How To Buy Sunglasses – Men & Women
A short time ago while doing some competitor analysis, I found myself reading an article about the proper way to buy sunglasses. A video ensued from a (boring and smug) shop owner explaining the four different face shapes (really, only four?). What was surprising was that this face expert did not mention the most important aspect to consider when buying sunglasses – What Are You Going To Use Them For?!
I own a pair of Ray-Bans that have skied well over 100 days, competed in 4 triathlons, attended over a dozen baseball games, and crushed numerous wedding dance floors, and I haven’t lost them once. The point is, don’t be scared to buy good shades, you wont lose them. A good pair of sunglasses will change your life.
Now that I have qualified myself, lets get on with a real article about how to buy a pair of sunglasses. We have created a helpful acronym or mnemonic to help you remember – F A C E S.
(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 – What is your purpose for these shades? Are these for sport? For driving a motorcycle? For the beach? With a suit? Fishing? This is the first step before you walk in the store. Sport sunglasses typically have plastic frames (Arnette, Von Zip, SPY), and can rest on the 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. They look great all the time.
(C) – Color – The color of your lens is second most important aspect to consider. Typically sport sunglasses have a darker lens because they are meant to help you see during long periods of bright sunlight. It’s often helpful to go with a lighter lens for your fancy, or 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 a lot of advertising on them. Less is always more when it comes to labels on sunglasses.
(S) – Style – Lastly, once you figure out your use, your lens color and fit, you can now 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:
1. Just like shoes, you need to own more than one pair of sunglasses for multiple occasions.
2. Keep a backup pair in the glove box for emergencies.
3. Just like clothes shopping, if you are not 100% wild about your sunglasses, don’t buy them!
4. Don’t wear athletic sunglasses with a jacket to formal events, you will look like a tool, or worse, the FBI.
5. If you are in the sun for many hours, several days a week, you need 100% UV protection. Polarization has nothing to do with UV, it simply prevents glare. Get your glasses checked.
6. Make sure they 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, hope you are enjoying a stylish summer.
Thanks For Reading !!
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