If you think that your sunglasses aren’t giving you the protection you need, or are not very comfy or look very out of date, then perhaps you haven’t got the right sunglasses.
If you do need new sunglasses, then here’s how to choose the right pair for you.
1. You’ll need to establish why you want new sunglasses. Perhaps yours don’t fit any more, or are scratched, or maybe you just don’t like wearing them.
2. You’ll then need to decide what you want your sunglasses for. You might want them to wear on the beach or by the pool on your honeymoon, for wearing all year round, for keeping in the car for sunny days, or for your next triathlon.
3. If you want a new pair simply because yours are not the latest fashion, then you’ll be keen to make sure that you get a design that will look good in several years time, so that you can get even better value for money.
4. The style you choose might be dependent on your colouring, the shape of your face, what you will be wearing your sunglasses with, and where. You won’t want to wear a big heavy pair of sunglasses if you’re running, and you’ll want a luxurious pair, if you want to show off on the beach.
5. Sports specific sunglasses will need to meet different demands. You might be cycling, running, fishing or playing golf, and need to be protected from the sun, and still be able to see accurately in all types of light, not just sunshine.
6. The fit of your glasses is also important. You don’t want to risk being blinded by a flying stone if your glasses slip off whilst on a fast mountain bike descent, or whilst you’re trying to reel in a challenging fish.
7. If you’re going to be wearing your sunglasses for a long time, then they’ll need to be comfortable. Road cyclists on 6 hour races, as well as those spending the day on the beach still need their sunglasses to be wearable.
8. Depending on what you wear your sunglasses for, you’ll probably want them to be durable. If you’re spending a lot of money on sports specific lenses, then they will have to last. If you’re buying a pair to keep in the car, or solely for a holiday, then durability is possibly not as important.
9. You might have already got a brand or two in mind if you’re looking for a new pair of sunglasses. If you’re looking for a pair for playing golf in, fishing or cycling, then you’ll have requirements which will be more important than the brand. If you’re buying a fashionable pair, then the brand might be the most important factor.
10. The colour of your sunglasses might be important too. You might want to wear them with as many outfits as possible during the summer, or have to look professional at all times, or want an understated look.