Written by Stephen P. Sowulewski
These days, wearing Mac Tonight sunglasses may make you more of a social pariah than a “mac-daddy,” but they were once all the rage. Remember when Top Gun ushered in the aviator craze? And don’t forget the Blues Brothers—too cool! For the average guy, finding the right pair of sunglasses is simply part of the mission. Today’s men want sunglasses that are not only sharp but also protect against the sun’s rays.
Get rid of the glare
According to Yvonne Metten, director of the opticianry program at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, there are four types of glare that can affect our vision: distracting, discomforting, disabling and blinding. “While the options are endless in regard to the color of the tint, polarized lenses are the only solution that will eliminate all four types of glare,” says Metten. She notes that the sun’s most damaging effects on the eyes occur early and late in the day, when rays directly hit our eyes. “Lack of protection from the sun is a primary contributor to the formation of cataracts, macular degeneration and cancer,” she explains.
Sunglasses For Every Season
“People connect sunglasses to summer, but wearing them only during the [summer] season is not enough,” says Chris M. Petras, M.D., an ophthalmologist in Richmond. “Whether the sun is shining or it is a cloudy day, people are at an increased risk of ocular damage from the harmful UV rays.” Petras says look for sunglasses that offer protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Helpful Hints
Metten’s best advice for men is that they should own more than one pair of sunglasses. For example, certain situations—driving, fishing, running, skiing, etc.—may call for different types of glasses. When considering fit, the size of the frames and lenses should be large enough to protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes. Also, it is important that the frame fits properly for the activity. For instance, a frame that does not fit well over the nose bridge may bounce up and down while running. A frame with temples that do not wrap around the ear may fall into the lake while fishing, especially if you’re perspiring. Lastly, lenses should be made of shatterproof polycarbonate for safety. This is important for anyone wearing sunglasses during physical activity.
Trends for Men:
Sunglasses that are right for you & right for your wallet
Are you looking to splurge on a pair of designer sunglasses, or are you shopping on a budget? Whichever the case, there are a plethora of styles and price ranges to choose from.
- Tya Phrampus, assistant manager at the Sunglass Hut counter at Macy’s in Short Pump Town Center in Richmond, sees male shoppers of all ages. “Younger men have their sights set on Oakley, [while] middle-aged men like Ray-Ban and older gentlemen seem to hone in on Maui Jim,” she says. Oakley glasses can cost up to $250 whereas Ray-Bans (Wayfarer and Aviator styles) begin at about $150. Maui Jim is a bit more expensive with prices up to $300.
- REI carries a wide array of polarized sunglasses. Among their most popular sellers for men include the Native ($99 to $149) and Smith polarized brands ($90 to $199).
- For the urban hipsters, check out the Need Supply Company at 3100 West Cary Street in Richmond (voted one of the 25 best men’s stores in America, according to GQ Magazine). There you will find a pair of Barn Stormer sunglasses (coated for UV protection) for only $18. Big spenders can try on the Acetate Man sunglasses, which cost about $280.
- The budget-conscious can stop into Bed, Bath & Beyond for a pair of High Definition (HD) Aviators with UV 400 protection. Just $10, these shades look good on everyone, men and women, and promise to reduce glare.