Designer sunglasses serve the dual purpose of being both a bold fashion statement and a functional way to adequately protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. With countless designer brands and frame styles to choose from, selecting that perfect pair of designer shades that check all your boxes can be an overwhelming but rewarding task.
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Determining Your Face Shape
The specific shape of your face should be the first and most critical factor that guides your designer sunglass selection. Oval-shaped faces tend to pull off most sunglass styles and look great. Round faces with softer jawlines will appear best complemented by angular frames with clean lines that provide more definition. Square faces do well to go for rounded, curved styles that soften and balance the angles.
Heart-shaped faces suit delicate frames or sassy cat eyes that mirror the face shape. More angular diamond-shaped faces look fantastic in oval sunglasses that soften sharp cheekbones. Visit a sunglass retailer and try on various styles while consulting a mirror to determine what flatters your facial features best before narrowing down the field of options.
Choosing Frame Size and Shape for Your Face
Source: whylies.com
The size and shape of the frame itself also affect both the fit and style of designer sunglasses. Larger, oversized frames have been on trend lately but may overwhelm smaller faces or look awkward on narrow face shapes. Petite sunglass frames suit those with round or oval faces most ideally.
Rimless or semi-rimless frame styles can work well for complementing any face shape. More bold, geometric frame shapes help balance out diamond, triangle, or heart-shaped faces nicely. Oversize cat-eye frames specifically flatter those with rounder faces by elongating the look. Generally, avoid frames that are equal to or wider than the broadest part of your face. The frame shape should contrast with your face shape.
Considering Lens Types and Special Features
With designer sunglasses, you’ll also want to educate yourself on the different lens types and special features available to determine which options may benefit you most. The experts at Olympic Eyewear explain that polarized lenses help to cut down on visually distracting glare and work incredibly well for water sports and driving. Gradient lenses transition from darker tint at the top to lighter at the bottom, benefiting drivers who need visibility of their dash.
Mirrored lenses have a sleek, reflective coating and technology to reduce glare. Photochromic lenses conveniently darken when exposed to sunlight then lighten when indoors. Scratch-resistant coatings help protect lenses from normal wear and tear. Anti-reflective treatments on lenses make your eyes more visible and expressive behind the tint. Each option offers advantages, so weigh priorities like activities and cost.
Prioritizing Proper UV Protection Above All
Source: nivea.co.uk
Never compromise when it comes to 100% UV protection capabilities, however, even while considering other features and aesthetics. Reputable designer brands use specialized materials like polycarbonate and trivex lenses that effectively block 100% of those harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Always verify any potential pair of designer sunglasses you’re considering provides complete UV protection through printed manufacturer labeling. Don’t assume darker tint automatically means more UV absorption. Clear UV-coated lenses can provide the same protection as polarized lenses. UV protection should be a top priority for your eyes.
Conclusion
With some education on how to select the most fitting and flattering options for your face, style, and eye protection needs, you can feel confident of finding designer sunglasses that check off all your boxes – fashionable, personality-matching, trend-aware, and protective. Follow these sunglass shopping tips and let the hunt for that perfect designer pair begin. Your eyes and wardrobe will thank you.
