Best Sunglasses in 2023

What sunglasses are best for different face shapes?

Sunglasses not only protect you from the sun, but they also are a great accessory that enhance your style. When it comes to aesthetics, the best sunglasses often depend on the shape of your face. Keep reading for sunglass recommendations by face shape.

Diamond faces

Diamond faces have sharp edges around the chin and forehead. People who have diamond faces should stick to simple sunglasses to best complement their faces. Oval and rectangular sunglasses are often the most flattering because they add some curves to your face. If you’re looking for a more edgy and unique style, you can also go with cat-eye glasses that have a fun vintage look.

Oval faces

Faces that are thinner on the top and bottom and wider in the middle are considered oval. If you have an oval face, you likely have wide and high cheekbones, which often cause faces to appear more round. Cat’s eye lenses are great for you because they draw more attention to the narrow areas of your face. You can also opt for rectangular or square lenses.

Round faces

Most round faces have wide cheeks; one issue that some people with round faces have is that they look a little chubby. Thankfully, the right sunglasses will work with your natural curves but make you appear thinner. Square or rectangular sunglasses are the best option for you, especially when you choose a bold or dramatic color.

Triangular faces

Triangular faces have a wide and flat chin and a narrow or thin forehead. Cat eye sunglasses are perfect for people with triangular faces, as they are wider at the top and thinner at the bottom, which matches your natural facial structure. You might also choose rimless sunglasses that have a thin metal rim around the bottom and a thicker design at the top.

Heart faces

If you have a heart face, you have a sharp chin and round edges that form the top of the heart around your forehead. If you have a heart face, you need sunglasses that are proportionate to your facial structure. Aviators are one popular choice that work for both men and women. Both rectangular and round sunglasses will look equally nice on you.

Square faces

If you can almost draw a square around your face, you have a square face. Square faces generally have straight sides that match a flat chin and forehead. As your square face makes your forehead and chin look larger than they are, you want to invest in sunglasses that enhance your natural curves. Round and oval lenses are the best options for you. Wearing square lenses can add even more angles to your facial structure.

Are there different types of sunglasses?

If you have only ever worn cheap sunglasses before, you may not realize just how many different designs there are. Aviators are quite popular with both men and women. Ray-Ban introduced the first aviators in the 1930s and modeled the sunglasses after the glasses that pilots wore. Celebrities like James Dean and Tom Cruise wore them in the past. Aviators have thin metal frames with larger lenses and a narrow design around the nose. Wayfarers became popular in the 1950s and again in recent years thanks to hipsters. These glasses have thick frames and might remind you of the glasses that Buddy Holly wore. Some of the other types of sunglasses include:

• Round sunglasses: Round sunglasses often have small lenses that are completely round like those that John Lennon wore. Modern designs often add some sharp angles to the top and bottom but keep the round sides.
• Wraparound sunglasses: Popular with different types of athletes, these sunglasses get their name because they wrap around your face/head. They are a good option for those who do activities and need sunglasses that won’t move.
• Butterfly sunglasses: Less common than some of the other types, butterfly sunglasses are much larger and wider. They essentially look like a butterfly with angled sides.
• Cat-eye sunglasses: Called both cat-eye and cat’s eye sunglasses, this design features curved sides that angle to form sharp corners on the top. Some have sharper angles than others.

Are there different types of lenses?

It’s important that you give some thought to the lenses that your new sunglasses use, especially if you love doing certain sports or activities.

Polarized lenses

Polarized lenses are the most popular option because they improve your clarity. The lenses do a good job of blocking some of the reflections that you would otherwise see. They also block some UV rays to keep your eyes safe. Though you can get prescription polarized lenses, you must have a valid prescription. When you see the eye doctor, you get a prescription that is good for a year. You can either submit a copy of the prescription that your doctor gave you or provide your doctor’s information and let the company contact them for you. Some people also wear polarized lenses if they have sensitive eyes or had eye surgery.

Anti-reflective lenses

Anti-reflective lenses are less popular but still have some fans. You can wear sunglasses at night and during the day to get some protection from nearby light sources. Anti-reflective lenses reduce the glare that comes off your computer screen or television and can also limit some of the halos you usually see. If you have astigmatism, driving at night can seem almost impossible because every light you see casts a halo over your vision. With anti-reflective lenses, you will see fewer of those halos. Many of these sunglasses have a coating that repels water when you’re on the beach or outside in the rain. The lenses also repel the dust that flies off outdoor trails. Some sunglasses of this type also have a coating that prevents scratches and smudges.

