As the sunshine subsides, think about how to choose the perfect pair of sunglasses to wear next season.

As autumn deepens and the sunlight weakens in November, it's a good time to reassess your relationship with that parasol you've been using so much all summer. In fact, this off-season is also the perfect opportunity to calmly assess what "truly reliable parasol" you'll be using for the coming season.

Currently, the mainstream on the market is "all-weather umbrellas," but their performance varies widely. From the perspective of someone who has been involved in umbrella development for over 30 years, we will unravel the essential checkpoints for identifying a high-performance umbrella that cannot be measured by the numbers on a spec sheet alone.

Consideration of "reflection" beyond shading rate

Even with an umbrella that claims to block out 100% of light, you may still feel glare or sunburn. This is often caused by glare reflecting off the ground or walls and entering the inside of the umbrella.

A high-performance umbrella must be designed to protect against not only light from above, but also this reflected light from the ground. The important thing is the color of the umbrella's lining. If the inside is black or a dark color, it will absorb the light that enters and effectively reduce the glare that reflects off your face and neck. Conversely, if the inside is a light color, the light will be scattered inside the umbrella, which could actually cause damage to your skin. When you open the umbrella, is the shadow on the inside deep enough to give your eyes a sense of calm? This is the first standard that professionals check.

A design that doesn't compromise on the toughness of an umbrella

Since it is called "rain and shine," it needs to be able to withstand not only the summer sun, but also the cold rain and strong winds that come from autumn to winter. What makes the difference here is the durability of the parts that cannot be seen.

Of course, water resistance is important to prevent rain from seeping into the fabric, but the material of the ribs is also important to pay attention to. To achieve a high level of both lightness and strength, carbon fiber, which is also used in aircraft, is ideal. Does the structure flexibly deflect strong winds, and does it have "sustained water repellency" that keeps the rain off? An umbrella that can be used for a long time needs a sturdy design not only as a parasol, but also as an umbrella.

Lightness and ease of opening and closing for everyday use

No matter how high-performance an umbrella is, if it becomes a burden to carry, it will naturally become less useful. Modern technology allows you to choose ultra-lightweight models that weigh in at just 100g to 200g while still maintaining high light-blocking performance.

What's even more important is the feel and ease of opening and closing the bag. Does the bag have any features that make daily movements stress-free, such as an automatic opening and closing function that's convenient when you have a lot of luggage, or a design that allows you to pack it up smartly without a belt? Ultimate satisfaction is determined not just by numerical specifications, but also by whether the bag fits comfortably into your daily routine.

Assessing quality with a clear eye now is nothing less than investing in future comfort. Don't be swayed by trends or price, but try to discern the "functional beauty" that resides in the details.