When thinking of sunglasses most people envision bright sunny days on the beach sipping a cool beverage without a care in the world. Rarely, if ever, do we picture gray, dreary, and downright freezing winter days. You may think because of this you don’t have to worry about most days in the winter. However, UV rays don’t take the winter off, and your eyes are still at risk without a quality pair of sunglasses.
Winter provides us with unique lighting conditions not experienced in the summer. This includes bright sunlight on clear days paired with stark white snow to create intense glare from both the sky and ground. To combat this, it’s important to always wear your sunglasses during winter days to not only control glare and brightness but also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Yes, UV rays are still very much present during the winter. This is why we have compiled this list of our favorite winter sunglasses that provide both form and function. Be sure to check out our extensive guide and FAQ further down the page to fully understand what you should be looking for in a quality pair of sunglasses for the winter or any season really.
Our team spends countless hours researching the latest styles and features from dozens of manufacturers when creating our “Best Of” lists. We take great pride in providing authentic reviews on the most current products to ensure we have compiled the best-suited products for our lists. Therefore, you can always count on us to update and edit lists when better options become available to ensure the best experience possible. – The Eyewear Genius Team
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. View our full disclosure.
Featured Topics
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer
You can’t think about sunglasses without thinking of Ray-Ban’s Iconic Original Wayfarer. Worn by Hollywood stars and Presidents, the Wayfarer is made from premium acetate and features polarized lenses to filter out harsh reflections.
Precise, simplistic lines make this a timeless classic that looks good on just about anyone. While we love the Original Wayfarer for year-round use, the polarized lenses work exceptionally well to block the harsh glare from the bright winter landscape.
Much like the Ray-Ban Wayfarer the Oakley Frogskins have long been considered classics by eyewear connoisseurs around the globe. They too feature a classic wayfarer shape but with a slightly unique twist compared to their Ray-Ban counterparts.
The Frogskins are often available in many more colors and lens finishes which is what has helped to build their cult following. We love the various combinations and especially like Oakley’s mirrored iridium lenses for extra flare. Of course, they offer superb UV protection and have polarized lenses as one of their many choices.
Persol is renowned for their beautiful acetate frames, especially tortoiseshell and real glass lenses. The 714 is one of their most iconic styles, made famous by Hollywood Legend Steve MacQueen. The Crystal (glass) lenses are all hand assembled and provide unmatched optical clarity. The 714 is also the world’s first pair of folding sunglasses designed all the way back in the 1960’s. Rounding out the 714 is Persol’s incredibly fine attention to detail with ornate, all-metal, hinges and signature arrow temple detail.
You may hear “Maui Jim” and automatically imagine white sand beaches and turquoise water. So why are these in the winter sunglasses list? Simple, those great qualities that protect your eyes from intense reflections off the sandy beaches and tropical waters provide the same protection against the stark white winter scenery. The Ho’okipa are true wrap around style glasses which means they will hug your face and provide UV protection from nearly every angle. Pair this with Maui Jim’s polarized lenses and you possess the ideal combination to defeat the sun on those bluebird days.
You’d be hard pressed to encounter a better-looking pair of aviators than the Burberry BE3080. These classy shades are great for everyday use, but thrive on those bright winter drives. And of course, you can’t have true Burberry sunglasses without their iconic plaid pattern. Incorporated into the temples is cotton canvas injected with a special rubberized dye for incredible fabric detailing and durability. If aviators are your preferred eyewear, the BE3080 discriminate no one and look great on just about everyone.
If you’re new to the designer sunglasses game then let me introduce you to Celine Sunglasses. Celine not only makes fantastic looking premium acetate sunglasses but they are well known for their luxury handbags and accessories as well. The Audrey Sunglasses featured above show-off Celine’s trademark chunky acetate frames with superb quality polarized lenses. All frames are made and hand shaped in Italy for the utmost in quality finishes. The Audrey is available in black but we especially appreciate it in the Havana tortoiseshell colorway.
