Sunglasses can be the quintessential piece to complete an outfit but more importantly, they should protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. While outside, whether sunny or overcast, wearing UV400 sunglasses will significantly decrease your chances of eye damage, prolonging your vision.
When choosing a pair of sunglasses, there are a few things to consider. First, what activity would you like to use them for? Second, in what light will you be performing the activities? And last but not least, which style do you prefer?
After testing and researching sunglasses from accredited brands, dive in with us to find the perfect pair of stylish sunglasses for your activities. All sunglasses in this guide block 100% of UVA+UVB rays.
The Top 10 Sunglasses in 2025
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1
Best Overall: Oakley Sutro Prizm -
2
Best for Extreme Sports: Pit Viper Slammer Sunglasses -
3
Best Budget: Goodr OG Sunglasses -
4
Best Eco Sunglasses for Watersports: Bajio Sunglasses -
5
Premium Watersport Sunglasses: Costa King Tide 6 Sunglasses -
6
Versatile & Good-Looking Alpine : Smith Venture Sunglasses -
7
Best for Running: Nathan Adventure Polarized -
8
Best for Snow Sports Performance: VALLON Heron Glacier Sunglasses -
9
Best Women’s Active Sunglasses: Tifosi Alpe 2.0 -
10
Durable Wayfarers: Knockaround Premium Sport
All the Sunglasses We've tested
Where to buy Oakley Sutro Prizm:
Amazon
While wearing the Sutros, the world is glorious. Everything is so clear, with incredible contrast. It is like watching a movie in 4K, thanks to the innovative Prizm™ lens technology.
The Oakley Sutros are specifically designed for biking, but any activity can be excelled while wearing these. The lenses are made with a high-grade polycarbonate material called Plutonite, which offers uncompromising impact protection. The lenses are polarized, 100% UV-blocking, and come in several tints offering different VLT.
The Sutros have a wide, universal fit, with an extra large style that covers a large portion of the face. Advertised for men, women love these sunglasses, too. If you break these sunnies, you can receive a 50% discount on replacements. If you scratch your lenses, you can get replacement lenses for $88.
- Lens Material: Plutonite, a high-grade polycarbonate material
- Frame Material: Lightweight O Matter™
- Frame Width: 135 millimeters
- Lens Width: 137 millimeters
- Lens Height: 56.7 millimeters
- Bridge: 16 millimeters
- Arm: 140 millimeters
- Weight: 32g
- Prizm™ Polarized
- Unisex
- Price: $183
Things we like:
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Excellent lens clarity and contrast
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Lots of different colors and lens tints for desired activities and lightening conditions
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Glare-free polarized lenses
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Modern sunglass design that is great to bike, ski, or run in
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The nose pads are comfortable and prevent slippage
Things we don't like:
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Wearing them with a hat can be uncomfortable
Where to buy Oakley Sutro Prizm:
Amazon
Where to buy Pit Viper Slammer Sunglasses:
Pitviper.com
Pit Vipers may be the trendiest brand around right now. Wearing any model is sure to get you compliments, but the Slammers are easily the most radical. They’ll block out the haters and 100% UVA and UVB rays.
The Slammers are meant for big slams in the extremiest of sports. Think freestyle snowboarding, downhill mountain biking, parkour, and street skating. The goggle-like wraparound frame design stays on the face and keeps the sun and wind out so you can focus on not crashing.
Made with a durable, lightweight TR-90 frame, impact resistant polycarbonate lenses, and a retainer strap- they can withstand nearly anything. They fit best on a medium to large head, but small faces can still rock these.
- Lens Material: 1.8 mm Polycarbonate Lens
- Frame Material: TR-90 Grilamid Frame
- Lens Width: 145 millimeters
- Lens Height: 43 millimeters
- Bridge: 34 millimeters
- Arm: 145 millimeters
- Weight: 32 g
- Non-polarized
- Unisex
- Price: $69.69
Things we like:
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Performance frame and lens design that blocks the wind and sun while keeping your sunglasses on your face during a slam
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Steezy look that gets everyone’s attention, and lots of color options to fit your style
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Flexible TR-90 frame material has high impact resiliency and durability
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High VLT in the lenses that protect from bright light + 100% UVA and UVB protection
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Anti-fog technology that works
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Great pricepoint
Things we don't like:
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Wish the frame was malleable to warp to a smaller head shape
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Multiple points of frame contact around the eye sockets may be uncomfortable for some users
Where to buy Pit Viper Slammer Sunglasses:
Pitviper.com
Where to buy Goodr OG Sunglasses:
Amazon
In nearly every park you visit in the city, someone will run by wearing the Goodr OGs. These sunglasses are stylish, affordable, and good quality. From a small business, they keep their sales high with fun company morale and tons of good reviews.
