When planning your next vacation, make sure you have the perfect sunglasses ready to go, too. Not only just a fashion accessory, your shades will reduce strain on your eyes and provide vital protection from harmful UV rays. With so many types of sunglasses, here are a few tips to help you find the perfect pair for your trip.
Since more and more sunglasses are available with special tints and UV protection, it’s probably easiest to narrow down your choices first by style. What type of glasses look best on you? If you’re not sure, here’s a rough guide to get you started, based on the physical shape of your face.
- Oval: If you’re lucky enough to have an oval-shaped face, you can pull off pretty much any style of glasses that you like. Start shopping!
- Round: If you have a round face, you’ll want frames that balance it out by making it appear more oval. Look for wider frames – but not wider than the widest part of your face – or frames with soft curves. Rectangular-shaped frames, or those with brow bars, would also be a good fit.
- Diamond: Your face is considered diamond-shaped if you have high cheekbones offset by a narrow forehead and chin. Square, oval, or rimless frames would be the best choice for you.
- Square: If you have wide cheekbones, a broad forehead and strong jaw line, start trying on some sunglasses that are round, oval, or shaped like cat eyes.
- Oblong: Similar to the square-shaped face, your face is longer like a rectangle. You would do best to try some frames that are longer vertically than they are horizontally to offset your features.
- Triangle: If you have a wide forehead but a narrow jaw line, try some frames that accentuate your eyes. Unusual shapes are a great choice, such as metal frames that have a rimless bottom, or ones that are shaped like cat eyes that angle up towards your temples.
Once you’ve tried on a few different styles and know what looks best on you, make sure you choose a pair that not only look good, but also protect your peepers. You should also bear in mind your travel destination and planned activities.
Several environmental factors can affect the amount of UV rays you’ll be exposed to. The amount of UV light is increased at higher elevations, so if you’re planning to go hiking to a remote mountain peak, make sure your sunglasses will protect your eyes. The same goes for when you’re planning a trip to tropical destinations close to the equator. Look for a tag that says either “100% UV protection” or “UV 400.”
If you’re itching to hit the slopes for some fresh powder, you’re in luck. Snow tends to reflect UV rays, thereby scattering the light. Believe it or not, when you’re around snow, your level of UV exposure is actually decreased.
If you’re going to be around water during your holiday, consider polarized lenses. These types of lenses reduce the glare that comes off the water, alleviating strain on your eyes. If you’re particularly sensitive to sunlight, polarized lenses are a great choice for you no matter where you’re traveling.
Lastly, consider the quality of the glasses themselves. If you’re going to be participating in outdoor sports, you’ll find it worth the extra money to purchase a pair that is more durable. Recommended for hiking, cycling, water and snow sports, you’ll usually find these types of sunglasses in a special section called “performance glasses.”
Sara Roberts is a content contributor for Just Eyewear, an online glasses retailer. Learn how you can buy glasses online and save hundreds off your next pair.
