How to Choose Sunglasses That Actually Work (and Look Good Doing It)

There’s nothing like stepping outside in summer, only to realize your sunglasses are scratched, crooked, or... somehow from 2011.

At Diplopia, we see it every year—people grabbing cheap sunglasses on the go, thinking, “they’re all the same, right?”

They’re not. In fact, the wrong sunglasses can leave your eyes unprotected and your face looking tired, while the right pair can transform your vision and your style.

Let’s break down what actually matters when it comes to choosing a great pair of sunglasses.

☀️ 1. UV Protection Isn’t Optional

The biggest mistake people make? Thinking any dark lens equals protection.

Dark lenses without proper UV filtering can actually make things worse—they cause your pupils to dilate, letting in more harmful rays.

You want lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB, not just “some.” Every pair we carry meets or exceeds this standard.

Bonus: Polarization
If you spend time driving, fishing, hiking, or at the lake, polarized lenses reduce glare dramatically—less squinting, less eye strain, and better contrast.

😎 2. Your Face Deserves a Proper Fit

Your sunglasses are front and center. A poor fit does more than annoy you—it can age your face and distort your features.

Common mistakes we see:

❌ Frames that sit too low (makes your face look droopy)
❌ Oversized shapes that overwhelm your features
❌ Pinching or sliding from generic frame sizes

A great pair of sunglasses should lift, balance, and flatter.

That’s why we include styling consultations—because finding the right shape and proportions shouldn’t be guesswork.

🧠 3. Optical Quality Matters More Than You Think

Cheaper sunglasses often have:

Blurry optics
Distortion around the edges
Thin plastic lenses that scratch in a week

Higher-quality lenses offer true color perception, crisper vision, and less fatigue—especially if you're wearing them all day.

🏔️ 4. Vuarnet: The Gold Standard in Non-Rx Lenses

Not all lenses are created equal. Vuarnet sunglasses use mineral glass instead of plastic, offering:

Crystal-clear optics
Superior scratch resistance
A subtle luxury feel that’s hard to describe—but easy to recognize

They're ideal for non-prescription sunglass wearers, or we can customize them with your Rx.

👓 5. Yes, You Can—and Should—Get Prescription Sunglasses

You shouldn’t have to choose between clear vision and sun protection.

We offer:

Single vision and progressive lenses
Polarized and non-polarized options
Tints, gradients, mirrors, and styles to suit your lifestyle

If you’ve never had prescription sunglasses, you’re missing out. They’re one of the most useful and comfortable upgrades you can make to your eyewear wardrobe.