The Leo is the ultimate classic in men’s designer sunglasses, epitomizing the very essence of dapper. Inspired by the classic 1950’s wayfarer, we genuinely believe the Leo would look great on just about any human. The frame is constructed of Italian acetate and features the signature “T” embellishment in rose gold metal found on the horn which wraps around to the temple. The lenses are polarized, impact resistant polycarbonate with a dark tint, perfect for the brightest of conditions.
Perhaps the best bargain on the list, the Smith Optics Founder offers fantastic style at an even better price. They are available in 12 dynamic color combinations and features Smith’s proprietary ChromaPop lenses. If you have never tried ChromaPop lenses you are in for a treat as the increased clarity and contrast you’ll experience is off the charts. Like we said, there are many color-ways available but we are suckers for any sunglasses with crystal fronts as shown above. Smith Optics is one of the industry leaders in ski goggles but we think the founder sunglasses would be right at home on the slopes as well.
Straight from the silver screen of Hollywood’s Golden Era, the Oliver Peoples Gregory Peck was inspired by the legendary actor of its namesake as he undertook the role of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. The “Peck” features a slimmer profile for a tidier, timeless look. The classically inspired design is paired with an exotic acetate frame and features a distinct keyhole style bridge. The smaller frame width is perfect for a narrower or slender face.
Sorry guys, this aviator gem is solely aimed at the ladies. The Dalia 2 provides an oversized aviator style for women or those with smaller faces by reducing the lens height, giving more room for your cheekbones. We love the serious tone the exterior dark brown tortoiseshell set against the playful nature of the soft pale rainbow pattern on the inside of the temples. The Dalia 2 represents a great all-around pair of sunnies and the dark, polarized lenses make them fantastic at absorbing and filtering the brightest of sunlight.
Designer shades are great and all, but sometimes you just want a nice looking pair of sunglasses that won’t break the bank. The Electric Knoxville are the perfect sunglasses to fulfill this need. The incredibly diverse frame colors and lens finishes ensure you will be able to find a combination that works well for you. Need polarized? They have you covered. Mirrored lenses? Yep, they have those too. 20+ colors to choose from? You bet. I am sure you get the point here. If you are looking for a solid everyday pair of sunglasses that can handle the brightest of days at a competitive price, look no further.
The Remmy is the optimal choice for those looking for sunglasses with a little retro flair. The round lenses were inspired by late 1960’s flower power, while the keyhole bridge and strategic angles transport it into the 21st century. The Remmy measures a little narrower than most frames on this list which gives it a more refined fit for those looking to steer clear of the oversized look. Lenses come from the famous Carl Zeiss company for increases clarity with minimal distortion. The Remmy is also available in a slightly larger 52mm size for those with a slightly broader face.
Frame Fit: The proper frame fit is ignored all too often when most people shop for new eyewear. A well fitting frame can make all the difference in the world and can really polish your look if done correctly. Aside from how a specific frame shape fits on your face (I’ll get to that below), there are 4 specific measurements you need to be aware of. Knowing this can help you hone in on an appropriate size range for your face, making the selection process that much easier.
The image above displays how nearly all frame measurements are displayed on eyewear frames. Those often ignored numbers on the inside of the temple turned out to be quite important!
Eye Size: This is the horizontal measurement of the lens width for each individual lens. This measurement, along with all the others below, is always measured in millimeters.
Bridge Size: The bridge is simply the width of the opening for the nose on a frame. The bridge should always sit flush to your nose unless it’s a keyhole shape.
Temple Size: Temples, sometimes referred to as the arms of the frame, should hug the ear but remain parallel or near parallel t the ground for a proper fit.
PD (Pupillary Distance) Measurement: This is the distance between your pupils in centimeters. You can measure your own PD with a millimeter ruler and a mirror. That, or ask someone to help you with it. PD is an important measurement used to make sure your pupils align with the center of the lens for the best optics. Glasses with a poorly fit PD can cause visual distortion and lead to eye strain and constant headaches.
