The sunglasses guide

Among the various fashion accessories, sunglasses have a somewhat special status.

In addition to bringing a good dose of style, they benefit from a very strong collective imagination: once on the nose, we want to imagine ourselves as Tom Cruise in Top Gun, or Tyler Durden in Fight Club.

Beyond their practical aspect , sunglasses immediately bring a touch of refinement. You are both elegant and (a little) casual : enough to enhance and spice up your spring or summer outfits.

It is a piece that you choose without rushing, you do not acquire it without a certain number of fittings .

How to find your way around the different types of lenses? What material should you choose for the frame? What style should you go for? We will answer these questions. Follow the guide.

Let's start with the basics . When buying, you might be tempted to buy the first pair of sunglasses that suits you, without paying too much attention to the technical details. A big mistake!

Too often we prioritize aesthetics over functionality, where your glasses must first and foremost protect you from ultraviolet rays .

"Besides, do all glasses with dark lenses really protect from the sun?"

No. UV protection has nothing to do with the tinting of the lenses: some almost transparent lenses can be sufficiently protective, while some smoked lenses do not protect more than a pair of prescription glasses. What you need to look at is the quality of filtration of harmful rays .

There are several levels of protection, ranging from 0 to 4:

• Level 0 : a category to avoid, because there is simply no protection against the sun's rays. This type of glasses meets a purely aesthetic need. If you have to opt for a pair of sunglasses in this category, it is to hide yourself from the gaze of others or conceal your dark circles. Otherwise, you might as well opt for the higher protection levels.
• Level 1 - 2 : a category that includes “mid-season” models, suitable for average light conditions and more suited to urban use. They are useful for wearing on days of moderate sunshine, at the beginning or end of the day, but also indoors. If you have to choose between 1 and 2, you might as well get category 2 lenses.

One of the benefits of having a glass with a protection index that is not too high allows for a certain transparency of the glass. This then allows your interlocutors to see your eyes and your facial expressions, which makes your face more lively.

• Level 3: Level 3 lenses are suitable for bright light conditions. They are perfect for bright sunlight in the city, at the beach, or in the mountains. You know, when the sun is dazzling and stings your eyes.
• Level 4 : Here you will find models adapted to the most extreme uses, whether in high mountains or places with exceptional sunlight. Lenses at this level are so protective (in terms of opacity) that it is forbidden to drive while wearing a pair. You do not need level 4 lenses for urban use. Yes, the highest level is not necessarily the best!

If you can afford it, it may be worth having glasses with both level 2 and level 3 lenses. This will allow you to alternate depending on your needs.

The CE mark is another criterion to systematically check . If it is present on the case or the pair, this certifies that these glasses comply with European legislation , both on construction and on anti-UV performance . This mark also obliges the manufacturer to attach detailed instructions, in French, with maintenance advice.

The ideal is to choose a glass capable of opposing the passage of UV rays, of respecting the colors as faithfully as possible and of having good optical quality. There are several types:

• Mineral glass : made from natural compounds, they are easy to clean, scratch little and offer high optical quality, without distortion. Their main disadvantage is their weight, which is slightly higher than other types of glass.
• Organic glass (or CR39 glass) : these are synthetic lenses, therefore “plastic”. They are lighter than mineral glass while being very resistant. However, they are more sensitive to scratches.
• Polycarbonate glass : this is the thinnest and strongest type of glass (10 times stronger than organic glass), while maintaining its lightness and excellent UV protection. This is the perfect type of glass for sports sunglasses, or for children, who are necessarily more vulnerable to ultraviolet rays.
• Polarized glass: the type of glass providing the best possible correction, if you already have to wear glasses on a daily basis. Polarized glass will block the reflections that bother you in bright sunlight. UV protection is also provided.

Be aware that the type of glass is not necessarily recognizable to the naked eye, so it is important to find out about the nature of the glass from the seller. If your optician (or the sales page) does not know how to answer this question, you have an obligation to flee hastily .

In addition to the composition of the lenses, you can ask for them to benefit from special treatments . But be careful: while some are very useful, it all depends on the use you will make of your glasses.

Here are the main treatments that can be useful for a pair of sunglasses:

• Anti-scratch : it reduces the wear of the glass and thus extends its lifespan, so it has all its practical utility.
• Anti-fingerprint : it makes the glass surface hydrophobic and lets water slide off. Antistatic, dust and fingerprints are no longer a problem and cleaning the glasses is easier.
• Anti-fog : it solves once and for all this problem of condensation when entering overheated rooms or humid places. Recommended for all motorcyclists.
• Thinning the lens : it reduces the thickness, lightens the weight of the lens and provides more comfort and aesthetics. This avoids the "bottle bottom" effect. Thinned, the lens is also better inserted into the frame, and provides a finer finish.
• Tinted lenses : the principle is to filter part of the light rays that make up a so-called "white" light to minimize visual discomfort. This is a mandatory condition for sunglasses.
• Photochromic lenses : they will darken to respond to light intensity and adapt sun protection accordingly. Very practical if you often change environments (indoor/outdoor). On the other hand, they are useless in a car, because the windshield will filter the rays necessary for the operation of the lenses.

Tinted glasses have different effects depending on the color chosen:

• Gray : it restores a natural vision of colors in all sunlight situations.
• Brown : it increases contrasts and reduces glare. Can create visual discomfort due to the darkening, rather strong on this shade.
• Yellow : it will significantly improve the perception of contrasts when the light is low (in fog or forest, for example).
• Green : it protects against glare in all conditions, without darkening the rendering.
• Pink, red or two-tone : these fancy colours will only bring a touch of exoticism to your vision but should not be considered as serious protection from the sun. The contrasts are very limited: we see less well and they can damage our eyesight if the sun is strong. Be careful!

