Sunglasses

The Form and Function of Sunglass Frames

Sunglass frames have two parts and two functions: the arms of the frame rests on your ears and keep glasses firmly on your head. The frame face rests on your nose and aligns the lenses with your eyes. Wrap around frames fit close to your face and block glare from the sides and top. Wrap around frames are usually more expensive than others but the durability is worth the added expense.

Try to avoid plastic frames that crack easily. If you want plastic frames make sure they’re reinforced with a metal rod in the earpieces. Nylon is strong and flexible and though it sometimes looks like plastic, the earpiece will bend and flex and return to it’s original shape. Metal is strong and lightweight but breaks if sat on.

A good pair of sunglasses will have a good hinge that allows you to fold the arms shut for compact storage. Good metal hinges have a spring inside and the hinge pieces will fit together snugly, with no gaps. Nylon hinges will fit snugly together and will usually have a metal rod holding the hinge together. Cheap hinges will usually be made from soft metal and the hinge pieces will be tiny and won’t fit snugly together.

Choose a frame that fits your face. If you see a style you like and try on, but it’s too big, too small, or too tight, ask a salesperson for the same frame in a different size. Some manufacturers make certain styles in different sizes so it’s worth finding out if the frame you like is available in the size you need.

Test sunglasses as much as you can in the store without breaking them. If the sales person will allow it, go outside with the sunglasses on and look in store windows, car windows, go in the shade and out in the glaring sun. Leave them on your head for as long as you can to see if they’re a good fit.