Ah, sunglasses. Fun fashion accessory, complex optics puzzle, and occasionally a way to ward off early onset crow’s feet. No matter your reason for wanting to buy a pair of shades, you’ll want to make sure you’re picking the right ones that suit both your unique fashion sense and your optical needs. But with so many frames, lens types, tinting options, and face shapes to match, how can you make sure you’re getting the right pair?
When purchasing sunglasses, some important features to consider are the level of UV protection, the lens material and shape, and the fit of the frame. Additionally, you should pay attention to how well the lenses reduce glare and of course, how stylish they look on you.
Fear not – you’re in luck, because this blog post is here to take you through the basics of sunglasses and help you pick the perfect set of shades. So sharpen your stylin’ skills and strap in – you’re about to become an expert on choosing good sunglasses!
Table of Contents
Lens Quality
When considering good sunglasses, lenses are certainly the most important part. Many people are often overly focused on frame shape and style, but lens quality is what will give you the protection and performance you need. A good quality lens should block out 100 percent of UVB and UVA radiation, absorb any glare, and not distort your vision in any way.
Polarized lenses are ideal for reducing glare from reflective surfaces like water or pavement, so these are very useful for outdoor activities like skiing, sailing, fishing, and driving. Polarization can also be used indoors to reduce the crippling effect of bright lights when working at a computer or in an office setting. Regular sunglasses often already have polarization applied for added protection. However, it’s always wise to double-check before buying that the lenses have full UVA and UVB protection.
Mirrored lenses are a great way to stay fashionable while additionally providing extra protection from both UV rays and glare outdoors. The mirrored aesthetic looks truly unique and keeps things cool on sunny days by reflecting light away from your eyes. Anti-reflective coated lenses have become increasingly popular recently as they allow more natural light to pass through without causing any distortion or discomfort. This can be especially beneficial if you work long hours indoors where fluorescent lighting can really affect your vision over time.
No matter which type of lenses you choose, it’s essential to make sure you’re getting full UVA/UVB protection from your lenses so that you can guard your eyes from the potentially damaging effects of the sun's rays. As long as you keep that in mind during your search for sunglasses, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect pair.
Now that we've gone over different types of lenses, let's move onto the next section about frames and shapes to explore the vast array of options available in today’s market when it comes to selecting stylish sunglasses!
Frames and Shapes
Frames and shapes of sunglasses are a key factor in choosing the right pair of sunglasses. Different frame styles have different impacts on the overall appearance - both fashion wise and functionally. For example, rimless frames provide great visibility while still looking stylish. On the other hand, wrap-around frames ensure better protection from the sun but come with the drawback of being less airy and more uncomfortable to wear for longer periods of time.
Frame shape also plays a role in ensuring the best fit for your face; rounded frames tend to be most universal and balanced, underscoring all facial features. Oval frames can elongate a round face, and square or angular frames can add an edge to softer faces. To take this even further, many stores offer the option to obtain sunglasses completely customized for shape, material type, color and size to make sure you get what really suits you best.
It is worth noting that some people think retro vintage sunglasses look cool, however it's important to remember without modern lens technology these glasses may not protect your eyes like modern glasses do.
Thus, finding the right frame and shape depends on numerous factors such as individual preference, face type and activity you're engaging in while wearing them. Knowing these details will ensure you pick out just the right combination that fits well and looks great - all while keeping your eyes comfortably protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
Now that we discussed frames and shapes we move on to discuss filter and protection in the next section.
Key Takeaway
When choosing sunglasses, the frame and shape of the sunglasses must be taken into account for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Different frame styles have different benefits, including a better fit for certain face shapes. It is also possible to obtain custom-made sunglasses to better suit an individual's needs. A factor to consider when selecting frames is modern lens technology, as retro vintage sunglasses may not provide enough protection. Ultimately, picking out just the right combination that fits well and looks great will best protect eyes from the sun's harmful rays.
Filter and Protection
Filter and protection are two key aspects to consider when selecting sunglasses. As sunglasses help to protect your eyes from damage, it is important to select a pair with the appropriate lens filters. The main filter categories are UV protection, polarization, photochromic lenses, and mirror coating.
UV Protection
UV protection provides significant benefits for eye health over time. Not all sunglasses have this protection, so it is important to check that your chosen glasses have this feature before you purchase them. Sunglasses with UV protection help protect your eyes by filtering out dangerous ultraviolet radiation which can damage your eyes over time. By doing this, they reduce risks of developing serious eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Polarization
Polarized lenses are an important consideration for those who spend time in bright conditions, such as outdoors or near water. These lenses work by reducing glare coming from surfaces like water or snow. While these lenses provide an added benefit of reducing glare, they do not provide UV protection unless specified otherwise in the label and typically will come at an additional cost.
Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses are designed to darken when exposed to sunlight. These lenses offer added convenience for those who go indoors and outdoors during the day as they can transition from light to dark with ease. While these lenses may be convenient for everyday life, their color-changing capability does not guarantee any UV protection - instead, make sure you look for a pair that specifically offers this feature.
Mirror Coating
Mirror coating is a popular choice amongst those looking for sunnies with a distinct style along with function. This coating diminishes the amount of light entering the eye and gives off a reflected hue that appears mirrored from the outside, making them perfect for outdoor activities such as skiing or fishing where sharp contrasts of light can be damaging to the eyes! While stylish and functional, mirror coatings typically don’t offer UV protection either so it’s important to double check before settling on a final pair of shades for long-term use outside!
Having knowledge about filter and protection options can provide confidence when selecting sunglasses as it ensures you are selecting a pair that best suits your needs depending on how you plan on using them! Next we will discuss why UV protection is essential in preserving your vision health over time!
UV Protection
UV protection is one of the most important factors in choosing the right pair of sunglasses. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays may increase the risk of conditions such as skin cancer, wrinkles, cataracts and more. That’s why it’s critical to find sunglasses that offer maximum UV protection.
You may think all sunglasses protect against UV light, but not all sunglasses are created equal when it comes to this category; some offer better protection than others. Of course, the type of lens coating and darkness do not correlate with how much UV is blocked. A poorly made pair of dark lenses might barely block any UV or even any harmful blue light. Inversely, a lightweight pair of clear lenses could block up to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation.
The debate arises when discussing prescription eyewear that offers polarized lenses as opposed to photochromic lenses for optimal UV protection. Polarized lenses are primarily designed for reducing glare whereas photochromic lenses will automatically adjust its tint depending on the amount of light it receives, thus providing more consistent protection from both UVA and UVB radiation from the sun.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which type of lens would be best suited for providing adequate levels of UV protection while still being aesthetically pleasing and meeting your lifestyle needs.
Finally, don't forget to look for labels such as "UV400" or "100% UV Protection" to ensure your eyes are as protected as possible when searching for the right pair of sunglasses. Now let's move on to the next section and discuss the benefits of having polarized lenses in your sunglasses.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are one of the most popular choices for sunglasses. They absorb and reduce glare, allowing you to see more clearly in direct sunlight. By filtering out a large portion of the light that enters your eyes, they can help protect your vision from damage caused by too much glare.
The benefits of polarized sunglasses are clear: reducing glare and protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. On the other hand, some people argue that polarized lenses could distort colors or cause difficulty when looking through certain types of screens, such as those on a cellphone or GPS. While this is true in some cases, most polarized lenses work well when screen visibility is required.
In summary, polarized lenses provide many great benefits to both casual and professional users who need to reduce glare. They are able to help with vision protection and reduce eyestrain without distorting colors or creating difficulties with mobile device screens. Looking ahead, the next section will explore how different lens coatings can help reduce harsh glares and improve outdoor visibility even further.
Glare Reduction
When choosing sunglasses, one of the most important factors to consider is how well they reduce glare. Glare reduction is determined by the level of polarization in the lenses and their ability to filter out UV rays. Polarized lenses have a special chemical coating to block glare from reflecting off of surfaces like water, snow, and pavement.
This coating makes glasses suitable for activities involving bright reflections such as fishing, golfing, and skiing. However, not all polarized lenses are created equal; there are many types on the market with varying degrees of quality. Many companies use metallic-coated polarizing filters which can significantly reduce contrast levels and distort colors. On the other hand, some companies use non-metallic polarizers which do not interfere with color perception and guard against harmful UV rays.
Overall, it is important to research each type of polarized lens to determine which provides superior glare reduction without compromising visibility or color accuracy. Additionally, make sure the sunglasses you choose offer complete protection from UV rays (meets ANSI Z80.3 standards). This will help ensure maximum eye health and comfort when enjoying outdoor activities.
With this knowledge in mind, let’s move onto the next factor to consider when picking out sunglasses: style, color and look.
Style, Color and Look
When choosing the right pair of sunglasses, style, color and look must be taken into consideration. Many people opt for sunglasses that are fashionable and stylish, coordinating with the latest trends in eyewear. They may want to choose a bold frame shape or color to complement their outfit. Others would rather select a classic design that never goes out of style.
The choice of tint is also important in order to enhance color contrast and comfort. For example, yellow-tint lenses can boost contrast but can also have an adverse effect on depth perception; while rose-tinted lenses can reduce eyestrain in bright light situations. Additionally, some people prefer a mirror finish to their lenses for aesthetic appeal regardless of the tinting abilities it offers.
On the other hand, there are those who prioritize function over fashion when it comes to selecting eyewear, believing that opting for sleek sophistication sacrifices vision protection. While these individuals may wear polarized lenses to block out potentially damaging glares from reflecting surfaces, they gravitate towards simple frames with subtle accents instead of designer labels and bright colors.
