With the weather becoming warmer and summer fast approaching, you probably have a ton of outdoor activities in mind. However, whether you’re thinking about going on a beach trip, attending music festivals like the upcoming multi-weekend Carowinds Summer Music Fest, or simply hanging out at local spots like the Charleston Aqua Park, one thing you should prioritize is sun protection. So, a previous post on summer-ready tips also includes sun-safe reminders, such as wearing sunscreen to reduce the risk of sun-related skin cancers like melanoma and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated and healthy.
In addition to hydration and sunscreen, another essential component of sun protection is wearing sunglasses. Sunglasses are more than just a fashionable accessory as they shield your eyes from the ultraviolet rays that can compromise your vision — here’s how to choose the perfect pair this summer.
Consider the frames
Sunglasses come in a wide range of frame shapes and sizes, so ensure that the style you choose provides adequate coverage for the eyes and the surrounding sensitive skin. Protective styles include trendy oversized frames, classic aviator sunglasses, and chic cat-eye-shaped lenses.
Besides the frame style, pay attention to the material and opt for durability so that your sunglasses can protect your eyes even when doing high-intensity activities like water sports. The ideal frame materials like Oakley Genuine includes acetate and blended nylon for plastics, as well as titanium and stainless steel for metals. However, sustainable materials are also gaining more attention among eyewear brands, such as the Japanese-inspired brand OJO Sunglasses using recyclable bio-acetate S70 for both quality and environmental protection.
Maximize the lens options
Your lens options can also make a huge difference in how sun-safe your chosen pair of shades are. The level of sun safety is mainly determined by the lenses’ UV rating, so ensure they’re labeled with 100% UV protection or UV400 to guarantee broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Aside from the UV rating, consider getting polarized sunglasses that reduce glare and block horizontally polarized light. This is especially crucial if you’re doing outdoor activities that require visual acuity, such as fishing, water sports, and driving. Online retailer Eyebuydirect offers various polarized options for its wide selection of trendy and affordable frames, like the oversized Itinerary or the semi-transparent Safari. For only an extra $40, you can combine style and function with a polarized coating for your lenses.
Ensure the right fit
Lastly, you’d want your sunglasses to stay comfortable on your face and over your ears, especially if you’re wearing them for prolonged periods while outdoors. You’d want them to not be too tight that they squeeze the side of the head and cause discomfort, nor too loose that they tend to slip away from your face. This essentially means getting the right measurements for the frames, nose bridge, and temples.
While eyewear brands already offer sizing options like small, medium, and large, they may not always be ideal for different facial features and measurements. As such, eyewear brand Sol Kyst offers innovative sunglasses specially designed to be wide-face-friendly. Made from acetate and thoughtfully crafted with the use of line work and proportions, these frames flatter the face without causing tension headaches or ear pulling.
Additionally, even when buying online, you can guarantee the right size and fit by utilizing eyewear brands and retailers’ virtual try-on features. This innovative technology allows you to see how the frames fit on your face simply by uploading your photo or using your live camera to capture a short clip of yourself.
Overall, sunglasses are a must-have accessory for the summer, so keep these tips in mind as you shop for a new pair to add to your wardrobe.
