There’s nothing quite like sunglasses for adding the finishing touch to an outfit. But with so many styles to choose from, finding the pair that’s right for you can seem like an impossibly daunting task. It’s not just the practical concerns you have to keep in mind, such as how well they’ll protect your eyes from the sun or how they’ll complement the shape of your face. (We have some thoughts on the latter, if you’re wondering.) You also have to consider what they will say about you.
That’s because sunglasses are a uniquely potent style statement, capable of lending an air of mystique, adding a dash of personality or just making you look cooler and more attractive. As such, they’re closely tied up with notions of identity and self-image – far more so than, say, a pair of socks.
We’re here to help you up your frame game by arming you with all you need to know about sunglasses, from the most common frame shapes to the technical jargon you’re likely to encounter on your quest for the perfect pair.