Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement; they're essential for protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays and intense glare. However, with so many sunglass styles and lens types available, choosing the right pair of shades can be a daunting task. One key decision you'll face is whether to opt for polarized or non-polarized lenses.
The Science Behind Polarized and Non-Polarized Lenses:
Choosing the Perfect Pair for Your Needs:
Polarized lenses are ideal for:
However, there are some situations where polarized lenses may not be the best choice:
Non-polarized lenses can be a good fit for:
Beyond the Basics: Additional Sunglass Lens Types
Mirrored Lens Sunglasses
Mirrored lenses add a fashionable touch to sunglasses while also offering additional benefits:
Gradient Lens Sunglasses
Gradient lenses provide a stylish and practical option:
Finding the Perfect Pair of Affordable Sunglasses:
It's no secret that most sunglasses are expensive, but there are quality inexpensive sunglasses under $100 and even $50 that offer the same lens functionalities without breaking the bank. Here are some options to consider, without compromising on quality or style:
A nice pair of shades can take your style to the next level, but it’s tough coming across cool and stylish sunglasses that fit your face well. With so many trendy sunglass styles and shapes to choose from, it can be challenging to find a pair of aesthetic sunglasses that match your facial features. By the end of this sunglasses and face shapes guide you’ll know exactly what to look for when buying your next pair of shades.
Shopping for the perfect sunglasses really comes down to choosing the right sunglasses for your face shape and size. Whether you're looking for classic, oversized, or sporty sunglasses, there are tons of cool sunglasses for men and women to choose from, but not all styles are created equal when it comes to your unique face shape. This face shape sunglass guide will explore each face shape and size to recommend the best styles of sunglasses for your face. So, let's get right to it and find the ideal pair of shades for you!
Do face shape and size really make a difference with sunglasses? Most certainly! With that said, you’re now probably wondering, “What shape is my face?”... “How can I do a face shape test?”... and, “What are the best sunglasses for my face shape?”... Don’t worry, that’s all covered below! You’ll become familiar with each face shape, the most common sunglass style names, and be able to choose the best sunglasses for your face shape and size. From oval to oblong faces, there’s an ideal pair of sunglasses to match your face.
To find out your face shape, start by taking a look below at the defining features of each face. Once you’ve figured out the shape of your face, each face shape section also includes recommended sunglass styles suitable for those facial features. Let’s start with the easiest shape to find sunglasses for; oval faces.
An oval face shape is considered to be the ideal face shape and is characterized by balanced features and gentle curves. The face length is slightly longer than the width, and both the forehead and jawline are wider than the cheekbones. These features create a harmonious and symmetrical appearance. Oval face males and females are lucky in the sense that they have the ability to pull off a wide range of different sunglasses shapes and styles with an oval face shape.
From cool futuristic sunglasses to classic retro vintage glasses, an oval face shape has so many unique sunglass styles to choose from! While oval faces benefit from looking great in pretty much any of today’s trendy and fashionable sunglasses styles, the absolute best sunglasses for women and men with oval faces tend to complement the face's natural curves and symmetry. The focus should be on finding a pair of glasses that enhances their natural facial features and does not detract from them. In other words, oval face sunglass styles should be proportional to the face without overpowering it. Another key factor to keep in mind when choosing sunglasses for an oval face is to avoid frames that are too large or too small. Oversized sunglass frames can overwhelm the face, while small frames can look out of proportion. By keeping these tips in mind, you can accentuate your features and create a flattering look that suits your individual style.
A round face is a face shape that has a similar width and height, resulting in a circular shape. Round faces typically lack defined angles or sharp lines, resulting in a youthful and playful appearance. This face type has soft and curved lines, with a rounded jawline and a fuller cheek area. The cheekbones are prominent and the face may appear slightly wider in the forehead and cheek area, while the chin is round and less defined.
