A Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting Sunglasses

Olympic Eyewear offers a helpful step-by-step guide for consumers, helping them choose the right sunglasses to meet their needs and lifestyles.

1. UV Protection – Before choosing a style, make sure sunglasses offer protection from harmful UV rays. Protecting eyes can help decrease the chances of developing eye cancer, degeneration and cataracts. Sunglasses should block from 95- to 99-percent of all UVA rays. If sunglasses' labels read for cosmetic use, they likely do not offer any sunray protection.
2. Styles – Available in a wide assortment of sizes and shapes, popular styles include:
   1. Aviators – These teardrop-shaped lenses feature thin metal frames. Popular for law enforcement, military and pilots, these generally look good with any facial shape, but definitely compliment oval shapes.
   2. Mirror Shades – Popular with law enforcement, these shades have a mirrored coating that prevents anyone from looking into the eyes. These generally come in wraparound and aviator styles.
   3. Tea Shades – The late John Lennon defined this iconic style. They are trendy, but not sufficient for blocking or restricting light.
   4. Wayfarer Sunglasses – Popular in the 1950s and 1960s, these sunglasses are permanent fashion staples thanks to Audrey Hepburn's role in "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
   5. Oversized – Oversized sunglasses are most often associated with super models, runways and movie stars. They are glamorous and add a sense of intrigue that captivates onlookers.
   6. Wraparounds – This style is popular for active people that participate in extreme sports, fishing, athletics or even snowboarding. Designer styles include X-Loop sunglasses and Choppers sunglasses.
3. Fit – Sunglasses should fit properly. Avoid styles that pinch and the weight should appear and feel evenly distributed between the nose and ears. Eyelashes should not touch the lenses or frames.
4. Lens Color – Not just a fashion statement, lens color helps add contrast, enhancing surroundings. Popular colors include the following:
   1. Gray – This shade helps to reduce overall light infiltration and intensity without distorting or affecting color contrast.
   2. Brown – Helping block blue light, these are prefect for hunting, outdoor sports or snow activities.
   3. Amber/Yellow – These block nearly all blue light, which makes them excellent for hunters.
   4. Red/Orange – These lenses are excellent for snow sports on overcast or cloudy days.
   5. Violet – These lenses help improve contrast against green backgrounds.
   6. Copper – These are preferable shades for playing golf.
   7. Blue/Green – These help enhance contrast when playing outdoor tennis.

When shopping for wholesale sunglasses it is important to look at the entire package, which includes finding a comfortable pair that offers the necessary benefits for lifestyles and outdoor activities.