Now that we've shown you our favorite sunglasses this year, you may be curious about some of the most important things to think for before picking a pair for yourself. Read on to learn more about the most important details to consider before buying a new pair of sunglasses.
Things To Consider Before Buying Sunglasses
A few things to look for in a pair of sunglasses are:
Size
Although size is a personal choice when it comes to sunglasses, the bigger, the better. This is because larger frames will cover more of your face and will provide more protection for your eyes and skin. Get a close fit to your face so you get more coverage, protecting yourself from unnecessary sun damage. A close fit will also eliminate the possibility of sunlight leaking over or around the lenses.
UV Protection
Make sure you get a pair that has 100% protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Check the specifications for UV400 protection - this feature means that the lenses can block UV wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. This level of UV protection will stop you from squinting and get rid of any eye discomfort.
Purpose
No pair of sunglasses can do it all. You can't go cycling or run with the pair of sunglasses you wore to brunch. Unlike trendy ones, sports sunglasses are built to cover your temples, fit closer to your eyes and wrap tightly around your head. Consider your main purpose for your sunglasses purchase, as you wouldn’t want to risk buying the wrong pair of sunglasses.
Polarization
A polarized lens is a very necessary feature for sunglasses. Polarizing cuts the glare from water, cars, roads, snow, or mirrors. You get a clearer vision, more protection, and increased comfort. Even better, polarized lenses are always trendy.
What Are Some Sunglasses That Never Go Out of Style?
The Cat Eye
Cat-eye-shaped sunglasses look chic and uplift any kind of outfit you’re wearing. You can seamlessly pair them with casual, semi-casual, or formal attire. The sharp edges perfectly complement the wearer’s cheekbones and temple while sitting comfortably on the nose.
The Retro Round
Second on our list are the retros. They come in round frames that sometimes come with novel design elements that make them stand out. Some pieces have crystal embellishments, while others come with bright-colored lenses. They can easily be used as a statement accessory with a plain outfit.
The Oversized Ones
The oversized Jackie O’s exude luxury and style with their big bold curves and oversized lenses. They are perfect for sunny beach days, covering a large part of your face and simultaneously making you look edgy.
The Aviators
The aviators are timeless. You simply cannot go wrong with a pair of aviators. The best part is that they look good on all kinds of faces and features. You can get cheap ones or high-end luxury ones in this style.
The Embellished Ones
Embellished frames are perfect for adding a little bling to your look. They come with either pearls, gold, or diamond embellishments and never go out of style.
The Square
Few styles are more iconic than a standard square sunglasses style, such as Wayfarers or Clubmasters. Square styles fit well on any face, regardless of gender, and offer the perfect amount of coverage.
The Rimless
Minimalist in nature, rimless sunglasses are trendy and complement any style or outfit. They don’t have bulky frames and are usually very lightweight and comfortable. Many styles above have rimless options, so you can get the best of both worlds.
Tips To Maintain Sunglasses
Here are some useful tips to maintain your sunglasses without an expensive kit.
Store them the right way
To avoid accidents and unnecessary damage, store your sunglasses appropriately. This will prevent them from building up dust, getting scratched, and also reduce the chances of bending or breaking the frame. Keeping them in a drawer is not enough; you need to place them in their designated box, container, or dust pouch.
Rinse with water
You should never wipe your sunglasses with a cloth because this can easily damage the lenses. When you wipe with a cloth, you push these dust particles into the corners of the frame where they settle. Rubbing also causes abrasion across the lens and frame.
Gently rinse the glasses every once in a while or use a cleaning product for it. Use a microfiber or a soft cloth instead of napkins, paper towels, or tissues. Those paper products easily leave dust and are rougher than microfiber.
Prevent excessive heat
You have to be careful with sunglasses during the summer months. Leaving sunglasses in the sunlight for a long time can actually distort the plastic and bend them which will eventually crack or break the lens. This is more common in the cheaper sunglasses, but you should still be cautious regardless.
Are Polarized Lenses Bad for Your Eyes?
Polarized lenses fine-tune your vision in high-glare situations. They are great for wearing in the sun, especially when you’re driving or playing a sport, but they can be dangerous if worn at night.
The lenses are so dark that they make it difficult to see clearly in low-light situations. Polarized lenses don’t provide any additional protection from the UV rays when compared to a normal pair of sunglasses.
Polarized lenses also make it a little difficult to look at LCD screens. Other than that, there are no serious health issues reported that arise due to the use of polarized lenses.
Conclusion
Putting on a good pair of sunglasses always uplifts your outfit, mood, and spirit. You should always consider your options carefully when investing in a new pair. With so many styles to choose from, it can be quite overwhelming. But, once you find a style or brand you like, it is easy to find more that you’ll like too.
Sunglasses FAQ
Q: What sunglasses brands are the best?
A: Some good brands for sunglasses are Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, Oakley, Tom Ford, and Prada. These are known for their stylish, quality products, but are also known for their higher price tags.
Q: Are polarized glasses the same as UV protection ones?
A: No. Polarized lenses block glare while UV protection glasses block UV rays. For best results, get sunglasses with 100% UV protection and polarized lenses.
Q: Which color tint is best for driving?
A: Amber, grey, and copper tints are perfect for driving. These won’t distort colors needed for safe driving, like reds, greens, or yellows.