Frame Shape: Frame shape can also coincide with the overall fit as some face shapes work better with certain frame shapes. There are many “fit guides” around the internet but we think they can be a little restrictive. Ultimately you will want to find a frame that you feel comfortable and confident wearing.
Examples of Frame Shapes
Cat Eye
Wayfarer
Rectangle
Square
Round
Aviators / Pilot
Oval
Shield
Wrap
Frame Material Explained
Cellulose Acetate: Cellulose Acetate is a plant-based plastic used to create premium eyewear frames. We’ve written about acetate in depth here but we can reveal to you that this is the preferred material for high-end eyewear designers. The hand polished designs are available in a virtually infinite array of colors and patterns with deep, vibrant colors. One of our all-time favorite eyewear styles is anything made of tortoiseshell acetate. Last, acetate frames are hypoallergenic and can also be bent/shaped easily for a more custom fit.
Injected Plastic: Injection molded plastic is hugely popular due to the nature of manufacturing. Some of the most popular frames today (we’re looking at you Oakley) are made from some form of injected plastic whether it be nylon, Grilamid (TR90 surgical plastic) or polycarbonate. Injected plastic tends to feel a bit cheap compared to acetate but the durability qualities are a big plus.
Metal/Titanium: Metals frames are not as popular as they once were but you can still find metal frame components on some of today’s more popular styles. Of the classic aviator typically features an all metal frame and metal temples offer a nice contrast to an acetate front.
Regular Tint: Regular tinted sunglass lenses work by absorbing sunlight that would otherwise go straight to your eyes. Different tint levels will let in more or less light so choosing a tint for your specific needs will be important.
Polarized Lenses: Polarized lenses work by filtering out harsh glare and reflections that collect on flat surfaces like water, ice, roads, and cars. The horizontal light blocking qualities make polarized lenses an excellent choice for everyday wear and especially for certain activities like fishing, driving, and skiing/snowboarding. They can help to provide more contrast and sharpness to your field of vision dramatically improving optical quality. We love polarized lenses at Eyewear Genius and can’t recommend them enough!
Mirrored / Flashed: As the name implies these lenses feature the ever-popular mirrored finish. This finish not only looks great but provides a unique form of eye protection as well. Instead of absorbing and filtering out light, mirrored lenses reflect a ton of sunlight away from your eyes. Flash coating is traditionally another name for mirrored lenses but they are technically a little different. It’s not typically something you will come across but if you’re interested you can learn all about mirrored and flashed lenses by following the link.
Photochromic: Photochromic lenses feature an element that reacts to UV levels to transition to a darker or lighter tint. They are a more versatile eyewear option as your regular glasses can now double as your sunglasses. These lenses can be more expensive than typical lense and transition times can vary greatly depending on brand and quality.
Understanding UV Protection
Regardless of the lens selected you always want to make sure you can verify your new sunglasses have proper UV protection. UVA and UVB rays navigate their way through our atmosphere and can damage both our eyes and delicate skin around them if left unprotected. Choosing quality lenses here is the most crucial choice you’ll make regarding your sunglasses and cheap lenses can actually hurt your eyes much more than help. Sunglasses naturally dilate your eyes and without adequate UV protection, your eyes will actually absorb a greater number of UV rays than wearing no sunglasses at all.
UVA: UVA rays are the longest wave UV ray and this is the one that is most harmful to our eyes interior. The long waves can penetrate into our eyes and can cause long-term effects like macular degeneration and cataracts. In extreme exposure cases, you can develop what is known as Photokeratitis or “snow blindness” which is essentially the sunburn of your eyes.
UVB: We are most familiar with UVB rays as these are responsible for causing sun tans and burns. Protection against UVB rays is important for the skin around your eyes and cheek where skin cancers can form.
