Sunglasses aren’t just a way to protect your eyes from the sun. They show your personality to the world and can help you become more confident.
But shopping for summer sunglasses can be overwhelming. With so many styles, shapes, and colors to choose from, you might think it will take you days to choose a pair. And who has that kind of time?
Thankfully, figuring out how to buy sunglasses doesn’t have to be a hassle. By remembering a few simple tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect sunglasses that you’ll reach for again and again.
Keep reading for our best tips on how to find the perfect sunglasses for summer.
Consider Your Face Shape
Just like when choosing a hairstyle, many people like to consider the relationship between sunglasses and face shape. While the shape of your face doesn’t dictate what sunglasses you can and can’t wear, it can be a helpful consideration if you’re concerned about whether they will complement your facial structure.
Here are some of the most common face shapes and a few styles of sunglasses that are recommended for them:
Round: Wayfarers, rounded bottoms
Heart: Chunky rims, aviators
Square: Cat-eye or the classic aviator style
Oval: Rectangular or round
The recommended sunglasses for different face shapes can overlap, so this isn’t a definitive guideline. Still, try out some of these tips for yourself next time you’re at the store. You might just find a lovely pair of sunglasses in a shape that you’d never considered before.
If you’re not sure what your face shape is, take a look at a guide with images to help you figure it out.
Picking the Right Size
If you’re worried about whether your sunglasses will be flattering, then size is another important factor to consider. With so many types of sunglasses out there, it might take some trial-and-error to pick which size best flatters your face. But once you do, buying sunglasses in the future will be much easier, no matter how many times your wardrobe might change.
If the size of your sunglasses is a big consideration for you, then it’s vital that you try them on in-store. If you’re buying them online, there’s no guarantee that the sunglasses will look the same on you as they did on the model.
The size of sunglasses is also where trends come in, as the size of sunglasses can vary from small (like in the 90s) to very large (like in the early 2000s). While you don’t have to wear whatever size is on-trend at the moment, trends can be a great way to take advantage of the large variety of styles available. If the size of sunglasses you want just happens to be on-trend, this would be the time to buy one (or several) pairs of your chosen size as you can be sure that many brands will have them in stock.
Brands and Sunglasses for Summer
Brand collections will vary by season and by trends, but the general aesthetic of each brand tends to stay the same. A consideration of brand isn’t a matter of buying brand names just for the sake of it but is rather a way to match your choice of sunglasses with your personal style.
For example, sunglasses by Tom Ford tend to have bold, thick, and dark rims, while Ray-Ban gives you that classic, timeless look. Versace has some statement pieces and is a great choice if you love a bold look, while Bvlgari has a great variety of colors and unique styles you might not find anywhere else.
Another reason to consider brand is if you want a particular style of sunglasses (especially if you’d like to match it to your face shape!). For example, with aviators, Ray-Ban is the brand that comes to mind right away. While you might end up going with a different brand, Ray-Ban would be a good place to begin your search as you know you’ll be able to try on a variety of colors and variations of aviators.
Tint and Color
You might not have considered the differences between tinted sunglasses before, but they’re a fairly important consideration when choosing your summer sunglasses. All sunglasses have tints, and you have to consider how you would pair the sunglasses with the rest of your clothing.
For example, if you have a lot of cool colors in your wardrobe, it wouldn’t make much sense to buy sunglasses with a warm orange tint. On the other hand, if you have a colorful style and love bold looks, then a bright orange tint could be a great option for you. Also think about whether you will be wearing the sunglasses in a personal or professional setting, as you will likely want a more subdued look for work.
Tints aren’t just for aesthetics, however. Did you know that they can actually affect how you see? If you do a lot of skiing or snow sports, you might want to consider yellow-tinted lenses for better contrast in the snow, or gray tints to reduce glare while driving. Always keep in mind your personal vision needs when buying sunglasses, and consult your optometrist if you’re not sure.
If you wear prescription glasses, don’t forget that transition lenses are also a great option, especially if you live in a sunny climate. Modern transition lenses change more quickly than ever, and you don’t have the hassle of having to carry another pair (plus their case) with you everywhere.
Get the Perfect Pair of Stylish Summer Sunglasses Today
Picking out a pair of sunglasses for summer doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be a fun way to complement your existing wardrobe, give you the opportunity to experiment with your style, and meet all your optometry needs along the way.
Whether you know exactly what kind of sunglasses you want or still need some help deciding, remember to keep these tips in mind to keep your shopping experience as smooth as possible.
No matter what style you’re looking for, check out EZ Optical’s wide selection of sunglasses to find the perfect summer pair for you.
