Choosing the Perfect Sunglasses for Summer

Summer is finally here and now is the time to pick out that killer pair of shades to be the perfect UV fighting accessory for everything your summer holds. But, how do you even start to figure out what your perfect match will be? Glad you asked. We've compiled a list of 5 questions to ask yourself that will lead you straight to your dream pair.

#1 What will you be doing? 

There are endless summer activities and an even larger assortment of frame styles to go along with them. The activities you are planning on filling your summer with play a huge role in determining what type of shades you may need. Lounging by the pool is no doubt going to require a fashionable oversized pair for blocking maximum sun and looking like you are at a spa, even if you are in your local community pool. On the other hand, summer sports are going to require a lightweight frame that isn’t going to slide off your nose during crucial moments. Generally, for extended outdoor use you always want to look for mid to large size frames that will fully cover your eyes from the sun. Wrap style frames that curve around your eye can help block the sun from all angles for a more comfortable time outside. Stay away from the fashionable, skinny tea shades that leave a majority of your eyes exposed.

 #2 Do you look good? 

Let’s be honest, you can probably pull off anything with the right attitude. But, if you start out by figuring out your face shape, you can make sure your choice of sunglasses is always on point. There are four basic face shapes: round, oval, square, and heart. Each face shape has styles of sunglasses that just work better to bring out your good features. For instance, a square face with more angular features can benefit from rounded styles to soften looks; just the same as a more rounded face needs a rectangular or angular style to help define features.

#3 What lens color?

Lens color comes down to preference in most cases. We could tell you all day that a brown lens might be better for a certain activity, but if you prefer grey, nobody will stop you (or at least we won’t). But, different lens tints will have benefits for different activities. For example, yellow lenses shine in low light conditions, but brown lenses can improve color contrast and depth perception on those super sunny days. For bright days and activities that require even color perception, reach for anything on a grey base lens.
Category number is also good to take note of. For most outdoor activities, you are going to want to find a Category 3 lens. This is a general sunglass lens made for extended outdoor wear, and also what most Fuse Lenses are. If you are looking for sunnies to fish at dawn or to wear for some light errands, you can get away with going lighter with your lenses.

#4 Are they polarized? 

99.99% of the time, this answer should be yes! If you are spending any time outside this summer, having a pair of polarized shades can vastly improve your experience. Polarized lenses not only cut glare like nobody's business, but they also help eye fatigue giving you a more comfortable viewing experience. Even better, for all those trips out on the water this summer, the reduced glare allows you to look into the water, instead of being blinded by the glare bouncing off of it. If you’re a fisherman, you should already know how polarized sunglasses can vastly improve your fishing game.

#5 How do they fit? 

If your sunglasses don't fit well, you are not only going to be less likely to wear them, but they also might not offer as much protection as a well-fitted pair. You can pay attention to face measurements and things like that, but most of the time you should just try it on! You will know almost right away if they feel comfortable. 

If you’re pulling out an old favorite for this summer, you might notice your sunnies don’t fit the way that they used to. Over time, the screws on your frame’s hinges might get loosened causing the arms to make the sunglasses just generally not stay on your head. In most cases, all you have to do is grab an optical screwdriver and tighten it up. Almost any optician’s office or sunglasses retailer will do this, no problem. Fuse will too, if you visit us or are doing a custom order. 

Make Them Your Own

To find your perfect pair of sunglasses, you need to ask yourself a few easy questions: what activity you need them for, if they are the right style and fit for your face shape, and what lenses they have in them.