The Goodr OG’s have a “no-slip” frame coating and a perfect fit on a regular-size head. Goodr’s “no bounce” guarentee plays out well while you play with the OGs.
The polarized TAC lenses have a scratch coating, block 100% of harmful UV rays, and prevent glare from windshields and water, so now you have no excuse not to catch the pop fly in the local softball game. For the price, the lens and frame quality is outstanding.
- Lens Material: Tri Acetate Cellulose (TAC)
- Frame Material: Plastic
- Lens Width: 139 millimeters
- Lens Height: 42 millimeters
- Bridge: 12 millimeters
- Arm: 151 millimeters
- Weight: 22g
- Polarized:
- Unisex:
- Price: $25
Things we like:
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No bounce or slip while running
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Comfortable fit and super lightweight
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Inexpensive, but not cheap
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“If I sat on them, they’d be okay.” (durable)
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Polarized! Glare be gone
Things we don't like:
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Let’s sunlight in from the side
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The soft-touch coating on the frame can and the mirror lens coating rubs off after time
Where to buy Goodr OG Sunglasses:
Amazon
Bajio sunglasses are durable and eco-friendly sunglasses designed for those who are active and spend time looking into the water. These polarized sunglasses use LAPIS technology that blocks out 90% of unwanted blue light, 90% of unwanted yellow light, and 100% of harmful UV rays.
The glasses are made of bio-based nylon, which is shockingly durable. There are two lens options – glass ($259) and polycarbonate ($209). Both lens options are sturdy and scratch-resistant. Their sunglasses are not cheap, but worth every penny if you spend lots of time on the water but still enjoy being fashionable. There is a wide range of Bajio designs and frame sizes. We tested the extra large framed Stiltsville and the wide-sided – to block out peripheral light – small framed Ozello.
- Lens Material: LAPIS technology - Glass Or Polycarbonate
- Frame Material: Bio-based nylon material
- Lens Width: Stiltisville- 135 mm, Ozello- 125mm
- Lens Height: Stiltsville- 45mm, Ozello- 44mm
- Bridge: Stiltsville- 15mm, Ozello- 14mm
- Arm: Stiltsville- 130mm, Ozello- 125mm
- Polarized
Things we like:
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The LAPIS Technology is fantastic at blocking unwanted Blue and Yellow Light
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The lenses provide a sharp and crisp image with great contrast
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They offer great visibility into the water
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They keep your eyes safe with 100% UV protection
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The glasses are both functional and stylish making them versatile
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Eco-friendly materials
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Frames offer peripheral protection
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Offer prescription options as well
Things we don't like:
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The glasses are not cheap, and the glass lenses are an extra $50
Where to buy Costa King Tide 6 Sunglasses:
Amazon
The Costa King Tide 6 sunglasses are a top of the line choice for anyone who is out on the water. These sunglasses provide top-notch lens technology, UV protection, and all the bells and whistles a frame could have. Costa takes time to develop their sunglasses, and with the King Tide 6 they have designed versatile frames offering full coverage, ventilation, and comfort.
The lens material of the King Tide 6 sunglasses is the proprietary Costa polarized 580G glass. They offer excellent clarity and sharpness, ensuring clear vision through the water’s surface to see fish or rocks.
Costa continues to advance their frame design with full coverage to keep unwanted light out, an anti-skid coating that keeps them from sliding around on surfaces (boat consoles specifically), and comfort touches like airflow vents and channels to keep sweat out of your eyes.
