How Did They Get It Down to 140g? The Structure Behind the Workman Parasol That's Both Lightweight and Durable

In response to the recent surge in demand for men's parasols, Workman has expanded its lineup to three items this season. Among them, the all-weather "Slim Umbrella" boasts an impressive weight of only about 140g.

Following the success of the parasol they released last year, the company decided to expand its offerings. So, why did they focus on making it as light and slim as a smartphone?

We spoke with Yuki Daigo, Chief Buyer of the 3rd Division in the Product Development Department at Workman Co., Ltd., about the secrets behind the structure that balances lightness and durability, and the unique development methods that made its low price possible.

Expanding on Last Year's Popular Parasol: A Single, Long-Lasting Umbrella for Sun and Rain

Could you tell us about the decision to expand the parasol lineup and release the "Slim Umbrella"?

In recent years, it has become more common for men to carry parasols daily. In fact, last year Workman released just one parasol for men, and it sold beyond our expectations, receiving very positive feedback.

So this year, we decided to significantly expand our number of items, and one of them is the "Slim Umbrella," which features a light and slim design. We developed it primarily for people in their 30s to 50s, and we've heard a lot of supportive feedback from that same demographic among actual buyers.

Why did you decide to make it an all-weather model that can be used on rainy days?

If we made it exclusively a parasol, its use would be limited to the period from around May to August. Therefore, to encourage people to use it starting from earlier in the year, we explicitly promoted the fact that it "can be used in the rain." It’s not biased toward one function or the other; our goal is to have a longer sales period and for more customers to use it in their daily lives.

The ribs are 50cm long, and when stored, it's extremely compact with a diameter of about 4cm. Including the color options, what usage scenarios do you envision?

The primary scenario is commuting. While it might mainly be used as a rain umbrella, we thought something easy to carry, with the mindset that "it can also be a parasol in a pinch," would be ideal.

That's why we focused on making it light and slim, designing it to be a bit smaller. We aimed for a sharp, stylish look that men would feel confident carrying in a business setting. As for the colors, in addition to the commuter-friendly navy and gray, we also added a slightly more vibrant color like orange, envisioning its use in outdoor settings.

A Meticulous Structure Balancing 140g Lightness and Durability

It's incredibly light at about 140g. Which parts contribute to this weight reduction?

The most significant feature is the material of the frame. While steel is commonly used, the Slim Umbrella uses lightweight aluminum for the heaviest parts, like the central shaft.

It can be hard for customers to grasp what weight feels "light" in grams, but since 140g is about the weight of a smartphone, I think it’s a lightness they can really feel.

Pursuing lightness seems like it would make it difficult to ensure durability. How did you strike that balance?

That's the most crucial point. While we used aluminum for the central shaft to reduce weight, for the outer ribs that directly bear the wind, we used a combination of durable steel and fiberglass. If we only wanted to increase durability, we could have used fiberglass for everything, but that would drive up the price.

Conversely, if we wanted to make it cheaply, we could use all steel, but then it would be heavy. It's difficult to keep costs down when using multiple materials in a single umbrella frame, but by carefully managing that and combining different materials, we achieved a balance between lightness and durability.

It's not just the structure; the fabric itself is ingeniously designed to be both lightweight and highly functional.

Could you tell us about the fabric's features, like its heat-shielding, UV protection, and water-repellent properties?

The underside of the umbrella is coated, providing a heat-shielding effect that can lower the perceived temperature around your head by about 4°C—a welcome relief when it can feel like 60°C in the middle of summer. We could have made the fabric thicker for even better heat-shielding, but since the main draw of this umbrella is its light weight, we focused on striking the perfect balance.

It also boasts UPF50+ UV protection, blocking 99.9% of ultraviolet rays. We've fine-tuned the fabric to be as thin as possible right up to the point where its performance would dip. Plus, special processing of the fabric itself gives it a powerful Grade 4 water-repellent rating.

Designed for Daily Convenience

Thinking about everyday use, what design features did you incorporate to make it more convenient?

It's so slim and easy to store that you can slip it into the side pocket of your backpack right next to a water bottle. We also intentionally made the strap that holds the umbrella together a bit longer. As a train commuter myself, I know the struggle of trying to quickly wrap up your umbrella at the station, only to have it fold unevenly and become bulky.

To eliminate that frustration, we designed the strap to be long enough to secure easily, even with a messy wrap. We also added a feature to fasten the strap while the umbrella is open, so it won’t dangle and get in your way.

Lastly, could you tell us about this year's lineup, including other items, and your plans for the future?

This year, we've launched them as a trio of "cool, affordable, and light" siblings: the "遮熱マイナス15" for 880 yen, which is incredibly cool and offers the best value, and this lightweight "スリムアンブレラ."

This way, customers can choose the best product for their needs and preferences. However, we have received some feedback that the Slim Umbrella's compact size can leave you a bit exposed when you're wearing a backpack. The 50cm size was a tight call we made to prioritize its light weight, but we're taking this feedback seriously and plan to incorporate it into an even better product for next season.

The Slim Umbrella masterfully reconciles the competing demands of light weight and durability by strategically using different materials for its ribs. It's packed with clever details born from the real-world experience of a daily commute. This design philosophy is set to redefine what a budget-friendly parasol can be.