Umbrella Research: Enjoying Sunlight — A Guide to Parasols

The "umbrella" is both an everyday item and a fashion accessory. Many people find it tricky to choose between a sun parasol and a rain-and-sun combination umbrella. Learn about their functions and effects to find the perfect parasol for you.

>> Reference: Umbrella Research: A Guide to Rain-and-Sun Combination Umbrellas

A Sun Parasol and a Rain-and-Sun Umbrella Are Not the Same

Based on the French word "parasol," meaning a sunshade, Japan distinguishes sun umbrellas as parasols and rain umbrellas as umbrellas. Within the category of "sun umbrellas," a further distinction is made between "pure parasols" and "rain-and-sun combination sun umbrellas."

Women's Rain-and-Sun Combination Long Umbrella, Cotton-Linen Herringbone

A rain-and-sun combination umbrella is a parasol built on a sun-umbrella base but equipped with the ability to withstand light rain as well. Because it needs to function as a rain umbrella, the fabric must be capable of water repellent treatment, which makes it difficult to play with design—so these umbrellas tend to have a simple look, with no texture or unevenness in the fabric. Pure parasols, on the other hand, can use bold fabrics and finishes, allowing for fashionable sun umbrellas that let you enjoy the interplay of light and shadow.

Sun Umbrella, Corn

Put simply, a rain-and-sun combination umbrella prioritizes function, aiming to thoroughly block out both rain and sunlight. Sun umbrellas (parasols), meanwhile, firmly block UV rays while also letting you enjoy the design, materials, and even the light that filters through as part of the fashion experience. It comes down to personal preference, but it might be nice to switch between the two depending on where you're going and the occasion.

Sun Umbrella, Carrot

The History of Sun Umbrellas

Sun umbrellas have a history far older than rain umbrellas. They gained popularity as fashionable accessories in Italy in the 13th century and in France in the 16th century. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the sun umbrella is the origin of the umbrella itself. Although it was popular as a stylish item, it wasn't until around the 17th century that it began to be used as a fashion accessory for sun protection. Both men and women used them to shield themselves from the scorching sun—perhaps carrying them personally, or having an attendant carry them.

A Guide to Enjoying Sunlight with a Sun Umbrella

[Role of the Sun Umbrella 1] Keeping You Cool, Above All

By avoiding direct sunlight, a sun umbrella prevents the rise in skin and clothing temperature caused by sun exposure. A hat serves a similar "sunshade" purpose, but an umbrella is well suited to preventing heatstroke, since it doesn't trap heat and sweat the way a hat can, and the breeze passing beneath it feels pleasant. According to a summary by Japan's Ministry of the Environment, especially in urban areas, the intense summer sun combined with infrared radiation from heated road surfaces and building walls can push the perceived temperature to nearly 40 degrees Celsius even when the actual air temperature is 30 degrees. During the season when the risk of heatstroke rises, carrying your own patch of shade seems like a wise strategy. There is even data showing that the shading effect can lower the perceived temperature by roughly 3 to 7 degrees.

[Role of the Sun Umbrella 2] Protection from UV Damage

The role most people expect from a sun umbrella is protection from ultraviolet rays. UV rays themselves are invisible and carry no heat, but they can cause serious damage to the skin and eyes.

[Role of the Sun Umbrella 3] Fashion — Looking Cool as Well as Feeling Cool

For those who choose a stylish sun umbrella, it's less about fully shielding the body with a hat, gloves, and stole, and more about making the umbrella part of a seasonal fashion statement. This option is recommended for such people.

Sun Umbrella Color and UV Cut Rate

Is Black the Best Color for a Sun Umbrella?

Many people probably assume that black is the best color for a sun umbrella. Indeed, black sun umbrellas are popular. According to someone at an umbrella manufacturer, once UV-cutting treatment is applied to the fabric, a sun umbrella (parasol) meets its UV-cutting standard regardless of color; black may absorb slightly more UV rays, but the difference is not significant. It might be more enjoyable simply to choose the color you like.

Black fabric absorbs infrared rays, so it tends to heat up more easily. When the fabric itself becomes hot, the temperature underneath the umbrella can be slightly higher compared to umbrellas of other colors. Light colors such as white or silver reflect heat and help keep the fabric's temperature rise in check.

What Is the UV-Cutting Standard for Sun Umbrellas and Parasols?

According to the Japan Umbrella Promotion Association (JUPA), products bearing the JUPA mark meet a high standard for UV-cutting performance. For rain-and-sun combination umbrellas, the standard requires a UV-cutting rate of 90% or higher, while for pure parasols—which allow greater design freedom—the standard is 70% or higher. This JUPA mark is a mark of trust, indicating that the umbrella has cleared JUPA's own independent standards. In addition, some manufacturers conduct their own inspections based on their own standards.

Umbrellas That Are Lovely Both Open and Closed

Enjoying Sunlight with Sun Umbrellas That Are Beautiful Even Closed / ZUTTO

An original parasol designed with careful attention to its size when open, the feel of its material, a folded length that's comfortable to carry, and details that keep your fingers from getting pinched when opening and closing it. This is a fine piece made at the workshop of a parasol craftsman who specializes in made-to-order umbrellas, founded in 1973. It's the kind of parasol that makes you want to capture beautiful scenes—someone standing tall with a parasol along a sunlit riverside or in a park, on a summer beach, or even just waiting for a signal to change in the city. Under the summer sky, this is a parasol where you can fully feel the handiwork of a Japanese craftsman and the spirit of the season.

Women's Folding Parasol Dot Weave / wakao

This dot-weave folding parasol from wakao has a calm, composed feel with a touch of girlish charm. Its slim silhouette when folded and its charming bamboo handle make you want to let it peek out from your bag. As you can see from looking at the fabric, it's a delicate cotton material that couldn't be used for an all-weather umbrella. Like a veil, this parasol gently filters the sunlight, softly brightening your face.

Parasol Corn / Makita Shoten

A parasol from Makita Shoten's vegetable series. This "corn" design features a soft yellow polka-dot pattern spreading beautifully in gradation, and when you run your hand over it, you can feel the warm, fluffy texture of the woven fabric. Even when closed, this parasol is as charming as a flower bud.

Purple Okra

Napa Cabbage

Parasol Hanamame

A parasol is something you want to choose according to your own taste. Here at ZUTTO, we carry many all-weather umbrellas, but a parasol made just for enjoying the sunshine is sure to become a dependable companion that stays close to you through the season.

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