UVC: Despite what many manufacturers advertise, UVC rays don’t even make their way through our atmosphere. The most common example of this is the light rays emitted from a welding torch/arc. If we had these UV rays hitting us, we would be in big trouble over time!
Common Lens Materials Used
CR39: CR39 is a plastic polymer created by Columbia Resin, hence the “CR” in the name. This is a strong plastic with good optics and can be found on many sunglasses and glasses.
Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate plastic was initially created to be used in the aeronautics industry. It was adapted to eyewear lenses because of its clarity, easy workability, and its significant impact-resistant qualities. Polycarbonate is recommended for anyone who is active because of this and also it’s 100% UV protection.
Trivex: Similar to polycarbonate Trivex is a urethane based polymer with tremendous impact-resistant qualities. It too features 100% UV protection making it a great all-around lens material for active adults and children.
High-Index Plastic: This material is best used in prescriptions for those with severe vision deficiencies. High index plastics allow for a dramatically thinner lens which can fit better in many more frames. The one downside is their expense and the added weight from their increased density.
Optical Glass: There are, even now, some people who prefer real glass lenses for their eyewear. The primary reason for this is the incredible optical quality and distortion free vision you receive while wearing them. However, they are heavier and could cost more to have produced. That said, if the best optics is your goal then real glass lenses might be the best choice for you. Check out Persol or Oliver Peoples Sunglasses for a first-hand look at glass lenses being implemented.
Hinge Styles Explained
Standard Hinge: Standard hinges, also known as barrel hinges, represent the most common type of hinge available for sunglasses and glasses today. They feature barrels on both the frame front and temple that are aligned together and held in place by a screw that goes down the middle of the barrel. Barrel hinges are most commonly found in 3 or 5 barrel designs and can be adjusted easily with a small screwdriver.
Spring Hinge: Also known as flex hinges, spring hinges allow the temple to move past the traditional 90 degrees open position. This allows for both greater durability and comfort as the temples can move more freely to adjust to a wearers face. That said, spring hinges are exceedingly harder to adjust and repair if need be. Typically, you will need to visit an optician or even have the frames sent to the manufacturer to repair or replace a spring hinge,
Plastic Molded: This style of hinge is most commonly found on plastic injected sunglasses and like featured on many Oakley styles. There are no metal components and a hinge is created when the temple end is snapped into place in the frame front. This is definitely a cheaper feeling and less glamorous hinge style but it serves a genuinely valuable purpose as well. This hinge style allows for massive abuse as even sitting or stepping on sunglasses with plastic hinges typically only results in needing to snap the temples back into place.
With the introduction of shopping for online prescription eyewear some years ago, buying new prescription glasses has never been easier or less expensive than it is today. For the most part, choosing your next great pair of glasses is now very simple and, dare we say, quite enjoyable! That is if you have everything you’ll [...]
The ski and snowboard season is right around the corner and searching for your next pair of goggles can easily lead you down a rabbit hole of confusion. There are so many choices of brands, styles, specs, and so on, that choosing the best pair for your needs can seem overwhelming. We don't think it [...]
12 Best Sunglasses For Winter 2020 – Ultimate Buyers Guide
When thinking of sunglasses most people envision bright sunny days on the beach sipping a cool beverage without a care in the world. Rarely, if ever, do we picture gray, dreary, and downright freezing winter days. You may think because of this you don’t have to worry about most days in the winter. However, UV rays don’t take the winter off, and your eyes are still at risk without a quality pair of sunglasses.
Winter provides us with unique lighting conditions not experienced in the summer. This includes bright sunlight on clear days paired with stark white snow to create intense glare from both the sky and ground. To combat this, it’s important to always wear your sunglasses during winter days to not only control glare and brightness but also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Yes, UV rays are still very much present during the winter. This is why we have compiled this list of our favorite winter sunglasses that provide both form and function. Be sure to check out our extensive guide and FAQ further down the page to fully understand what you should be looking for in a quality pair of sunglasses for the winter or any season really.
