New Trip Updated: 2026.04.13

UV protection rate explained | Differences between sunshade light and heat blocking, and how to choose

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Have you ever seen a parasol advertised with "99% UV cut" and thought about buying it?

While thinking, "99% seems perfect, right?"

Many people probably wonder, "So what's the difference between 99% and 100%?" or "Are 'light-blocking' and 'heat-blocking' the same thing?"

 

This time, for those new to parasols, we will explain the meaning of these numbers in an easy-to-understand way.

With the right knowledge, choose the perfect parasol for you!

table of contents

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1. What does the "%" in UV cut rate represent?

2. "Light Blocking" and "Heat Blocking"—Two Similar but Distinct Functions

3. How do fabric color and material affect performance?

4. By Climate at Your Destination | Which Parasol Should You Choose?

5. Do "sun and rain" umbrellas have lower UV protection?

6. New Trip | Travel Umbrella Selection Checklist

7. Summary

8. Conclusion

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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一、UVカット率とは？「%」の意味をわかりやすく解説

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UV cut rate is the percentage that indicates how much ultraviolet (UV) light a parasol blocks.

For example, if the "UV cut rate is 99%," it means that out of 100 units of UV light, 99 are blocked, and only 1 unit passes through the umbrella. While this may seem like a small difference at first glance, the table below reveals the reality.

UVカット率99%と100%は何が違う？

While the numbers may suggest a small difference, there is actually a significant difference in UV transmission.

UVカット率 透過する紫外線 肌への影響（目安） よくある商品例
90% 10% やや高い 安価な日傘・帽子
95% 5% 中程度 一般的な日傘
99% 1% 非常に低い 高機能日傘（標準）
99.9%（ほぼ100%） 0.1% ごくわずか 遮光1級・高品質品

"You might think the difference between 99% and 99.9% is only 0.9%," but when converted to UV radiation, there's a tenfold difference. Over long trips or during outdoor activities, this difference can accumulate and cause damage to your skin.

However, for everyday use (shopping, commuting, etc.), 99% is sufficient.

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📚New Trip Editorial Memo: While we often use parasols for long periods at midsummer exhibitions or outdoor shoots, my impression is that even if a parasol boasts "100% UV cut," if its heat-blocking properties are weak, it can feel quite hot by the afternoon.
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二、UVカット率と「遮光」は何が違う？

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These two things may seem similar, but their roles are different.

Light blocking is a function that blocks light itself.

It cuts not only ultraviolet (UV) rays but also visible light.

In Japan, the Japan Umbrella Promotion Association (JUPA) sets light-blocking grades, and a light-blocking rate of 99% or more is certified as "Light Blocking Class 1."

遮光等級 遮光率 傘の下の明るさ
遮光3級 99.0%以上 やや暗い
遮光2級 99.5%以上 暗い
遮光1級 99.99%以上 ほぼ真っ暗

In other words:

  • UV protection = Protection against ultraviolet rays
  • Light blocking = Protection against glare
    These are the differences.

Recently, the term "total light blocking" has become more common, but in reality, whether there is heat shielding performance is also quite important.

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三、「遮熱」がないと暑い日傘になることも

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"It's supposed to be completely blackout, but it still feels hot."

This is actually quite common. The reason is that blackout and heat insulation are separate functions.

遮熱とは

Heat shielding is a function that blocks heat (infrared rays).

Unlike light blocking, it directly affects "how cool it feels under the umbrella" because it cuts infrared rays.

As a concrete example, experiments comparing a parasol without heat shielding and a parasol with heat shielding have shown that the perceived temperature under the umbrella can differ by as much as 5 to 8 degrees Celsius.

遮光のみ 遮熱のみ 遮光＋遮熱
日焼け防止 ◎ △ ◎
熱さを防ぐ △ ◎ ◎
旅行おすすめ度 ★★★ ★★ ★★★★★
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📚New Trip Editorial Note: There are many reports that the level of fatigue after walking for a long time differs significantly between parasols that offer "shade only" and those that offer "shade and heat protection." The importance of heat protection performance is particularly noticeable when sightseeing in Kyoto or traveling in Southeast Asia.

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四、UVカット率だけで選ぶと後悔しやすい理由

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Even with the same "99% UV protection," the actual effectiveness can vary depending on the fabric color and material.

軽すぎる日傘は遮熱性が弱いことも

  • Black/Dark Colors: Easily absorb UV and infrared rays, offering high heat-shielding properties. However, the fabric itself tends to retain heat.
  • White/Light Colors: Reflect light. May feel cooler, but UV transmittance can be slightly higher than black.
  • Silver Coating: Significantly improves heat-shielding properties by applying reflective material to the underside. A common feature in travel-friendly parasols.

大きすぎる日傘は旅行で疲れやすい

While a larger size offers more peace of mind,

  • Crowded areas
  • Traveling by train
  • Strong winds
    can make it difficult to handle.

「完全遮光」でも蒸し暑いことがある

If the heat shielding performance is weak, heat can easily build up under the umbrella.

Therefore, in addition to checking the UV cut rate, it's also recommended to look for products that state "heat shield processed."
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五、日傘の色・素材でUV効果は変わる？

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The performance required of a parasol varies depending on the climate of your travel destination. Please refer to the following when making your selection.

黒い日傘の方がUV対策に強い？

In general, black or dark colors absorb more UV radiation, making them superior for UV protection.

