Summer is the season of sunshine and outdoor activities. And what better companion than a pair of sunglasses? You may have a corner-store pair sitting on your shelf, but if you’re looking to elevate your eyewear, The Connector is here to help merge function with fashion.
Function
You may plan to hit the beach, swim down the lake or travel to some icy ski slopes. Aside from being fun vacation spots, these locations have two things in common: reflective surfaces and prolonged sun exposure. Sometimes the most fun places can have dangerous effects if you’re not cautious.
You may think, “I use sunscreen lotion to protect my skin!” But did you know that your eyes can get sunburnt too?
The medical term is photokeratitis, which occurs when Ultraviolet (UV) rays damage our vision. It causes redness, light sensitivity, impaired vision and pain.
On the visible spectrum, blue light (short wavelength) is often harsher on our eyes than yellow light (long wavelength).
Quality lenses are engineered to defend your eyes from irritating those rays. So it’s best to shop for sunglasses from an eyecare-specific store like Target Optical, Lenscrafters, Visionworks or Sunglass Hut. These retailers carry notable brands that know how to keep you safe.
Harrison Steppe is an Advertising and Branding student who worked for Sunglass Hut. Wearing his signature Burberry glasses, he comments:
“The best way to shop for sunglasses is to try them on in a store. Relying on resale sites or thrift marketplaces puts you at risk for getting scammed or receiving a faulty product. In my store, we cleaned everything and made sure there weren’t any scratches. I’ve seen people come in with 20-year-old glasses because of their investment.”
Lenses
There are essentially two types of lens technology: polarized and non-polarized. Both will protect your eyes, but they have unique advantages.
Polarized lenses enhance color vibrancy while reducing the glare from roadways or bodies of water. However, they’re not optimal for looking at electronic screens.
Non-polarized lenses have a color filter and desaturate your vision. They’re typically less expensive too.
How can you tell the difference? It takes a trained eye to separate them in retail store lighting, but there’s often a “P” on the shopping tag or the lens itself.
Most sunglass lenses are made of glass or a type of plastic.
Glass lenses are scratch-resistant and pair best with metal frames. They’ll feel the most familiar with people who wear prescription glasses because glass sits heavier than plastic. The downside is that they’ll shatter if they fall.
Plastic or polycarbonate lenses are more durable and fit a rough-and-tumble lifestyle. These lenses pop out of their frames instead of shattering upon impact. They’re popular with athletes, cyclists and construction workers. But unlike glass, plastic is scratch-prone.
Even lens color matters when choosing a pair of sunglasses!
Fashion
Style is probably the first thing you’ll consider when buying sunglasses, so how do you find a pair that complements your features and aesthetic?
It’s usually best to find frames that are differently-shaped than your face. Opposites create a sense of harmony and balance.
- Round faces look great in square or cat-eye frames.
- Oval faces rock a pair of aviators or rectangles.
- Square faces with strong jaws are perfect for circular and hexagonal frames.
Now that you know how to shop for sunglasses, take advantage of this brand guide to find your perfect pair.
Classy and practical
These brands are classic, but provide enough function for day-to-day life.
- Ray-Ban
- Persol
- Burberry
- Oliver Peoples
- Prada Linea-Rosa
Athletics and outdoors
The following brands are perfect for the rough and tumble that the great outdoors provide.
- Maui Jim
- Costa
- Oakley
- Arnette
- ESS
High-fashion
For the fashionistas, protect your eyes while looking chic.
- Gucci
- Tom Ford
- Valentino
- Miu-Miu
- Versace
- Bvlgari
For the Femmes
Looking for a soft, feminine frame? These brands have you covered.
- Tiffany and Co.
- Tory Burch
- Prada
- Ralph
- Celine
Child’s play
Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you have to miss out on eye protection.
- Vogue Jr.
- Ray-Ban
- Emporio Armani
