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Sunglasses Buying Guide

Summertime is here and its definitely not a time be left in the dark. Step into the beautiful sunlight in style with a new pair of killer shades. This guide is designed to help you make the most educated purchase and will walk you through all of the different styles that there are to choose from! 

Sunglasses for Safety

Sunglasses are designed to protect our eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun. If you don't know exactly what UV rays are, then read up:

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the component of sunlight which is harmful to our skin. It can cause sunburns and sometimes even skin cancer. It is even more damaging to the face and the eyes, causing burning, wrinkling around the eyes, skin cancer of the face and premature eye damage. Too much unprotected exposure to UV radiation can cause photokeratitis, cataracts and has been linked to causing some forms of macular degeneration. Furthermore, sunglasses without UV filtration might actually do more harm to your eyes than going without any shades; since your eyes are fooled into thinking it is dark out, your pupils dilate, letting in more UV radiation.

If you go out of your way to slather yourself with sunscreen before going outside, you should take the extra step and keep your eyes going strong too! Get yourself a good pair of UV filtering sunglasses  and get back to having fun in the sun.  Just make sure you're protected.

Safety Tips

  • You should always wear sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection  while spending time outdoors during the day, no matter the season. UV is not season-specific and can damage your eyes at any time. Snowy winter days are especially deceiving because while there is a chill in the air, the sun's rays naturally reflect off the snow increasing the UV intensity.
  • Long exposure to UV radiation can greatly increase the chances of developing cataracts (a clouding of the lens of the eye) and damage to the retina.
  • Lenses should be gray,  green  or brown  and the larger the lenses, the better.
  • Wrap-around sunglasses provide an extra measure of protection, as does wearing a hat with a wide brim or a visor.
  • Buying sunglasses from street vendors is risky. There's no assurance that the eyewear, no matter how dark the lens, will protect against UV rays. When visiting in NY, go to a reputable dealer and don't buy on Canal Street. Counterfeit sunglasses are usually easily spotted, but also potentially bad for you as described earlier in this article. They are no bargain!
  • Polarized lenses,  which normally include UV protection, can help cut down glare on sunny days and are especially useful for driving.

Athletic Styles

Sport Shades 

Most outdoor sports are better on sunny days, but your eyes may ache after a day of cycling in bright sunshine. Fashion shades  won't cut it for the athlete -- you need sport shades! Cycling, kayaking, hiking, running sailing, skiing, snowboarding -- if you do it outside, you'll need good eye protection.

Look for:

  • Polarization  and UV Protection 
    • As with any sunglasses, UV protection is important; keep your eyes safe!
    • Polarization is especially important for sports where glare is a problem. If you're spending a lot of time on the water (fishing, surfing, kayaking, sailing) or on the snow (skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing), polarized lenses are probably definitely the way to go. Polarization is also a good idea for anyone who uses the road (runners and cyclists) since it cuts down on glare from wet streets and sidewalks.
  • No-Slip Grips 
    • If you're going to work up a sweat, plastic is going to slide right off your nose. Sunglasses made specifically for sports will have nosepieces and temple grips that stay on no matter how much you perspire.
  • Lightweight, Durable Frames Sunglasses 
    • Just like any other piece of sporting equipment, light is better but not if it sacrifices strength. Titanium, carbon-fiber composites and other high-tech materials are turning up more and more when it comes to frame styles. These can be expensive; polyamide is also a good choice and it costs less.
    • Don't forget to get polycarbonate lenses; they're stronger than glass and don't break as easily. Nothing can shatter your mood more than a pair of shattered sunglasses!
  • Aerodynamics 
    • This might not be that important if you just need a sturdy pair of shades for a fishing trip or your Sunday golf game. If you're into cycling, skiing, or other sports where speed is part of the fun, aerodynamic shapes will distort less while the wind is trying to peel the skin off your face.
  • Lens Colors 
    • Different lens colors are used in different situations. Depending on your usual environment, look for a lens that will best suit the conditions you usually face.
    • Another option is to buy a pair of shades that has interchangeable lenses.  You can change your eyewear from deep orange-brown  (good for bright sun) to golden yellow sunglasses  (good for low-light) in the time it takes to say "I wish I'd remembered my umbrella." This chart from Smith Sport lists most of the colors you're likely to encounter in any sunglasses.

Popular Sports Sunglasses

Spy Optics Jade Sunglasses 

Tifosi Pave Polarized Sunglasses 

Forza Polarized Sunglasses 

Find Your Personal Style

There are two important things to think about when shopping for stylin' shades: your personal style and your face shape. Not all frames fit and flatter all faces. Check out this link to learn more about how to match sunglasses (or regular eyeglasses) to your face shape in order to look your best. You can also look below to see some of the styles available-- this is just a taste of the plethora of glasses there are to choose from. Whatever you do, don't settle for just any shades, and certainly don't just buy a pair because you think EVERYONE is wearing them. Rock whatever style makes you feel good about yourself and your personality and you will be sure to get the best fit!  Fashion victims can be laughable.

Men's

Aviator  sunglasses aren't just for pilots and hipsters.

Sports Wrap  sunglasses are for the active athlete who needs something durable.

Rimless  sunglasses are for the ueber cool and trendy.

Celebrity  sunglasses can be hit or miss. Not everyone can rock the Kanye glasses and look normal!

Rectangular Metal Rim  or vintage  sunglasses have that Euro Look that can be oh, so cool. Just don't try to go for the Euro-look in Europe!

Women's

Jackie O  sunglasses are easier to wear for women than men.

Aviators  sunglasses have a classic summery look.

Oversized Square  sunglasses can either look really chic or totally rediculous. Be sure to try them on before purchasing.

Cat Eye  sunglasses have that retro 60's look, match them with an attitude! Try out a pair of Heart-Shaped Sunglasses  while you're at it.

Tortoise Shell  sunglasses are a little retro and a little fashion. Sounds like fun

Major Manufacturers

Check out all of these designers directly to see what each of them are doing for the season. This list may seem extensive, but it is important to weight out all fo your options before you choose the shades that are right for you. 
 

Related Guides

External Links

  • General
    • Wikipedia -- Learn about sunglasses.
    • Technical Gear -- A glossary for sunglasses as well as a buying guide.
    • Skatelog -- Do you need practical information about sunglasses for sports and fitness? This page has an index of articles.
  • The Right Shape Frames and Lens Color
    • All About Vision -- Comprehensive: covers face shape, color, and has lots of links to styles for men, women, and more.
    • Voguewear -- All the face shapes and how to choose the right frames.
    • Eye Topics -- Talks about color and color density options.
  • Sports

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
FR: Lunettes de soleil, Guide d'achat
DE: Sonnenbrillen