Picking out a brand-new pair of sunglasses can be an enjoyable process, but with a growing number of brands, shapes and styles available, the choice can become a little overwhelming. Designer sunglasses aren’t cheap either, since they offer excellent build quality and superior style and this can make it even more difficult for you to decide on the perfect frames. So, how do you decide on the right sunglasses?
Picking the perfect pair of sunglasses
To find the ideal pair of sunglasses, you need to consider several factors. Each of the following elements will help you choose a well-fitting, perfectly styled pair of designer sunglasses that you’ll love wearing.
Find out your face shape
Everybody’s face is different. Your features are unique to you, but you can categorise your facial profile to help you find the ideal sunglasses for your particular look. There are several face shapes to be aware of:
- Oval – Balanced and softly rounded.
- Round – Very evenly balanced with more rounded features.
- Square – Angular features with a strong jawline, forming a square.
- Heart – A narrow chin with wider cheeks and forehead.
- Triangle – A broad forehead, strong cheekbones with a pointed chin.
You can find out what kind of face shape you have by drawing the outline of your face, either by using a photograph or a mirror. Focus on your overall head shape, including your forehead, cheekbones, jawline and chin, to help you establish roughly what kind of face shape you possess. If you don’t fall neatly into any of these categories, it’s good news – most pairs of sunglasses will likely suit your face. Lucky you!
Choose your sunglasses style
There are more varied styles than ever before, making choosing a pair of sunglasses a tricky affair. But, there are several generalised categories that all sunglasses fall into:
Oval
Popular and well-proportioned, oval-shaped glasses have rounded edges that will suit almost any face. While some designers may exaggerate this shape, oval sunglasses offer plenty of protection for your eyes without overstepping any stylistic boundaries.
Rectangle
If you have a softer facial profile, rectangular sunglasses offer a bit more edge to complement your look. With straight, parallel lines, rectangle-shaped frames make a good choice for anyone with rounder features. Luxury designers have perfected their formula for rectangle sunglasses, so be sure to try on several different pairs.
Square
For a slightly bolder look, square sunglasses offer plenty of protection for your eyes without appearing oversized or too angular. Paired with polarised lenses, square-shaped frames — either made from plastic or metal — offer versatility and style and are best suited to people with slightly softer features.
Round
For a vintage-inspired look, round sunglasses are a fantastic choice. Circular frames rose to popularity during the 90s, offering a chic aesthetic with plenty of personality. Often stylised with thin, metal frames, round glasses are perfect for anyone looking for something a little different.
Wayfarer
The classic wayfarer shape is an understated yet unmistakable style that typically comprises dark lenses and slightly rectangular plastic frames. They’ve proven popular with a whole host of actors, celebrities and rock stars for generations and remain ever-present in popular culture today.
Aviator
Originally designed as an alternative to goggles for pilots in the early 20th century, aviator sunglasses have enduring popularity. With wide lenses, metal frames and real attitude, aviator sunglasses perfectly encapsulate fashion and functionality.
Consider the purpose of your sunglasses
If you’re simply looking for designer eyewear for day-to-day use, the world is your oyster, but if you need extra performance from your sunglasses, you’ll need to take a more considered approach to your search.
For example, your new sunglasses will need to stand up to testing conditions if you’re an active person. If you’re planning on wearing your sunglasses while participating in sports, your sunglasses will need to offer crystal-clear vision from all angles to enhance your performance. Larger frames with wrap-around lenses will be better suited to extreme conditions, whereas smaller sunglasses might not offer as much protection.
Select your sunglasses lenses
If you need regular glasses to see clearly, it’s worth investing in a pair of prescription sunglasses to enhance your vision when it’s bright outside. You’ll be amazed at the visual acuity you can achieve when you opt for tinted prescription lenses. For the ultimate performance, opt for transition lenses — sometimes referred to as photochromic lenses — that change depending on the amount of light available. That means you’ll also get to enjoy your sunglasses indoors, as they’ll become transparent until activated by UV light.
Making the final decision and buying designer sunglasses
Even after you’ve contemplated the factors above, your personal preferences are still most important — you need to see what your new sunglasses will look like when you wear them. Using realistic virtual try on technology is one of the best ways to find a pair of sunglasses that makes you feel comfortable and confident. You’ll wear your new sunglasses a lot more if you enjoy how they make you feel!
Plus, if you find yourself stuck between two pairs of sunglasses for any particular reason, you could always treat yourself to a second pair to switch up your wardrobe.
