Stories & Insights ・ How to choose an umbrella

Enjoy Using Them Differently: "Rain & Sun" vs. "Sun & Rain" Umbrellas

Aug,22,2024

This time, I’d like to talk about the different types of Western-style umbrellas made in Japan.
Komiya Shoten manufactures umbrellas based on the standards of the Japan Umbrella Promotion Association (JUPA). Umbrellas are categorized into four types: rain umbrellas, rain & sun umbrellas, sun & rain umbrellas, and parasols.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between each type.

Rain Umbrellas

Rain umbrellas are specifically designed for use on rainy days.
In our brand Komiya Shoten, the Miratoray series falls under this category. These umbrellas are made with tightly woven polyester fabric that has been treated with a waterproof coating. This ensures excellent water repellency and high water resistance, allowing for comfortable use even in heavy rain.
While these umbrellas do not have a dedicated UV protection coating, the fabric itself provides UV-blocking properties. According to tests conducted by the Kaken Test Center, the UV cut rate exceeds 95%. As a result, despite being a rain umbrella, it also offers protection against ultraviolet rays.

Rain and Sun Umbrellas

This type of umbrella is primarily designed as a rain umbrella but can also be used as a sun umbrella.
It features polyester fabric with a rain umbrella specification, enhanced with a UV-cut coating to improve UV protection, making it highly effective as a sun umbrella as well.
In our brand, nearly all of our Koshu-ori woven fabric series fall into this category. The timeless beauty and luxurious texture of Koshu-ori, which we have used since our founding, make these umbrellas perfect as fashionable accessories. This series also offers the widest variety of designs in our collection.
Combining the functionality of both a rain and sun umbrella, this versatile series is also a popular gift choice.

Sun and Rain Umbrellas

This type of umbrella is primarily designed as a sun umbrella but can also be used on rainy days.
Made from breathable and visually lightweight fabrics such as cotton and linen, these umbrellas are treated with water-repellent and waterproof coatings. However, they are best suited for light rain rather than heavy downpours.
In our brand, this category includes our full-shade series and some umbrellas from our organic fabric series. The full-shade series features a polyurethane laminate coating on the fabric’s underside, achieving over 99.9% UV protection, 99.99% light blocking, and more than 50% heat reduction, making it highly functional.
Meanwhile, umbrellas made from organic fabric provide a refreshing feel and are perfect for shielding against intense sunlight on hot days.

Parasols

Parasols are designed specifically for sun protection on clear days.
These umbrellas are made from natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk, carefully crafted to preserve the texture of the material, making them a stylish accessory. Some models feature heat-blocking and UV-cut coatings, while others are left untreated to enhance the natural texuture of the fabric.
Perfect for use in early summer or early autumn, parasols also pair beautifully with traditional attire like kimonos.

The Difference Between "Rain & Sun" and "Sun & Rain" Umbrellas

We've introduced the four types of umbrellas, but one of the most commonly asked questions is the difference between Rain & Sun and Sun & Rain umbrellas.
Since their suitability varies depending on the weather, we’ll take a closer look at their strengths and limitations.

Why Is a Rain & Sun Umbrella Better for Rain?

Rain & Sun umbrellas are made from 100% polyester fabric, which offers excellent water repellency and high water resistance. This makes them a reliable choice for rainy weather.
On the other hand, Sun & Rain umbrellas use natural fiber fabrics, which are less water-repellent and water-resistant compared to Rain & Sun umbrellas. With prolonged exposure to rain, water may seep through the fabric.
Additionally, frequent use in the rain can cause dirt to accumulate on the surface. If you use a Sun & Rain umbrella in the rain, we recommend rinsing it with a gentle shower of water and thoroughly air-drying it in the shade to maintain its quality.

For Extreme Heat, Choose a Sun & Rain Umbrella with High Heat & Light Blocking!

When used on sunny days, Sun & Rain umbrellas made with natural fibers allow heat to escape more easily, making them feel cooler to the touch. While Rain & Sun umbrellas can also be used as sun umbrellas and offer UV protection and light-blocking effects, their polyester fabric tends to trap more heat. As a result, they may feel warmer than umbrellas made with natural materials, depending on the weather.
For extremely hot days, such as during a heatwave, a Sun & Rain umbrella with a high heat-blocking rating, especially one with a black coating, is highly recommended for its superior heat protection.

It's true that many customers want an umbrella that can be used for both rain and shine. However, by selecting the right umbrella for the season or weather, you can enjoy its full benefits. We hope this guide helps you choose the perfect umbrella for your needs.
Additionally, depending on your outfit or destination, you can have fun coordinating your umbrella's material and color. Just like with clothing, we encourage you to enjoy mixing and matching your umbrellas!