Wearing a good pair of sunglasses is essential, especially during the summer months when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Not only do they protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation, but they also reduce glare, improve contrast and clarity, and enhance your visual acuity.
While driving, wearing the right sunglasses is crucial for your safety. Glare from the sun can create a temporary blindness effect, making it difficult to see clearly on the road. This is especially dangerous when you’re driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic. A high-quality pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses can reduce this glare, making it easier to see road signs and other vehicles, thus improving your reaction time.
Additionally, sunglasses that are specifically designed for driving often have superior lens quality and color that enhances your visual acuity. They can also reduce eye strain and fatigue, making long drives more comfortable.
In summary, wearing sunglasses is not only a fashion statement but a necessity for your eye health and safety. Investing in a high-quality pair of sunglasses with superior lens quality and color, especially for driving, can protect your eyes, reduce glare, enhance your vision, and ultimately make you a safer driver.
Lens Color and Material
For driving, it’s advisable to choose lenses in shades of brown, copper or rose as they filter out blue light, making them perfect for bright and sunny days. Another suitable option is neutral grey lenses due to their versatility. However, it’s important to avoid cheaper lenses in shades of green, blue, or pink, as they can interfere with the ability to perceive red traffic lights, which could lead to an accident.
Regarding lens materials, some people prefer glass lenses due to their superior optics. However, after trying out Maui Jim sunglasses with polycarbonate lenses, it became apparent that good quality polycarbonate lenses can provide optics that are just as good as glass lenses. In fact, polycarbonate lenses are much lighter and come in a wider range of shapes and designs. Therefore, polycarbonate lenses are a viable alternative to glass lenses and worth considering.
Ray Ban Aviator G15 Lens
Tints and Polarized Lenses
It’s important to find a lens tint that isn’t overly dark for driving. While the standard Ray Ban G15 green lens is effective for flying due to its ability to block out 85% of light, it may be too dark for driving. In such cases, gradient tints can be a good option, as they provide extra protection from the sun at the top of the windshield while allowing for more visibility in other areas.
I strongly recommend using polarized lenses while driving, as they help reduce glare from headlights during dusk and also from wet surfaces. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some polarized lenses can make it more difficult to read your car’s infotainment screen, much like reading from a smartphone screen. Therefore, it’s important to choose a polarized lens that balances anti-glare properties with readability to ensure a safer driving experience.
Style and Size
Driving safety is crucial, and one aspect that is often overlooked is the importance of wearing the right sunglasses. The right pair of sunglasses not only provides protection from harmful UV rays but also reduces glare from the sun, which can be particularly dangerous when driving. However, not all sunglasses are created equal, and it’s important to keep certain factors in mind when choosing the right pair for driving.
First and foremost, size matters. The lenses of your sunglasses should be large enough to provide adequate coverage for your eyes. When driving, you’re constantly turning your head and scanning the road, so your sunglasses should properly cover your eyes during this process. If they’re too small, you’ll likely have inadequate coverage from the sun, which can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and even temporary vision loss.
Our Favorite Sunglasses
The Ultimate Classic Aviator
The Ray-Ban Aviator is a timeless, iconic pair of sunglasses known for its classic design and superior quality. Featuring teardrop-shaped lenses, the RB3025 offers excellent coverage and protection from the sun. The metal frame is lightweight yet durable, designed for a comfortable fit throughout the day. Available in a variety of lens colors and coatings, including polarized options, it ensures superior UV protection to safeguard your eyes from harmful rays.
Equipped with adjustable nose pads, the Ray-Ban Aviator provides a customizable fit for a wide range of face shapes, ensuring long-lasting comfort. The gold, silver, or black metal finish adds a touch of sophistication, making it a versatile accessory for both casual and formal styles.
Whether outdoors, driving, or simply looking for a stylish everyday accessory, the Ray-Ban Aviator combines timeless fashion with functionality, offering the perfect blend of style and protection.
A Favorite Among Pilots and Military Personnel
The Ray-Ban Caravan was introduced in 1960 and is a stylish and durable eyewear model crafted from high-quality, lightweight metal for long-lasting comfort and durability. Featuring a modern rectangular shape with slightly rounded edges, the Caravan offers a sleek and sophisticated look.
The Ray-Ban Caravan lenses are available in glass or polycarbonate materials, providing exceptional clarity and 100% UV protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Lens widths typically range from 55mm to 59mm, with a 14mm bridge width and 140mm temple length designed for a comfortable, balanced fit.
