Sunglasses can help pull your outfit together, so of course you want to pick the right pair. Picking frames and lenses to match your skin tone is a great way to choose! If a pair matches your skin tone, it will look good with most of your outfits. Just don’t forget to make sure your sunglasses are actually protecting your eyes, too, not just creating the perfect look. Below is some interesting and useful information you should know before purchasing new sunglasses.
Lens colors affect how much visible light reaches your eyes, how well you see other colors and how well you see contrasts.
Dark colors (brown/gray/green) are ideal for everyday use and most outdoor activities. Darker shades are intended primarily to cut through the glare and reduce eyestrain in moderate-to-bright conditions. Gray and green lenses won’t distort colors, while brown lenses may cause minor distortion.
Light colors (yellow/gold/amber/rose/vermillion): These colors excel in moderate- to low-level light conditions. They are often great for skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports. They provide excellent depth perception, enhance contrasts in tricky, flat-light conditions, improve the visibility of objects and make your surroundings appear brighter.
Polarized lenses: Polarized lenses substantially reduce glare. Polarization is a great feature if you enjoy water sports or are especially sensitive to glare. Remember that polarization doesn’t block sun rays. It can be confusing to shop for sunglasses, especially with words like “polarization” floating around. However, while polarization can help with glare, it won’t provide protection from the sun’s UV rays.
Photochromic lenses: Photochromic lenses automatically adjust to changing light intensities and conditions. These lenses actually get darker on bright days, and lighter when conditions get darker.
Interchangeable lenses: Some sunglass styles come with interchangeable (removable) lenses of different colors. These multi-lens systems allow you to tailor your eye protection to your activities and conditions. Consider this option if you need reliable performance in a wide variety of situations.
Check out the infographic below if you prefer something more visual: