A 40°C Difference From 'No Umbrella'? Behind the Surge in 'Parasol Men,' Waterfront Adopts a 3-Layer Structure with a '67% Heat-Shielding Rate.'

Recently, more and more men are using sun umbrellas. But the intense summer sun isn't the only thing to watch out for. Whether you're by the sea or navigating the city, you can get hit with strong winds or caught in a sudden downpour. So, if you're going to carry an umbrella, you might as well pick one that can handle the wind and rain while also keeping you cool.

From Waterfront, an umbrella maker with over 200 million units sold to date, comes the "COKAGE+ ACTIVE 耐風 55cm"—an all-weather folding umbrella featuring high-performance heat shielding and a wind-resistant design. We sat down with Waterfront's PR representative, Tsugumi Takahashi, to dive into the technology that provides its cool comfort and rugged durability.

A Deep 'Shade' the Moment You Open It

The first thing you notice when you open the "COKAGE+ ACTIVE 耐風 55cm" is the deep, dark shadow it casts—just like the shade of a tree.

Even under the intense midsummer sun, it creates a pocket of deep shade overhead, making you feel as if you're standing under a tree. The sensation is noticeably different from being in direct sunlight. It doesn't just cut down on glare; you can also feel the heat around your head and face begin to subside.

The secret to this cooling effect lies in 'Summer Shield® II,' a high-performance fabric from Toray Industries.

"The biggest difference from conventional sun umbrella fabrics is its special three-layer structure. Each layer serves a specific purpose, working together to block the ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, and visible light found in sunlight."

Meanwhile, the surface is treated with a water-repellent finish, making the umbrella suitable for rainy days as well. In essence, it combines protection from light, heat, and rain into a single piece of fabric.

The 3-Layer Structure That Achieves a 67% Heat-Shielding Rate*¹

In tests conducted by a third-party inspection agency, the fabric registered a 100% UV-cut rate and a 100% light-blocking rate*². The Pearl White version achieved a 67% heat-shielding rate—the highest in the series.

"The UV-cut rate measures the percentage of ultraviolet rays blocked, while the light-blocking rate measures the percentage of visible light blocked. The heat-shielding rate indicates how much of the thermal energy from solar radiation—generated by an artificial sun—was prevented from passing through the fabric to the other side."

Since a rate of 35% or more is generally considered effective for heat shielding, 67% is an exceptionally high figure. In heat-shielding tests, it also qualifies for the highest classification, 'S65+'.

While the UV-cut and light-blocking rates are consistent across all colors, the heat-shielding rate varies depending on the fabric's surface color. Lighter colors tend to perform better, which is why the Pearl White version recorded the series' highest value.

In addition to its heat-shielding tests, Waterfront also commissioned a third-party inspection agency to conduct a heat-resistance evaluation.

"We exposed a mannequin's head to an artificial solar lamp for 30 minutes and filmed it with a thermal camera. The results confirmed that when using this model, the surface temperature of the mannequin's head was over 40°C cooler compared to when not using it."

This doesn't mean the 'feels-like' temperature drops by 40°C; rather, it's a comparison of the mannequin head's surface temperature under laboratory conditions. Nevertheless, it clearly demonstrates a significant difference in how heat is transferred.

Deflects Wind and Handles Sudden Downpours

Another key feature of the "COKAGE+ ACTIVE Wind-Resistant 55cm" is its windproof design.

"This umbrella features a two-stage folding rib structure, which gives it a rounded shape when opened. This design allows it to gracefully deflect wind along its surface instead of catching it head-on."

The ribs are made from lightweight and flexible FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic). They're designed to flex just enough to disperse the force of strong gusts. The uniquely designed hexagonal handle also prevents twisting in your hand, ensuring a secure grip even in high winds.

It has also undergone wind tunnel testing, withstanding wind speeds of up to 30 m/s.

"A 30 m/s wind is strong enough to tip over a truck. While we don't anticipate anyone using an umbrella in those conditions, we performed the test out of a desire to create an umbrella that can withstand the strong winds you'd find at the beach or between city buildings without breaking."

Additionally, the fabric's surface is treated with a water-repellent finish, allowing it to double as a rain umbrella. In fact, products using the same fabric have recorded a water pressure resistance of 27,000 mm.

Use it as a parasol under the scorching sun, and when the skies open up, it's ready to be your rain umbrella. This versatility is a game-changer during the summer, known for its sudden weather shifts.

Packing High Performance into an Everyday-Friendly Design

Enhancing heat-blocking, wind-resistant, and water-resistant properties often leads to heavier fabric and ribs. This was a particular challenge for this umbrella, which combines a three-layer fabric with windproof ribs, making the balance between performance and weight a critical issue.

"If we focused too much on any one aspect—heat-blocking, weight, or durability—we would have had to sacrifice the others. So, we re-evaluated the rib materials and structure, designing the umbrella to be comfortable and easy to carry."

Weighing in at approximately 240g, it's about average for a folding umbrella. However, when you consider its 55 cm coverage and wind-resistant features, it's impressively lightweight and convenient enough for everyday carry.

The included pouch is cleverly designed, too. It has a wide opening, so you can easily stuff the umbrella inside without having to fold it perfectly. It's incredibly convenient when you need to quickly pack it away at a train station or before entering a store.

The "COKAGE+ ACTIVE Wind-Resistant 55cm" is an all-weather umbrella that delivers high heat-blocking performance, a wind-deflecting structure, rain-ready water-repellent fabric, and everyday ease of use.

Using it on a summer day, I could really feel it reduce the heat around my head and face. And when the wind picked up, the hexagonal handle offered a stable, comfortable grip.

Best of all, its ability to handle everything from harsh sunlight and wind to sudden downpours in a single package is a huge plus. By integrating heat-blocking, wind-resistant, and water-resistant features into one product, the "COKAGE+ ACTIVE Wind-Resistant 55cm" is setting a new standard for all-weather umbrellas.