Photochromatic lenses

If you wear prescription glasses and don’t like switching between pairs, consider sunglasses with photochromatic lenses. Progressive lenses are one of the best examples. These lenses appear clear in conditions with less natural light. As more light appears, the lenses slowly darken to protect your eyes. You can choose photochromatic lenses, even if you have an intense prescription with a high index. They are also available for those who need bifocals.

Blue lenses

You can also choose sunglasses with blue lenses, which are popular among people who spend a lot of time working with electronics. All types of electronics produce a lot of blue light, including your phone, tablet, and computer. The blue lenses in these sunglasses limit the exposure your eyes have to that light. They also help block some of the blue light you encounter outside. Blue lenses usually have a coating on the outside that resists scratches and other damage to help the glasses last longer.

What should you look for when buying sunglasses?

One important thing to look for when choosing a new pair of sunglasses is the visible light transmission or VSL. This tells you both how much light gets through and when or where you can use them. A VLT level of up to 19% is suitable for bright and full light conditions, while a VLT of up to 40% is suitable for daily use. A level of more than this amount tells you that you should only wear sunglasses when it’s overcast or cloudy. Though some sunglasses have a VLT of 80% or higher, they are only suitable for extremely low light conditions. Sunglasses with a lower VLT are perfect for wearing when you relax on the beach or hit the golf course.

Another thing to think about is the type of coating found on the lenses. Though not all sunglasses are coated, the coating makes them suitable for wearing in different places. A hydrophobic coating, for example, lets you know that the lenses repel water and that you can wear them in or near the water. Whether you love canoeing and kayaking or prefer to just hang out on the beach, you’ll appreciate a hydrophobic coating. An anti-fog coating is a great option if you wear sunglasses in the morning or on cold days where the lenses fog up when you head inside. You can spend hours playing in the snow without seeing the lenses fog over when you go inside. If you want to wear the sunglasses for months or even years, look for those that have an anti-scratch coating. You might also like mirrored sunglasses, which have a reflective coating that cuts back on the glare you usually see. Other things to look for as you shop for sunglasses include:

• Tint color: Different tint colors enhance and reduce some of the colors you see. Lighter tints in the pink and yellow families are great to wear in the winter because they reduce the color of the snow that’s around you. Darker tints in the brown and green families are suitable for everyday wear. Though blue tints are popular with electronic uses, you may prefer a different tint.
• Lens material: Though cheap sunglasses often use plastic lenses, you have many other options. Glass is the most expensive lens material and has a tendency to break easily. Polycarbonate lenses are a little cheaper and resist impacts and scratches. You can also choose acrylic lenses, but you should keep in mind that they can distort your vision.
• Frame material: Metal frames are popular with those who need lightweight sunglasses. Though metal keeps the weight down, it can bend or warp. Acetate lenses are an affordable option that some love because the material comes in bolder and brighter colors. You can also choose nylon frames, but nylon sunglasses usually do not last as long as other types do.
• Polarized lenses: Not all sunglasses have polarized lenses, but these lenses have a lot of benefits. They reduce the glare that comes off the water when you’re fishing and off nearby lights when you’re outside. Wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses give you more clarity and can keep you from squinting.
• Price: While price matters to you, you should know that cheaper sunglasses do not last as long as expensive pairs do. Cheaper sunglasses often use plastic in both the lenses and frames. While you might get a few months of use out of a pair, spending more will help you avoid the cost of replacing your sunglasses regularly.
• Warranty: Always consider the warranty that comes with your new sunglasses, too. You usually want a warranty that lasts for at least six months up to a full year. Make sure you find out whether the manufacturer charges you for repairs and what the warranty covers.
• Prescription processing: If you need prescription lenses, find out how long it takes to process your order. Though some companies can make your new sunglasses in a few hours, others can take weeks to get in touch with your eye doctor and make the glasses before they even ship them to you. Make sure you give yourself enough time for the glasses to arrive.
• Size: Bigger is not always better when it comes to sunglasses. A bigger pair covers more of your face and can keep your eyes and skin safe from the sun. The downside is that the glasses can feel heavy and put a lot of pressure on your face. Though smaller sunglasses offer less protection, they are great for people with smaller or thinner faces.
• Fit: While you can’t try on sunglasses online to make sure they fit your face, you can buy from brands that offer a money-back guarantee or warranty that allows you to return the lenses if you aren’t happy. When you put on the sunglasses, you should feel as though you’re wearing almost nothing on your face. If the frames rub against your temple and ears or you feel pressure on the back of your head, the fit isn’t right for you.