Tinted lenses can also add a little extra to your outfit, depending on the style you have chosen : warm colours (like yellow, orange, red, etc.) will give a vintage look, while cooler colours will be more suitable for a more contemporary or streetwear style.

Be careful though, it is important to remain subtle. On such a visible accessory, it is important to respect the notions of colorimetry and contrast.

If needed, we have already discussedthe topic of glasses color in this video . More generally, we have also talked about color here, where Nicolo teaches you how to match them .

As with lenses, there are different types of frames for different uses. Keep this in mind when buying: your sunglasses should be suitable for the use you will be making of them . Each use has its own type of frame, as we will see here.

If you are looking for glasses to wear for sports, you should choose lightweight, strong materials that do not oxidize.

Titanium is used, for example, in aeronautics, automobiles and surgery because it is more flexible than most commonly used materials, it does not oxidize and, above all, it is much lighter. Its weight/shock resistance ratio is exceptional.

Aluminum is the most versatile , as it is lightweight, rustproof and strong at the same time. It is the ideal alternative if you want to get closer to the properties of titanium at a lower cost.

Carbon fiber is also a serious option . Lighter and stronger than steel, a carbon fiber frame is designed for (very) long-term use. Thanks to its structure made of fibers, the pair benefits from perfect elasticity, thus absorbing shocks.

If you are looking for an aesthetic result without compromising on quality or durability , there are two rather interesting materials:

• Cellulose acetate : it is an artificial material made from wood or cotton fibers. The manufacturing process gives a unique appearance to each frame, allowing an infinite number of colors to be created. Certain natural materials can also be easily replicated with acetate, the best-known example being tortoiseshell. On the other hand, its complex manufacturing logically increases the final price. Hypoallergenic, resistant but also flexible, acetate is one of the materials of choice for high-end houses for their optical line.
• Wood : While the look may not suit everyone, wood does offer many benefits. It is a durable , shock-resistant material that, above all, adds a certain originality to your look.

You will have the choice between different types of wood, although not all have the same price. For example, walnut or rosewood will be more expensive than bamboo or oak, but they also offer incredible results.

You can also find happiness in more affordable materials such as plastic. Glasses are certainly less durable and (sometimes) less neat in terms of finishes, while remaining perfectly acceptable alternatives in a relevant wardrobe. Thanks to technological progress by manufacturers, we now find a variety of frames made of all kinds of plastic. As is often the case in life, we must distinguish the good from the bad .

If you often lose your pair , or if you often change your frames, this is probably where you will find what you are looking for.

Nylon, for example, is a great choice if you're on a budget: it's a flexible and strong material that offers a wide range of options for the manufacturer. If done right, nylon sunglasses can definitely compete with their metal or wood counterparts, at least stylistically.

Beyond the glasses and materials chosen, the question of style arises! How can you be sure not to make a mistake?

Before we get into the shape of glasses, there are a few rules to know that eyeglass wearers may already know.

1. The eyebrow : probably the most important rule. The frame should be below the eyebrows, at the limit of the top of the frame so that facial expressions can be seen.

2. The orbit : the eye should be centered following the 2/3 – 1/3 rule: neither too much in the middle, nor too high.

3. Cheekbones : Glasses are worn on the nose, and in theory should not come down onto the cheeks (unless the frame has large lenses). When they come up when you smile, the frames are said to be “crying.”

4. Ears : the frame should be aligned with the ears, the arms should not extend too far beyond the sides of the face.

But as with clothes, if you like to wear oversized glasses, it's perfectly acceptable not to completely follow these rules. The main thing is that you're comfortable with them.

It is generally advisable to refer to the shape of your face when choosing your pair of glasses. To obtain a harmonious result, the shape of the glasses must be inverted to the shape of the face. They will “break” the shape of the face.

For example, if you have a round face, opt for a thin and rectangular pair . On the contrary, if your face is very square, go for round or oval shapes .

On the contrary, if your face is rather square, go for round or oval shapes .

If you have an oval or rectangular face, it's easier to wear any shape of glasses , since the proportions will (in theory) be more consistent.

Of course, if a pair fits you without perfectly respecting these rules, then don't stop yourself from taking it. On the contrary! We believe that accessories, and especially glasses, should be chosen according to your tastes, your feelings, and not only according to very factual criteria.

If you can't figure out your face shape - which happens often - don't despair either: feeling plays a key role in choosing a pair of glasses .

The best advice we can give you is to try and try again to find out what suits you, and to know what type of sunglasses fits best with your style.

A color that matches your hair, skin tone or eyes

You will rarely make mistakes by choosing sober colors and for once, black is allowed!

Generally, it is not recommended to match the color of your frame to your hair (or by default to your skin, or your eyes), so that the contrast is pleasing to the eye . If you have light hair, or a light complexion, prefer brown or tortoiseshell frames. If you have black hair, all colors should suit you.

Finally, remember that dark colors will harden the look and assert the personality , especially if you have light eyes , whereas light colors will soften the look and harmonize the face .

And there you have it! You now have all the cards in hand to be able to choose the pair of sunglasses of your dreams. We have given you several tips, but the most important thing is that you try them for yourself, knowing the important points not to neglect.

Do you see things more clearly? Do not hesitate to give us your opinion on the question in the comments, we will be happy to answer them .