Choosing the best lenses for your sunglasses is easy when you know exactly what to look out for. Read on to learn about polarization, tint, visible light transmission and how these technical lens features can enhance or detract from your experience outside. Follow our sunglass lens color guide to choose the best lenses for your lifestyle.
Sunglass Lens Guide to Polarized Lenses
When you’re enjoying a bluebird day in the snow or out on the water, polarized lenses are ideal to cut down reflection and glare so you can see the world more clearly. These types of lenses also saturate colors almost like a high contrast Instagram filter.
Polarization is a feature that can be added to any lens material, from glass to polycarbonate. Polycarbonate lenses are the most lightweight and impact-resistant and safest option, which makes them ideal for active use.
Our sunglasses come with triacetate cellulose (TAC) polarized polycarbonate lenses. TAC lenses are ultralight, scratch-resistant and ideal for outdoor activity. Our Premium Collection comes with our CR-39 polarized polycarbonate lenses, for enhanced clarity, durability and comfort.
All Sunski lenses are polarized because we believe polarized lenses make it more fun to be in the sun. Check out our in-depth guide to Polarized Lenses for more details!
Sunglass Lens Guide to Tinted Lenses
The tint of your sunglasses lens refers to the color of the lens. Sunski has a wide range of tints from gradient colors like Ocean and Terra Fade to fully concentrated colors like Rose and Slate.
Low VLT in Sunski Amber lenses make it a great lens choice for varying conditions.
The darker the tint of the lens, the more light it blocks. The percentage of light allowed through the lens refers to Visual Light Transmission (VLT). While VLT doesn’t affect actual UV protection, reducing the visual light transmission does make it easier to see on sunny days. While an extra dark, low VLT lens is good for bright days of mountaineering or alpine sports, higher VLT lenses are useful for activities where your light conditions may change, like biking.
Amber & Rose
Amber and Rose lenses tend to have the highest VLT. With a tint on the lighter side, these lenses will allow more light in. Both Rose and Amber lenses have warmer tints to them that are great for days when the sun is not as bright. Imagine the warmth of a sunset on a long summer day. Choose amber or rose lenses for low or variable light conditions such as cycling or trail running in the forest, or if you just want to make a retro, feel-good statement.
Slate & Forest
Slate and Forest lenses are the opposite. With a lower VLT, they have a darker tint. Slate lenses have a grey tint, while Forest is greener—just a perfect hint of dark forestry green. However, the low VLT makes both great for bright days of adventure.
Fade: Ocean, Terra, and Velvet
Fade lenses, including Sunski’s fade lenses Ocean, Terra and Velvet, typically fit in the middle. A more concentrated tint at the top that gradually fades towards the bottom gives these lenses a little more versatility. Ocean lenses have a cooler tint that is gradient from a dark blue/purple to light, Terra Fade leans on the amber side of warmth and super fun Velvet allows you to see the world through rose-colored lenses. The gradient fade of these lenses allow for use in any weather condition.
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Dipsea Tortoise Ocean and Makani Sienna Terra Fade are some of our bestsellers with gradient lenses.
Sunglass Lens Guide to Mirrored Lenses
Another type of lens that reduces glare are mirrored lenses. The reflective coating on the lens keeps the glare from hitting your eyes. Mirrored lenses also help you go incognito if you’re trying to keep a low profile. Mirrored lenses can also make for some really fun photos since they reflect light and add a pop of color to your look.
Need more help in deciding which shades to choose? Check out which types of sunglasses or sunglasses shapes might be best for you!
Meet the Author
Delaney is a California native turned Colorado adventurer, who finds boundless joy in the great outdoors. From the beach to the mountains she likes to spend time outside in whatever capacity she can. As Web Operator at Sunski, Delaney loves to geek out on e-commerce and ensure that others can experience the beauty of the world through Sunski's digital presence.
