Sunglasses Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Pair
Level Up Your Look: The Essential Guide to Buying Sunglasses
Sunglasses are more than just a stylish accessory – they're essential for protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. But with so many options available, choosing the right pair can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider, explore popular brands, and help you find sunglasses that fit your style and budget.
Both skateboarding and snowboarding involve the risk of falls. Look for sunglasses made with polycarbonate or Trivex lenses for their strength and shatter resistance. Consider getting a strap to secure them around your head. A snug but comfortable fit is crucial to prevent sunglasses from slipping or flying off during jumps or falls. Look for glasses with curved temples that hug your head and rubberized nose and temple pads for added grip.
Frame Material:
When choosing sunglasses, the frame material is just as important as the lenses. It impacts comfort, durability, style, and even price. Here's a quick rundown of the most popular frame materials to help you pick the perfect pair:
Plastic:
Pros: Affordable, lightweight, vast variety of colors and styles. Cons: Less durable, can bend or break easily, may not hold shape over time.
- Acetate: High-quality plastic, glossy finish, comfortable, but can be more expensive.
- Nylon: Lightweight, flexible, great for active wear, but may not be as stylish as other options.
- Polycarbonate: Strong, impact-resistant, good for kids and sports, but can look less refined.
Metal:
Pros: Strong, durable, classic and stylish look. Cons: Heavier than plastic, can be less comfortable for extended wear, may not be suitable for active lifestyles.
- Stainless Steel: Durable, corrosion-resistant, classic look, but can be heavier.
- Titanium: Ultra-lightweight, strong, hypoallergenic, the most expensive option.
- Aluminum: Lightweight, flexible, but can be less scratch-resistant.
Sun Protection:
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UV Protection: This is non-negotiable. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. A sticker or label indicating "UV absorption up to 400nm" signifies complete UV protection.
- Lens Material: Polycarbonate is a popular choice for its impact resistance and clarity. Trivex offers similar benefits with even greater optical clarity. High-end brands may use glass lenses, which offer excellent scratch resistance but can be heavier.
Lens Features:
- Polarized Lenses: These lenses reduce glare bouncing off horizontal surfaces like water or pavement, improving visual clarity and comfort. Ideal for activities like driving, fishing, or spending time on the water.
- Lens Color: Consider your activities. Grey or brown lenses are great for everyday use, maintaining natural color perception. Green lenses enhance contrast, making them suitable for golf or other sports. Yellow/amber lenses excel in low light conditions, perfect for skiing or snowboarding.
What are Polarized Sunglasses?
Regular sunglasses simply tint your vision and block UV rays. Polarized sunglasses take it a step further. They have a special filter that absorbs scattered light, which is the harsh glare that bounces off horizontal surfaces like water, snow, or pavement.
Do I Need Polarized Sunglasses?
Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:
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Yes, you likely need them if:
- You spend a lot of time outdoors, especially near water, snow, or pavement.
- You experience eye strain or squinting in bright light
- You prioritize clear vision and vibrant colors
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Polarized lenses might not be necessary if:
- You mainly use sunglasses for occasional wear or low-light conditions
- You wear sunglasses primarily for fashion and don't experience glare issues
- You use digital screens often, as polarized lenses can sometimes cause a slight rainbow effect on LCD screens
Fit and Style:
- Face Shape: Matching your sunglasses to your face shape creates a flattering look. Here's a quick guide:
- Oval: Most versatile, can rock various styles.
- Round: Opt for angular frames like aviators or wayfarers.
- Square: Soften features with round or cat-eye frames.
- Heart-shaped: Balance the width with wider frames on the bottom.
- Material and Build Quality: Look for frames made from lightweight yet durable materials like nylon or acetate. Metal frames offer a classic look but can bend or break more easily. Consider your lifestyle and how you'll be using your sunglasses.
Popular Brands:
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High-End:
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Lifestyle:
- Spy: Offers a range of trendy and functional sunglasses for active lifestyles.
- Electric: Edgy designs and bold colors, perfect for those who want to make a statement.
- Dragon: Known for its collaborations with athletes and artists, Dragon sunglasses cater to a fashion-forward crowd.
- Ashbury: Offers classic and vintage-inspired sunglasses with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
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Budget-Friendly Options:
- I-Sea: Affordable sunglasses with a focus on polarized lenses and trendy styles.
- Happy Hour: Offers a wide variety of sunglasses at accessible prices, with many polarized options.
- Dot Dash: Provides stylish and functional sunglasses without breaking the bank.
Our Tips by Sport:
Sunglasses for Skateboarding:
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Lens Color: Brown or gray lenses are great for everyday skateboarding as they maintain natural color perception.
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Style: Wraparound or shield-style sunglasses provide good peripheral vision and extra protection for your eyes from dust, dirt, or kicked-up debris.
Sunglasses for Snowboarding:
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Lens Color: For bright snowy conditions, consider polarized lenses to reduce glare and eye strain. Yellow or amber lenses enhance contrast and improve depth perception in low-light conditions common during snowboarding.
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UV Protection: Especially important at high altitudes, ensure your sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Ventilation: Look for sunglasses with vents to prevent fogging up, especially on warmer days or during exertion.
