Counter Photo-Aging with POLA's 'Solar Protect Casket,' a Cap Born From a Beauty-First Mindset

While POLA is renowned as a cosmetics giant, the company has actually been crafting apparel for over 40 years. Tapping into this expertise, they developed the 'Solar Protect' series, designed to shield the skin from both UV and near-infrared rays.

"Under our company's concept, 'Live, beautifully whole,' we create not only apparel but also food and bedding. It was within this philosophy that the 'Solar Protect' series came to life in 2016."

More Than Just UV: Tackling Photo-Aging from Near-Infrared Rays

In 2014, POLA launched 'B.A The Protector S,' a daytime cream from its premier 'B.A' skincare line that focused on the impact of UV and near-infrared rays (now discontinued). The legacy of this research continues today, integrated into the daytime cream and sunscreen 'B.A Light Selector,' which features a near-infrared-blocking function.

"We have dedicated years to studying the effects of near-infrared rays on the skin. 'B.A The Protector S' was born from this research as a sunscreen that blocks these rays. Its technology and insights have been carried over to the currently available 'B.A Light Selector.'"

With a longer wavelength than ultraviolet rays, near-infrared rays are believed to penetrate deep into the dermis, reaching subcutaneous tissue and even muscle layers. This is thought to alter collagen and elastin, contributing to wrinkles and sagging.

"Internally, this sparked a debate: Should we leave vulnerable areas like the sweat-prone neck, frequently washed hands, and the hard-to-protect scalp exposed? This led us to a simple conclusion: let's create clothes and accessories that block UVA, UVB, and near-infrared rays. Development kicked off, and the 'Solar Protect' series launched in 2016."

Each year, the series adapts its designs and concepts to the latest trends, offering a lineup of around 10 items, from accessories like hats and arm covers to full apparel.

"While many companies release UV protection items year after year, our focus is on 'stylish everyday wear.' We source the latest fabrics, measure their effectiveness at blocking UVA, UVB, and near-infrared rays, and then strategically select and use these materials for specific items and body parts to deliver on-trend designs."

Boosting Breathability to Reduce Stuffiness and Promote a Healthy Scalp

This season's concept is 'Breezy Beauty,' with an emphasis on enhanced airflow. On top of its UV-blocking effects, the collection boasts improved breathability, quick-drying properties, and heat-shielding technology.

"With prolonged periods of heat, some say that starting around 2024, we've shifted from four distinct seasons to just two. That's why, in addition to our 'solar protect' philosophy, we've incorporated an 'all-weather protect' approach. We're seeing more customers concerned about unpredictable weather, drastic daily temperature swings, and the risk of heatstroke from humidity. With this in mind, we re-evaluate our key focus areas each year to select the best materials and create designs perfectly suited for the times."

This season, the headwear has been updated from last year's hat to an elegant casket style. It achieves a 99.8% UV cut rate and features tulle fabric as ventilation on the forehead, an area prone to sweat, perfectly balancing design with functionality.

"The crown of your head is the part of your body most exposed to UV rays. Recent studies have revealed that when your scalp is defenselessly exposed to strong UV rays, it can damage the hair follicles and weaken their ability to produce hair. That's why using a hat for UV protection is crucial for maintaining beautiful, healthy hair and scalp.

However, while hats are effective for UV protection, leaving your scalp sweaty and stuffy can have negative effects. To keep your scalp healthy, it's essential to ensure breathability alongside UV protection."

Heat Shielding and Lightweight Design: Creating a Product You'll Want to Wear Every Day

Furthermore, a heat-shielding sheet in the top lining provides a 62% heat-blocking rate. In a demonstration test, a temperature difference of approximately 10 degrees Celsius was observed in about three minutes.

"We believe that being lightweight is also key for comfortable, stress-free daily wear. Since the heat-shielding sheet adds some weight, we chose a thin, light, chambray-style outer fabric to achieve an overall weight of only about 70 grams."

While delivering on functionality and a lightweight feel, the design carefully considers everyday usability down to the smallest details, featuring an adjuster for size customization and a sweatband with antibacterial and odor-resistant properties on the forehead area.

"We see hats and clothing as extensions of the skin, designed to protect it. That's why we place great importance on how they feel against the skin and their overall comfort. We also focus on creating a pleasant wearing experience that makes you want to reach for our products daily. To ensure they can be cherished for a long time, we pay close attention to patterns and sewing techniques that are easy to wear and beautifully accentuate a woman's silhouette."

The 'Solar Protect' series, designed with women's beauty and health in mind, has a large base of repeat customers, with many fans eagerly awaiting new releases each year. However, the company has no plans to expand the product line, intending to maintain a core collection of around 10 items.

"We believe continuing with the current number of items is the right approach. This is because our collection includes versatile pieces, a larger selection could overwhelm customers, many loyal customers look forward to our annual releases and use our products for a long time, and we want to eliminate waste from an SDGs perspective."

As hot weather persists for longer periods, UV and heat protection have become essential. POLA's approach to sun protection is expanding from 'applying' it to 'wearing' it. By applying its expertise in beauty to apparel, the 'Solar Protect' series is opening up new possibilities in UV care.