How to Choose the Right Sunglasses: Fit, UV, Lenses and Style

Looking for the right sunglasses? Prioritise UV400 protection, pick a lens colour that suits your light conditions, match frame shapes to your face, and check fit (bridge, nose pads, temple length). Discover curated designer and sustainable sunglasses on Amevista.

What “right” really means: protection you can trust

When choosing sunglasses, eye health should always come before fashion. The most important factor is UV400 protection, which guarantees that your lenses block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Without this, even dark lenses can be harmful: your pupils dilate, allowing more dangerous rays into the eye. Over time, unprotected exposure can increase risks of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions.

Where sunlight can appear unexpectedly bright, UV400 protection is essential year-round, not just in summer. Even cloudy days allow UV rays to penetrate the atmosphere, meaning your eyes are exposed more often than you think.

If you regularly spend time by the sea, on lakes, or driving on motorways, consider polarised sunglasses. They reduce horizontal glare, allowing you to see with greater clarity and less strain. This means safer driving, more enjoyable seaside walks, and a calmer, clearer visual experience.

For further insight on how style meets eye safety, read our guide to style and UV protection.

Lens colour and type: tailor vision to British light

From bright Cornwall beaches to overcast Edinburgh streets, the right lens colour can drastically improve your comfort.

Beyond style, each lens tint alters perception of colour, contrast, and depth.

• Grey lenses: A true all-rounder. They reduce brightness without altering colours, making them excellent for driving long distances or daily commuting.
• Brown/Amber lenses: Enhance contrast and depth, especially in hazy or low-light conditions. Perfect for countryside walks or autumn days.
• Green lenses: Deliver natural colour balance with added comfort. A classic tint long favoured by pilots.
• Gradient lenses: With a darker top and lighter bottom, these are particularly useful for driving, shading your eyes from overhead sun while allowing clear dashboard visibility.
• Mirrored lenses: Excellent for bright holiday destinations or reflective surfaces. They not only block additional light but also serve as bold fashion statements.
• Photochromic lenses: Also called transition lenses, they darken in sunlight and lighten indoors. In unpredictable weather, this adaptability is extremely practical.
• Polarised lenses: Reduce glare reflected from flat surfaces like roads, car bonnets, and water. They are perfect for drivers, sailors, anglers, and anyone who enjoys waterside leisure.

Each lens type can be chosen not only for aesthetics but also for functional needs. For example, a commuter might benefit from gradient lenses, while a runner near rivers may prefer polarised ones. Explore more in our dedicated article on the best colour for sunglasses.

Frames that flatter: match shape to structure

Your sunglasses should complement your face as much as they protect your eyes. The right frame can enhance symmetry, soften sharp lines, or give more structure to rounder features.

• Round faces: Add angular definition with rectangular, square, or wayfarer sunglasses. Avoid perfectly round frames, which can exaggerate circular features.
• Square faces: Balance strong jawlines and broad foreheads with round, oval, or aviator styles.
• Oval faces: Considered the most versatile. Most frames suit, but it’s best to choose a size that complements your natural proportions.
• Heart-shaped faces: Wider at the forehead and narrower at the chin. Opt for cat-eye, clubmaster, or rounded frames to restore balance.

Beyond face shape, consider skin tone and hairstyle. Bold acetate colours may flatter darker hair, while lighter metals or tortoiseshell patterns suit fairer tones. For a tailored suggestion, dive into our feature on the best sunglasses for round faces.

Fit and comfort: the numbers that matter

A pair of sunglasses should feel like a natural extension of your face. Poor fit can cause headaches, pressure marks, or constant slipping, leading to frustration.

• Size codes: Found inside the temple arm. Example: 52–18–145 = lens width (mm) – bridge width (mm) – temple length (mm). This code helps you compare models and ensure consistency across brands.
• Bridge fit: The bridge determines how the glasses rest on your nose. Those with higher nose bridges may find acetate frames stable, while those with narrower bridges benefit from adjustable nose pads.
• Weight and material: Lightweight materials like titanium or TR90 make long wear effortless. Heavier acetates add structure but can become uncomfortable if oversized.
• Coverage: Slightly wrapped frames can block side glare, but ensure eyelashes do not brush against the lenses.
• Temple stability: The arms should sit comfortably behind the ears—firm enough to hold, but not tight enough to cause pressure.

Frames that fit properly not only feel better but also ensure lenses align correctly with your pupils, maximising protection. To browse by size and comfort, explore the new Amevista sunglasses collection.

Purpose-built picks: driving, sport, sea and city

Sunglasses are not just seasonal accessories, they’re tools tailored for your activities.

• Driving: Opt for grey or brown lenses for clear colour perception. Avoid overly dark shades that hinder vision during sudden cloud cover.
• Sports and outdoors: Athletes benefit from wraparound frames, which shield from wind and dust. Cyclists, sailors, and joggers should consider polarised lenses and grippy temples.
• Beach and high glare: In Cornwall, Brighton, or abroad, mirrored or polarised lenses reduce squinting and prevent headaches caused by glare.
• Everyday urban life: Gradient tints adapt well from outdoors to shops or the Tube, offering convenience and style.

To ensure your sunglasses are as reliable as they are stylish, read our review of trusted sunglasses Brands.

Plastidea

Bag

£0.00

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Ray Ban

RB2198 129251 Bill

£91.40

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Ray Ban Meta

RW4006 601ST3 Wayfarer

£272.70

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Sustainable choices: look good, do good

More than ever, shoppers are considering the environmental impact of their purchases. Sunglasses brands are responding with eco-friendly materials such as recycled acetate, plant-based plastics, and biodegradable packaging. Some labels even offer repair services, extending the life of your frames and reducing waste.

By investing in quality, long-lasting designs, you are reducing the cycle of fast fashion while supporting brands that prioritise sustainability. Read more in our feature on sustainable sunglasses and eco-friendly eyewear.

Care and longevity: keep lenses pristine

The lifespan of your sunglasses depends largely on how you treat them. Premium lenses can still scratch, and frames can warp under heat.

• Daily cleaning: Always use a microfibre cloth and lens solution, never household cleaners.
• Rinse before wiping: If your sunglasses are dusty, sandy, or salty, rinse gently under cool water before wiping.
• Storage: Keep sunglasses in a hard-shell case to protect from crushing or scratching.
• Avoid dashboard heat: Leaving glasses in a hot car can warp frames and damage coatings.
• Maintenance: Regularly tighten screws and adjust nose pads. Small tweaks can extend comfort and life span.

Choosing the right sunglasses is about much more than fashion. It’s about combining eye health, visual comfort, and personal style into a single accessory that you’ll rely on every day. From UV400 protection to lens colour, from flattering frames to eco-conscious choices, every detail helps you find a pair that truly fits your lifestyle. Whether you need reliable driving glasses, sport-ready performance eyewear, or timeless city chic, the key is to choose quality and protection first, style will naturally follow.

With the right sunglasses, you’re not just shielding your eyes; you’re investing in long-term wellbeing and expressing your unique identity.