Balancing practicality and style: how to choose and use sunglasses

A deep blue sky with white clouds. Sunlight blazing down.

On summery days like these, sunglasses are something you'll be glad to have on hand.

Because Japanese people tend to have darker-colored eyes, fewer people here wear sunglasses as part of daily life compared to those in Europe and the US.

So when the urge to wear sunglasses in summer does strike, it can be hard to know how to choose the right pair.

Here we introduce some tips on choosing sunglasses and keeping them in good shape for years to come.

Since sunglasses cover the area around your eyes, you might assume that picking something basic is a safe bet, and

yet even after choosing an inoffensive design, somehow it just doesn't feel right.

This kind of disappointment is a common pitfall when choosing sunglasses.

It's true that sunglasses hide the area around your eyes, but

small differences—like the shape of your face or the size of the lenses—can make a big difference in whether a pair suits you or not.

When you find yourself wanting a pair of sunglasses,

the points to keep in mind can be broadly divided into "lens color" and "frame shape (silhouette)."

【Practical black】

When it comes to sunglasses, black is the classic choice.

Given that the whole point is to block out sunlight, black lenses are the most practical option and

a color you really can't go wrong with.

Black lenses also cut sunlight evenly across the color spectrum, avoiding any color bias,

which makes them practical in another sense too: scenery looks natural and undistorted through them.

Because they let you enjoy a natural field of view, they're perfect for everyday use in a wide range of situations—

driving, traveling, marine sports, and more.

【Brown, which emphasizes the contours of the face for a stylish look】

If you're choosing from among the basic colors, brown is another recommendation.

Compared to black, brown lenses not only block glare but also help adjust contrast,

making them well-suited to outings and drives on cloudy days, as well as field sports like golf.

Some people may feel a bit uneasy since the eyes aren't completely hidden, but

brown lenses actually emphasize the shadows and contours of the face when worn,

giving the face a more sculpted look and creating a much sharper overall impression.

Black lenses can sometimes make a face look unintentionally intimidating, so

if your goal is to look more stylish, brown is the better choice.

【Matching your hair color is a foolproof way to blend in beautifully】

Beyond choosing based on glare reduction and the impression a color gives when worn,

there's one more thing worth paying attention to: whether the color blends well with your hair.

This matters, of course, when choosing sunglasses from an online shop where you can't try them on,

but even when you can try them on in a store, once you're wearing the sunglasses,

your reflection in the mirror will appear tinted by the color of the lenses,

so whether the color actually matches your hair becomes a surprisingly easy thing to overlook.

If trying them on isn't an option, it helps to think carefully about whether the color will match your hair,

and even if you can try them on in a shop, asking staff for their advice is a good way to

find sunglasses that blend more naturally with your look.

 

【When in doubt, the Wellington shape suits almost everyone】

Just as with choosing regular glasses, the shape of the frame has the biggest impact on the impression your face gives.

Broadly speaking, the choice comes down to "round" or "square," and this can be surprisingly difficult to decide.

Round frames are generally thought to give a gentle impression, while square frames create a sharp, cool look, but

which one actually suits you best varies from person to person.

If you've looked around at many options and still can't decide, the "Wellington" style is a great choice.

It has a rounded design, but it's a classic style that oddly suits both round faces and square-jawed faces alike.

【The Thermont shape for a bit of distinction】

If you already own a classic design and want to add something with a bit more flair, the "Thermont" shape is worth considering.

Glasses with a frame only along the top half of the lens are called Thermont style,

combining acetate and metal, with the acetate section shaped like an eyebrow.

The story goes that in the 1950s, a US military officer named Mont, worried that his thin eyebrows made him look less dignified,

consulted a tailor, who came up with this design.

Whether for regular glasses or sunglasses, how well the top of the frame matches the curve of your eyebrows

makes a big difference in how flattering the style looks, and when the top rim of the frame is emphasized,

it creates a very dignified impression.

It may look like a distinctive design, but the rounded lenses and shorter vertical height

make this a popular style that tends to suit Japanese faces well. 

【The right way to put on, take off, and clean your glasses】

When you put on or take off your glasses or sunglasses using just one hand,

the load inevitably falls on just one side.

Doing this once won't cause much harm, but since it's a motion you repeat many times a day,

repeating the same habit over the years will eventually cause the frame to warp.

Once the frame warps and the left-right balance is thrown off, the glasses will no longer fit your face properly.

Always be sure to use both hands when putting on or taking off your glasses.

Cleaning the lenses also calls for some care.

When wiping each of the two lenses, do you find yourself unconsciously gripping the opposite lens tightly

and rubbing it hard?

It's easy to end up gripping the rim or temple (arm) of the opposite lens tightly

and polishing with too much force,

but for the same reason as putting on and taking off your glasses, this puts unnecessary strain on the frame.

So when using a cloth to wipe the lenses,

try to hold the lens you want to clean with one hand.

It may take a little practice at first, but hold the frame by pinching it with your fingers,

and gently wipe away the dirt on the lens with the cloth—do it this way and it should go smoothly.

【Storage Methods to Watch Out For】

Sunglasses see a lot of use in summer, and many people wear them while driving, but

if you leave them in a car that gets extremely hot in summer,

there's a risk of warping or deterioration, so when you get out of the car,

it's best to carry them in a glasses case.

Also, just as with regular glasses, "warping" of the frame is a major enemy.

Even a slight warp will throw off the left-right balance,

causing them to no longer fit your face properly.

When carrying them in a bag, be sure to store them in a case.

This not only prevents warping but also helps keep the lenses from getting scratched, giving you peace of mind.