Why do you buy sunglasses? Is it because they allow you to see clearly under the sun? Or is it because you fell in love with the design and style?
When it comes to sunglasses, the design, shape, and colour are often the things most people notice. They like the style or the brand which makes them want to buy the pair. But there’s something missing here, and that’s the sunglass lenses.
Sunglasses wouldn’t be sunglasses if not for their lenses. There are different lens colours and there are different kinds too (like polarized or tinted).
If you are looking for “functional” sunglasses, designer glasses won’t always do. But do you know who makes the best sunglass lenses? Here is a list of sunglass brands that make high-quality lenses that you can use for your different activities.
Best Sunglass Lenses for Casual Wear
Ray-Ban
Popularized by Tom Cruise, Audrey Hepburn, Tim Roth, and a bunch of celebrities, Ray-Ban is by far one of the most popular, if not the most popular sunglass brand.
It was founded in 1937, and it has become America’s eyewear of choice ever since. Its three top products are Wayfarer, Aviator, and Clubmaster.
Ray-Ban is not only famous because of celebrities who’ve worn it. It’s also a durable and stylish brand on its own. It makes sure that its styles are unique to its brand. They’re also a relatively affordable brand compared to other casual sunglasses.
Oliver Peoples
One of the underdogs in the casual sunglasses department is Oliver Peoples. Founded in the ’80s, Oliver Peoples is a known casual brand for retro sunglasses. It just takes you back a few decades whenever you wear it - no wonder it’s a hit among younger men.
Oliver Peoples’ sunglasses all come in UVA protection. See? It’s not just a stylish brand - it’s also a very useful and durable one. It also comes in 7 hinges that make sure that your shades are intact even if you place them at the back of your pocket.
Tom Ford
Then there’s Tom Ford. Out of these three, Tom Ford is part of the higher end of sunglasses. The owner, Tom Ford himself, used to work at Gucci until disagreements with the CEO. Right after that, he built his company.
To this day, his eyewear collection is being renowned in a number of men’s magazines and shows.
Best Sunglass Lenses for Sports
Oakley
You’ve probably heard of this just as much as you’ve heard of Ray-Ban. Oakley is one of the household names when it comes to sports sunglasses because of their durability, design, and that overall sporty feel that it gives to the wearer.
You will want to have an Oakley if you have a more active lifestyle. If you want to go biking, skiing, riding, and playing sports, then Oakley will be your partner in crime. They’re also very affordable.
Maui Jim
Maui Jim was not that famous until it expanded its reach to the whole of the United States. It started in Hawaii, and it did operations on the island alone for 8 years.
If you look at a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses, you will see a hit of Hawaii in it simply because they’re so light, compact, and come in cool and hip colours. The only thing you’ll have trouble with it is its price tag. Maui Jim sunglasses come at a hefty price of at least $300.
Carrera World
Carrera World is named after Carrera Panamericana which comes from the most dangerous and fastest race in history. It started releasing sports sunglasses way back in 1977, and it also partnered with Porsche two years later.
The partnership with Porsche was a special eyewear collection where glasses had interchangeable lenses. They were also foldable, making it easier for people with active lifestyles to carry them anywhere.
Carrera World is famous for its oversized sunglasses and very lightweight and durable pairs.
Things to Consider in Buying Sunglasses
You already know by now that there are other things to consider when buying sunglasses. If you’re not sure of what they are yet, here are a few things you need to take note of.
Purpose
For obvious reasons, you should know why you’re buying a pair of sunglasses in the first place. Is it because you want to wear something when you hit the mall? Are you using it for sports? For skiing? For golf?
Knowing what purpose you’ll be using your sunglasses for will help you narrow down the brands that you will look at.
Besides, depending on your purpose, there are differences in the actual glasses. For example, sports sunglasses have grippy nose pads, and temple ends, and they’re usually more durable. Imagine wearing casual sunglasses for hiking! It’s going to be a disaster.
Lens
Another main thing to consider is the lens. There are different lens features like polarized, photochromic, and interchangeable lenses.
Polarized lenses help reduce glare, especially when you are always under the sun. These are also for people who are highly sensitive to glare, whether by the sun or by screens. Photochromic lenses are those who adjust to different lighting. They are those cool lenses that change shade whenever you step out of the sun.
Lastly, the interchangeable lenses are those that you can remove. Most interchangeable lenses are placed with the help of magnets.
Budget
And of course, you shouldn’t miss out on the budget. Even if you love the new Tom Ford sunglasses but don’t have the budget to do so, then unfortunately, you won’t be able to buy it.
As much as possible, stick within your budget when it comes to sunglasses. There are a lot of sunglass brands that are affordable, durable, and stylish in their own way.
As you’ve probably noticed, there are already household brands when it comes to sunglasses. Everyone knows Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Tom Ford.
While you may be drawn to buy famous and high-end brands, don’t forget to inquire about the lens. After all, they’re the most important part of the sunglasses.
