If you’ve ever been thrown by unexpected glare on a sunny day, then a pair of polarised sunglasses could be a beneficial buy.
Polarised lenses are designed to reduce beams of light reflected off certain surfaces. While regular sunglasses protect the wearer from brightness and offer UV protection, they are typically not created with a specialised polarising coating.
This is where polarised sunglasses take the stand. The shades feature said film which ultimately changes the way the light hits your eyes. This is all without sacrificing on aesthetics, meaning they are still stylish specs to be worn year in and year out.
What is polarised light?
There are many perks to owning a pair of polarised sunnies. But first, it’s important to establish what polarised light is itself. If you cast your mind back to GCSE Physics, you’ll know that light reaches the eye in vibrating waves. When these vibrations align in one or more directions, the light will become polarised. This means the light will mirror the angle of the surface, resulting in a bright reflective glare.
How do polarised sunglasses help to reduce glare?
As previously mentioned, polarised sunglasses feature a polarising film that coats the lens to promote an improved quality of vision. This film acts as a shield to block out reflected glare from horizontal planes, solely allowing light that is vertically polarised to pass through the lens into our eyes.
Who could benefit from polarised sunglasses?
Polarised sunglasses are helpful for anyone wanting to reduce glare. However, they have additional benefits for those who are sensitive to light or suffer from cataracts, eye inflammations and other sight-related conditions. The shades also come in handy following laser eye surgery when everything is still a bit sensitive and sore.
Athletes could greatly benefit from owning a pair. This spans skiers who are faced with endless swathes of dazzling snow to cyclists peddling into the sun and hikers who spend long periods of time trekking in blistering sunlight. Many polarised picks come with a practical wrap-around frame for extra security while on the move.
Clip-on options are also available and are a nifty choice for those wanting to flick between regular and polarised lenses.
If you think a pair of polarised sunglasses would aid your accessories arsenal, look no further. We’ve rounded up the best-polarised sunglasses for reducing glare with a touch of eyewear flare.
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RayBan Round Metal Sunglasses
RayBan’s round metal sunglasses are a timeless, unisex option for those wanting to test the waters of polarised eyewear. Featuring a fine gold metal frame, green polarised lenses and a narrow fit, the specs have a perennially stylish look that can be worn all year round. Available in 12 colourways, there are plenty of designs to pick from.
Buy now £194.00, RayBan
Burberry BE4344 Daisy Sunglasses
Championing both fashion and function, Burberry’s wide-fit polarised sunglasses are a statement choice. They showcase an oversized, cat-eye frame with an exaggerated acetate rim for an added dose of sass, in addition to the brand’s iconic monogram insignia on the temples.
Buy now £263.00, Sunglasses Hut
Gucci GG0463S Sunglasses
Nothing compares to a retro-inspired pair of Gucci sunglasses, especially when they have a pilot silhouette. These unisex shades suit a variety of face shapes and are made up of acetate, a neutral colour scheme and the house’s iconic red stripe logo. They are fitted with polarised lenses.
Buy now £320.00, Sunglasses Hut
Jimmy Fairly The Jimmy Ski Edition
Skiiers and boarders are in good hands with Jimmy Fairly’s ski edition shades. Part of the brand’s Active Collection, The Jimmy has high-quality polarised lenses for hitting the slopes in crystal clear clarity. They are crafted from biodegradable bio-acetate and suit medium-sized oval faces.
Buy now £149.00, Jimmy Fairly
Quay Square Polarised Sunglasses
An affordable choice with the most vibrant of hues, Quay’s playful pink shades are ideal for those on a budget. Thick arms complement dark lenses and square frames that combine to create an It-girl eyewear staple.
Buy now £59.00, ASOS
Vivienne Westwood Sun RX 01 Sunglasses
Put some punk in your step with Vivienne Westwood’s striking tartan print sunglasses. Adopting an oversized, stand-out fit, the shades further incorporate chunky temples and the brand’s orb emblem in futuristic metallics. A must-have buy for the late designer’s superfans.
Buy now £149.00, Specsavers
Prada Linea Rossa PS 54WS Sunglasses
Prada’s Linea Rossa range provides men with eyewear staples that marry high-end with high quality. This best-selling design is a performance-driven model crafted from metal and nylon. Photochromatic, polarised lenses are ideal for the sporty wearer, while a sleek rectangular shape and Flex Hinge technology bring comfort and sophistication.
Buy now £263.00, Sunglasses Hut
Versace VE2249 Sunglasses
A glitzy style beloved by Emily Ratajkowski, Versace’s golden glasses are a bold style statement. The unisex offering features an evergreen aviator style flanked by Medusa medallions on the temple. The nose pads are adjustable for maximum comfort and the metallic finish will add a bolt of glamour to any everyday outfit. Reduce glare, up the flair.
Buy now £282.00, Sunglasses Hut
Arnette AN4182 Hot Shot Sunglasses
While polarised frames aren’t the cheapest, Arnette’s Hot Shot specs provide a happy medium for the bank account. The streetwear brand offers a host of polarised shades to browse, including this wraparound pair that has rectangular lenses, a streamlined black hue and a regular fit for all face shapes.
Buy now £86.00, Sunglasses Hut
