The Best Mirrored Sunglasses for Men

Buying Guide

Whether you spend a lot of time outdoors or just venture out once in a while, it’s important to protect your eyes from the sun’s dangerous UV rays. A high-quality pair of mirrored sunglasses is an excellent purchase for men who spend time in very bright conditions. As the name suggests, mirrored sunglasses are covered with a thin metallic layer that reflects glare away from your eyes.

To start with, make sure you know the difference between mirrored sunglasses and polarized sunglasses. Both types may look similar and are used to reduce glare, but mirrored sunglasses are more protective against UV rays and come in many colors. Polarized lenses generally don’t have a mirrored look and are best for filtering out horizontally reflected light. Polarized sunglasses are not a good choice for use in cars because the tint on the lenses can cause distortion when looking through some car windows and screens (as with smartphones). However, this problem doesn’t occur with mirrored sunglasses.

Mirrored sunglasses are a great choice for men who enjoy outdoor activities in sunny conditions, such as hiking, biking and running. They are especially ideal in snowy conditions, as they reduce the bright sunlight that bounces off white surfaces into your eyes. If you’re skiing, ice skating, snowboarding or just going for a walk in the snow, mirrored sunglasses are your best option.

The most important element to consider when buying mirrored sunglasses for men is UV protection. Harmful UV rays can lead to eye cancers, cataracts and other eye issues. Proper protection from your sunglasses is essential for good eye health. Be sure your mirrored sunglasses for men have 100% UV protection, or UV400, against both UVA and UVB rays.

You’ll also want to consider fit. Consider how the sunglasses feel on top of your nose and behind your ears. These areas should be snug and you should feel the sunglasses’ weight being evenly distributed. If your eyelashes touch the frame or the lenses, the glasses are too close to your face. Some sunglasses come in different lengths or have adjustable temples, so look for those features if you want more flexibility when choosing your size.

Shape is also a consideration, especially if you’re using your sunglasses for sports. Wraparound frames can block UV rays from the sides, for example, while the teardrop shape of aviators helps protect from glare that comes from below you. You’ll want to go for large frames for the most sun protection.

Look at the materials your sunglasses are made from, which affect weight, clarity, cost, and longevity. The frame may be of metal, or a type of plastic, or another material, like nylon. The lenses may be of glass, polyurethane, polycarbonate, or acrylic. All have different pros and cons and you’ll want to consider your personal preference.

• Consider lens color, as this affects how much visible light reaches your eyes and how well you see other hues. Typically, darker colors of lenses are best for sporting activities because they cut through glare and reduce eye strain in moderate to bright conditions, while lighter colors are better for moderate and low-light conditions in which you need depth perception and contrast, like driving. Note that color does not affect your level of UV protection.
• Choose as large a frame as you can handle. This offers your eyes more protection from the sun and reduces eye strain.
• The mirrored coating on mirrored sunglasses can be delicate and may get scratched easily, so look for a pair that also hasa  scratch-resistant coating.
• You may also want to consider a hydrophobic coating that repels water, or an anti-fog coating for humid conditions.
• With mirrored sunglasses, don’t skimp on quality. That’s because cheaper mirrored sunglasses use a spray-on coating, which will get scratched more easily. Higher-quality mirrored sunglasses have a coating applied to the interior.
• When cleaning your sunglasses, use a microfiber cloth and only approved lens cleaners.
• Do not keep your sunglasses in the car. Excessive heat can degrade the coatings.