Winter Sunglasses: The Best Sunglasses for Cold-Weather
Winter may not officially start until December 21, but the cold, cloudy days have already arrived. Just because the sun is hidden behind gray skies does not mean your eyes are safe. In fact, more than 90 percent of UV rays can pass through clouds, exposing your eyes and skin even on overcast days.
Whether you are heading outdoors or just driving to work in winter conditions, protecting your eyes is essential. Use this guide to find the best sunglasses for cold weather and stay protected all season long.
What to Look for in Winter Sunglasses
UV Ray Protection
UV radiation is generally lower in winter, but the reflection of UV rays off snow can double the amount you’re exposed to. UV ray exposure leads to short and long-term side effects, such as snow blindness, which lasts a few days, or macular degeneration, which decreases vision for the rest of your life.
The best winter sunglasses offer 100% UV protection or are rated up to 400. UV wavelengths are up to 400 nanometers in length, so that’s why some sunglasses say UV 400 protection. Either way, you’re covered!
Polarized Lenses
Driving in the snow, rain, and other winter conditions is dangerous enough. Protect yourself and those in the car with you by purchasing winter sunglasses with polarized lenses. Glare is a sensation our eyes experience when light reflects off an even surface, such as a pool of water or a patch of snow. This overwhelms our vision and makes it difficult to see.
Polarized lenses are treated with a chemical that blocks this harmful horizontal reflected light. Only vertical light makes its way through, which doesn’t damage or bother our eyes in the same way. This helps you see potholes in the road or a sudden stop in front of you in time to avoid a collision.
Lens Colors
There’s typically less light outside during the winter due to weather conditions. Protect your eyes and see easier with lighter lens colors such as yellow, gray, blue, or pink. Look for any lens color that says it works well in low-light or variable-light conditions, so you can use them for a cloudy or sunny winter day.
Full Coverage Eye Protection
Choose sunglasses with full eye coverage to protect from winter elements such as wind and snow. Eyes are more likely to dry out during the winter, and full-coverage sunglasses prevent excessive moisture loss. Full coverage ensures better UV protection as well, so it’s always a good choice to go bigger with your sunglass lenses.
Sunglasses to Try This Winter
Follow the fall trends into winter with these neutral-colored shades from WMP Eyewear.
Brown Sunglass Lenses
Purchase quality, affordable sunglasses to match your winter wardrobe. Wesley in Crystal Brown is a classic square shape with a notched keyhole bridge for a timeless look. With both polarized and 100% UV-blocking lenses, these durable acetate shades will protect your vision for years to come.
Shield Frames for Maximum Coverage
If you want better performance than traditional sport styles, shield frames are the way to go.
Nova features an oversized shield silhouette with a flat top brow and a sleek monolens design for full coverage and bold style. Vertical metal accents add a sharp, modern edge, making this frame stand out while still delivering function.
Available in mocha brown, black, and cherry red, Nova combines statement design with polarized lenses and full UV protection, making it perfect for outdoor winter conditions.
Large Frames for Protection
For a more performance driven look, Ryder delivers both style and protection.
Ryder’s angular frame and full shield lens provide maximum coverage with a sharp, athletic edge. Built in vents and anti reflective coatings help prevent fogging and maintain clear vision in changing weather conditions.
This is a strong choice for staying active outdoors while keeping your vision sharp and protected.
Modern Aviator Frames
Aviators are always a strong choice, but modern updates take them even further. Today’s styles feature oversized square lenses that provide added coverage against harsh winter conditions. WMP Eyewear’s Emerson is a standout option, combining a clean, modern look with practical performance. The Terracotta Brown color pairs perfectly with colder months, while the lightweight acetate frame and single nose bridge offer all day comfort. Finished with 100 percent UV blocking polarized lenses, these frames deliver both style and protection.
FAQ's:
Do These Sunglasses Offer UV Protection, Even in Winter?
Every single one of the sunglasses in this article offers 100% UV protection, even in winter. That means your eyes will be as protected as possible from the sun’s harmful rays.
Can I Wear These Winter Sunglasses With Prescription Lenses?
WMP Eyewear offers tons of glasses and sunglasses frames with prescription lenses in our collection. In the selection of frames from this article, you can purchase a prescription pair of Wesley or Emerson.
