Sunglasses, with all their fabulous shapes, sizes and colors, are to summer what boots are to winter: needed, wanted and desired. Not only are they a necessary fashion accessory, but they are also functional, working in the same way that sunscreen does to protect against UV rays." You have to wear them to be protected," says board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Diane Hilar Campo.
To make sure you're actually wearing your sunglasses, it's important to find a pair you like. But with so many frame styles and lens colors to choose from, finding a pair of sunglasses can be overwhelming. Not only do you have to consider what fits your face shape, you must also consider price point, versatility, quality, and much more. A dramatic cat eye may appeal to you, but a sharp aviator can compliment your everyday outfit better, depending on the look you want.
When shopping for sunglasses, Dr. Hilal-Campo says comfort, style and durability are the three things you should look for." Expecting to wear sunglasses increases the likelihood that you will wear them and protect your eyes," she says. With this idea in mind, LensDirect's Holly sunglasses win our best overall spot. Not only are they timeless and fit all face shapes, these shades also offer the best UV protection and other optical benefits to keep your eyes safe from harmful rays.
Shape
Protection is key, but you also want your sunglasses to beautify the shape of your face as well. Whether you prefer cat eyes or rectangular frames, the key to choosing the right shape is finding something that works best for you and something that matches your usual attire." If you're buying an everyday style, I'd go for something classic and versatile - like an aviator, or a round or rectangular acetate frame," suggests Silberman." If you're buying something more fashionable, be sure to consider what you'll wear with them. Maybe a pair of vintage, fire-red cat-eye sunglasses looks cute in theory, but think about whether you actually have something that will go with them."
Price
"The price of sunglasses varies by material, style and designer, but the most important aspect to consider when buying sunglasses is the quality of the lenses," explains Dr. Hilal Campo." Polarized lenses, in addition to UV 400 protection, use a special film to further filter reflected light and reduce glare. Investing in a good pair of sunglasses is important to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer of the eyelids, cataracts and promote macular degeneration." She added that sunglasses with built-in UV protection "are an absolute must" to invest in.
Size
While the style of frame you choose is important, its size is also critical." Dr. Hilal-Campo says, "The larger your sunglasses, the more areas you can cover and protect. This means there's no harm in investing in an oversized pair of sunglasses because they provide more coverage and protection from UV rays.
Tint
"The color of the lenses affects how much visible light reaches your eyes, how well you see the color, and how well you see the contrast," explains Dr. Hilal-Campo." When choosing lens colors, it's wise to choose colors based on your lifestyle." Dark colors like brown, gray and green are ideal for everyday use and outdoor activities because they reduce glare and reduce eye strain in moderate to bright light conditions. Lighter colors like yellow, amber and rose, on the other hand, are better suited for moderate to low light conditions.
How do you find the best sunglasses for your face shape?
"It's all about trial and error and knowing what you like and what you don't like," says Silberman." Try on the sunglasses you currently own, or go into a department store with a strong eyewear section. Take a selfie with each pair of sunglasses on, look at the photo and ask yourself which pair looks the most flattering. Then, lean toward that shape. I have a round face, and I've learned that aviator styles and oversized cat-eye shapes are the most flattering for me."
How do you clean sunglasses?
Use a soft microfiber cloth (they usually come with sunglasses when you buy them) or rinse with warm water and wipe gently. While you may want to use your clothes to quickly wipe away any smudges, it's best not to do this because some fabrics can blur or scratch the lenses.
Should I buy a case for my sunglasses?
It is recommended to get a sturdy hard case to protect your sunglasses from scratches and dust damage. But the good news is that many of these cases are compact and can easily fit in your handbag. In addition, a well-constructed case will ensure that your sunglasses are stored away safely, preserving their shape and lenses.
