Everything You Need To Know About Men’s Sunglasses
BY WMP PUBLISHED May 09, 2022
IN THIS ARTICLE
Are you a man who likes to look good? Does your face shape look great in sunglasses? Do you want to be able to see the world out of your own eyes while also protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays?
We’ve created this guide for everything you need to know about men’s sunglasses so that your next pair is perfect for your facial structure and overall style.
Lens Types for Men’s Sunglasses
One of the first things to consider is the type of lens you need. You might think that sunglasses lenses are pretty simple: just a curved piece of glass or plastic with no real bearing on the accessory.
But the truth is that different types of lenses significantly affect how sunglasses look and function.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pair of sunglasses, consider the four types of lenses available:
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are perfect for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in places where sunlight is reflected off water or sand. These lenses protect your eyes from UV glare, which is very harmful to the eyes over time.
This makes polarized lenses ideal for driving, fishing, or any activity where you need to see clearly in bright light.
Most polarized lenses have dark tints that provide UV protection, but you can get them in lighter tints as well.
Mirrored Lenses
Mirrored lenses work similarly to polarized lenses, but they have a special anti-reflective coating that reflects glare. This means they allow even less light to pass through.
Mirrored sunglasses are incredibly stylish, with the added benefit of glare protection. If you go for mirrored lenses, opt for ones with a scratch-resistant layer for added durability so you can enjoy them worry-free!
Gradient Lenses
Gradient lenses shift from a dark tint at the top to a minimal or no tint at the bottom. They block glare from above the head while providing comfortable visibility straight ahead and below.
They are excellent options if you want to see what's going on when you're looking down at something, such as reading text on your phone or driving during daylight hours.
Tinted Lenses
Tinted lenses are dipped in pigmented dye of various colors. The lens color does not necessarily affect the amount of protection it provides your eyes—you are free to choose your favored aesthetic!
Colored lenses reduce the amount of light that passes through, and a good pair will provide you with a high-contrast vision experience.
PRO-TIP #1: Polarized Lenses: The Smart Choice
Sunglasses aren't just for looking cool—they're for keeping your eyes safe from the sun's harsh ultraviolet rays. If you're thinking about buying polarized sunglasses for yourself, we'd say that's a smart choice. In this pro-tip, we'll look at what makes polarized sunglasses so great.
You already know what polarized sunglasses are and what they’re made of, but the real question is, how do they work?
How Do Polarized Lenses Work?
Polarized lenses are a popular choice among men! These lenses have small vertical lines called polarizing filters that block horizontal reflected light waves, reducing glare and making things easier to see. This helps you see better and further even when the sun is in your face.
Why Should You Invest in Polarized Lenses?
Polarized sunglasses are worth investing in because they will help you see more clearly. In fact, they have been shown to improve your vision in various circumstances. This lens is highly effective at blocking glare from water, snow, and other reflective surfaces. They also block out blue light, which can cause eye strain and headaches if exposed for long periods.
A recent study by the American Optometric Association showed that people who wore polarized sunglasses all day were significantly less likely to experience eyestrain and headaches compared to those who didn't wear any sunglasses at all.
So, to ensure proper eye protection from all angles, polarized lenses are the smart choice.
All About Sunglasses Frame Materials
Once you've found a pair of lenses that will protect your eyes from sun damage, it's time to consider what type of frame you want.
Sunglasses frames can be made from glass, polycarbonate, or plastic—but how do you decide which one is best for you?
Polycarbonate Frames
Polycarbonate frames are lightweight yet highly durable, making them a good choice for sunglasses worn at the beach or on a sunny day when you're not wearing your prescription glasses. They are also perfect for sports because they offer optimum impact resistance on top of eye protection.
Polycarbonate frames come in various colors to suit any style or personality.
Acetate Frames
Acetate offers more color options, but it's not as durable or impact-resistant as polycarbonate. Acetate frames are usually thicker and more flexible—making them bendable into different shapes.
These frames are usually made of plastic and metal, so they are generally a bit more expensive than polycarbonate. Acetate is perfect for guys who want to wear stylish sunglasses that hold up well against the elements.
