The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Sunglasses

There are a lot of reasons people choose to wear sunglasses. They are worth the investment because they provide both health and non-health benefits. As you get older, you are likely to have regrets if you failed to protect your eyes. Sunglasses come in a wide variety of styles. Some make you look cool, while others give you a sophisticated or professional look. But choosing sunglasses isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are many factors to be considered since there are many types of sunglasses from which to choose.

It can be a bit overwhelming once you discover sunglasses and the types of frames available. While you will soon discover your own style and preferences for how they feel, it’s important that you ask some harder questions like, “What type of sunglasses fit my face?” And, “How well will these sunglasses protect my eyes from UV rays?” Along with these questions, you may also be concerned about how much time you spend in front of computer screens. Some sunglasses are designed to help filter out light emitted from screens.

Ultimately, you want to find the best sunglasses for you. Use this guide to help you find just what you are looking for and more.

Types of Sunglasses Shapes and Styles

There is a fashionable side to sunglasses and a practical side. They are a great way to accessorize and make your wardrobe more versatile and stylish. But sunglasses also protect your eyes. They help make walking, driving, and some sports safer by reducing the sun’s glare. They also protect the eyes from heat, dust, UV rays, and digital eyestrain. But before considering the more practical features of sunglasses, you need to know what shapes and styles are going to work for you. Here are the most popular sunglasses styles and shapes.

Rectangular Sunglasses

If you are going for a classic, sophisticated look, traditional rectangular sunglasses are a great choice. They are wider than they are tall, and the corners can be either rounded or sharp. They provide a softer look than square frames and are a great option for longer, oblong face shapes.

Square Sunglasses

Square-shaped sunglasses have even sides and provide a blocky look. Even though the word “square” makes you think of angular corners, these types of shades offer soft corners that complement the bold shape.

Round and Oval Sunglasses

Round sunglasses may remind you of John Lennon, but they are far from just a vintage design. Choosing thin, round frames will get you the vintage look you desire. Choosing thicker lines will give you a contemporary design. Oval-shaped sunglasses are elongated so that they cover the eye comfortably and provide maximum protection from the sun.

Other Geometric Shaped Sunglasses

If you want the modern geometric look but would like to reach past the basic square and circular shapes, there are other options. Hexagonal shapes are a nice, trendy alternative. They stand out and are fashionable. The octagonal shape offers a retro look. Think of it as a hybrid square and circle. If you want a flattering look that adds structure and contour to your face, think octagons.

• Cat-eye sunglasses may take you back to the ‘50s with their playful and sophisticated look. These shapes are great for faces of any shape. You can choose daring and bold styles or gentle and graceful, based on what you like. If you’d like a more subtle look, you can choose a thinner rim.
• Aviator sunglasses were designed with the pilot in mind. But they’ve come a long way since then. The distinct teardrop shape pairs well with a sleek metal frame and a colorful tint. 
• Clubmaster or Browline Sunglasses - In the ‘50s, clubmaster or browline sunglasses were a great hit. The design focuses on the brow with a heavier frame on top. The lower rims are either minimal or non-existent, which provides a nice, distinguished edge.
• Wayfarer Sunglasses - Prefer a thicker plastic frame and a trapezoidal shape? This type is close to a square frame, but the bottom is more curved, which is what gives it the upside-down trapezoid look. The wayfarer design offers timeless style and fits most outfits. 
• Keyhole Bridge - Any style of sunglasses can have a keyhole bridge added to provide a vintage feel. The opening over the nose’s bridge looks like a keyhole. They look great on anyone, but they were originally designed for people who have a low bridge and need a little help keeping their sunglasses in place.

 

Types of Sunglasses Lenses and Features

Picking out a style for your sunglasses frames is just the beginning. You will still need to choose a type of lens. There are a variety of lens types that provide different benefits. Some types protect your eyes from environmental conditions, some protect your eyes from digital eye strain, and others provide UV protection. Sunglasses are not necessarily a one-size-fits-all item. There are many different styles, types, and features to choose from, so it’s important to pick something that provides you with the protection you need while looking good on your face. Here are the most popular types of sunglasses lenses.

Polarized Sunglasses Lenses

Polarized lenses reduce the glare in bright sunshine by blocking light that reflects off flat surfaces. This is highly beneficial when around water, while driving, or while engaging in outdoor activities. However, the polarization can make it difficult to see some LED lights on the screen of an ATM or your phone.

Prescription Sunglasses

Any style of frame can be used for prescription sunglasses. They use your prescription to make the sunglasses and can include bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lens options.

