We all know that sunglasses can make it easier for us to see on a sunny day, as well as being a stylish addition to our attire. It can be easily overlooked that buying sunglasses should be a well thought out investment, with several important factors to consider other than style, brand or cost.
A good pair of sunglasses should not only be stylish, sit comfortably and make it easier to cope on a particularly sunny day. Most importantly, the eyewear should adequately protect your eyes from UV radiation and direct sunlight. So to help you make the right decision when purchasing a new pair of sunnies, here are some important features to take into account whilst making your decision.
UV Protection
Regardless of the colour and intensity of the lens tint on a pair of sunglasses, they must be UV protection certified to offer any real protection for your eyes. While most glasses will make it easier to see in strong sunlight, they can still let in UV rays which can be very harmful to your eyes.
Ideally, you should search for a pair that provides 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The optimal level of UV protection is UV 400, which provides the aforementioned 100% protection. This is usually signified as a sticker on the lens or box of a new pair of sunglasses, looking for this label should be a priority over any other factor when exploring the different options at your disposal.
Build Quality
What use is it buying a new pair of sunglasses if they can’t hold up to the wear and tear most sunglasses are subjected to day-to-day? In order to ensure that your new sunglasses are both comfortable and last for as long as possible, choosing the right build material and testing their build quality is essential.
Sunglasses can be made from a wide variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, wood, recycled plastic, bamboo and acetate. Whilst the choice of material depends mostly on personal preference and type of usage, acetate is a great all-around choice. It is a cellulose-based material with similar physical properties to traditional plastic, whilst being lighter, more durable and environmentally friendly.
Facial Dimensions
So you’ve found a pair of sunglasses that suit you nicely and are UV 400 certified. You purchase them from and head home only to find out soon after that they don’t sit on your face/head comfortably. Even worse, they fall off your face whilst out and about then break or disappear never to be seen again!
The best course of action when looking for your new pair of sunnies is to head down to a local wholesale outlet, for example, this will give you the chance to take your time and test fit all the sunnies that peak your interest. Your facial dimensions, cheekbones and the bridge of your nose will all greatly influence your final choice. A balance between a style that suits you whilst sitting comfortably and securely on your face/head is what you want to aim for.
Colour/Lens Treatments
The choice of lens colour tends to be a pivotal part of anyone’s sunglasses purchase, it is after all the most prominent feature along with the frame style chosen. The colour or shade of the tint won’t impact how much sunlight is blocked, it will mostly change the level of contrast. This can be a beneficial factor when used for a specific purpose such as sports, helping an athlete hone in on certain aspects in their field of vision.
Another feature to consider is lens treatments, a process where a coating is added to bond with the lens. One of these treatments is polarization. As is the case for colour, polarized lenses do not block more sun. There are surfaces that reflect glare off of them, and these lenses protect and reduce the damaging effects that occur as a result of exposure. This can make activities like being on the water or driving far more enjoyable for your eyes, providing a clearer depiction of what is actually in front of you.
With the summer season upon us and the need for a new pair of sunnies lingering on our minds, these tips will hopefully help you make the best decision for yourself and your eyes alike. It’s also important to note that a proper pair of sunglasses, that offer both style and protection don’t necessarily have to break the bank either.
These days there are endless combinations of lenses and frames to choose from both online and in stores, take your time and find a pair that tick all the boxes mentioned above. Invest in your appearance and comfort, but more importantly invest to protect!