Sunglasses Lens Color Guide
The color of a sunglass lens changes how the world looks: how warm, how sharp and how dark. This guide explains what black, brown, green, blue, cinnamon, gradient and yellow lenses each do, and which to choose for driving, bright sun or everyday wear.
Which lens color is best for sunglasses?
There is no single best lens color. Black and brown lenses are the safest all-round choices: black keeps colors closest to natural, while brown adds warmth and contrast. Green sits between the two. Blue, cinnamon, yellow and gradient lenses are chosen more for their look and mood.
Lens color changes how things look, not how well your eyes are protected. Every Corlin acetate frame has UV400 lenses, whatever the color. Read more about UV400 sunglasses.
One frame for every lens color
Here is one Corlin frame for each lens color in our range, so you can compare them side by side.
Frames by lens color
All sunglasses-
Louis Black BlackBlack lenses1 299 SEK
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Selma Tortoise BrownBrown lenses1 499 SEK
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Alex Tortoise GreenGreen lenses1 299 SEK
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Rey Tortoise GreenGreen lenses, oversized1 499 SEK
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Gelo Black BlueBlue lenses1 299 SEK
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Carpi Tortoise CinnamonCinnamon lenses1 299 SEK
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Modena Champagne Gradual BrownBrown gradient lenses699 SEK
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Ella White YellowYellow lenses349 SEK
What does each sunglass lens color do?
Each lens color shifts the colors you see in its own way. Here is what to expect from each one:
| Lens | How it changes the view | Good for | See all |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | Keeps colors close to natural and cuts the most light | Bright sun, the beach, everyday wear | Black sunglasses |
| Brown | Warms the view and adds contrast | Driving, changing light, everyday wear | Brown sunglasses |
| Green | Natural colors with a little extra contrast | Everyday wear, outdoors | Green sunglasses |
| Blue | Cools the view and gives a colored look | Style, city wear | Blue lens sunglasses |
| Cinnamon | Warm, rosy tone with soft contrast | Softer light, a warm look | Cinnamon sunglasses |
| Gradient | Dark at the top, lighter at the bottom | Driving, city wear | Tinted sunglasses |
| Yellow | Brightens and warms the view | Style, gray days, not strong sun | Yellow lens sunglasses |
See all tinted sunglasses for every colored lens in one place.
Black or brown lenses: which should you choose?
Choose black lenses if you want colors to look as natural as possible. Black lenses darken everything evenly, which makes them a calm, classic choice for bright days.
Choose brown lenses if you want more contrast and a warmer picture. Brown lenses make edges and shadows easier to read, which many people like for driving and in changing light.
Both work well as an everyday lens. If you are unsure, think about the frame too: brown lenses suit tortoise and brown frames, black lenses suit black frames.
Which lens color is best for driving?
Brown, black and gradient lenses are the most common choices for driving. Brown adds contrast, black keeps colors true, and a gradient lens is dark at the top against the sky and lighter at the bottom, so the dashboard stays easy to read.
Light lenses such as yellow are better kept for style than for driving in strong sun. Sunglasses should not be worn for driving at night or in the dark, whatever the lens color.
Which lens color is best for strong sun, the beach and the mountains?
For the brightest days, choose a dark lens, usually black or brown. A dark lens cuts the most visible light, which is what makes strong sun comfortable.
Colored lenses such as blue, cinnamon and yellow are often lighter, so they are more about the look than about strong sun. Darkness decides comfort, while UV protection is a separate question.
How do you match lens color with frame color?
Tortoise frames work with almost any lens: brown for a warm, classic look, green or blue for more contrast, and cinnamon for a softer, warmer tone.
Black frames are sharpest with black lenses, or with blue lenses for a bolder look. Light frames such as white and champagne suit yellow and gradient lenses, which keep the whole pair light.
Questions about sunglass lens colors
What is the best lens color for sunglasses?
Black or brown suits most people best. Black keeps colors natural and brown adds contrast, and both work in most light. Green is a good middle ground, while blue, cinnamon, yellow and gradient lenses are chosen more for their look.
Are brown or black lenses better?
Neither is better, they do different things. Black lenses keep colors closest to natural, while brown lenses warm the view and add contrast. Choose black for true colors and brown for more contrast.
What do green sunglass lenses do?
Green lenses keep colors natural with a little extra contrast. They sit between black and brown lenses and work well for everyday wear.
What are cinnamon lenses?
Cinnamon lenses have a warm, rosy brown tint. They add warmth and soft contrast, and on Corlin frames such as Carpi they are translucent, which makes the whole pair look lighter.
Are blue lens sunglasses good for bright sun?
It depends on how dark the lens is, not on the color. Blue lenses are chosen mostly for their look. For the brightest days, a dark black or brown lens is the safer choice.
Are gradient lenses good for driving?
Yes, gradient lenses are a popular choice for driving. The darker top cuts the light from the sky, while the lighter bottom makes the dashboard easier to read.
Does lens color affect UV protection?
No. Lens color changes how things look, not how much UV gets through. Every Corlin acetate frame has UV400 lenses, whatever the color. Read more about UV400 sunglasses.
Can I return sunglasses from Corlin?
Yes. Shipping is free, and you have 30 days to return sunglasses from Corlin, so you can order two lens colors and compare them at home.