that "to prevent sunburn, you should hold it as low as possible." While this is certainly correct from a UV protection standpoint, it actually requires caution from a heatstroke prevention perspective.

What's Happening on the Underside of the Fabric

Parasols with excellent heat-shielding properties block the sun's heat with their fabric. In return, the blocked heat accumulates on the surface of the umbrella or near the fabric. If your head is too close to the top of the umbrella, this accumulated heat can be directly transferred to you, sometimes making you feel even hotter.

As a guideline, it's ideal to hold the parasol at least 20cm away from the top of your head to the underside of the umbrella. By creating an air passage within the umbrella, you can prevent heat from building up and maximize the heat-shielding effect. It would be counterproductive to hold it too low to prevent UV rays and then suffer from poor health. The appropriate distance from your parasol will determine your comfort in summer.

＜Heat insulation test: How heat remains in the umbrella fabric＞

Combine Tools to Navigate Summer

We strive daily to develop better umbrellas, but honestly, parasols are not omnipotent. While they can block direct sunlight from above, it is currently difficult for a single umbrella to perfectly block the "ground reflection" from asphalt.

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

Using the umbrella as a "base" and filling in the gaps with other items. Mastering the use of such tools will surely be the "strongest countermeasure" for navigating the harsh modern summer lightly and safely.