The Perfect Pair of Sunglasses For Your Face

June 19, 2010, By Phil Dotree 0 comments

Sunglasses are more than eye protection. They've been a symbol of every major cool celebrity from James Dean to Fonzie. With the wrong pair of shades, you'll look more like Napoleon Dynamite than any of those icons.

Here's a quick guide to help you find shades that provide protection and that unique "cool" vibe that can only come from a well-designed pair of sunglasses.

You get what you pay for. Yeah, you could certainly head down to your local gas station and pick up some shades for $7.99, but get some perspective. Good sunglasses are worth the money. They're a fashion statement (and most guys need at least one fashion statement), they'll last forever, and they'll feel better on your face than a cheap pair.

Think about how the sunglasses will lay and look. I know, this one sounds obvious, but if you're paying top dollar for world-class shades, you can't make an impulse buy.

Ask yourself a few questions about each pair of sunglasses that you consider. Will the tops of the frames cover your eyebrows? If so, they're probably not right for you. How will the style look on you? If it contrasts with your style (for instance, you wear T-shirts and scummy jeans but you're trying to rock $300 Aviators), it'll be a tough sell.

There are a few major types of sunglasses, and there's certainly a pair out there for you. The aforementioned Aviators typically have large frames, with a broad, straight top and a relatively wide bottom. These are best for men with larger faces. Conduct the eyebrow test mentioned above to see if you can swing these.

Driving sunglasses are the ones that most people know. They come in several shapes but they're generally in the middle of the size scale, and their major distinction is their dark lenses. As the name implies, they're designed for drivers. Driving sunglasses can fit nearly any face, although they're not too glamorous.

Designer sunglasses are expensive and they come from, well, designers. You know, the ones with one name. These shades tend to be smaller than the other types, and they're ideal for guys who put a lot of time and energy into dressing well. You wouldn't want to couple an expensive designer shirt with some driving sunglasses -- you'll need designer sunglasses if you're seriously into your style.

You can also find oversize sunglasses -- rarely a good idea -- also known as "celebrity" sunglasses, which mimic the shades worn by the rich and famous, and vintage sunglasses shapes. Most guys should stick to standard types, though, as they're going to be more fashionably versatile and more practical for everyday use.

Don't get new sunglasses before evaluating the rest of your look. You don't have to be a fashionista, but test a few pairs out to get a general idea of the style and size that works for you. If you don't know what you're looking for, keep it simple. Don't buy big, elaborate shades. Look for something that fits your face and gets the job done. Simplicity is always a good idea.

Know the brands. If you know what the different brands offer, you'll know where to look. Major brands include Ray-Bans (which are so iconic that you probably pictured them when you clicked on this article), Oakley (which makes a lot of great sports sunglasses and generally has some very hip styles), Arnette, Revo and Spy. You can head to any of these designers' websites to check out their specs, but it's better to try to find a sunglasses store and actually put a few pairs on your face to see how they look and lay.

Think about the tint. WebMD recommends shades that let in about 20 percent of the light. Don't worry, you'll still see fine. You should also get lenses that block UV-A and UV-B rays. Most glasses over the $20 range will block these harmful types of UV quite nicely, protecting your eyes from such conditions as macular degeneration (which would be a cool metal band name, but it's certainly bad news for you and your opthamologist).

With the right set of shades, you'll be protecting your eyesight while looking awesome. There's not many men's fashion items that provide that sort of win-win. Be sure to look at as many shades as you can, and don't be afraid to return your sunglasses if you buy a pair that you don't like. It shouldn't take you very long to find a trusty pair to last you for dozens of summers to come.

Oh, and don't wear your new shades indoors. That never looks cool.