How to Buy Sunglasses

Co-authored by Christina Santelli and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Buying a new pair of sunglasses can be overwhelming with all the different frames, lenses, and features available. Doing your research ahead of time and figuring out which features are the most important to you will help make your sunglasses shopping experience easier.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing Frames

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Choose a frame shape that contrasts with your face shape. That way your sunglasses will balance out your face when you’re wearing them. Wearing frames that match your face shape may accentuate the shape of your face, and they won't pop as much.^{[1]
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- For example, if your face is more round, you could choose a pair of square, angular frames as a nice contrast.
- If you have a squarer face with a defined jaw, sunglasses with round frames may help soften the angles of your face.
2
Get frames that are proportional to your face. Keep in mind that frames on sunglasses are usually bigger than frames on eyeglasses. Choose frames that cover the width of your face. The top of your sunglasses should go up to your eyebrows and the bottom of your sunglasses should cover the raised, top portion of your cheeks.^{[2]
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- Pro Tip: Good fitting frames won’t go past your forehead. Christina Santelli, professional stylist, tells us: "They can go higher if you want an oversized frame look, but for the most part, your forehead is a good stopping point."
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3
Choose a metal or plastic frame for something durable and cost-effective. Metal and plastic are the most common materials used to make frames for sunglasses. Go with metal or plastic frames if you want something classic that will hold up well over time.^{[3]
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4
Buy wooden frames if you want stylish, unique sunglasses. Wooden frames are less common than plastic and metal frames, but they’re more expensive. If you don’t want the entire frame to be made out of wood, or wooden sunglasses are out of your budget, look for frames that have plastic earpieces with wood around the rims.^{[4]
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Get acetate frames if you want sunglasses that are hypoallergenic. Acetate frames won't irritate your skin when you wear them. They're also lightweight, and they're available in a wide range of colors.^{[5]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Choosing Lenses

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Buy sunglasses with glass lenses if you want something durable. Optical glass lenses are durable and scratch resistant. They also offer a clear view. Optical glass is usually more expensive than other lens materials, so look for a cheaper option if you’re on a budget.^{[6]
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2
Choose polycarbonate or plastic lenses if you drop your sunglasses a lot. Polycarbonate and plastic lenses are more shatter-resistant than optical glass lenses. They’re also more lightweight than glass. Polycarbonate and plastic are more susceptible to scratches, so glass may be a better option if you don't like to keep your sunglasses in a case.^{[7]
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Get polarized lenses if you want to block out reflective glares. Go with polarized sunglasses if you do a lot of activities that expose you to glares, like water sports, biking, and driving. Polarized lenses have a coating on them that prevents glares from shining through.^{[8]
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Look for lenses with UV protection if you’ll be in the sun a lot. UV rays from the sun can damage your eyes and cause skin cancer. Try to find lenses that block out 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.^{[9]
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Buy sunglasses with gradient lenses if you'll be driving in them a lot. Gradient lenses have a tint that fades from top to bottom. Gradient lenses are good for driving because they block out rays from the sun coming from above while still allowing you to see clearly out of the bottom half of the lenses.^{[10]
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Get prescription lenses if you normally wear eyeglasses or contacts. When you find a pair of sunglasses you like, see if they're offered with prescription lenses. You can also shop for prescription sunglasses online. If you have a strong prescription, make sure your lenses will fit in the frame you like. Also, try to find a pair of sunglasses with thick frames so your thick prescription lenses aren't as obvious.
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Choose a lens color based on what you'll use your sunglasses for the most. Different lens colors filter light differently and offer different ranges of visibility. Keep in mind that darker lens colors aren't better at blocking out the sun or harmful UV rays than lighter color lenses.^{[11]
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- Green lenses are the best choice for everyday wear. They filter all colors of light the same, and they offer good visibility whether it's sunny or raining.
- Gray lenses offer clear visibility. They're a good choice if you'll be driving and playing sports a lot with your sunglasses on.
- Yellow and orange lenses are a good choice if you'll be skiing and hunting a lot in your sunglasses.
- Purple and red lenses filter out blues and greens. Go with purple or red lenses if you'll be biking or racing a lot while wearing your sunglasses.
- Blue lenses filter out white light, making them ideal for activities like fishing and golfing.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Making the Purchase

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Measure the width of your face if you want to order sunglasses online. That way you’ll know whether the sunglasses you’re interested in will fit your face. Using measuring tape, measure the width from one of your temples to the other. Then, look for sunglasses online with a matching measurement. ^{[12]
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- The measurement for a pair of sunglasses should be listed in the product description. It might be labeled as the “frame width” or “temple length.”
2
Go into a store and try sunglasses on if you don’t know which style you like. Search online for “sunglasses store near me” if you’re not sure where the nearest one is. In the store, try on a variety of styles to see what you like best. Bring someone along so you can get a second opinion.
3
Buy a cheaper pair of sunglasses if you’re on a budget. Some cheaper sunglasses come polarized and have full UV protection, so you can still get the features you want in a cheap pair. If there’s a pair of expensive sunglasses you like, try to find a cheaper pair that looks similar. Search online for “cheap sunglasses,” or ask an employee at a sunglasses store if they’re having any sales.^{[13]
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- Always check the label on sunglasses to make sure they block UV rays. If you're not sure, ask someone at the store.
4
Buy sunglasses from a well-known brand if you want something high quality. While cheap sunglasses and high-end sunglasses offer the same UV protection, high-end sunglasses are more durable and well made. If you want frames and lenses that will last you a long time, investing in a high-end pair of sunglasses from a well-known brand may be a good choice. Also, high-end sunglasses may be more comfortable to wear than cheaper sunglasses. ^{[14]
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- Some reliable, well-known brands you could buy sunglasses from are Ray-Ban, Oakley, Prada, Persol, Tom Ford, and Gucci.