The Best Sunglasses — How to Choose the Right Pair

Sunglasses are not just a fashionable accessory — they are essential for protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Choosing the right pair can make a real difference both to your look and to your eye health. Here is a guide to help you pick the best sunglasses for you.

UV protection

The main job of a good pair of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Make sure your glasses offer 100% UV protection or carry a UV400 rating, which guarantees protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

Lens type

• Polarized lenses: reduce glare reflected off flat surfaces such as water or the road, which makes them ideal for driving or fishing.
• Photochromic lenses: adapt to changing light, darkening in bright sun and clearing in low light.
• Mirror lenses: reduce the amount of light passing through the lens — ideal for extremely bright conditions.

Lens materials

• Glass (mineral) lenses: scratch-resistant with crisp vision, but heavier and more fragile.
• Polycarbonate lenses: lighter and impact-resistant — ideal for sport use.
• Organic (CR-39) lenses: offer excellent optical clarity and are lightweight, usually found on premium eyewear.

Style & design

Style matters too. Your glasses should suit the shape of your face for the best look and comfort. For example:

• Oval face: most styles work, but bold, characterful frames look especially striking.
• Round face: angular, rectangular shapes add definition.
• Square face: rounded and oval shapes soften the angles of the face.
• The right size: the glasses should sit comfortably on the nose and not press on your temples or behind your ears.

For more, read our guide on sunglasses that suit your face shape.

A quick quality test

• Stability check: the glasses should stay steady on your face without sliding.
• Optical comfort: assess how comfortable the lenses feel in different lighting conditions.

Branded sunglasses

There are plenty of well-known eyewear brands, such as Ray-Ban (Aviator, Wayfarer, Clubmaster), Prada, Oakley (Holbrook, Sutro, with Prizm technology), Maui Jim, Gucci, Celine and Dolce & Gabbana. Your budget matters, but do not sacrifice quality and eye protection to save money — aim for a pair that combines quality with a price you are comfortable with.

Established makers are recognised for their quality, innovation and aesthetics. Here is why branded sunglasses stand out:

• High build quality: made with attention to detail and superior materials — more durable and better fitting.
• Advanced lens technologies: anti-reflective coatings, UV protection and polarizing filters for better vision and eye protection.
• Style and design: unique, modern designs that keep up with the latest fashion trends and let you express your personality.
• Warranties and customer service: many brands offer product warranties and excellent support should anything go wrong.
• Trust and reputation: years of experience and innovation earn consumer trust.

Finding the best sunglasses means weighing several factors — from UV protection and lens type to your personal style and comfort. That way your glasses will not only improve your look but also protect you effectively from UV radiation all year round.

Tips when trying sunglasses on

• The frame should sit comfortably on your nose without cutting or chafing.
• The weight should be distributed evenly between your ears and nose; the frame should be light enough to avoid excess pressure at those contact points.
• Your lashes should not touch the lenses.
• On metal frames, the fit on the nose can be adjusted by gently bending the pad arms.
• The temple tips can be adjusted on almost every pair so they fit your ears better and stay in place — a job best done by trained opticians.