What To Know
- A good fit is crucial for comfort and ensuring your sunglasses stay in place.
- A classic style with teardrop-shaped lenses and a metal frame, perfect for a timeless look.
- A rectangular frame with a distinctive browline, offering a versatile and stylish option.
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and you’re ready to soak up some rays. But before you head out, you need the perfect pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes and elevate your style. Knowing how to buy sunglasses can be a bit overwhelming, with so many styles, brands, and features to consider. That’s where this guide comes in! We’ll break down everything you need to know to find the perfect pair of shades for your needs and budget.
Understanding the Basics: What to Look For in Sunglasses
Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory; they’re essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. Here’s what you should consider when buying a pair:
- UV Protection: The most important feature of any sunglasses is their ability to block harmful UV rays. Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection, indicated by the label “UV400.”
- Lens Color: Lens color impacts how light passes through and affects your vision. Darker lenses are better for bright sunlight, while lighter lenses are better for overcast days. Consider your needs and preferences.
- Lens Material: Different lens materials offer different benefits.
- Polycarbonate: Lightweight, durable, and impact-resistant.
- Glass: Offers clarity and scratch resistance.
- CR-39: A popular choice that offers a good balance of durability and clarity.
- Frame Material: Frame material affects the weight, durability, and style of your sunglasses.
- Metal: Lightweight and stylish but can be less durable.
- Plastic: Durable, lightweight, and affordable.
- Acetate: A high-quality plastic that’s durable and hypoallergenic.
- Frame Shape: Consider your face shape when choosing a frame shape. Round faces look good with angular frames, while square faces suit rounded frames.
Choosing the Right Lens Tint for Your Needs
The right lens tint can enhance your vision and make your sunglasses more comfortable to wear. Here’s a breakdown of common lens tints and their uses:
- Brown: Enhances contrast and clarity, ideal for driving and outdoor activities.
- Gray: Offers neutral color perception, suitable for general use.
- Green: Reduces glare and improves contrast, good for fishing and water sports.
- Yellow: Enhances visibility in low light conditions, ideal for driving at night or in cloudy weather.
- Amber: Enhances contrast and depth perception, suitable for sports and outdoor activities.
- Blue: Reduces glare and offers a cool appearance.
Finding the Perfect Fit: How to Measure for Sunglasses
A good fit is crucial for comfort and ensuring your sunglasses stay in place. Here’s how to measure for sunglasses:
1. Measure the width of your face: Use a flexible measuring tape and measure the distance between your temples, just above your eyebrows.
2. Measure the bridge width: Measure the distance between the two inner corners of your eyes.
3. Compare measurements to sunglass sizes: Sunglasses sizes are typically written as “Lens Width – Bridge Width – Temple Length.” For example, 55-18-140 means the lens width is 55mm, the bridge width is 18mm, and the temple length is 140mm.
Exploring Different Sunglasses Styles
Sunglasses are more than just eye protection; they’re a fashion statement. Here are some popular sunglasses styles to consider:
- Aviator: A classic style with teardrop-shaped lenses and a metal frame, perfect for a timeless look.
- Wayfarer: A rectangular frame with a distinctive browline, offering a versatile and stylish option.
- Round: A retro-inspired style with circular lenses, perfect for adding a touch of cool.
- Square: A bold and angular style, ideal for those who prefer a modern look.
- Oversized: A statement-making style with large lenses, offering extra coverage and a trendy vibe.
- Sport: Designed for performance, these sunglasses feature wraparound frames and durable materials.
Choosing the Right Sunglasses for Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle plays a big role in choosing the right sunglasses. Here are some tips for different activities:
- Driving: Choose sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare from the road.
- Sports: Opt for sunglasses with wraparound frames and impact-resistant lenses.
- Beach: Look for sunglasses with UV protection and water-resistant frames.
- Everyday Wear: Consider a versatile style that complements your wardrobe and offers good UV protection.
The Right Sunglasses for Your Budget
Sunglasses come in a wide range of prices, from affordable options to high-end designer brands. Here’s a breakdown of price points and what to expect:
- Budget-Friendly (Under $50): These sunglasses offer basic UV protection and a decent level of quality.
- Mid-Range ($50-$200): You’ll find a wider selection of styles, materials, and features in this price range.
- High-End (Over $200): Expect premium materials, advanced technology, and designer brands in this price range.
Sunglasses Care and Maintenance
To keep your sunglasses looking their best and lasting longer, follow these care tips:
- Clean them regularly: Use a microfiber cloth and a mild soap solution to clean your lenses.
- Store them properly: Keep your sunglasses in a hard case to prevent scratches and damage.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Don’t leave your sunglasses in direct sunlight or extreme heat.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals: Avoid using alcohol or other harsh chemicals to clean your lenses.
Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Pair
Finding the right sunglasses is about more than just looking good; it’s about protecting your eyes and enjoying the world around you. By considering your needs, preferences, and budget, you can find the perfect pair of sunglasses that will keep you stylish and safe for years to come.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What is the difference between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses?
A: Polarized sunglasses have a special filter that reduces glare by blocking horizontally polarized light. This makes them ideal for driving, fishing, and other activities where glare can be a problem.
Q: How can I tell if my sunglasses offer UV protection?
A: Look for the label “UV400” on the sunglasses or their packaging. This indicates that they offer 100% UV protection.
Q: Are expensive sunglasses always better?
A: Not necessarily. While expensive sunglasses may offer premium materials and advanced technology, there are many affordable options that provide excellent UV protection and quality.
Q: How often should I replace my sunglasses?
A: It’s a good idea to replace your sunglasses every 2-3 years, especially if they show signs of wear and tear.
Q: Can I wear sunglasses indoors?
A: It’s not recommended to wear sunglasses indoors, as they can block out too much light and make it difficult to see. However, it’s okay to wear them in dimly lit areas like a movie theater.
