Sunglasses for the city and the beach

How to choose your sunglasses?

Start with their use. In the city, a medium tint is enough and the frame matters as much as the lens. At the beach or in the mountains, the light is stronger and reflected by water or snow: darker lenses are needed. Also, check the CE marking, which is mandatory, and the filter category indicated on the frame or label.

What does the filter category mean?

The European standard classifies lenses into five categories, from 0 to 4, based on the amount of light filtered. Category 0 does not protect against UV and relates to comfort. Categories 2 and 3 are suitable for most summer uses; category 3 is the most common for the beach. Category 4, for high mountains and glaciers, is unsuitable for driving.

Polarised lenses: what’s the benefit?

A polarising filter reduces the glare from flat surfaces: water, a wet road, snow, a windscreen. Polarised sunglasses thus reduce glare and make vision more comfortable by the sea or while driving during the day. However, they can make it difficult to read some screens.

Which shape for your face?

The principle is to play with contrast. A round face is balanced with a rectangular or angular frame; a square face is softened with a round or oval frame. An oval face can wear almost any shape. The frame should not exceed the width of the face, and the top should ideally follow the line of the eyebrows.

Fashion sunglasses or sports sunglasses?

Fashion sunglasses focus on the shape and colour of the frame. Sports models are more enveloping, lighter and stay in place better during movement, with arms that hook behind the ears. For cycling or running, an enveloping frame also protects against wind and dust.

How to take care of your sunglasses?

Clean the lenses with lukewarm water and a drop of soap, then dry them with a microfibre cloth, never with a paper tissue which can scratch. Store them in their case and avoid leaving them in the sun behind a windscreen: heat can distort the frames. Don’t wear them on your head as it can bend the arms.

What accessories to pair with them?

For summer, a woven or canvas belt; to see all categories, check the fashion accessories page. Perfect to match with a pair of sunglasses.

When to find discounted sunglasses?

Summer sales happen right in the season for discounted sunglasses. Black Friday and winter sales, out of season, are opportunities to prepare for ski vacations or the following summer.

The discounts are visible on the Black Friday page in November, on the Sales page during sales, and on the promotional accessories page all year round. Fast delivery and best price guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

How to know if sunglasses protect against UV?

Check the CE marking and the filter category, from 1 to 4, listed on the pair or its instructions. A dark tint alone is not enough: it’s the category that informs.

Can you drive with sunglasses?

Yes, in categories 1 to 3 depending on brightness. Category 4 carries the mention “not suitable for driving”: it is reserved for high mountains.

Do you need sunglasses in the snow?

Yes, snow reflects a large amount of light, even on cloudy days. A dark lens and an enveloping frame provide more protection.

What to do if the arms get loose?

An optician can tighten them in a few minutes. Avoid twisting them yourself, as that can break the hinge.

Are sunglasses unisex?

Many frames are. Only the size matters: a pair that is too wide slips down the nose, while a pair that is too tight presses on the temples.