Ideally, your sunglasses should fit close to your face and have large enough frames to keep light from straying into your vision around the top and sides. Look closely at the material of the temple arms (the part that goes over your ears). Certain materials like silicone and molded acetate will be much more comfortable than rigid plastic.
Someone looking for an all-purpose set of sunglasses will have the most luck with a basic pair of Wayfarers, aviators or Browlines. Those with fashion in mind should look at classic styles like Persols or other timeless designs, especially those with visually interesting frame shapes and materials. Outdoor enthusiasts will likely gravitate toward brands like Oakley and Zeal Optics that manufacture durable, functional eyewear for active use. Collect a few different pairs of sunglasses over time. That way you’ll have a pair suitable for any occasion.
Generally, it’s best to stick with sunglasses that offset the shape of your face. For instance, if you have a thin, angular face, you’ll want to wear a wide, curved pair of glasses, whereas people with rounder faces will be able to better pull off squared, linear frames. In the end, go with what you think looks good. Picking out the perfect pair of sunglasses is mostly a matter of personal preference.
Try to find a material with a desirable balance of good looks, durability, comfort and price. Set a budget for yourself and keep that number in mind when shopping for sunglasses in various materials. Frames made from tortoise shell or buffalo horn can cost upwards of $20,000 in some instances, while even the highest quality plastic frames will be no more than a few hundred dollars.
Make sure the sunglasses you buy are polarized. This means they’ll eliminate the glare of reflected light. [2] X Research source Keep your sunglasses somewhere close at hand, like in the glove compartment of your car or in a case that you can slip in your pocket. That way you’ll have them when you need them.
When buying performance sunglasses, decide on the depth and color for the lens tint that will be the most beneficial for the activity.
Keep your eyewear consistent with the rest of your clothes. It would be silly to wear a pair of brightly-tinted cycling goggles with a suit. Match your sunglasses to your outfit the way you would your shoes or belt—brown frames go with dusty earth tones, navy and olive; black or metallic frames go with black, white or gray attire; brightly-colored frames shouldn’t clash with the other colors in your clothing, etc.
You can also get prescription sunglasses with photochromic or graduated lenses, offering a middle ground between normal eyewear and stylish flair.
Full-frame glasses are the most durable because the lenses are enveloped and secured on all sides by the frame. Aviators should be reserved for less formal appearances, and won’t go as well with nicer attire as something like a Wayfarer or Persol.
These should be handled with care since most of their lenses are exposed. Half-frame glasses are versatile and make a great alternative to the same old humdrum styles you see everywhere.
For high-impact activities, get a strap to go along with your sunglasses so that you don’t lose them.
If you really want to shake things up, wear a pair of specialty frames. These come in all sorts of shapes like rectangles, ovals, triangles, and even stars! You can have your sunglasses tinted almost any color for an extra splash of character.
