Sunglasses serve an important function in protecting our eyes from harmful UV radiation from the sun. However, sunglasses come in many different styles and categories to suit different needs and preferences. When shopping for sunglasses, it’s helpful to understand the main sunglass categories so you can find the right pair for your intended use and personal taste. In this article, we will explore the major sunglass categories and what makes each one unique.
Sports Sunglasses
Sports sunglasses are designed for activity and protecting the eyes during athletic pursuits. The main features of sports sunglasses include:
– Impact resistance – Sports sunglasses have lenses and frames made from impact-resistant materials like polycarbonate to prevent breakage. This protects eyes during sports where balls, equipment or other objects may hit the glasses.
– Wraparound coverage – The lenses curve around the face and temples of sports sunglasses wrap around the head. This provides protection from sunlight entering the sides and prevents the glasses from falling off during activity.
– Nose pads and grips – Rubber pads on the nose bridge and temple tips grip the wearer’s face to keep athletic sunglasses firmly in place.
– Ventilation – Lenses and frames have ventilation to prevent fogging during sweaty athletic activity.
– Polarized or photochromic lenses – These special lenses filter glare and adapt to changing light conditions during sports.
Examples of sports sunglasses include styles designed for running, tennis, baseball, fishing, cycling, hiking, and water sports. Protective sports eyewear with extra coverage like goggles and wraparound shields are also considered sports sunglasses.
Fashion Sunglasses
Fashion sunglasses focus on aesthetics and style over performance. Features of fashion sunglasses include:
– Trendy, stylish designs – Fashion sunglasses come in whatever styles and colors are on-trend each season. Their appearance expresses the wearer’s sense of fashion.
– Minimal frame and lens size – Small, light frames and lenses enhance the wearer’s appearance but don’t offer much eye coverage.
– Bold colors and patterns – Fashion sunglasses often have brightly colored frames and patterned or mirrored lenses as a fashion statement.
– Variety of lens tints – Grey, brown, or yellow tinted lenses that just provide basic UV protection are common in fashion sunglasses.
– Affordable pricing – Inexpensive pricing allows people to purchase multiple pairs each season as fashions change.
Fashion sunglasses brands like Ray-Ban, Gucci, Prada, and Chanel release new collections of stylish frames and lenses each year. Fashion sunglasses target style-conscious consumers versus sports enthusiasts.
Classic Sunglasses
Classic sunglasses have timeless styling that has remained fashionable decade after decade. Common traits of classic sunglasses include:
– Iconic styling – Their design is recognizable and has endured over many years. Examples include Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Aviators.
– Neutral color palettes – Black, brown, silver, gold frames in solid or tortoiseshell patterns give a versatile, refined look.
– High-quality materials – Durable metals like titanium and stainless steel are used for the frames. Glass or crystal lenses provide clarity of vision.
– Polarized lenses – These improve visual comfort in bright light and glare. Classic sunglasses are practical as well as stylish.
– Expensive but worth the investment – Their superior materials and craftsmanship justify the cost. Classics can be worn for years versus seasonal fashion pairs.
– Complimentary case – Protective sleeve or case comes included to keep the glasses safe when not being worn.
Classic sunglass styles never go out of fashion. Many classically styled sunglasses are made by luxury fashion houses like Prada and Tiffany.
Activewear Sunglasses
Activewear sunglasses combine sport performance with everyday wearability. Features include:
– Durable and lightweight – The frame materials resist breakage but don’t weigh down the glasses during physical activity.
– Comfort-driven fit – Adjustable nose pads, rubber temple and nose tips provide a secure but comfortable fit.
– Medium/large lens coverage – Lens size offers sun protection without looking oversized for casual wear.
– Activity-friendly features – May include grippy or cushioned temple tips, ventilation, and impact-resistant lenses.
– Versatile styling – Activewear sunglasses styles have a sporty yet casual look suitable for athletics or everyday use.
– bold or reflective lens colors – Mirrored lens coatings play up the active look.
Popular activewear sunglass brands are Oakley, Under Armour, Nike, and Adidas. The sunglasses work for sports but have a casual style for wearing after workouts too.
Oversized/Retro Sunglasses
Oversized sunglasses provide maximum eye coverage. Retro sunglasses revisit the stylish shapes of past decades. Common features include:
– Large lenses and frames – Oversized sunglasses optimize sun protection and UV ray blocking.
– Thick, heavy frames – The bold frames make a style statement with their large size.
– Round, geometric, cat-eye shapes – These fun retro shapes play on mid-century and 1970s fashion trends.
– Mirrored and gradient lenses – Tinted lenses in these styles add retro flair.
– Celebrity influence – Pop culture stars help drive the popularity of retro sunglass trends.
– Expanded UV protection – More lens surface area means better sun protection for the eyes.
Oversized, geometric sunglasses from brands like Ray-Ban and Le Specs tap into vintage fashion. The substantial size provides excellent eye coverage too.
High-Performance Sunglasses
High-performance sunglasses are designed for action sports or intense outdoor activities. They maximize performance through features like:
– Ultra-durable materials – Titanium alloy or high-grade nylon frames withstand extreme conditions. Lenses are often polycarbonate.
– Wrap-around coverage – Curved lenses and frames block sunlight from all angles and won’t come off during activity.
– Advanced lens technology – Features include polarization, photochromics, anti-fog, extreme tints, and mirror or hydrophobic coatings.
– Sport or activity-specific fit – Ergonomic shapes, adjustable parts, and sticky grips customize the sunglasses for the intended sport or use.
– Waterproofing – Hydrophobic treatments on lenses or ventilation prevent fogging and beading during water sports.
– Top brands – Brands known for high-performance sunglasses include Oakley, Smith Optics, Spy Optic, and 100% Speedcraft.
With advanced engineering and materials, high-performance sunglasses take protection to the next level for sports like alpine skiing or climbing.
Conclusion
Sunglass categories encompass a range of designs suited for different uses, from high-velocity racquet sports to lounging poolside. Performance sunglasses protect the eyes during activity with durable materials and UV blocking. Fashion sunglasses allow trendy consumers to put together seasonal looks expressing their style. Classic and retro sunglasses never go out of fashion. With so many types of sunglasses available today, there are options to suit any lifestyle and taste while keeping the eyes healthy. Knowing the major sunglass categories helps consumers shop for the right sunglasses to meet their needs and complement their personal fashion sensibility.
