How Was 'Wearable Shade' Created? Aigle's 'SolarPack' Takes on Summer Protection

Whether you're in the wild or in the city, heading out in the middle of summer is tougher than ever. Intense UV rays, sudden downpours, and the stark temperature differences between indoors and out... What we need for modern summers is more than just basic UV protection. This season, AIGLE has dropped the "UV Cut SolarPack Hooded Jacket," a piece that not only offers UPF50+ UV protection but also boasts water repellency, breathability, and a lightweight design.

Wear shade while standing in the sunlight. How did this concept come about? We spoke with a representative from AIGLE's Marketing and PR team at Lacoste Japan K.K. to learn about the story behind its design.

Why Did Aigle Decide to Tackle the Sun?

Established in France in 1853, Aigle is a brand celebrated for its rubber boots and rainwear. This is why Aigle has now introduced the 'SolarPack' line, which masterfully balances UV protection with comfort. So, why did this legacy brand, so deeply connected with rain, decide to tackle the 'sun'?

“In recent years, due to intense heatwaves and increased UV radiation, the outdoor environment during spring and summer has become more extreme than ever. Meanwhile, in Europe, the trend of seamlessly incorporating 'UV-protective wear' into everyday fashion hadn't really caught on, which we saw as an opportunity.”

What you need in a modern summer isn't just something to shield you from the heat and sudden showers. You need something that protects you from harsh sunlight but still looks natural whether you're in the city or on the road. The SolarPack was created to meet this new demand.

“Our starting point was the concept of 'carrying your own wearable shade.' We developed it as a new kind of protective wear that shields your skin from UV rays, allowing you to venture out freely even in the sweltering heat.”

The UV-Blocking Power to 'Wear Shade'

So, let's take a closer look at the 'UV Cut SolarPack Hooded Jacket.' First, let's talk about its UV protection, the core feature of the collection.

“We've incorporated UV-C® technology into every piece of clothing and accessory. This achieves a UV protection factor equivalent to UPF50+.”

So how does it achieve this level of UV protection?

“It’s not just one single treatment. We block UV rays through a comprehensive material design that combines weave structure, fabric density, material selection, and our UV-C® technology.”

However, balancing 'UV protection' and 'heat dissipation' is a tricky challenge. Increasing the fabric's shielding properties makes it heavier and traps heat inside the garment.

“The more you enhance the shielding, the more heat gets trapped, so striking the right balance in the design was critical. That's why we opted for a design that blocks UV rays while allowing heat to escape, using lightweight materials, breathable detailing, and a ventilation structure.”

Creating UV-protective wear that's still comfortable to throw on in the middle of summer. The design of this jacket began with the challenge of reconciling these two opposing needs.

Sun, Rain, and Heat: One Jacket to Handle Midsummer Stress

Outerwear for the spring and summer seasons needs more than just UV protection. When you're out and about in midsummer, you're bound to encounter sudden rain and drastic temperature changes between indoors and outdoors.

“In outdoor settings during spring and summer, you need to be prepared for not just UV rays but also sudden showers and changing conditions. This jacket is designed for a variety of scenarios—travel, festivals, cycling, and outdoor adventures—so it's equipped with water-repellent properties to handle light rain.”

Lightness and portability are also essential for a jacket you'd want to keep with you in the height of summer.

“We paid special attention to making it lightweight and packable. However, making it too light can compromise durability, so we meticulously tested and refined the balance between fabric strength and real-world usability.”

A Design That’s at Home in the City and in Nature

A key feature of this jacket is that it doesn’t scream "outdoor gear."

“Aigle values the concept of 'bridging nature and daily life by balancing functionality and design.' Instead of a full-on outdoor gear look, we focused on a silhouette and color scheme that would blend in naturally, whether in the city or in nature.”

Drawcords on the hood and hem let you adjust the fit and block out wind. The elastic cuffs prevent sun exposure while allowing for a full range of motion.

“We opted for a relaxed, unisex silhouette. The colors are inspired by summer light and nature, so they don't look heavy even in the bright sun and blend seamlessly into both nature and the city.”

How Did They Pack Contradictory Features into One Jacket?

With so many functions packed in, what creative solutions were needed to make it work as an everyday piece? At 38,500 yen, it's certainly not cheap for a lightweight UV-cut jacket.

“The most challenging part of development was balancing high functionality with the lightness and breathability needed for comfort even in the middle of summer. Adding more functions tends to make the fabric heavier, so we meticulously adjusted the material selection, pattern-making, and details.

As a result, we were able to combine UV protection, water repellency, breathability, light weight, portability, and design at a high level. We believe its versatility for a wide range of settings—from the city to travel and the great outdoors—is a huge part of its value.”

This is where the jacket’s true value lies: in seamlessly merging these opposing elements into a piece of everyday wear. So, how should you incorporate it into your summer outings?

“While you can cover your face with a hat or parasol, protecting your arms, neck, and the rest of your body with the jacket offers a more practical way to block UV rays. During travel or in outdoor settings where using a parasol can be difficult, we think its convenience is a major plus.”

Whether in the mountains or the city, summer excursions demand apparel that can adapt to changing conditions. It's like wearing your own personal shade, even in direct sunlight. By combining the conflicting properties of UV protection, breathability, and water repellency into a single garment, the "UV Cut Solarpack Hooded Jacket" showcases a new kind of protective wear that modern summer outings demand.