Sunglasses not only protect the eyes from the sun but also make a fashion statement that can elevate your style.
Choosing a pair of shades for women, or women’s sunglasses, involves considering factors beyond just the design. With the new year upon us, it’s the perfect time to update your collection and make informed choices.
In this ultimate guide for 2023, we will explore how to opt for the right ladies’ sunglasses that match the shape of your face, style, and protection needs.
1. Understand Your Faces’ Shape
One of the most critical factors when selecting shades for women is understanding the shape of your face. Different sunglasses styles complement various face shapes. Here’s a guide:
Oval Face:
Lucky you! The ones whose face is oval are good in many ways and can pull off almost any sunglass style, from aviators to oversized frames.
Round Face:
Go for frames that are angular in shape. The rectangular or square shape define of your face.
Square Face:
Oval or rounded l frames can make the angular features of a square face soft.
Heart Face:
Opt for aviator sunglasses or the cat-eye ones, to balance the narrow chin and wide forehead.
Oblong Face:
Large and oversized frames can add width to an oblong face, providing balance.
2. Protection From UV Is Zero Negotiable
Protecting the eyes from UV rays should be your top priority when shopping for ladies sunglasses. Look for the that are sunglasses labeled with UV protection, preferably blocking 100% of both UV (A and B) rays. This protection is essential to safeguard your eyes from any damage caused by sun exposure.
3. Lens Material Matters
Sunglasses lenses can be made from various materials, each with its pros and cons. The most common lens materials include.
Polycarbonate:
Lightweight and impact-resistant, ideal for active lifestyles.
Glass:
Provides excellent clarity but can be heavier and more fragile.
CR-39:
Lightweight and durable, offering good optical quality.
Acrylic:
It is affordable and lightweight but may have less clarity than other materials.
Consider your lifestyle and preferences when choosing the lens for women.
4. Lens Color And Tint
The color and tint of your sunglass lenses can significantly impact your vision and style. Here are some common lens colors and their benefits:
Gray:
Provides true color perception and reduces brightness without distorting colors. Ideal for everyday use.
Brown:
Enhances contrast. It also enhances depth perception, thereby making it suitable for various activities, including driving and sports.
Green:
Offers a good balance of color and reduced glare. Green lenses are excellent for golfing and outdoor activities.
Yellow/Amber:
Enhances visibility in lower-light conditions, such as fog or overcast days. Great for early morning or late evening activities.
5. Polarized Or Non-Polarize
Polarized sunglasses are designed to reduce glare, making them an excellent choice for activities like driving, fishing, or water sports. They filter out horizontal light waves that cause glare, providing better visibility and comfort. However, non-polarized sunglasses may be sufficient if you don’t engage in these activities frequently.
6. Frame Material And Style
Sunglass frames come in a wide variety of materials, including plastic, metal, acetate, and wood. The choice of frame material can affect the overall comfort and style of your women’s sunglasses. Consider your personal style and comfort when selecting the frame material.
Plastic:
Affordable and lightweight frames of plastic are available in diferent colors and styles.
Metal:
Metal frames like titanium or stainless steel are long-lasting and often have a standard modern look.
Acetate:
A type of plastic, acetate frames are known for their durability and versatility in design.
Wood:
Wooden frames provide a unique and natural aesthetic. They are lighter in weight and nature-friendly.
Choose a frame style that goes well with your face’s shape and enhances your personal style. Popular frame styles for women include aviators, cat-eye, oversized, wayfarer, and round frames.
7. Consider Lens Coatings
Lens coatings can enhance the performance and durability of your sunglasses. Some common lens coatings include:
Anti-Scratch Coating:
Protects your lenses from minor scratches, extending their lifespan.
Anti-Reflective Coating:
Reduces glare from lights and reflections on the back of the lenses, improving clarity and reducing eye strain.
Mirror Coating:
Adds a reflective layer to the front of the lens, reducing glare and providing a fashionable look.
8. Check The Fit And Comfort
The comfort of your sunglasses is crucial for long-term wear. Look for shades that sit on your nose and ears with ease and without pinching or sliding down. Some sunglasses come with nose pads that are quite adjustable.
There are temples fitting all the body sizes. Ensure that the sunglasses rest on your face without pressing against your eyelashes or touching your cheeks.
9. Brand Reputation And Warranty
When investing in quality ladies sunglasses, consider reputable brands who are renowned for their craftsmanship and durability. Check for warranties and customer reviews to gauge the brand’s reputation.
A good warranty can provide peace of mind in case your sunglasses require repairs or replacement due to manufacturing defects.
10. Style Versatility
Finally, think about the sunglasses’ versatility. While it’s great to have statement pieces for specific occasions, having a pair of versatile, everyday sunglasses is essential. Neutral colors and classic designs can complement a wide range of outfits and settings.
How to Take Care of Your Shades
Now that you have an array of sunglasses to pick from, you must ensure shelf-life longevity.
Because let’s be honest, buying a good pair of shades while keeping everything that we covered earlier in mind, discarding sunglasses at an alarming frequency is not feasible.
Therefore, you must know the means to protect these lenses.
1. Protecting the Frame
With time, frames can stretch, and you find these shades lost. However, you could be doing it deliberately. Like placing your shades on the top of your head.
Yes! It is very common, and we do so inadvertently. However, this can stretch your frames, so you’d better open and keep it aside.
2. Protecting the Lens
The best way to protect your lenses are the following:
Clean your lenses after days of use with gentle lens cleaner.
Never place your sunglasses lens first on any surface. This increases the chance of scratches.
Keep your shades inside a case, and do not slosh around in your bag.
3. Keep Them Away from the Car Dashboard
Your car dashboard has a higher temperature. It is not high enough to melt the plastic frame, but it can affect the size. Again, you are decreasing your sunglasses’ shelf life through these rookie mistakes.
4. Insurances
Yes, it might seem like a big deal. However, insurance is crucial when it comes to your expensive, customized lenses.
With a little extra cash, you can get insurance for a year or two. Therefore, you can fix minute scratches and loosen the frame free of cost. Plus, keep them as good as they know!
5. Weekly Clean
If you wear your glasses throughout the week, deep cleaning is mandatory. This helps remove all the dirt, sweat, and grime from the week.
If you do not clean them regularly, it can lead to discoloration. Take a little bit of soapy water and a clean cloth. Dip the fabric in the water, but not too much. Then, gently clean the frame and wipe it dry.
From your lenses, always use the lens cleaner provided to you by the retailer. If they are customized with a blue light filter or other additions, using harsh chemicals can damage the lens.
6. Avoid Cleaning with Alcohol
Although alcohol is a great means of sanitizing any surface, it can be too harsh for your sunglasses.
Therefore, avoid cleaning them with harsh sanitizers or window/glass cleaners. They can strip the first layer of your lenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the perfect shades for women involves considering some of the most crucial factors, such as the shape of the face, lens material, UV protection, lens color, polarized or non-polarized lenses, frame material, lens coatings, fit and comfort, brand reputation, warranty, and style versatility.
By considering these factors, you can make your own decision and find the exact pair of ladies’ sunglasses that enhance your style and safeguard your eyes, in 2024 and beyond.
So, go ahead, explore the latest trends, and find the perfect shades that make you shine under the sun.
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