Stainless Steel Frames
Stainless steel frames are more lightweight and durable than acetate, and they have some springiness to them, so they'll fit your face better. This frame material provides excellent strength and resistance against corrosion, abrasion, and heat.
Sunglasses that Best Suit Your Face Shape
To pick a perfect fashion accessory, you must make sure that it suits you. Here are some tips to get you started on finding the right pair of sunglasses:
Oval Face
You have an oval face shape if your forehead is larger than your cheekbones and jawline. Oval faces are considered the most versatile, so most sunglasses designs suit them—lucky you!
Don’t be afraid to try something new! If you want to play up your natural facial symmetry, choose sunglasses with a clean-cut design, such as this Emerson pair by WMP Eyewear.
Square Face
If your forehead and jawline are roughly the same width, you have a square face. Emphasize your chiseled jaw with rounded or oval lenses for the best look. Tate by WMP Eyewear has a classic, retro aesthetic that provides 100% UV protection.
Round Face
If your face is round, your cheekbones will be the widest part of your face, followed by the forehead and chin. This means you need a broader frame for contrast.
Try rectangular or square glasses with a slightly wider bridge. Wesley by WMP Eyewear is a longtime bestseller that will sit beautifully on your face!
Heart-shaped Face
A heart-shaped face needs frames that make it appear wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, so choose aviators or other styles with top-heavy lenses.
Top 3 Trendy Sunglasses Shapes for Men
Sunglasses have become one of the most important accessories for men. They are not just used to shield eyes from sunlight; they have also become a style statement to take your look to the next level.
To help you choose the best pair, here are the top three sunglasses shapes trending in 2022:
1. Square Sunglasses
Square sunglasses frames are timeless, retro classics that never go out of style. Square shades are super-chic and go great with edgy haircuts and ripped skinny jeans.
Wear Me Pro’s two best-seller styles—Wesley and Jacob—are perfect for square enthusiasts. The Wesley offers a sharp modern style for men, while the Jacob is popular for its stylish matte frame that’s sure to add an elegant spark to your wardrobe.
2. Aviator Sunglasses
Aviators remain one of the most popular sunglasses shapes across genders. The gold frame around the lenses gives them a bold look, while the curved lenses add a level of sophistication.
They're neither bold nor flashy; they're effortlessly cool and fashionable. Aviator sunglasses are great for the man who wants that "cool guy" look, with their thick frames and double bridge.
If aviator is the style for you, check out these two best-selling pairs by Wear Me Pro: Emerson and Harvey. The Emerson has a great double bridge style, while the Harvey can be a unique statement piece. Like all aviator sunglasses, these are perfect for formal and casual outfits alike, and can be worn all year round.
3. Round Sunglasses
Round sunglasses are favored by celebrities and trendsetters who want to turn heads wherever they go. If you're up for being treated like a thought-leader in all things cultural, this is your pair. A round classic that fits most face shapes: Nova
PRO-TIP #2: Getting Your Money’s Worth
When shopping for sunglasses, remember that you're not just choosing a fashion accessory. You're also buying much-needed protection for your eyes.
Cheap sunglasses (ex: gas station glasses) may be great for your wallet, but they don't offer the same level of protection as higher-quality pairs that may harm your eyes in the long run.
Get sunglasses with UV protection that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, which can damage your eyes and skin over time. Sunglasses with polarization reduce glare from surfaces like water, snow, and asphalt, and are often a good investment for athletes.
Opt for a pair of glasses with at least 99% UV protection and 100% polarization to ensure proper eye protection from all angles.
The specs at Wear Me Pro offer quality, protection, and top-notch style at reasonable prices ranging between $25 and $35!
Final Thoughts
Whether you're suiting up or suiting down, a nice pair of shades will make you look and feel cool, calm, and collected. Of course, a killer pair of jeans and a fancy watch are great, but the right pair of sunglasses is the cherry on top that can make or break your outfit.
When shopping for a new pair of shades, consider all the crucial elements: the lens, the type of frame, your face shape, and current trends.
We hope that this guide can help you find the right glasses to take your style game to the next level!