Available in a variety of lens colors, including gray, green, brown, and blue, the model also offers polarized options for enhanced glare reduction. The adjustable nose pads ensure a customizable fit, while the classic Ray-Ban logo on the temples adds a signature touch of style.
Our PIck of the Group
The Maui Jim Kaupo Gap Sunglasses are designed for those seeking stylish eyewear that offers exceptional clarity and protection. These sunglasses feature a lightweight, thin nylon frame that ensures all-day comfort and durability. The rectangular shape provides a sleek and modern look, making them versatile for various face shapes and styles.
Equipped with PolarizedPlus2® lenses, the Maui Jim Kaupo Gap Sunglasses offer 100% UV protection and effectively reduce glare, enhancing color and contrast for a more vibrant visual experience. The lens width is typically 61mm, with a bridge width of 16mm and a temple length of 140mm, providing a well-balanced fit. Available in multiple lens colors, such as Neutral Grey, HCL® Bronze, and Maui HT™, these sunglasses cater to different lighting conditions and preferences.
Beautiful Retro Cat-Eye Style
The Maui Jim Women’s Violet Lake Sunglasses combine elegance with high-performance optics, designed for women who value both style and functionality. These sunglasses feature a lightweight acetate frame, offering durability and all-day comfort. The cat-eye shape adds a touch of vintage charm, enhancing a variety of face shapes with a sophisticated, feminine look.
Incorporating PolarizedPlus2® lenses, the Maui Jim Women’s Violet Lake Sunglasses provide 100% UV protection and reduce glare, delivering enhanced color, clarity, and contrast for a vivid viewing experience. The lens width is typically 54mm, with a bridge width of 19mm and a temple length of 140mm, ensuring a balanced and comfortable fit.
Available in multiple lens colors, including Neutral Grey and Maui Rose, Maui Jim Women’s Violet Lake Sunglasses are tailored to different light conditions and personal preferences. The integrated nose pads and smooth temples enhance comfort and stability during wear.
Great for driving in the snow
The Bollé Vulture Sunglasses embody a rich heritage of skiing and outdoor adventure, rooted in Bollé’s origins in France. Renowned for their superior craftsmanship and innovation, these sunglasses are designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those drawn to the slopes. The lightweight yet durable TR90 nylon frame ensures long-lasting comfort and performance in various conditions.
The sunglasses feature Polarized lenses that provide 100% UV protection and reduce glare, crucial for navigating the bright, reflective environments of snow-covered landscapes. The Category 3 lenses are ideal for bright sunlight, offering optimal clarity and contrast to enhance vision in high-glare situations. With a lens width of 62mm, a bridge width of 15mm, and a temple length of 137mm, the sunglasses provide a secure and comfortable fit.
Designed with Bollé’s commitment to innovation, the Bollé Vulture Sunglasses sunglasses also include anti-fog and hydrophobic coatings, ensuring clear vision even in changing weather conditions. The timeless design, combined with Bollé’s legacy in skiing and outdoor sports, makes the Vulture sunglasses a perfect companion for both casual wear and intense alpine adventures.
Lightweight Rimless Design
The Revo Descend N Sunglasses are a product of Revo’s rich history of innovation, which traces back to the groundbreaking contributions of Dr. Mitch Duda. In 1985, Dr. Duda, a NASA astrophysicist, applied the same lens-coating technology used to protect satellite portholes in outer space to eyewear. This led to the creation of lenses that offered exceptional clarity, glare reduction, and UV protection, setting a new standard in the eyewear industry.
The Descend N builds on this legacy, featuring a serilium+ polycarbonate frame that is both lightweight and durable, perfect for active lifestyles. The wraparound design enhances peripheral vision and ensures a secure fit, making these sunglasses ideal for various outdoor activities. The lenses incorporate Revo’s Light Management System™, which not only blocks 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays but also manages blue light and reduces glare for crystal-clear vision.
With a lens width of 61mm, bridge width of 12mm, and temple length of 133mm, the Revo Descend N Sunglasses offers a comfortable and snug fit. Available in different lens tints like Graphite, Blue Water, and Champagne, these sunglasses cater to various lighting conditions while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
Non-Polarized for Flying/Screen Clarity
The Serengeti Dante Pilot – Mineral Glass Drivers Gradient Sunglasses reflect Serengeti’s rich heritage of innovation and commitment to superior optical performance, which dates back to the 1980s. Known for integrating advanced technologies into their eyewear, Serengeti developed photochromic lenses that automatically adjust to changing light conditions, a feature that remains central to their designs today.
