Going to the beach with your cell phone almost out of battery may no longer be a problem. A new Portuguese brand has created towels with a built-in solar panel, designed to charge the smartphone while the user is in the sand.
According to , the idea comes from Sajô, a project launched by João Martins and Sara Nunes, two young people aged 21 and 17 who wanted to transform a beach towel into a more functional accessory. In addition to the solar panel, the models have space for pillows, bags and solutions designed to prevent the towel from flying away on windy days.
The new feature that has attracted the most attention is on the front of the towel. As João Martins explained to NiT, there is “a small solar panel” accompanied by “a small transparent bag”. The idea is to allow you to charge your cell phone during time spent at the beach, enjoying exposure to the sun.
The idea was born while going to the beach
João Martins and Sara Nunes are regulars on the sand and began to feel that traditional towels no longer met some practical needs. It was from this observation that Sajô was born, launched on April 24th. The name results from the combination of the names of the two founders, Sara and João.
Cushion, bag and space for objects
At the top of the towel there is a zipper where a pillow can be placed, making use more comfortable. “That was our main need, but you can also put keychains, a wallet or other objects like that in it. Basically, it works like a bag,” Sara told NiT.
Hooks for windy days
Another problem that the brand tried to solve was wind. On the sides, the towels have small hooks that allow you to place sand inside the ends. The objective is to give weight to the piece and prevent it from lifting on windy days. It’s a simple solution, but designed for a common situation on Portuguese sands, especially on more exposed beaches.
Portuguese production and national materials
Sajô invested in Portuguese materials and national production. According to NiT, João and Sara looked for factories in the North of the country, more specifically in Porto, capable of supplying fabrics that corresponded to what they had imagined for the project. The towels are made from cotton, with some models made from 100% cotton and others made from microfiber. The brand also highlights quick drying, which makes the pieces lighter and more practical to carry.
Design inspired by Portuguese beaches
The aesthetic side was also thought of from the beginning. The towels are available in various colors, chosen by the founders, and include prints on the sides and in the closure area, such as vichy, to create greater visual differentiation. Each model is named after a Portuguese beach. Guincho, Ericeira and Comporta are some of the destinations that inspire the collection and are part of the story of the two young people.
The detail that makes you stop at the stand
The brand has also invested in physical retail, through its presence in markets. João told NiT that the solar panel is one of the elements that arouses the most curiosity. “The idea of the solar panel made people stop at our stand. Every five minutes they asked us to explain. We left this detail visible for people to notice.”
How much do towels cost
Each towel costs 49.90 euros and includes an inflatable pillow and solar panel. For now, the models are available through the Instagram page. According to NiT, the brand plans to launch a website by the end of the month.
The proposal comes at a time when beach items are starting to gain space in summer shopping. In this case, the difference lies in the attempt to combine comfort, design, Portuguese production and an unexpected function: charging your cell phone while enjoying the sun.
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