- Lens material: Polarized Costa 580G Glass
- Frame material: Bio-based nylon with non-skid coating
- Lens width: 58 mm
- Lens height: 46.9 mm
- Bridge width: 17 mm
- Arm length: 135 mm
- Price: $329
Things we like:
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Exceptional Lens Technology with Great Clarity and Contrast
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Very Durable Frame
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Clear visibilty through the surface of the water
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UV Protection
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Lightweight Construction
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Great additions like: Removable Side Shields, Adjustable Vented Nose Pads, Sweat Channels, and Air Vents
Things we don't like:
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High Price Point
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Lack of Frame Color Options
Where to buy Costa King Tide 6 Sunglasses:
Amazon
The Venture sunglasses from Smith Sport Optics give away a lot in their name. When we say the Venture Smith sunglasses are up for adventures, we mean any kind. These versatile sunglasses shapeshift to match the occasion.
The Venture frame is made with Evolve™ bio-based materials to promote sunglasses made with Earth-friendly goals. The removable TPU side shields and nose piece are largely responsible for the Venture’s multifaceted protection.
The lenses are available in glass or polycarbonate material. Smith offers several different lens tints, including a photochromic option. The Ventures are designed to be customized to the user’s experiences.
After testing and researching the Smith Venture sunglasses, we can recommend them. Dive into the full review to see if the Ventures are right for you.
- Lens Material: Glass or Polycarbonate
- Frame Material: Evolve™ Bio-Based Frame and TPU Side Shields
- Lens Width: 56 millimeters
- Lens Height: 48 millimeters
- Bridge Width: 19 millimeters
- Arms Length: 145 millimeters
- Weight: 32g
- ChromaPop™: Lens Technology
- Unisex:
- Price: $215-275
Things we like:
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The clarity and contrast of Chromapop™ lenses are primo for skiing, hiking, or biking
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Side shields block sunlight and wind excellently
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Sunglasses for every occasion due to removable side shields and nose piece
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Stylish sunglasses that receive loads of compliments
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Available in several different colors and lens tints
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Photochromic lens tint option
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Option of polycarbonate or glass lens material
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Bio-based Evolve™ frame is eco-friendly
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Included hard case, microfiber bag, and retainer strap
Things we don't like:
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The lenses fog up
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Frame material is not impact-resistant
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The nose piece can accidentally fall off the frame in transition
Where to buy Nathan Adventure Polarized:
Amazon
Nathan Sports Adventure Running sunglasses are lightweight and resilient to damage. Whether you’re in below-freezing or hotter than Death Valley temperatures, these Nathan sunglasses can withstand it. And they are prescription-ready when ordering off the site.
The polycarbonate lenses are impact-resistant with crystal clear vision and polarization to reduce glare. The frame is made of TR90, a plastic, resistant to impact. While wearing these, you will receive 100% UVA and UVB protection from the sun.
Nathan Sports Adventure running sunglasses’ frame has a matte soft feel, with a grip-coat to prevent bouncing while running. Rubber grips are also added on the nose pads and temple ends to prevent slippage.
- Lens Material: Polycarbonate Lens
- Frame Material: TR-90 Frame
- Width: Medium/Wide fit
- Weight: 27g
- Polarized
- Unisex
- Price: $60
Things we like:
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Awesome to run in with a no-bounce, no-slip design
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Looks stylish on any size face
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Extremely comfortable to wear during any activity
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Incredible quality for a low price
Things we don't like:
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Limited frame and lens colors
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Sunlight seeps in from the side, which is noticeable by users who typically wear a wraparound design
Where to buy Nathan Adventure Polarized:
Amazon
Where to buy VALLON Heron Glacier Sunglasses:
Vallon.com
The Heron Glacier sunglasses may make you the coolest person on the hill. Any skill issues will be overlooked whenever someone skis by with a pair of Glacier sunglasses.
On paper, the Heron Glacier sunglasses check out. They are made with durable materials, an element protection design, and protective lenses. But do these glasses stay on well? Is the lens clarity and contrast going to be up to par? Will the wind and sun be blocked while riding in these sunglasses?
Of course, these sunglasses look stylish, but Outoria to know if they can keep up with your extreme sports addiction.
