Sunglasses Buying Guide
How do you choose sunglasses that suit your face, protect your eyes and last for years? This guide walks through shape, size, lens color, UV protection and materials, so you know what to look for before you buy.
How do you choose sunglasses?
Start with the frame shape that suits your face, then check that the size fits: lens width and depth decide how big a pair looks on you. Choose the lens color for the light you are usually in, and check that the lenses have UV400 protection.
After that, look at what the frame is made of. Acetate, solid hinges and quality lenses are what make a pair last, and they are the main difference between cheap and expensive sunglasses.
Six things to check before you buy sunglasses
Run through these six points and you will rule out most pairs that will not work for you:
Corlin frames across shapes and sizes
From slim cat-eyes to oversized aviators, here is a selection across our shapes and sizes to compare.
Shapes and sizes
All sunglasses-
Ana Brown BrownSlim cat-eye, shallow lens1 499 SEK
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Louis Black BlackSlim oval1 299 SEK
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Todd Black BlackRound1 299 SEK
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Jean Tortoise BrownSlim rectangle1 499 SEK
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Alex Black BlackSquare, medium fit1 299 SEK
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Rey Black BlackOversized cat-eye1 499 SEK
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Gelo Black BlackOversized aviator1 299 SEK
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Luc Gold BrownStainless steel1 499 SEK
How do you choose sunglasses for your face shape?
Sunglasses look best when the frame contrasts with your face shape. Round faces get structure from square and rectangular frames, while square faces are softened by round and oval frames. Oval faces suit most shapes.
Size matters as much as shape: the frame should be about as wide as your face. Our guide to sunglasses for your face shape goes through every face shape, and you can browse round, oval, square and cat-eye sunglasses.
What do the numbers on sunglasses mean?
Sunglasses are usually measured in millimeters, often printed on the inside of the temple as three numbers such as 52-22-145. The first is the lens width, the second the bridge width between the lenses, and the third the temple length.
The easiest way to find your size is to compare with a pair that already fits you well. Lens depth matters too: a deep lens covers more and looks bolder, a shallow lens looks slimmer. Here are the measurements of some of our frames:
| Frame | Lens width | Lens depth | How it sits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ana | 54 mm | 29 mm | Slim and shallow |
| Luc | 55 mm | 34 mm | Slim |
| Selma | 52 mm | 36 mm | Slim to medium |
| Alex | 54 mm | 41 mm | Medium |
| Rey | 49 mm | 42 mm | Deep rather than wide |
| Gelo | 55 mm | 47 mm | Oversized |
| Modena | 54 mm | 47 mm | Oversized |
Small or narrow face? Read our guide to sunglasses for small faces or start with our slim sunglasses. Large or wide face? Read our guide to sunglasses for big heads or start with our oversized sunglasses.
Which lens color should you choose?
Black lenses keep colors natural and suit bright sun. Brown lenses add warmth and contrast, which many people like for driving. Green, blue, cinnamon, yellow and gradient lenses are chosen more for their look. Our sunglasses lens color guide explains each one.
How do you know if sunglasses protect your eyes?
You cannot tell UV protection by looking at a lens, and a dark lens is not automatically protective. Check the label or product description for UV400 or 100% UV protection. Every Corlin acetate frame has UV400 lenses. Read more about UV400 sunglasses.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive sunglasses?
Price is mostly about materials and build, not about protection. An inexpensive pair with UV400 protects your eyes as well as an expensive one.
What you pay for is the frame. Acetate is a plant-based material that is cut and polished rather than molded, holds its color and can be adjusted with heat. Solid hinges keep the temples tight for years, and quality lenses resist scratches better.
Many Corlin frames combine Mazzucchelli acetate from Italy, German OBE hinges and CR39 lenses. Check each product description for the exact details. Read more on our page about designer sunglasses.
Do you need special sunglasses for sport?
For running, cycling and other sports, a light frame with a curved lens stays in place and covers more of the eye. Our running sunglasses guide explains what to look for, with Tempo, our sports model.
Should you choose men's, women's or unisex sunglasses?
The difference between men's and women's sunglasses is mostly size and styling. Choose the frame that fits your face, whoever it is marketed to. Every Corlin frame is designed as unisex. Read more about unisex sunglasses.
Questions about buying sunglasses
How do I know which sunglasses suit my face?
Choose a frame that contrasts with your face shape and is about as wide as your face. Round faces suit square and rectangular frames, square faces suit round and oval frames, and oval faces suit most shapes.
What size sunglasses should I buy?
Compare with a pair that already fits you. Lens width, bridge width and temple length are usually printed on the inside of the temple, in millimeters. A small face suits slim frames, a large face suits oversized frames.
What does 52-22-145 mean on sunglasses?
It is the size in millimeters. 52 is the lens width, 22 is the bridge width between the lenses and 145 is the temple length.
Are expensive sunglasses better?
Not for protection. An inexpensive pair with UV400 protects your eyes as well as an expensive one. Higher prices usually pay for better frame materials, solid hinges and more scratch resistant lenses, which make the pair last longer.
What lens color is best for sunglasses?
Black or brown suits most people. Black keeps colors natural and brown adds contrast. Other colors are chosen mostly for their look.
What should I look for in good sunglasses?
Look for UV400 or 100 percent UV protection, a frame shape and size that suit your face, and a frame material and hinges that will last. Acetate frames with solid hinges keep their shape for years.
Are polarized sunglasses better?
Not always. Polarized lenses cut glare from water, snow and wet roads, but they say nothing about UV protection. Choose polarized if glare bothers you, and check for UV400 either way.
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 pairs and compare them at home.