How to Choose Sunglasses

Not all sunglasses are created equal. Some are made of lenses that do little toward protecting your eyes from the UV rays that make the sun dangerous to your vision in the first place. Others are made of cheap materials that could make them break prematurely. Others are simply the wrong fit for your face. We thought we’d share some of our expertise when it comes to choosing a good pair of sunglasses.

How to Choose the Best Sunglasses

Don’t let the massive amount of sunglass options make your head spin. Narrow down the selection with these simple tips.

Look for 100% UV protection

The most important factor when choosing sunglasses is to make sure they offer 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels or tags that indicate UV protection, or ask the salesperson if the sunglasses offer full UV protection.

Consider the lens color

Different lens colors can affect how much light is transmitted to your eyes, as well as how well you can see in different lighting conditions. Gray, brown, and green lenses are good all-purpose choices, while yellow and amber lenses can improve contrast in low-light conditions.

Check for polarized lenses

Polarized lenses can reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or snow, making them a good choice for activities like boating or skiing. However, they may not be necessary for everyday wear.

Choose a frame that fits well

Sunglasses should fit comfortably on your face, without slipping down your nose or pressing too tightly behind your ears. Look for frames that are the right size for your face, with adjustable nose pads and temples if possible.

Consider your lifestyle

Think about the activities you’ll be doing while wearing your sunglasses, and choose a pair that’s appropriate for your lifestyle. For example, if you’ll be running or biking, look for lightweight, aerodynamic frames that won’t bounce around on your face. If you’ll be driving, choose lenses that won’t interfere with your ability to see traffic signals or other important details.

The Best Sunglass Shape for Your Face Type

With sunglasses, fashion is almost as important as function. With that said, here are the most complimentary frame shapes for each face type.

Round face

Look for sunglasses with angular or square frames to add contrast and balance out the roundness of your face. Avoid round frames, which can make your face appear even rounder.

Square face

Choose sunglasses with round or oval frames to soften the angular lines of your face. Avoid square or rectangular frames, which can accentuate the boxiness of your face.

Oval face

Lucky you! You can wear almost any sunglass shape, but oversized or wraparound styles can look particularly flattering.

Heart-shaped face

Look for sunglasses with bottom-heavy frames or cat-eye shapes to balance out the width of your forehead and narrow chin. Avoid styles with embellished or heavy top frames, which can draw attention to your forehead.

Diamond-shaped face

Choose sunglasses with oval or cat-eye frames to highlight your cheekbones and soften the angles of your face. Avoid narrow frames, which can make your face appear even more angular.

Not all of us can simply pick a pair of sunglasses off the shelf. Those of us with prescription lenses need prescription sunglasses to preserve our vision while we’re wearing them. Fortunately, we offer many prescription sunglasses options. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment and fitting.