Although umbrellas are now known for staying dry on rainy days, they were originally invented to protect against the sun. Important people kept cool while avoiding harmful UV rays. It wasn't just a fashion statement or mark of distinction. For over 4,000 years, umbrellas have been used for protection against all the elements. This tradition continues even today! For example, almost half of women in China use umbrellas for shade. In some countries, hats and umbrellas are used more often than sunblock.
Modern-day researchers at Emory University investigated umbrella effectiveness. They found that all handheld umbrellas block harmful UV rays to an extent! White umbrellas were the least effective, blocking about three-quarters of UV radiation. Black umbrellas, even without special UV coatings, blocked at least 90% of UV radiation.
SB-1209 Hybrid Spectrum UV Folding Umbrella
Styles designed specifically for UV protection, however, are the most effective. See them here: https://www.strombergbrand.com/uv-umbrellas
Brundha Balaraman, a dermatology researcher at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, called umbrellas "great alternatives in situations where it may be impractical to apply sunscreen adequately... every one to two hours." She highlighted golfers and anyone in a warm sunny climate.
SB-2409 Vented Hybrid UV Golf Umbrella
Although umbrellas are effective sun protection, their usefulness rises when combined with other sun protection measures like hats. Everyone can use umbrellas as gifts! The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) found that umbrellas are kept longer than any other promotional product. And most people don't own promotional umbrellas, which creates a terrific opportunity to offer them something unique.
SB-5500 Vented Bistro Patio Umbrella
Want to learn more? Find the top 5 markets for promo umbrellas and 10 reasons why umbrellas beat other gift-giving options.
SB-2700 Vented Hybrid UV Golf/Beach Umbrella