The Ultimate Guide To Buying Men’s Sunglasses

“Don’t be afraid to buy expensive shades, you wont lose them
… because they are expensive.”

A short time ago while shopping for a new pair of sunglasses, I found myself reading an article about how to buy sunglasses.  A video ensued from a super boring & smug shop owner explaining the four different face shapes.  I thought to myself – Really, only four?  He was clearly losing credibility, but I kept watching the video.  What was surprising was that this maxillofacial expert did not mention the most important aspect to consider when buying sunglasses.  So in this article we will give you the straight dope on how to buy sunglasses including the most important consideration when buying shades.

How To Buy The Best Sunglasses For Men

Now that I have qualified myself as a sunglasses aficionado, lets get on with a real article about how to buy a pair of sunglasses.  When it comes to protecting your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays, quality sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement—they’re an essential accessory for your eye health and overall well-being.

Are Expensive Sunglasses Worth It?

While cheap sunglasses might offer temporary relief from the glare, they lack the UV protection your eyes need, leaving you vulnerable to long-term damage. High-quality sunglasses not only elevate your style but they also provide critical defense against harmful rays,  helping you maintain clear vision and reduce the risk of eye disease.

You shouldn’t think of buying expensive sunglasses as a luxury item, but more of an investment in your health.  It’s akin to wearing a helmet when you go snowboarding or skiing.  Sure, a new pair of shades makes you look cool, but know what is even cooler – being able to see when you get older.

I have always owned at least three pairs of sunglasses at any given time.  I currently own a pair of Ray-Bans that have skied well over 100 days, competed in four triathlons, countless volleyball matches and crushed many wedding dance floors.  I haven’t lost them once.  The point is, don’t be afraid to buy expensive shades, you wont lose them, because they are expensive.  A good pair of sunglasses will change your life.  Let’s get into it!

Buying Sunglasses For Men

What are the best sunglasses for men?  It depends on few factors.  We have created a guide to help you when buying sunglasses.

Remember the acronym FACES when buying sunglasses.

(F) – Fit – Your sunglasses need to fit.  Everyone’s squash is different – oval, square, long.  Sunglasses should complement the shape of your face.  They must be comfortable and be snug, or you will lose them.  A basic rule to follow:  

• If you have an oval or round face, try square sunglasses to give you some definition.
• If you have a square or rectangle face, try rounded or aviator style sunglasses, your face will appear longer.

(A) – Application – This is the most important aspect of buying sunglasses. What is your purpose for buying new sunglasses and wear do you plan to wear them?

• Are they for sport?
• For driving a motorcycle?
• For the beach?
• For a summer wedding
• For fishing or boating?

This is the first step before you walk in the store or shop online.  Sport sunglasses typically have plastic frames (Arnette, Von Zip, SPY), and can rest on top of your head without damaging the frames.  Formal glasses typically have wire frames and are more expensive (Ray-Ban, Dita, Serengeti), but they look great when you are dressed nice.  In fact wire frame sunglasses look great all the time whereas sporty shades do not look good when you are dressed nice.  So throw those dorky Oakley shades out. They even look stupid on the golf course.

(C) – Color – The color of your lens is second most important aspect to consider.  Typically sport sunglasses have a darker lens because they are designed to wear during long periods of bright sunlight.  It’s often helpful to go with a lighter lens for formal wear shades.  Typically because you will be wearing them late afternoon and going between inside and outdoors, shade and sun.  A light colored lens will allow you to keep them on if you are inside for only a short period of time, (or if you have a sever hangover and don’t feel like dealing with the outside world at breakfast).

(E) – Ears – Always look at the temples, the arms on the sunglasses that rest on your ears.  Many good sunglasses have super thin temples that are prone to bending or breaking. Others have large logos on the side like Dragon or Gucci. I don’t know about you but I don’t enjoy being a walking billboard.  A small carefully placed logo is fine.  Less is always more when talking about clothing and accessory branding.

(S) – Style – Now that you have determined your purpose for buying new sunglasses, and settled on a lens color and fit, you can decide what style you want.  Do you want to be a throwback and rock some Lennon or Dylan shades?  Or maybe Gucci is your thing, like James Franco?   Perhaps American classic is your gig, oddly Ray-Ban seems to suit Becks.

Some Other Tips When Buying New Sunglasses For Men

1. Just like shoes, you need to own more than one pair of sunglasses for multiple occasions.
2. Don’t throw out your old pairs, throw them in the glovebox of your car for backup.
3. Just like clothes shopping, if you are not 100% wild about your sunglasses, don’t buy them because you won’t wear them.
4. As mentioned don’t wear athletic sunglasses with a sport coat you will look like a tool, or worse, the FBI.
5. If you are in the sun for many hours a day you need 100% UV protection. Polarization has nothing to do with UV, it simply prevents glare.
6. Make sure your new sunglasses fit on top of your head, this will extend their life.
7. It’s OK to own a cheap pair, but like everything else, own a nice pair too. Vision is important.

There you have it lads, your guide to buying sunglasses. Enjoy!

Thanks For Reading The Best Men’s Lifestyle Blog!

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