Choosing the right pair of sunglasses for yourself can be quite a task. As soon as you enter the shop, you are greeted with rows upon rows of different sunglasses, all enticing you to try them on. While going to a sunglasses shop may be the most obvious first step to getting that perfect pair of sunnies, not all of us have the luxury of time to do so. We do the next best thing: shop online.
How do you shop online for a pair of sunglasses if you can’t try them on for size? The pair certainly looks good on the model, but how sure are you that it will look as good (or even better) on you? If you are thinking of buying a pair of sunglasses for a woman in your life, knowing some basic things to consider is imperative to make sure she will be happy with your gift. Here is a simple guide to help you getting those specs, whether for yourself or your lady friend.
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Know what your face shape is first
If you are unsure of what shape your face has, take a selfie first, forward-facing camera. Pull your hair back so that every part of your face is shown, like your forehead and jawline. Make sure that it is eye level so that you have a relatively accurate approximation of what face shape you have. Place dots strategically on your photo: on your brow line, jawline, and cheekbones. Compare these to the description of the glasses you are checking out. If this too much of a hassle for you, stand in front of a mirror and draw your face shape using a lipstick.
You are buying sunglasses for a reason
That is to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun (and also to avoid getting recognized in public whenever you step out of the house). Make sure to choose a pair that offers both UVA and UVB protection. UVB rays are the most dangerous, as it causes cancer, sunburn and or course eye damage. People who are into intense outdoor sports are especially advised to use sunglasses that have UVB protection. UVA rays, on the other hand, may not be as intensely damaging as UVB but they pose health risks nonetheless. In recent studies, UVA rays have been attributed to the development of cataracts, skin cancer, and photoaging (also known as skin wrinkles). All the more you should be buying sunglasses.
Size does matter, especially with sunglasses
Generally speaking, smaller sized frames work well with smaller faces. The sunglass frame should closely resemble your face shape. However, do not confuse frame size with lens coverage. There are big lens sunglasses in the market that look attractive on a small face.
It is not always about the design or style
You should also be able to decide what kind of material you want your frames to be in. The material depends largely on comfortable you will be with them on and how often you intend to use them. Most frames come with different sorts of material:
- Metal: this is the most common material used in frames, mostly due to its malleability and how it can easily be adjusted to suit any face shape. Metal frames do not come cheap and are not very sturdy in the long run.
- Titanium: a metal, this material is used mainly on higher-end brands. Their prices are obviously more expensive.
- Acetate: This is really a type of plastic, only more durable and lighter. There are many different designs and textures out in the market today of frames made of acetate material.
- Plastic: this is the most affordable frame material available and maybe the best choice for you if you are on a tight budget.
Just like frames, what the lens is made out of should also be a point to consider whenever you buy sunglasses, whether online or at the shop. The optical glass lens is smooth and polished, thus giving you a non-distorted view of the world. However, these are expensive and generally, people avoid them. Polycarbonate is another material that offers durability but can easily scratch. The cheapest material in the bunch is acrylic and would be an awesome option for you when you are not ready to shell out a large amount of money just yet on a pair of sunglasses.
Set a budget
Probably the most important factor to consider is how much money you are willing to let go when you buy a pair of sunglasses. Setting a budget will give you enough of an allowance to be able to choose from a variety of styles and designs from different brands. When you have a budget in place, you have a clearer view of what you want and you get to discern whether the amount spent will be worth every single penny.
Online shopping is a fun and entertaining way to purchase all sorts of things and it should as such. Buying the right pair of sunglasses from an online should be a happy experience. Make sure to follow this guide to make the right choice.
