Sunglasses are not just a stylish accessory. First and foremost, they are an important element of protection for your eyes. They protect the retina from harmful ultraviolet rays, which can cause vision problems in the future. Good glasses are an investment in your health.
But how do you choose the right ones from hundreds of models? It all starts with the UV400 label. These letters and numbers are the main sign of quality. They mean that the lenses block 100% of ultraviolet rays. Without this protection, even the darkest lenses are useless and even harmful.
Next, think about the shape and material. Glasses should not only protect your eyes from the sun from the side, but also suit the shape of your face. Try them on, look in the mirror — you should feel comfortable and confident. Polycarbonate or Trivex lenses are lighter and stronger than glass, and they won't break in normal situations.
The color of the lenses is not just a matter of taste. Gray and green lenses distort colors the least and are good for city dwellers and drivers. Brown lenses enhance contrast, which is helpful in cloudy weather. Polarized lenses are ideal for relaxing by the water or in the mountains, as they eliminate unpleasant glare.
Remember, the best sunglasses are the ones you will enjoy wearing every sunny day. Take your time, try on several pairs, and check the markings. Let your sunglasses become both reliable protection and a favorite part of your look.
What types and forms are there?
Aviators or “teardrops”
Originally created for pilots and sailors, their form has now changed slightly.
Aviator glasses are so named because of their teardrop-shaped lenses. They have metal frames and thin wire temples.
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Browline or clubmaster
They appeared in the 1950s and went out of fashion several times, but today they can be found again in various brands.
Browline glasses are glasses with “eyebrows.” Their frames are thicker at the top and taper toward the bottom, and the bridge between the lenses is usually thin. The shape can be trapezoidal or rounded.
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Wayfarers
Wayfarers were invented by Ray Ban shareholder Raymond Stegman. The idea was to create a model that anyone could afford.
Wayfarers are plastic-framed glasses shaped like a trapezoid with an upward flare.
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Cat's Eye
Cat-eye glasses are a women's model with thick frames that taper at the top. The shape can be wide or narrow.
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Tishades or Lennons
Tishades or Lennons are glasses with round lenses in a thin frame. They are named after rock musician John Lennon.
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Panto
Panto glasses have rounded lenses at the bottom and straight lenses at the top. The frame has corners at the top.
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Oversized
Oversized is the name given to all large glasses with large lenses. Models can be either framed or frameless. The shape can also vary.
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Sports
Sports glasses fit snugly to the face. They are made of high-strength plastic, with solid, curved lenses and thin frames. This model is suitable for sports, fishing, or hunting.
Now there are many options that resemble sports glasses. They are suitable for everyday wear.
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When choosing sunglasses, it is important to remember that the most important thing is not appearance, but eye protection. Glasses marked UV400 are best suited — they completely block harmful ultraviolet radiation. The color of the lenses does not matter: even light-colored lenses are safe if they offer UV protection. Sunglasses should fit well on the face, not press or slip, and the lenses should not distort colors or create glare. For an active lifestyle, it is worth choosing durable, scratch-resistant models, and if necessary, with diopters. The main thing is not to skimp: high-quality glasses last longer and really protect your eyesight.
How to choose: by face shape, color, frame, and lenses
Face shape
When choosing, pay attention not only to the degree of protection and coating, but also to how the accessory looks on your face. There are five face types: round, square, triangular, oval, and elongated.
A round face has equal proportions and prominent cheeks. Glasses that visually lengthen the contour of the face and sharpen it are suitable. The optimal shapes are rectangular and square. Look for cat-eye, sporty, and wayfarer models. Frames with a narrow bridge and thin temples are best. Round and oval models are best avoided.
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A square face has a pronounced forehead and angular jawline. For this type, choose large, rounded models with a low bridge. The frame can be chunky, but don't overdo it, otherwise it will emphasize the massiveness of the face even more. Your shapes are teashades, aviators, panto, and browliners.
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A triangular face is narrow at the bottom and wide at the top. Round and oval frames will help correct the imbalance. Aviator, pantos, browline, and cat-eye shapes are suitable. Rectangular and square shapes, as well as bulky oversized models, are not recommended.
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Almost all models are suitable for oval faces. But make sure that the frame matches the widest part of your face. Aviators, cat-eye, oversized, wayfarer, and sporty styles will look especially good.
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An elongated face does not have pronounced cheekbones and cheeks. Therefore, large round or oval models are suitable. Good shapes are aviators, pantos, and browliners. Avoid glasses with thin frames or without frames, as well as narrow sports glasses and “foxes.”
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Lenses
Lenses are usually made of glass or plastic. Each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The main advantages of glass lenses are that they do not transmit ultraviolet rays and are resistant to temperature changes. However, their fragility is one of their disadvantages. These glasses are not suitable for people who lead an active lifestyle. Glass lenses can fall, break, or injure the face. There are now many models on the market made of tempered glass, which is more durable.
Plastic is safer than glass. It is lightweight, protects against sunlight, does not injure the face, and will not break if dropped. It is a soft material that adapts to any shape, which is why most models have plastic lenses.
But there is a drawback: the plastic wears out and scratches quickly.
