Protecting your eyes from sun damage is essential year round. However, this doesn't mean you have to forsake style for function. You can have both and you don't have to spend a fortune. Below are 5 brands that offer stylish designs, 100% UV protection, excellent craftsmanship, and high quality. Some of these brands even partner with charities to address social and environmental problems.
Nectar
This American brand was established for the risk takers, free thinkers and people who strive to experience true freedom. A portion of their profits are used to help repopulate endangered bees in the US.
Warby Parker
Sunglasses are designed in-house and crafted from the best materials for this American brand. Warby Parker partners with local and national not-for-profits to ensure that for every pair of glasses sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need.
Persol
An iconic, Italian eyewear brand that's 100 years old. The name Persol means “for sun”, this is evocative of the heritage and innovation used to design their eyewear. Renowned for excellence and craftsmanship, the timeless design and artisan quality make the brand a favorite for many.
Oliver Peoples
With a focus on authentic designs and bespoke, handmade details that are distinctive and unique, this brand sets the trend for designer eyewear. Each frame is inspired and designed in the West Hollywood, CA design studio.
ic! berlin
A german eyewear brand that designs and produces screwless eyewear. Each ic! berlin frame features a one-of-a-kind patented screwless hinge system, which combined with high quality materials such as sprung stainless steel, makes ic! berlin eyewear virtually indestructible.
How to choose the right sunglasses?
Now that we've discussed the 5 best brands, what do you look for when choosing a pair? What factors should you keep in mind? And, are expensive sunglasses better than less expensive ones? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, wearing the right sunglasses are a great defense from ultraviolet rays. Important factors to consider when deciding which pair(s) to purchase are:
1. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you don't see a sticker or tag indicating such, ask!
2. The more eye coverage the better because bigger sunglasses reduce the amount of ultraviolet rays your eyes absorb.
3. Lense color doesn't matter.
4. Darker lenses don't protect any better.
5. Polarized lenses reduce glare from water or pavement but don't offer more protection from the sun.
6. Cost shouldn't be a factor. Cheap sunglasses can be just as effective as expensive ones.
Final thoughts
Whichever brand you choose there are a variety of options to ensure your eyes are protected and you are fashionable. Let me know what are some of your favorite sunglass brands.
Stay stylish friends...