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. View our full disclosure.
Featured Topics
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer
You can’t think about sunglasses without thinking of Ray-Ban’s Iconic Original Wayfarer. Worn by Hollywood stars and Presidents, the Wayfarer is made from premium acetate and features polarized lenses to filter out harsh reflections.
Precise, simplistic lines make this a timeless classic that looks good on just about anyone. While we love the Original Wayfarer for year-round use, the polarized lenses work exceptionally well to block the harsh glare from the bright winter landscape.
Frame: Acetate | Lens: Polycarbonate – Polarized & Non-Polarized | Size: Eye: 50-54 – Bridge: 22 – Temp: 150 | Made In: Italy
Oakley Frogskins
Much like the Ray-Ban Wayfarer the Oakley Frogskins have long been considered classics by eyewear connoisseurs around the globe. They too feature a classic wayfarer shape but with a slightly unique twist compared to their Ray-Ban counterparts.
The Frogskins are often available in many more colors and lens finishes which is what has helped to build their cult following. We love the various combinations and especially like Oakley’s mirrored iridium lenses for extra flare. Of course, they offer superb UV protection and have polarized lenses as one of their many choices.
Frame: Nylon | Lens: Polycarbonate – Polarized & Non-Polarized | Size: Eye: 56 – Bridge: 17 – Temp: 133 | Made In: USA
Persol 714
Persol is renowned for their beautiful acetate frames, especially tortoiseshell and real glass lenses. The 714 is one of their most iconic styles, made famous by Hollywood Legend Steve MacQueen. The Crystal (glass) lenses are all hand assembled and provide unmatched optical clarity. The 714 is also the world’s first pair of folding sunglasses designed all the way back in the 1960’s. Rounding out the 714 is Persol’s incredibly fine attention to detail with ornate, all-metal, hinges and signature arrow temple detail.
Frame: Acetate | Lens: Crystal/Glass – Polarized & Non-Polarized | Size: Eye: 55 – Bridge: 20 – Temp: 145 | Made In: Italy
Maui Jim Ho’okipa
You may hear “Maui Jim” and automatically imagine white sand beaches and turquoise water. So why are these in the winter sunglasses list? Simple, those great qualities that protect your eyes from intense reflections off the sandy beaches and tropical waters provide the same protection against the stark white winter scenery. The Ho’okipa are true wrap around style glasses which means they will hug your face and provide UV protection from nearly every angle. Pair this with Maui Jim’s polarized lenses and you possess the ideal combination to defeat the sun on those bluebird days.
Frame: Grilamid | Lens: Polycarbonate – Polarized & Non-Polarized | Size: Eye: 63 – Bridge: 17 – Temp: 130 | Made In: Japan
Burberry BE3080
You’d be hard pressed to encounter a better-looking pair of aviators than the Burberry BE3080. These classy shades are great for everyday use, but thrive on those bright winter drives. And of course, you can’t have true Burberry sunglasses without their iconic plaid pattern. Incorporated into the temples is cotton canvas injected with a special rubberized dye for incredible fabric detailing and durability. If aviators are your preferred eyewear, the BE3080 discriminate no one and look great on just about everyone.
Frame: Acetate | Lens: Polycarbonate – Polarized & Non-Polarized | Size: Eye: 50-54 – Bridge: 22 – Temp: 150 | Made In: Italy
Celine Audrey
If you’re new to the designer sunglasses game then let me introduce you to Celine Sunglasses. Celine not only makes fantastic looking premium acetate sunglasses but they are well known for their luxury handbags and accessories as well. The Audrey Sunglasses featured above show-off Celine’s trademark chunky acetate frames with superb quality polarized lenses. All frames are made and hand shaped in Italy for the utmost in quality finishes. The Audrey is available in black but we especially appreciate it in the Havana tortoiseshell colorway.