The Dante Pilot model showcases a classic aviator frame, crafted from lightweight yet durable metal, offering both style and comfort. The lenses are made from mineral glass, known for its exceptional clarity and scratch resistance. These lenses feature Serengeti’s Drivers Gradient technology, which enhances contrast and definition, making them perfect for driving and outdoor activities.
With a lens width of 57mm, a bridge width of 16mm, and a temple length of 140mm, the Dante Pilot ensures a comfortable fit. The classic aviator design, combined with Serengeti’s signature lens technology, makes these sunglasses a perfect blend of timeless style and cutting-edge innovation.
Classic Retro Design
The Oliver Peoples Gregory Peck Sunglasses pay homage to the timeless style of the iconic actor Gregory Peck, inspired by the eyewear he wore in the classic film To Kill a Mockingbird. Introduced as part of Oliver Peoples’ commitment to sophisticated, vintage-inspired designs, the Gregory Peck model combines old Hollywood charm with modern craftsmanship.
These sunglasses feature a handcrafted acetate frame in a rich brown color, complemented by indigo-tinted lenses that offer a striking contrast. The lenses are made from high-quality materials that provide 100% UV protection, ensuring both style and functionality. The rounded frame design reflects the retro aesthetic while maintaining a versatile look suitable for various face shapes.
With a lens width of 47mm, bridge width of 23mm, and temple length of 145mm, the Oliver Peoples Gregory Peck Sunglasses provide a comfortable and well-balanced fit. The subtle Oliver Peoples logo engraved on the temples adds a discreet yet distinctive touch of branding.
Great for small bags
The Foldies Classic Folding Sunglasses are engineered with advanced optical technology, featuring polarized lenses that effectively reduce glare and improve visual clarity, particularly in bright environments. These lenses offer UV400 protection, blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from harmful solar radiation. Constructed from high-quality TR90 material, the frame is lightweight, durable, and resistant to bending and breaking. The folding mechanism includes stainless steel hinges, ensuring smooth operation and secure folding for compact storage. With a lens width of 52mm, a bridge width of 21mm, and a temple length of 144mm, the Foldies Classic Folding Sunglasses provide a comfortable fit for most face shapes, combining practicality with classic style for everyday wear.
Classic Retro Design from the Classic Automobile Company
The Porsche Design Sunglasses are a sophisticated blend of luxury and performance, meticulously crafted for discerning wearers. Featuring 69mm lenses, these sunglasses offer an expansive field of vision and superior protection. The lenses are made from high-quality materials that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection, safeguarding your eyes from harmful solar rays. The frame, designed in a sleek silver finish, is constructed from durable titanium, ensuring a lightweight yet robust structure that resists corrosion and wear. With a bridge width of 10mm and a temple length of 135mm, the Porsche Design Sunglasses offer a comfortable and secure fit. The Porsche Design branding and minimalist aesthetic embody timeless elegance, making these sunglasses an essential accessory for any luxury wardrobe.
Established in 1833
The AO Saratoga Sunglasses in Havana with Cosmetan Brown AOLite Nylon Lenses offer a perfect combination of timeless design and advanced optical technology. Featuring AOLite nylon lenses in Cosmetan Brown, these sunglasses provide enhanced visual clarity and superior protection. The lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, ensuring your eyes are well-protected from harmful solar exposure. The Havana acetate frame adds a touch of classic sophistication while maintaining durability and lightweight comfort. Designed with a lens width of 52mm, bridge width of 22mm, and temple length of 140mm, these sunglasses ensure a comfortable and stylish fit. The AO Saratoga Sunglasses embodies the rich heritage of American Optical with modern performance, making it a versatile and elegant choice for everyday wear.
You will find these at the PX-Not ray-bans
The Randolph USA Matte Black Classic Aviator Sunglasses are renowned for their military-grade durability and precision craftsmanship, making them the preferred choice of U.S. military personnel over other brands like Ray-Ban. These sunglasses feature matte black frames crafted from jewelry-quality metal that undergoes rigorous testing to meet the stringent standards of the U.S. Department of Defense. The bayonet temples are designed to comfortably fit under headgear, ensuring a secure fit during high-intensity activities. The lenses are polarized, offering 100% UVA and UVB protection and reducing glare for superior optical clarity in various light conditions. With a lens width of 55mm, a bridge width of 20mm, and temple length of 140mm, they provide a precise fit for optimal performance. Randolph USA’s commitment to quality and functionality has made these aviators a trusted accessory for military pilots and aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