Differentiating personal preference plays a role when trying to pick the best sunglasses style for you – do you opt for flash or form? Ultimately finding the perfect balance between form and function can help you make an informed decision about which type of sunglasses best suits your needs..
Now that we understand how different style, color and looks affect our shopping experience, its time to discover how comfort and safety factors come into play when choosing sunglasses - our next topic of discussion.
Comfort and Safety
Comfort and safety are two of the key considerations when choosing a pair of sunglasses. Good sunglasses should not only look stylish, but they should fit comfortably on your face and provide ultimate protection from UVA and UVB rays.
When it comes to comfort, look for a pair of sunglasses with adjustable nose pads and temples that are made of lightweight materials such as plastic or metal (depending on your preference). Make sure that the arms fit nicely behind your ears while still feeling comfortable. Additionally, glasses with a design that embraces curved frames generally provide more coverage on your face and reduce the amount of light that can enter your eyes from the sides.
Safety wise, anyone looking to purchase sunglasses should be sure to check for labels or markings on the frame indicating UV protection or polarization. In particular, polarized lenses offer an enhanced level of protection by reducing reflective light from entering your eyes and eliminating scattered ultraviolet rays. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), proper sunglass use is essential in protecting the eyes from ultraviolet exposure which may lead to long-term eye health damage.
It’s important not just to consider how good you look wearing your shades, but also how safe and comfortable you feel when wearing them. With these factors in mind, let’s now consider another key factor: price and value.
Price and Value
When it comes to purchasing sunglasses, many people think that price tag equals quality, but this isn't always the case. In fact, when considering which pair of sunglasses is best for you, there are a number of other factors to consider besides just price. It's important to recognize both sides of the price-value equation when making your decision.
On the one hand, buying more expensive sunglasses does typically mean you're getting higher quality frames, lenses and materials when compared to lower priced options. This can make for sunglasses that last longer and provide better protection from the elements. On the other hand, mid-range sunglasses may provide a good amount of value for the cost in terms of features they offer while still providing decent quality materials and construction.
In the end, it's up to individuals to decide how much they are willing to spend on their sunglasses. However, it is important to remember that there are some features and qualities that only come with pricier models. If you're looking for something more than just an average pair of glasses, paying more could be worth it in terms of long-term use and superior protection from harmful UV rays. But if you don't need all those extra features, then a mid-range or budget model may still fit your needs without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, choosing between sunglasses with varying prices comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Do some research into the different levels of protection offered by different models and levels of price ranges in order to figure out what will best meet your individual needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best sunglasses brands?
Some of the best sunglasses brands on the market today include Ray-Ban, Oakley, Maui Jim, Bolon, and Persol. Each of these brands offer high-quality lenses that are built to last and are backed by excellent warranties. Ray-Ban offers classic designs such as aviators and Wayfarers, while Bolon specializes in unique frames tailor-made for every face shape.
Oakley and Maui Jim provide excellent polarized lenses that eliminate glare and block max UV rays. Finally, Persol delivers timeless Italian style with a focus on quality craftsmanship. All of these brands offer fashionable sunglasses with superior protection from the elements.
Besides UV protection, what other factors should I consider when buying sunglasses?
When buying sunglasses, you should consider a few other factors besides UV protection. Your face shape, frame style, and color are all important considerations in the process of finding the right pair for you.
First, face shape plays an important role in choosing the right pair of sunglasses. While most frames are designed to fit any face shape, it’s best to take yours into account when shopping. Certain shapes tend to look better on certain faces - round frames with sharp edges tend to flatter square shaped faces while oval shaped faces can pull off almost any frame style.
In addition to face shape, frame style is very important when selecting the right pair of sunglasses. This isn’t just about staying on brand - different styles will work better for your individual needs. For sports or outdoor activities like running or biking, wrap-around frames offer more protection and stability while classic aviator frames can lend a timeless look to any ensemble.
Finally, make sure to keep color in mind! Not only do different colors suggest different styles - grey lenses usually exude sophistication while red ones lean toward sporty - but they also communicate your level of fashion awareness. Look for universally flattering colors like black or brown that will stand out but still go with anything.
By considering these factors in addition to UV protection, you can find a great pair of sunglasses that not only looks good but also fits your unique needs and preferences!
Are certain lens materials more adequate for sunglasses than others?
Yes, certain lens materials are more suitable for sunglasses than others. Generally, higher quality lenses have been manufactured with polycarbonate or Trivex material, as they both offer superior protection from the sun's rays, while remaining lightweight and resistant to breakage. Glass lenses can also provide excellent UV protection, but because of their weight and fragility, they are not ideal for many activities like sports or children’s wear.
The latest polarized lens technology is a great choice for fishing, water sports and driving; with multiple layers to help reduce glare and enhance clarity of vision while providing excellent UV protection. Ultimately, it's important to choose a lens material that meets your activity needs and fits your lifestyle.