Frame: Acetate | Lens: CR-39 – Polarized & Non-Polarized | Size: Eye: 54 – Bridge: 23 – Temp: 145 | Made In: Italy
Tom Ford Leo
The Leo is the ultimate classic in men’s designer sunglasses, epitomizing the very essence of dapper. Inspired by the classic 1950’s wayfarer, we genuinely believe the Leo would look great on just about any human. The frame is constructed of Italian acetate and features the signature “T” embellishment in rose gold metal found on the horn which wraps around to the temple. The lenses are polarized, impact resistant polycarbonate with a dark tint, perfect for the brightest of conditions.
Frame: Acetate | Lens: Polycarbonate – Polarized & Non-Polarized | Size: Eye: 50-54 – Bridge: 22 – Temp: 150 | Made In: Italy
Smith Optics Founder
Perhaps the best bargain on the list, the Smith Optics Founder offers fantastic style at an even better price. They are available in 12 dynamic color combinations and features Smith’s proprietary ChromaPop lenses. If you have never tried ChromaPop lenses you are in for a treat as the increased clarity and contrast you’ll experience is off the charts. Like we said, there are many color-ways available but we are suckers for any sunglasses with crystal fronts as shown above. Smith Optics is one of the industry leaders in ski goggles but we think the founder sunglasses would be right at home on the slopes as well.
Frame: Grilamid | Lens: Carbonic – Polarized & Non-Polarized | Size: Eye: 55 – Bridge: 20 – Temp: 130 | Made In: China
Oliver Peoples Gregory Peck
Straight from the silver screen of Hollywood’s Golden Era, the Oliver Peoples Gregory Peck was inspired by the legendary actor of its namesake as he undertook the role of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. The “Peck” features a slimmer profile for a tidier, timeless look. The classically inspired design is paired with an exotic acetate frame and features a distinct keyhole style bridge. The smaller frame width is perfect for a narrower or slender face.
Frame: Acetate | Lens: Crystal/Glass – Polarized & Non-Polarized | Size: Eye: 47 – Bridge: 23 – Temp: 150 | Made In: Italy
Kate Spade Dalia 2
Sorry guys, this aviator gem is solely aimed at the ladies. The Dalia 2 provides an oversized aviator style for women or those with smaller faces by reducing the lens height, giving more room for your cheekbones. We love the serious tone the exterior dark brown tortoiseshell set against the playful nature of the soft pale rainbow pattern on the inside of the temples. The Dalia 2 represents a great all-around pair of sunnies and the dark, polarized lenses make them fantastic at absorbing and filtering the brightest of sunlight.
Frame: MetalAcetate | Lens: Polycarbonate – Polarized & Non-Polarized | Size: Eye: 56 – Bridge: 20 – Temp: 130 | Made In: China
Electric California Knoxville
Designer shades are great and all, but sometimes you just want a nice looking pair of sunglasses that won’t break the bank. The Electric Knoxville are the perfect sunglasses to fulfill this need. The incredibly diverse frame colors and lens finishes ensure you will be able to find a combination that works well for you. Need polarized? They have you covered. Mirrored lenses? Yep, they have those too. 20+ colors to choose from? You bet. I am sure you get the point here. If you are looking for a solid everyday pair of sunglasses that can handle the brightest of days at a competitive price, look no further.
Frame: Grilamid | Lens: Polycarbonate/Glass – Polarized & Non-Polarized | Size: Eye: 59 – Bridge: 18 – Temp: 130 | Made In: Italy
Raen Remmy
The Remmy is the optimal choice for those looking for sunglasses with a little retro flair. The round lenses were inspired by late 1960’s flower power, while the keyhole bridge and strategic angles transport it into the 21st century. The Remmy measures a little narrower than most frames on this list which gives it a more refined fit for those looking to steer clear of the oversized look. Lenses come from the famous Carl Zeiss company for increases clarity with minimal distortion. The Remmy is also available in a slightly larger 52mm size for those with a slightly broader face.