- Lens Material: Polycarbonate Lens
- Frame Material: TR90 Polyamide
- Lens Width: 48 millimeters
- Bridge: 24 millimeters
- Arm: Adjustable
- Weight: 25g
- Polarized: No
- Unisex
- Price: $147
Things we like:
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Adjustable armbands prevent slippage
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Cool styled sunglasses
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Technical design to provide protection while skiing&boarding
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Super dark lenses are fantastic for sunny days on the ski slopes
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Do an excellent job of not fogging up
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Heron Glacier’s shatterproof lenses are suitable for action sports
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They come with a faux leather protective case and a microfiber cleaning case
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VALLON collects 1kg of plastic waste and recycles it with every purchase
Things we don't like:
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The peripheral vision of the sunglasses is not ultrawide
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The rim of the sunglass lenses rests on your cheeks, and some people may not prefer this feeling
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A little expensive
Where to buy VALLON Heron Glacier Sunglasses:
Vallon.com
Where to buy Tifosi Alpe 2.0:
Amazon
Tifosi Alpe 2.0 sunglasses have a great, comfortable wraparound design that stays put and fits on narrow faces. The Alpe 2.0 are designed for women with small faces; these glasses look good and perform well. With a lightweight of only 21 grams, it keeps your nose or ears comfortable after extended usage.
Tifosi uses a glide technology that allows the frame to slide on just right. The Alpe 2.0 has an anti-bounce fit with hydrophilic rubberized ear and nose pads to prevent slippage and doesn’t pull your hair. While performing your activities, you can be assured that the shatterproof polycarbonate lenses will protect your eyes and block 100% UVA and UVB rays.
Coming with a zippered hardshell case and a microfiber cleaning bag, these are easy to keep in good condition. The extremely durable Grilamid TR-90 frame helps, too. Also, the Alpe 2.0 sunglasses come in 6 different colors and lens tints. Tifosi offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
- Lens Material: Shatterproof Polycarbonate Lens
- Frame Material: Grilamid TR-90 Frame
- Lens Width: 61 millimeters
- Lens Height: 34 millimeters
- Bridge: 17 millimeters
- Arm: 124 millimeters
- Weight: 21g
- Non-polarized:
- Women:
- Price: $27-39
Things we like:
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Snug, comfortable fit on an extra small to small head
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Excellent quality for an affordable price
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Hydrophilic rubberized ear pads do not pull hair but stay put
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Hydrophilic rubberized nose pads are adjustable and increase grip while sweating
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Shatterproof polycarbonate lenses are impact-resistant and provide extra protection from branches while hiking or biking
Things we don't like:
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The frame of the sunglasses can be easily seen with peripheral vision
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Some light can seep in from the sides of the sunglasses
Where to buy Tifosi Alpe 2.0:
Amazon
Sunglasses Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best sunglasses depends on your budget, activity, face shape, and lighting conditions. Once you decide on your budget, consider what activity you want to use the sunglasses for. Your face shape will determine the fit of your sunglasses, so choose accordingly.
Lighting conditions vary, but a few primary considerations exist when buying lenses. The first is UV protection, as wearing sunglasses with this feature is very important. Not all sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, especially not the gas station ones you just picked out, but all the ones in this guide do.
Second, the lens tint determines the Visual Light Transmission (VLT) percentage, indicating how much light passes through the lens. Matching the lighting condition to the VLT% is crucial.
Fun fact: most sunglass brands are owned by one Italian-French conglomerate, EssilorLuxottica. It is a vertically integrated company that controls the sunglass market. They have done a great job producing quality, protective eyewear, but can also inflate sunglass prices.
Check out this detailed buyer’s guide to help you decide what to consider when buying a new pair of shades.
Fit and Face Shape for Sunglasses
The majority of sunglasses are made for the regular sized head, but small and large heads can wear these glasses most of the time, too. If you are at the extremity, it is best to find sunglasses advertised for your head size. Women can wear unisex glasses, but they may find a better fit with women’s specific sunglasses.
Concerning your face shape, there are a few rules of thumb (that don’t necessarily need to be followed). Oval faces seem to work well with most frame styles. Round faces should go for angular or geometric frame styles. Square face shapes may benefit from a round or oval frame. Heart-shaped faces look good with aviator of cat-eye frames.
Sunglasses and UV Protection
Sunglasses are designed to block sunlight from our vision, but they also can protect our eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Check your sunglasses for their UV protection status.
Some sunglasses feature UV400 lens coating, which blocks 100% of ultraviolet A and B rays. If you want to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and prevent cataracts and other vision problems, choose sunglasses with UV400 protection.
Sunglass Lens Material
Sunglasses are made with several kinds of lens material. Each lens material has its perks. Choosing a lens material that associates with your activity and intended sunglass purpose is best.