Photochromic Lenses

Photochromic lenses are often referred to as transition lenses. When UV light hits them, they automatically adjust the tint to match. Transition lenses are a popular choice for those who don’t want to purchase two pairs of glasses. 

Gradient and Double Gradient Lenses

Gradient lenses are shaded from either top to bottom. This lets you reduce the sun’s glare while seeing clearly out of the bottom of the lenses. These types of sunglasses lenses are useful for those who do a lot of driving. Double gradient sunglasses lenses are heavily shaded on the tops and bottoms but have less tint in the middle. 

UV Blocking Lenses

Without proper protection, your eyes can absorb UV rays. This causes damage to our eyes and can lead to premature aging and eye-related health problems.

Mirrored or Reflective Lenses

When you choose mirror-coated sunglasses, the lenses will look like mirrors to onlookers. Because they are highly reflective, they reduce the amount of light allowed to enter your eyes. This provides you with more shade and comfort, even on the brightest days. You’ll often see people wearing mirrored lenses while skiing or fishing. 

Shatter-Resistant Sunglass Lenses

When you choose shatter-resistant lenses, you can expect your sunglasses to handle some wear and tear. While there isn’t anything that is completely shatterproof, they are extremely durable and resistant to shattering under impact or pressure.

Sunglasses Frame Types and Materials

There are many materials used to make sunglasses frames. This provides you with numerous options depending on your preferences and favorite styles. Some people choose frames that are lightweight and less inhibiting, while others want the extra durability of heavier frame materials. Most frame types and materials can be classified into four basic categories.

Plastic Frames

Plastic is a popular choice for sunglasses because they are usually less expensive. But they are also lightweight and come in a wide variety of styles and colors. This material has a little give, and often breaks a little easier than metal frames. Types of plastic frames include Zyl, cellulose acetate propionate, blended nylon, and optyl. 

Metal Frames

Many people prefer metal frames because they are lightweight and durable. There are several types of metal to choose from, including aluminum, titanium, gold, silver, and stainless steel. Among the metals, titanium is a popular choice since it is lightweight and comfortable.

Flex Frames

Flex frames are made from technologically advanced metal. This special metal allows the glasses to be bent, twisted, or flexed before returning to their original shape. They are a popular choice because they are lightweight, strong, and durable.

Mixed Frames

Some sunglasses frames are crafted using mixed metals. This allows the wearer to benefit from the best qualities and properties of more than one metal. Aluminum-magnesium alloy has a unique, glossy appearance. Since magnesium is the lightest structural metal, the frame is not only lightweight but also sweat and corrosion-resistant while being very comfortable to wear. Titanium is often mixed with other metals to craft comfortable, strong, and anti-corrosive sunglasses frames.

How to Choose Sunglasses that Fit Your Face Shape

If you plan on being outdoors for any length of time, sunglasses are an essential accessory. While sunglasses are fashionable, they are also practical. Many people fail to consider the shape of their faces when they are shopping for sunglasses. It’s important to choose sunglasses that are complementary to your face’s shape and features. You want to protect your eyes, but you want to look great while you do it!

If you have a round face, rectangular or square-shaped sunglasses can add some angles to the curves. To balance soft features, choose frames a little wider than your face. Oversized sunglasses can help make your face look slimmer and longer. To add more structure, keep the edges clean. However, if you have a square-shaped face, you want sunglasses that can soften your features. Go for something large and round. Aviator sunglasses are a great choice for a square face. You’ll want to avoid sunglasses with sharp lines and angles.

Rectangular-shaped faces tend to have sharp jawbones and features. Balance these features out by purchasing sunglasses frames with softer curves. And for those with an oval-shaped face, you can wear anything, and it will look nice. The oval shape makes it easy to pair sunglasses with the face.

Unique Sunglasses for Your Unique Personality

Over the years, sunglasses have evolved from being an accessory to being used to make a fashion statement. Sunglasses are useful in all four seasons and can be used to reflect, highlight, and complement your personality. Stylish sunglasses can help you stand out and demonstrate how poised you are. Use them to present a studious, serious look, or go for a colorful option that shows your playful side. 

By concealing your eyes, you can create a curious element while looking elegant and confident. Choose styles that match your profile and redefine your personal fashion or mood. Sunglasses may be designed to protect your eyes, but they can also enhance your personality and style.

Find the Perfect Pair of Sunglasses with Hubble 

If you are looking for the perfect pair of sunglasses for everyone, Hubble has just what you need. Take a few minutes to check out the large selection of high-quality sunglasses for women and men on Hubble’s website.