Frame: Acetate | Lens: Zeiss CR-39 – Polarized & Non-Polarized | Size: Eye: 49 – Bridge: 20 – Temp: 145 | Made In: China
Winter Sunglasses Buyers Guide
How to Find Sunglasses That Fit Well
Frame Fit: The proper frame fit is ignored all too often when most people shop for new eyewear. A well fitting frame can make all the difference in the world and can really polish your look if done correctly. Aside from how a specific frame shape fits on your face (I’ll get to that below), there are 4 specific measurements you need to be aware of. Knowing this can help you hone in on an appropriate size range for your face, making the selection process that much easier.
The image above displays how nearly all frame measurements are displayed on eyewear frames. Those often ignored numbers on the inside of the temple turned out to be quite important!
Eye Size: This is the horizontal measurement of the lens width for each individual lens. This measurement, along with all the others below, is always measured in millimeters.
Bridge Size: The bridge is simply the width of the opening for the nose on a frame. The bridge should always sit flush to your nose unless it’s a keyhole shape.
Temple Size: Temples, sometimes referred to as the arms of the frame, should hug the ear but remain parallel or near parallel t the ground for a proper fit.
PD (Pupillary Distance) Measurement: This is the distance between your pupils in centimeters. You can measure your own PD with a millimeter ruler and a mirror. That, or ask someone to help you with it. PD is an important measurement used to make sure your pupils align with the center of the lens for the best optics. Glasses with a poorly fit PD can cause visual distortion and lead to eye strain and constant headaches.
Frame Shape: Frame shape can also coincide with the overall fit as some face shapes work better with certain frame shapes. There are many “fit guides” around the internet but we think they can be a little restrictive. Ultimately you will want to find a frame that you feel comfortable and confident wearing.
Examples of Frame Shapes
Frame Material Explained
Cellulose Acetate: Cellulose Acetate is a plant-based plastic used to create premium eyewear frames. We’ve written about acetate in depth here but we can reveal to you that this is the preferred material for high-end eyewear designers. The hand polished designs are available in a virtually infinite array of colors and patterns with deep, vibrant colors. One of our all-time favorite eyewear styles is anything made of tortoiseshell acetate. Last, acetate frames are hypoallergenic and can also be bent/shaped easily for a more custom fit.
Injected Plastic: Injection molded plastic is hugely popular due to the nature of manufacturing. Some of the most popular frames today (we’re looking at you Oakley) are made from some form of injected plastic whether it be nylon, Grilamid (TR90 surgical plastic) or polycarbonate. Injected plastic tends to feel a bit cheap compared to acetate but the durability qualities are a big plus.
Metal/Titanium: Metals frames are not as popular as they once were but you can still find metal frame components on some of today’s more popular styles. Of the classic aviator typically features an all metal frame and metal temples offer a nice contrast to an acetate front.
Lens Tint & Features: Polarized, Mirrored, Photochromic
Regular Tint: Regular tinted sunglass lenses work by absorbing sunlight that would otherwise go straight to your eyes. Different tint levels will let in more or less light so choosing a tint for your specific needs will be important.
Polarized Lenses: Polarized lenses work by filtering out harsh glare and reflections that collect on flat surfaces like water, ice, roads, and cars. The horizontal light blocking qualities make polarized lenses an excellent choice for everyday wear and especially for certain activities like fishing, driving, and skiing/snowboarding. They can help to provide more contrast and sharpness to your field of vision dramatically improving optical quality. We love polarized lenses at Eyewear Genius and can’t recommend them enough!
Mirrored / Flashed: As the name implies these lenses feature the ever-popular mirrored finish. This finish not only looks great but provides a unique form of eye protection as well. Instead of absorbing and filtering out light, mirrored lenses reflect a ton of sunlight away from your eyes. Flash coating is traditionally another name for mirrored lenses but they are technically a little different. It’s not typically something you will come across but if you’re interested you can learn all about mirrored and flashed lenses by following the link.
