Product Development Story | Water-Absorbent Umbrella Case

Pride in perfect water repellency and ignored requests

"I want you to make an official Ambel umbrella case" -- I have received this request from an astonishing number of customers. However, I have stubbornly ignored this request. The reason is clear. Although I am an umbrella specialist, I am no expert when it comes to sewing bags and pouches. And above all, I have a strong belief as a maker that "if the umbrella itself is perfectly water-repellent, there is no need for a case in the first place."

However, a situation arose that forced us to fundamentally change our thinking: the wave of global regulations on PFAS (fluorinated organic compounds).

Environmental regulations: a turning point and the reality we are faced with

The powerful "C8 water repellent" that had supported the water repellency of umbrellas until now has been discontinued due to its environmental impact. We are now moving to the PFOA-free "C6" and even the fluorine-free "C0." To be honest, it is extremely difficult for an environmentally friendly water repellent to maintain the same durability as the traditional C8. "The days when umbrellas alone could solve the problem are over." I realized this, and so instead of just pursuing the ideal, I began to seek out "comfort" that was suited to the modern era.

Taking on challenges outside one's expertise and selecting niche specifications

What we aimed for in development was the "minimalist functional beauty" that is characteristic of Ambell. As umbrella professionals, we didn't want to make a thick case that would take up too much space in a bag. We selected a fabric that was as thin as possible and highly waterproof. We deliberately avoided complicated waterproof specifications.

For example, the seams are not completely waterproof (seam taped, etc.). We deliberately chose not to pursue this and instead allowed for some leakage through pinholes, prioritizing a "thinness that makes you want to carry it every day" and an "affordable price." Instead, we paid close attention to practicality, including a double zipper that allows you to quickly store a wet umbrella, a D-ring on the outside of the bag for hanging it, and a carabiner.

Make rainy days a lighter and smarter part of your daily life

This case is the optimal solution we arrived at after wrestling between ideals and reality. You don't have to worry about getting the documents in your bag wet, and you can act smart on the train or in a store. As an umbrella specialist, we wanted to deliver this kind of everyday comfort.

"The moment you fold your umbrella, you feel free again." We hope this umbrella case will make your rainy days more comfortable.