Olympic Eyewear offers a helpful step-by-step guide for consumers, helping them choose the right sunglasses to meet their needs and lifestyles.
- 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.
- Styles – Available in a wide assortment of sizes and shapes, popular styles include:
- 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.
- 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.
- Tea Shades – The late John Lennon defined this iconic style. They are trendy, but not sufficient for blocking or restricting light.
- 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."
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lens Color – Not just a fashion statement, lens color helps add contrast, enhancing surroundings. Popular colors include the following:
- Gray – This shade helps to reduce overall light infiltration and intensity without distorting or affecting color contrast.
- Brown – Helping block blue light, these are prefect for hunting, outdoor sports or snow activities.
- Amber/Yellow – These block nearly all blue light, which makes them excellent for hunters.
- Red/Orange – These lenses are excellent for snow sports on overcast or cloudy days.
- Violet – These lenses help improve contrast against green backgrounds.
- Copper – These are preferable shades for playing golf.
- 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.