How to Choose Men’s Sunglasses: Fit, Lenses and Frame Shape

Check the UV label first

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises choosing sunglasses labelled UV400 or 100% UV protection, which block more than 99% of UVA and UVB radiation. ^[1] The National Eye Institute gives the same advice and notes that retailers must disclose UV protection levels. ^[2]

Lens darkness and lens colour do not tell you the UV rating. The FDA notes that a dark tint does not indicate UV protection and that lighter tints such as green, amber, red and grey can protect as well as very dark ones. ^[1] If a listing does not state UV protection in words, ask the seller before you buy.

Fit comes from three numbers

Lens width, bridge width and temple length, in millimetres, decide whether a pair sits comfortably. They are commonly printed on the inside of a temple arm. If you own a pair that fits well, compare its numbers with the listing. Our guide to frame measurements explains each one. (How to read frame measurements)

Coverage is part of fit. The FDA notes that large, wraparound frames may give more UV protection because they cover the entire eye area, ^[1] and the National Eye Institute notes that a snug fit limits light entering from the sides. ^[2]

Frame shapes in plain terms

Shape names describe style, not performance. The names you will see most often are described below; how a shape looks on you is a personal judgement, and many sellers offer a virtual try-on.

• Wayfarer and square: thick, angular frames, usually in plastic.
• Aviator: thin metal frames with large, rounded lenses and a double bridge. Our aviator guide covers sizing and what to check. (Aviator sunglasses buying guide)
• Round: circular lenses, often in thin metal or thin plastic.
• Rectangular: narrower lenses with straight top and bottom lines.
• Wrap and sport: curved frames that sit close to the face, usually described as for active use.

Lens colour and polarisation

Lens colours change how a scene looks, and listings often say which light a tint suits. Treat that as the seller’s description. Polarised lenses reduce some reflected glare, for example from water or snow, ^[2] and some people find that they change how certain screens look. Polarisation is separate from UV protection, so a polarised pair still needs a UV label. Our guide to polarised and non-polarised sunglasses sets out the trade-offs. (Polarised vs non-polarised sunglasses)

Materials and durability

Frames are commonly plastic (acetate and similar), metal or a mix, and lenses are commonly glass, polycarbonate or other plastics. The listing should say which. Metal frames often have adjustable nose pads, which allows small fit changes from an optician. If you are sensitive to a particular metal, check which parts of the frame are metal.

The FDA states that lenses in eyeglasses and sunglasses generally must be capable of withstanding an impact test described in 21 CFR 801.410. ^[3] That does not make sunglasses protective eyewear for sport or industrial use, which call for eyewear specified for that purpose.

Checking the seller and the return terms

Look for the model number and colour code in the listing, a stated return window and who pays for postage. Retailer listings can change, so confirm the exact item on the seller’s current page. The product profiles on PowderedPurple show retailer-recorded details and are not an independent check.

A short checklist before you buy

• UV400 or 100% UVA and UVB is stated in words.
• Lens width, bridge width and temple length are listed and match a pair that fits you.
• You know whether the lenses are polarised and whether you want that.
• The model number, colour code and return terms are shown.

Where to look next

Browse the matching category: men’s sunglasses.

• How to read frame measurements
• Aviator sunglasses buying guide
• Polarised vs non-polarised sunglasses
• Designer sunglasses