Frames
In terms of shape, the frame can be:
- rimmed — around the lenses;
- half-rim—attached to the lenses from above;
- rimless — the lenses are attached to the arms.
The frame is made of plastic or metal. But sometimes you can find natural materials—horn, rubber, tortoiseshell.
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Plastic is used most often. It is a lightweight material that does not crack and absorbs paint well. Plastic glasses can be any color.
Metal is more durable. Metal frames are thin and elegant. They are a classic that suits any age.
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Lens color
The color of the lenses affects the distortion of natural colors and the protection of the eyes. Black is a classic option. It has good color rendering, does not distort shades, but only slightly mutes them.
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Green, gray, and brown lenses do not distort colors and can be worn in any weather. Ophthalmologists claim that green lenses soothe the eyes.
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Orange lenses, on the other hand, distort colors and increase contrast. These glasses are suitable for cloudy days and for driving.
Red, pink, and purple lenses slightly reflect sunlight. They are recommended for wearing on cloudy days or for working at a computer.
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Blue and light blue lenses transmit ultraviolet rays and distort colors. They should not be worn on sunny days as they irritate the retina.
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Gradient lenses are dark at the top and light at the bottom. They can be worn in any weather: they provide good protection from the sun. They are suitable for drivers because they do not distort colors and provide good visibility.
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Photochromic lenses or chameleons change color from light gray to black. These are versatile glasses that are suitable for almost any conditions.
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Markings on glasses
The marking helps you choose the right model. On the inside of the temple, you may find special markings:
- The combination “CE” is found on almost all glasses. This mark indicates that the product was made according to European quality standards.
- The inscription “Made in” indicates the country where the glasses were made.
- Brand and model name. For example, Chanel, Versace. Some models use abbreviations: Ray Ban — RB.
- Serial number. 4–5 digits with a hyphen.
These labels are used by expensive brands. If you buy glasses, for example, in an optician's, these labels may not be present. The temples also contain other information about the model — color, width, distance, and temple length. For example, 55 is the width, 18 is the distance between the lenses, and 140 is the length of the temples.
Sometimes there may be a letter in the marking. It indicates the color. The exception is the letter P, which indicates that the model has a polarizing filter. The name of the filter may be written in full — Polarized.
Some models have a tint category:
- Cat. 1 — slight tint, light lenses: pink, yellow, or blue. Such glasses are usually suitable for cloudy weather;
- Cat. 2 — darkened lenses;
- Cat. 3 — high darkness. Can be used for beach holidays;
- Cat. 4 — maximum darkening. Suitable for skiing, but not recommended for everyday use.
Some manufacturers may add information to the glasses about the maximum length of ultraviolet waves filtered by the lens. For example, UV400 — does not transmit 100% of UV rays, UV380 — weaker protection.
How to choose glasses: advice from ophthalmologists
Pay attention to the quality of the lenses. Usually, glasses come with an insert or certificate with the letters “B” or “G” — color — and a number from 0 to 100 — percentage of light transmission. The lower the number, the better the protection from UV radiation:
- 80–100% — suitable for cloudy days;
- 43–80% — for days with variable cloud cover;
- 18–43% — for sunny days in the city;
- 8–18% — for sunny days at the sea or in the mountains;
- 3–8% — also suitable for sunny days at the seaside or in the mountains.
It is better to choose large glasses so that they protect the skin of the eyelids from ultraviolet radiation as much as possible.
Bright lenses — red, orange, yellow — should be worn in cloudy weather and not during the hot season. They do not protect the eyes from the sun.
Choose different models for different purposes and activities — for sports, leisure, or image. For example, drivers should choose models with thin frames or without frames. They will not narrow the field of vision.
Polarized sunglasses are suitable for skiing. They eliminate reflected light and do not glare. Chameleon sunglasses are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They are especially good for people with vision problems. However, you cannot drive while wearing them, for example.
Cheap sunglasses do not have UV filters, so they do not protect against ultraviolet rays, and the pupil does not constrict. Your eyes will suffer greatly in such products.
When choosing sunglasses, you should first and foremost consider the health of your eyes, and only then think about style. Therefore, always pay attention to the level of UV protection. The UV400 or “100% UVA/UVB protection” label is your main guide. Without this label, sunglasses become just a fashion accessory that can even be harmful, causing your pupils to dilate under dark lenses without proper protection.
The shape of the frame should not only suit your face type, but also be comfortable. Glasses should not press on your temples or slide down your nose. Try them on, turn your head, bend over — they should fit securely and comfortably. Remember that you will be wearing them for hours, and the slightest discomfort can ruin the whole experience.
The color and material of the lenses are a matter of both personal preference and practicality. Gray and green lenses distort colors the least, which is ideal for the city. Polarized sunglasses can be useful for relaxing by the water or in the mountains, as they eliminate glare. Durable polycarbonate lenses are a good choice for active recreation.
Ultimately, the ideal sunglasses are a balance between reliable protection, comfort, and your taste. Don't chase after the cheapest options, but it's not always wise to overpay for a brand name alone. Find the pair that makes you feel protected, confident, and comfortable in any situation.
