Why choose an anti-UV umbrella?

The sun is essential to human health, but prolonged exposure to its rays is harmful! The anti-UV umbrella keeps you dry in the rain, while blocking ultraviolet radiation. Indeed, even in the rain, UVA and UVB rays attack the cells of the epidermis.

What is a UV-protective umbrella? How do you use this type of umbrella? Are there folding UV-protective umbrellas and golf UV-protective umbrellas? Here's what you need to know about UV-protective umbrellas.

Le parapluie de Cherbourg being carried, blue model

What is an anti-UV umbrella?

The anti-UV umbrella is a specific umbrella model. The coating of its fabric blocks a large portion of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. The most effective products also filter UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn.

Be careful not to confuse anti-UV umbrellas with ombrelleand sunshades: theombrelle or sunshade is made of canvas, and is only used to protect you from sun exposure. Not all parasols and ombrelleguarantee strong anti-UV protection. The anti-UV umbrella is a 2-in-1 waterproof item, blocking both rain and ultraviolet rays.

How do I know if an umbrella is UV-protective?

When an umbrella is anti-UV, its seller indicates its degree of protection on the packaging. The intensity of photo-protection is expressed with:

  • a percentage (e.g., 99% blocking of UVB and UVA),
  • or a high SPF/UPF protection rating.

UV-protective umbrella canopies are often made from a proprietary fabric. If the manufacturer specifies the material, do an online search to find out its UV-protective properties.

If no photo-protection is claimed in the technical data sheet of an umbrella, it is not a true anti-UV umbrella.

What are the advantages of the anti-UV umbrella?

There are more and more umbrellas with UV protection. Here are the reasons for their popularity.

Its effectiveness

The first reason to buy a UV-protective umbrella is its effectiveness against the dangers of UVB and UVA rays. These rays attack skin tissue and cause damage to the epidermis. The risks include:

  • sunburn,
  • skin burns and irritations,
  • premature aging of the skin,
  • melanoma or skin carcinoma, which can develop into skin cancer.

Please note: During the summer, the UVA and UVB protection umbrella does not replace other protection, such as sunglasses. This type of umbrella complements your equipment when you are exposed to the sun. If you are wearing clothing that reveals skin (such as a tank top), use sunscreen in addition to your UV protection umbrella.

Its ease of use

All anti-UV umbrellas block the majority of UV radiation (nearly 100% for the best brands).

Additionally, some UV-protective umbrellas block some of the heat generated by the sun's rays. Cooling models feature a heat shield, reducing the perceived temperature under the canopy by up to 40%.

If you select a large size, you will shelter two people under your anti-UV umbrella, which protects both:

  • rain,
  • ultraviolet radiation,
  • and heat (for some brands).

Its versatility

UV-protective umbrellas aren't just for vacations and sunny days. These items are suitable for all seasons. The more robust the ribs you choose, the more versatile the UV-protective umbrella will be: it will protect you from the rain during summer storms, but also during autumn gales.

If you want to use your UV-protective umbrella as often as possible, choose a model with a versatile design. Sporty UV-protective umbrellas don't pair well with casual outfits. If you choose a simple item, you can pair it with any outfit.

Its price

Thanks to the success of umbrellas with UV protection, the range has expanded. Many brands offer this product at prices ranging from one to three times higher.

Our advice: avoid cheap anti-UV models, which have fragile frames. Instead, opt for a mid-range, wind-resistant umbrella or a high-end anti-UV umbrella that you'll keep for the rest of your life.

What are the types of anti-UV umbrellas?

UV-protective umbrellas come in a wide variety of styles. Choose the one that best suits your tastes and needs for protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays.

 The folding anti-UV umbrella

Are you going on a trip to a rainy or sunny place? Do you often go hiking? Pack a UV-protective folding umbrella in your luggage or hiking bag. During your outdoor activities, you'll benefit from dual protection against moisture and harmful ultraviolet rays.

UV-protective folding umbrellas are the most compact models. They feature an automatic opening mechanism and a manual or automatic closing mechanism. These are the ultimate travel umbrellas. Once dried, folded, and stored in their protective case, these items take up little space.

The classic anti-UV umbrella

Non-folding anti-UV umbrellas are bulkier than their folding counterparts. However, these umbrellas have several advantages. They are sturdy and often more elegant.

The classic anti-UV umbrella is ideal if you have space to store it, for example:

  • the trunk of your car,
  • a coat hook in the entrance of your house,
  • or a metal umbrella stand in the office.

Does it rain often in your area? Invest in two high-quality UV-protective umbrellas: a classic model for everyday use, and a folding UV-protective umbrella for weekend leisure activities.

The anti-UV golf umbrella

Anti-UV golf umbrellas offer several guarantees:

  • protection against UVA and UVB rays,
  • a watertight seal,
  • and good wind resistance.

This type of umbrella must be both handy and sturdy. Buy a lightweight, UV-protective golf umbrella that you can easily carry around the green. Choose products with a metal pole, which is lighter than wood.

Don't forget to choose a model with an opaque, waterproof cover. More than just storage, the cover of your UV-protective golf umbrella serves to protect its coating when the item is folded. By preventing damage to the fabric of your UV-protective umbrella, you extend its lifespan and enhance its effectiveness.

Did you know? Our umbrellas all feature UV-resistant fabric. For more details on the level of protection, see our umbrella specifications.