However, the fabric itself tends to retain heat, so the surface temperature is likely to be higher.

Recently,

  • white on the outside
  • black on the inside
    parasols with this structure are also common, making it easier to achieve both heat shielding and UV protection.

シルバーコーティングは本当に涼しい？

Silver coating is a treatment that easily reflects light and heat, making it effective for improving heat shielding performance.

This specification allows you to easily feel the difference in perceived temperature during summer trips or heatwave days.
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六、晴雨兼用の日傘でもUV対策できる？

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This is a frequently asked question from travelers. To put it simply—

There are plenty of dual-purpose umbrellas that offer 99% or higher UV protection and Level 1 light blocking. However, not all dual-purpose umbrellas are high-performance.

Here are three key points to check when choosing one:

  • Whether "99% or higher UV protection" is clearly stated on the tag or product description.
  • Whether a grade such as "Level 1-2 light blocking" is indicated.
  • The balance between fabric thickness and weight (umbrellas that are too light may have thin fabric and lower performance).

For travel, "one umbrella that can handle both rain and sun" helps save space in your luggage.

By carefully checking the performance indicators, you don't have to compromise on functionality, even with a dual-purpose umbrella.

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📚New Trip Editorial Memo: When traveling, "being prepared for sudden rain" is a significant advantage. Especially during summer trips, when the weather can change quickly, there are many situations where the convenience of a rain-or-shine umbrella is truly felt.

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七、日傘のUVカット効果は何年くらい持つ？

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Based on the knowledge gained so far, here is a checklist for choosing a parasol recommended by New Trip:

  • States a UV cut rate of 99% or higher
  • Certified with light blocking grade 1 or 2
  • Features heat-blocking treatment (e.g., silver coating on the underside)
  • Weighs less than 200g (so it won't be a burden in your travel bag)
  • Folds down to 25cm or less (to fit in a carry-on bag)

It is not necessary to meet all of these criteria, but prioritizing them according to the climate and purpose of your travel destination will make it easier to choose.

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📚New Trip Editorial Team Note: For parasols used frequently in midsummer, you often notice deterioration more by the "feel of heat blockage than by appearance."

Especially if you use it daily, we recommend reviewing it every few years.

旅行で使いやすい日傘

Among lightweight models, this one is particularly recommended for those who prioritize durability.

✔ Features

　・Lightweight design at approximately 185g

　・100% UV cut + complete light blocking

　・Fabric is 280T pongee (with PU coating on the back)

　・Smooth automatic opening and closing due to structural improvements

　・Storage size is 25.5cm (height) x 4.5cm (width)

It is designed with durability in mind down to the smallest details, such as D-shaped reinforcement and rounded hook-and-loop fasteners.

The New Trip 7105 model prioritizes a balance of lightness and heat shielding.

Weighing approximately 185g, it is easy to carry and offers the following features that are desirable for travel:

  • Complete light blocking
  • 100% UV cut
  • PU coating
  • Suitable for both sun and rain
    etc.

This model strikes a good balance, especially for those who feel a little uneasy with a parasol that is "only light."

Monomi 7105 折りたたみ日傘

軽さと耐久性を両立したバランスモデル

Monomi 7105 折りたたみ日傘

約185g｜完全遮光・UPF50+

自動開閉 ブラックコーティング 高密度280T生地 耐久強化構造

¥3,980

商品を見る
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八、よくある質問（FAQ）

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Q1. UVカット率99%で十分ですか？

A1：日常使いや一般的な旅行なら99%でも十分高性能です。長時間の屋外活動では99.9%〜100%クラスもおすすめです。

Q2. UVカット率100%の日傘は本当に必要ですか？

A2：必須ではありません。実際には、遮熱性能や生地の質感の方が体感に影響することも多いです。

Q3. 完全遮光とUVカットは同じですか？

A3：違います。UVカットは紫外線対策、完全遮光は光そのものを遮る機能です。

Q4. 黒い日傘の方がUV効果は高いですか？

A4：一般的には黒や濃色の方がUV対策に有利です。ただし、最近はコーティング技術も進化しており、色だけで性能は決まりません。

Q5. 軽量の日傘でもちゃんとUVカットできますか？

A5：可能です。ただし、軽すぎるモデルは遮熱性能が弱い場合もあるため、UVカット率と遮熱加工の両方を確認するのがおすすめです。

Q6. 日傘のUVカット効果は何年くらい持ちますか？

A6：一般的には2〜3年程度が目安です。使用頻度や保管状態によって変わるため、劣化を感じたら見直しがおすすめです。

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九、まとめ

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A UV cut rate of 99% is a sufficiently practical performance for everything from daily use to travel.

However, when choosing a parasol, it's important to consider various factors such as:

  • UV cut rate
  • Light blocking
  • Heat blocking
  • Weight
  • Fabric texture

Especially when traveling, "how comfortable it is to use for long periods without getting tired" greatly affects satisfaction.

The New Trip editorial department recommends choosing a parasol not just based on numbers, but also on how comfortable it is in actual use.

執筆・監修

New Trip編集部
本記事は、スーツケース・旅行用品ブランド「New Trip」の編集部により制作されました。
製品開発やユーザーの声を活かしながら、ユーザーに合ったスーツケースや、旅行・出張をより快適にするアイテムを発信しています。

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