Photochromic: Photochromic lenses feature an element that reacts to UV levels to transition to a darker or lighter tint. They are a more versatile eyewear option as your regular glasses can now double as your sunglasses. These lenses can be more expensive than typical lense and transition times can vary greatly depending on brand and quality.
Understanding UV Protection
Regardless of the lens selected you always want to make sure you can verify your new sunglasses have proper UV protection. UVA and UVB rays navigate their way through our atmosphere and can damage both our eyes and delicate skin around them if left unprotected. Choosing quality lenses here is the most crucial choice you’ll make regarding your sunglasses and cheap lenses can actually hurt your eyes much more than help. Sunglasses naturally dilate your eyes and without adequate UV protection, your eyes will actually absorb a greater number of UV rays than wearing no sunglasses at all.
UVA: UVA rays are the longest wave UV ray and this is the one that is most harmful to our eyes interior. The long waves can penetrate into our eyes and can cause long-term effects like macular degeneration and cataracts. In extreme exposure cases, you can develop what is known as Photokeratitis or “snow blindness” which is essentially the sunburn of your eyes.
UVB: We are most familiar with UVB rays as these are responsible for causing sun tans and burns. Protection against UVB rays is important for the skin around your eyes and cheek where skin cancers can form.
UVC: Despite what many manufacturers advertise, UVC rays don’t even make their way through our atmosphere. The most common example of this is the light rays emitted from a welding torch/arc. If we had these UV rays hitting us, we would be in big trouble over time!
Common Lens Materials Used
CR39: CR39 is a plastic polymer created by Columbia Resin, hence the “CR” in the name. This is a strong plastic with good optics and can be found on many sunglasses and glasses.
Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate plastic was initially created to be used in the aeronautics industry. It was adapted to eyewear lenses because of its clarity, easy workability, and its significant impact-resistant qualities. Polycarbonate is recommended for anyone who is active because of this and also it’s 100% UV protection.
Trivex: Similar to polycarbonate Trivex is a urethane based polymer with tremendous impact-resistant qualities. It too features 100% UV protection making it a great all-around lens material for active adults and children.
High-Index Plastic: This material is best used in prescriptions for those with severe vision deficiencies. High index plastics allow for a dramatically thinner lens which can fit better in many more frames. The one downside is their expense and the added weight from their increased density.
Optical Glass: There are, even now, some people who prefer real glass lenses for their eyewear. The primary reason for this is the incredible optical quality and distortion free vision you receive while wearing them. However, they are heavier and could cost more to have produced. That said, if the best optics is your goal then real glass lenses might be the best choice for you. Check out Persol or Oliver Peoples Sunglasses for a first-hand look at glass lenses being implemented.
Hinge Styles Explained
Standard Hinge: Standard hinges, also known as barrel hinges, represent the most common type of hinge available for sunglasses and glasses today. They feature barrels on both the frame front and temple that are aligned together and held in place by a screw that goes down the middle of the barrel. Barrel hinges are most commonly found in 3 or 5 barrel designs and can be adjusted easily with a small screwdriver.
Spring Hinge: Also known as flex hinges, spring hinges allow the temple to move past the traditional 90 degrees open position. This allows for both greater durability and comfort as the temples can move more freely to adjust to a wearers face. That said, spring hinges are exceedingly harder to adjust and repair if need be. Typically, you will need to visit an optician or even have the frames sent to the manufacturer to repair or replace a spring hinge,
Plastic Molded: This style of hinge is most commonly found on plastic injected sunglasses and like featured on many Oakley styles. There are no metal components and a hinge is created when the temple end is snapped into place in the frame front. This is definitely a cheaper feeling and less glamorous hinge style but it serves a genuinely valuable purpose as well. This hinge style allows for massive abuse as even sitting or stepping on sunglasses with plastic hinges typically only results in needing to snap the temples back into place.
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