What are the best sunglasses?

We’ve partnered with EyeOns experts to help you evaluate sunglasses based on the four core characteristics.

UV protection

It goes without saying — you buy sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sunlight. Surprisingly enough, UV protection is actually quite tricky, and different types of glasses handle it differently.

What you should look for first and foremost is the “100% UV protection label” — it is quite common and is pretty much a standard for high-quality sunglasses that are worth buying. Check to see if the pair you’re looking to buy blocks both UVA and UVB rays and feels good to wear when the sun is bright — if you feel any sort of discomfort, then these glasses aren’t worth it and you should opt for a different pair. Your health should be prioritized over style and preference.

Frame size and comfort

To put it simply, the bigger the sunglasses, the better they are at protecting your eyes from the sun’s rays. Ideally, they should cover your whole line of sight, leaving little to no space for anything else. That makes oversized eyewear ideal for that purpose — even if it might not be the most fashionable thing during a certain season.

Another thing you have to focus on is your comfort—never wear glasses that are too tight or too loose, as they might cause a lot of trouble, from mild annoyance to skin rashes. Remember that there are thousands of options available to you, so don’t be afraid to take your time and choose the pair that fits you perfectly. 

Lens color

It is important to remember that while you might think that darker sunglasses are supposed to protect you better, this isn’t the case — as EyeOns experts explain, the lenses’ tint doesn’t necessarily correlate with UV protection. This means that if you feel uncomfortable wearing darker lenses because they obstruct your vision, you simply shouldn’t choose them. 

However, certain shades of lenses may work better for people with various eye conditions, so you might want to consult your doctor before buying a particular pair.

Price range

When it comes to glasses, more expensive doesn’t mean better. Glasses are accessories, and a lot of time you will find that budget options are just as great in every sense as premium eyewear. Most of the time, people buy Prada or Ray-Ban sunglasses simply because of their iconic status and look, but that doesn’t mean these glasses provide better protection or more comfort. 

So, if you’re looking to make a fashion statement, then you might choose high-end options, but if all you need is a solid and reliable pair of glasses for casual wear, cheaper options will work just as great. However, always remember to check the UV parameters beforehand.