Sunglasses Buying Guide
from Overstock.comSunglasses were invented in China centuries ago and came to Europe with Marco Polo. Initially, they were used to hide one's eyes and thoughts. In the mid-1700s, they began to be used as eye protection and, in the early 20th Century, they really began to take off in popularity with sun-struck beachgoers. In the decades that followed, sun glasses became, like any clothing or accessories, a fashion statement. In the 21st Century, both protection and style are equally important. This sunglasses buying guide contains basic information to help you wade through the available options, so you can choose the sunglasses that work best for you.
Designer sunglasses feature the trendiest styles and the highest quality. So-called fashion sun glasses also feature designer styling, but without the name brand sunglasses price. Sport sunglasses can be very stylish, but their primary purpose is eye protection, and form follows function. As far as fashion is concerned, there are just two important questions: Do you like them? Do they compliment your face? If so, they are the right sunglasses for you.
Suit the shades to fit the features
Though many men are into brand name sunglasses and designer sunglasses, fact is that women tend to care more about clothing accessories and fashion. So, while the following guidelines refer primarily to women's sunglasses, rest assured, gentlemen, we include a few pointers for you.
You can, of course, wear whatever sunglasses you like, regardless of what anyone else thinks. However, to achieve the best fashion appearance, specific sun glasses styles work best with the five basic face shapes. The desired effect is balance -- wear sunglasses that are what your face is not.
Square
The square face (in men, usually described as strong-jawed) was epitomized by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in the 1960s. Wearing oversized sunglasses, she popularized a style (now often called the Jackie O) which remains in vogue. For women's sunglasses, the curvier styles, round or cat's eye, will compliment your angular features. Gentlemen usually want a more strong-jawed appearance than less, so enhance the effect by wearing sunglasses with sharp angles.
Triangle
The heart-shaped face (in men, triangular) has a wide forehead and narrow chin. Choose sun glasses with cat's eye frames or any with well-rounded edges; fashion sunglasses with a wider lower edge and no straight lines along the top work especially well.
Oblong
The long or oblong face also calls for oversized sunglasses. Round or rectangular lenses and sun glasses with thick frames add width; tall or deep lenses and fashion sunglasses with decorative frames or vintage style also fit.
Round
The round face has the most noticeable curves, so the sunglasses should have fewest. Sun glasses with narrow frames, frames with high temples and very colorful frames, like classic tortoiseshell fashion sunglasses, also add definition.
Oval
The oval face has gently rounded curves that work with virtually any style from sport sunglasses to designer sunglasses, those that look best are sun glasses which cover from the eyebrows to the cheekbones.
The first real fashion sunglasses were an accident. The 'aviator' style was created for the military just prior to World War II, and the glamour of the 'ace' included his fashion accessories -- those who couldn't fly could still try to look cool in mirrored, tear-drop shaped sunglasses. Today's aviator sunglasses make great men's accessories and women's accessories for almost any face.
Sunglasses buying tips
Regardless of style, sun glasses should protect your vision. Recent scientific advancements have greatly expanded understanding of the eye, creating materials to defend them.
The bright light of a cloudless day can be painful and distracting, so most people wear sunglasses when outside, especially while driving. At the other end of the spectrum, fog and smoke decrease visibility. The amber-colored lenses of recent decades filter out the additional blue light scattered by low-lying clouds, giving drivers a more balanced, clearer view of the road. Polarized sunglasses help cut down the glare of reflected light.
Ultra-violet radiation (known as UVA and UVB) has been shown to be a contributing factor for cataracts and many other eye problems. Look for UV-rated sunglasses, which block at least 70-percent of UVA and 60-percent of UVB light. Some sun glasses claim to block 100-percent of both.
The other main danger is impact damage. Flying debris ranges from annoying (specks of dust) to sight-threatening (pebbles kicked up by passing cars). The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private organization dedicated to producing quality goods in the USA. For sunglasses, ANSI requirements include dropping a 1-inch steel ball on the lens from four feet high and shooting a quarter-inch ball at 150 feet per second. If no part of the lens touches the eye when impacted, the glasses pass the test and may advertise themselves as ANSI compliant. This is especially useful in sport eyewear.
Sunglasses are one item where the highest price doesn't always mean the best product. Some designer glasses may not include the safety features that your eyes deserve. Of course, at Overstock.com, discount sunglasses and designer sunglasses can be synonymous.
By the way, when buying sunglasses online, you may find that so-called discount sunglasses, allegedly from top designers, are, in fact, cheap knock-offs instead of the real deal. If so, the chances of a refund are pretty slim, so buy from a reputable dealer like Overstsock.com, one with a long history of selling authentic, quality products.
Sunglasses components
Basically, sun glasses are made from two components: the lenses and the frames.
Frames can be nothing more than thin metal wires that just surround the lenses, or they can be large plastic casings that cover much of the face. Most frames are basically flat, so they can be folded into a pocket, but some prefer the wrap-around styles that fit snugly against the head, entirely enclosing the eyes in shadow.
Lenses come in almost every color of the spectrum. Polycarbonate lenses are especially valuable when working in hazardous environments, as they are darn near indestructible.
Sunglasses terminology
Bridge: The part of sunglasses that extends across the nose.
Cat's eye: Most common in women's sunglasses; lenses which are wider in the middle than on either side; with a greater curve on the bottom than the top.
Clip-on: Sunglasses that attach to prescription glasses with a mechanical or magnetic clip.
Impact resistant (also protective glasses or safety glasses): Lenses, usually polycarbonate, designed to absorb an impact; they are shatter-resistant, not shatter-proof. If you need these, choose only ANSI compliant sunglasses.
Polarized sunglasses: With a filter between the front and back surface of the lens, horizontally reflected glare is much reduced; very useful near water, snow, ice, glass etc.
Temple: The arm of the sunglasses, running from the ear to the lens frame.
Wrap-arounds: The lenses curve around the head or the temple is about as tall as the lenses; they eliminate peripheral vision but add extra sun protection.
Sunglasses care
Higher end sunglasses usually come with a case and a cleaning cloth. Don't throw them away even if they seem unimportant. The case will protect your new glasses far better than your pocket. The cleaning cloth will clear the sweat and dust off your lenses with the least probability of scratching them. You can also look for lens cleaning solution or wipes that will make your lenses spotless and streak free.
Are mirrored lenses better?
That depends on your attitude. If you're looking to hide your eyes like the Chinese who invented sunglasses, mirrored lenses are definitely the way to go. As for reduced glare or UV protection, they are no different than colored lenses.
What about gradient lenses?
These have a lot of color on the upper half and less (sometimes no) color on the lower half of the lens. If you're activities vary and you need clear vision mixed with your eye protection, these can be a useful alternative.
What about prescription sunglasses?
Prescription lenses are very common, and generally cost little more than other corrective eyeglasses. Prescription sunglasses are great for those who want to participate in outdoor sports but to not want to wear contacts as contacts can often become dry and irritate the eye.
What about Photochromic lenses?
Photochromic lenses have a coating which darkens in bright light and becomes clear again in low light; they've been around for decades and are very popular.
If you buy shoes and handbags for every outfit and occasion, why not sunglasses? Designer and fashion glasses, suitable for men's business apparel, are usually different from what you'd wear for hiking or riding a boogie board. Glasses that look good with women's sport apparel might be totally out of place when you are dressed for dinner on the town. At Overstock.com, prices are affordable enough that everyone can have quite an eyewear collection.