Men's Sunglasses Buying Guide

Sunglasses are one of the few things you wear that not only look cool but also give you some protection. But how do you know if you're buying a pair of men's sunglasses that will not only protect your style but also your eyes? This men's sunglasses buying guide has the information you need to figure out how to buy men's sunglasses that will flatter your face as well as preserve your vision.

What you need to know

The right frames for your face

As you're shopping for a new pair of men's sunglasses, the most important thing is staying true to your personal style. But if you also choose frames that look good on you, then you're sure to feel good in them every time you wear them. Consider your face shape before you buy sunglasses; frames that are the opposite shape as your face will look best.
Square
A face with a strong jaw line and broad forehead will look good with rounded sunglasses that contrast with your face shape. This doesn't mean you necessarily want to wear perfectly round, 1960s frames, unless you're into that look. If you prefer something subtler, shop for sunglasses that have rounded bottom edges with top edges that are fairly straight across.

Triangle
A face with a narrow chin and wide forehead will look best with sunglasses that are heavier toward the bottom edge, like aviator sunglasses. Aviators are a classic style and are available in metal frames as well as plastic, so you have many to choose from.

Oblong
A long, narrow face can be balanced out by a pair of wraparound sunglasses. The strong, wide line of this style shortens an oblong face, and you'll have the added benefit of a modern style that is as perfect for sports as it is for lounging by the pool.

Round
A round face can appear leaner with a pair of square or rectangular sunglasses. If you have a round face, you will want to be extra sure that your sunglasses are the right width because if they are too small, they could make your face appear heavy.

Oval
An oval face is slightly narrower at the jaw line than at the temples, creating a shape that is flattered by just about any frames. You can choose fashion sunglasses or sport sunglasses if you have an oval face.

How to use the measurements

The measurements given in the product description are valuable when you can't try on the sunglasses you are considering. You'll want to find a pair that is the same width as the widest part of your face.
The measurements are often given in three numbers, measured in millimeters. The first number is the width of one lens, the second number is the width of the bridge over the nose, and the third number is the length of one arm. The measurement may look something like this: 56 - 18 - 130.

To find your size, get a measuring tape or ruler and stand in front of a mirror. First measure the widest part of your face. Then measure the width of the bridge of your nose to get the middle number. Subtract the width of the bridge of your nose from the total width, and then divide the number in half to get the lens width.
You can also measure the length from the sides of your eyes to your ears for the third number, but this number is not as essential because you can usually have the arms adjusted by an optician to get the fit best over your ears.
Once you have your size, you can find sunglasses that fit you, even when you are shopping online. Remember, however, that a millimeter isn't very much, so you don't have to worry if a pair you like is one or two millimeters different than the measurement you came up with.

Eye protection

You're relying on your sunglasses to protect your vision from the sun's ultraviolet rays, so make sure that you choose a pair that has 95 to 99 percent UVB protection and at least 60 percent UVA protection. Most sunglasses these days have full UV protection, but you'll always want to double check to be sure.
The colors of lenses

While the color of your sunglasses is mostly about your personal style, the lens color you choose can affect the way you see colors while you're wearing them, so you'll want to consider this while you're shopping.
Grey and green: Grey and green lenses make colors appear cooler than they are, but they are the least likely to affect your vision. Sunglass lenses in these colors are best for driving.
Brown and amber: Brown and amber lenses create a high contrast in colors because they block out blue. These colors make excellent sports sunglasses.
Purple, red and blue: Fashion colors can affect the way you see colors the most, so they aren't recommended for wear when you need your vision the most. Save these sunglasses for times when you are just hanging out in the sun.

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Common questions about men's sunglasses

Should I choose metal frames or plastic frames?

Unless you settle for cheap sunglasses, either type of sunglass frame should last a long time as long as you treat your sunglasses well. For example, if you stash them in your back pocket, make sure to take them out before you sit down; otherwise, it won't matter what material your frames are made from.

I want a pair of sunglasses that will be in style for a long time. What should I choose?

For sunglasses that will be in style in the future, just look to the past. Retro styles have been around for years because they are timeless. When you want that kind of staying power in your look, avoid novelty sunglasses and go with aviator sunglasses with metal frames or Wayfarer-inspired sunglasses in black or tortoiseshell.

What are the benefits of polarized lenses?

Polarized sunglasses block out the glare that happens when sunlight reflects off flat surfaces, like water or the street. For sports sunglasses, polarized lenses are one of the best choices because keeping out that glare while you are boating, running or cycling can help maximize your performance.

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