How to Choose Sunglasses: UV Protection, Lenses and Face Shape

The most important feature of sunglasses is full UV protection, shown on the label as 100 percent UVA and UVB protection or UV400. Darkness and price do not indicate UV protection. Once that box is checked, choose lenses for your activities and frames that balance your face shape.

1. UV protection first

• Look for 100% UVA/UVB or UV400 on the label or tag.
• A dark lens without UV protection can be worse than none, because your pupils open wider behind it.
• Larger frames and wraparound styles block more light from the sides.

2. Lens options

Lens	What it does	Best for
Polarized	Cuts reflected glare from water, roads and snow	Driving, water, winter sports
Gradient	Darker at the top, lighter at the bottom	Driving, everyday wear
Mirrored	Reflects more light	Very bright conditions
Photochromic	Darkens in sunlight	People switching indoors and outdoors

Polarization reduces glare but is not the same as UV protection; check both. Very dark lenses are not suitable for driving at dusk or at night.

3. Frames for your face shape

• Round face: angular or rectangular frames add definition.
• Square face: round or oval frames soften strong angles.
• Oval face: most shapes work; keep the frame about as wide as the widest part of your face.
• Heart-shaped face: aviators or frames wider at the bottom balance a wider forehead.
• Long face: oversized or deeper frames shorten the face visually.

These are guidelines, not rules. Fit matters too: frames should not pinch your temples or slide down your nose.

4. Winter sunglasses

Snow reflects a large share of UV light, so sunglasses matter in winter as much as in summer, especially for skiing, skating and long drives across bright snowy landscapes in Canada and the northern US.

5. Care

Clean lenses with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner, not paper towels, and store them in a case to avoid scratches.

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