Polycarbonate sunglass lenses are best for impact resistance along with maintaining a lightweight profile. Most of the sunglasses in this guide are made of polycarbonate.
Glass sunglass lenses present the most clarity but are heavier and more expensive. Glass lenses will also shatter on impact, so they are not best for very active sports.
Nylon sunglass lenses are durable and lightweight. Acrylic sunglass lenses are the most affordable but less scratch-resistant and lower quality. Another option is plastic CR-39, which is light and scratch-resistant but less impact-resistant.
Sunglass Lens Tint and VLT
Lens tint determines the amount of Visible Light Transmission (VLT) that passes through the lens to your eyes. It is defined in percentages. The percentage correlates with the best for different light conditions.
- 0-19% VLT is best for bright, sunny conditions
- 20-40% VLT is suitable for all light conditions
- 40-70% VLT is ideal for low-light conditions and overcast
- 80-90% VLT is for very dim light and night conditions.
- Grey and black tinted lenses have 10-15% VLT
- Brown lenses enhance contrast and have a VLT of 15-20%
- Green, blue, and purple lenses are good for various light conditions, with a VLT of around 20%.
Mirrored lenses reduce glare but do not contribute to VLT. Polarization reduces glare but also does not increase or decrease VLT.
Sunglass Frame Material
There are many different frame materials. However, they can be categorized into metal or plastic, both having benefits. Plastic is typically cheaper and preferred for sports. Metal is strong and easily moldable.
The most common plastic frames include nylon, Zyl, TR90, and Grilamid. Zyl, known as cellulose acetate, is the most used high-quality plastic frame due to its color retention and lightweight. TR90 Nylon glasses are a thermoplastic material that is flexible and highly durable; they are best for extreme sports, like the Pit Viper Slammers.
Metal frames primarily consist of titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, gold, silver, etc. Titanium is one of the best metal frames due to being impact-proof and lightweight. Another good option is stainless steel, which is strong, light, and hypoallergenic.
Sunglass Lens Technology
Over the years, lens technology has improved immensely. New features have been developed to enhance vision and lens performance.
Anti-fog technology is one of the latest inventions that has skyrocketed sunglass performance in activities. Say goodbye to foggy lenses as you descend through the humid jungle or enter the hot ski resort building. It works by manipulating the moisture on the surface through a lens-coating agent.
Another innovative lens technology is the anti-reflective (AR) coatings, aka anti-glare (AG). AR is made of multiple layers of metal oxides that reduce the amount of light reflected onto the lens, allowing more light to be transmitted through the lens without glare. This is an excellent addition for driving, skiing, or captaining a boat.
Photochromatic lens technology uses light-sensitive molecules to shift from light to dark when exposed to UV rays. Also known as transition lenses, these are great in prescription glasses. Although more expensive, they can double as regular glasses and sunglasses.
Polarized vs Non-Polarized Sunglasses
Polarization was invented in the 1930s to reduce glare at high altitudes and intense sunlight for pilots. Shortly after, the sunglass market took hold of the idea. Polarized sunglasses work to filter out horizontal light and let vertical light pass through, which reduces glare.
Non-polarized sunglasses are typically less expensive than polarized sunglasses. However, the glare that non-polarized sunglasses can pick up can be agitating. Wearing polarized sunglasses is the best option if you are boating, skiing, or driving.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Sunglasses
UV protection and polarized sunglasses offer different benefits. UV protection is focused on protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Polarization focuses on reducing glare from water or windows.
If you are looking for sun protection, UV400 offers 100% UVA and UVB blockage. Polarization does not protect from UV rays; instead, it is more of a comfort thing.
The best sunglasses are determined by your activities in which light. We made this comprehensive sunglass guide to help decipher the best sunglasses for different activities, lighting conditions, and style preferences. Everyone wants something different, so check out what we have to say about each.
Sunglass lenses are categorized into different Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages to rate the sunlight blockage. VLT% determines the amount of light that passes through the lens.
- Grey or black-tinted sunglasses block the most sunlight with a VLT of around 10-15%
- Other shades like brown, green, blue, and purple also have a high VLT of 10-20%
- Yellow lenses let the most light in with about a 70% VLT
- Rose lenses range between 20-40% VLT.
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