In general, people with round faces may benefit from sunglass features that add length and angularity to the face shape, as these features can help to balance the face and create a more defined and structured appearance. Men and women with round faces should choose sunglasses that help elongate and slim the face; angular frame (square and rectangular frame) and tall brow line glasses like wayfarer and clubmaster styles are great sunglasses for round faces.
A square face is a face shape that has a similar width and height, with a strong, angular jawline and a square chin. Square faces typically have sharp, defined lines, giving them a strong and structured appearance. The cheekbones are straight and the broad forehead is typically wider than the cheek and jawline. Square faced men and women generally have a strong, bold appearance, and tend to benefit from round sunglass shapes that soften and round their features… As mentioned earlier, round faces should SHARPEN their features with angular square and rectangle sunglasses, while square faces should do the opposite and SOFTEN their sharp features… (square glasses for round face, round glasses for square face). Round circle sunglasses and oval frame glasses are therefore top sunglass styles for women and men with square faces.
A diamond shaped face is characterized by a narrow forehead and jawline, with the cheekbones being the widest part of the face. The chin is usually pointed, and the face length is typically longer than the width. Diamond faces are considered to be unique and distinctive, with a balanced proportion of facial features. Women and men with diamond shaped faces should choose glasses that complement their facial structure and highlight their cheekbones. It is recommended for diamond faced men and women to choose sunglasses that are wider at the temples and the cheekbones, helping to balance the narrow forehead and jawline. Some popular sunglasses for diamond face shape males and females include round frame and aviator frame sunglasses. These styles help to soften the angles of a diamond face and add width to the narrow temples of diamond faces. Women’s cat eye frames, with their distinctive cat-like extended frames at the upper corners, are also ideal sunglasses for diamond face females as they widen the look of narrow temples.
A heart shaped face is characterized by a wide forehead and a narrow chin, creating a distinctive shape that resembles a heart. Being widest at the top and narrowest at the bottom of the face, a heart face shape creates a structured and defined appearance.
In terms of choosing the right sunglasses for their face shape, people with heart face shapes should aim to balance the upper and lower parts of their face by choosing frames that add width to the lower portion of the face. Sunglasses with wider lower rims, such as wayfarer styles, can help to balance the proportions of the face. Additionally, sunglasses with rounded or oval lenses can help to soften the pointed features of the jawline and chin, giving a more refined appearance.
An oblong or rectangular face shape is characterized by having a longer face length compared to its width. This long face shape has a narrow forehead and jawline with a pointed chin and even face proportions. The goal when choosing sunglasses for a rectangular / oblong face is to shorten the appearance of the face and add width to balance out this narrow shaped face. Overall, the best sunglasses for rectangle face men and women make a narrow face look wider and shorter.
Rectangle / oblong face shapes should avoid wide sunglasses, as this will only emphasize the long length of the face. Instead, people with an oblong or rectangular face shape should choose narrow and tall lens sunglasses with a more vertical orientation to shorten the appearance of the face. Aviators, cat eye, rimless, and round / oval frame sunglasses are good glasses for oblong and rectangle shaped faces, as they can help to add width to the face.
Having a large face can make finding the right pair of sunglasses a bit of a challenge, as many styles tend to look unbalanced and out of proportion on large and wide face shapes. With the right choice of frame size and style, however, it’s possible to find the perfect sunglasses for a large face. In the end, it’s all about choosing a frame style that provides contrast and balance and fits comfortably.
Square or rectangular frame oversized sunglasses are ideal for both men and women with large faces. Oversize frame sunglasses provide excellent coverage for larger facial features, while the wide frame of these glasses helps to create a sense of balance between the face and the glasses. The angular frames of square and rectangle styles in particular also add a slimming effect to a big face. Additionally, the larger frames of oversized shades make them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, as they won’t sit too tightly on a large face. Overall, square and rectangular frame oversize sunglasses are a great choice for anyone with a larger face who wants to look stylish and feel comfortable at the same time.
Aviators are also top sunglasses for people with large faces. The lenses of aviator glasses are usually quite big and the frame itself is generally wider, which can help to balance out a larger face. Aviator shades are also available in a range of sizes, so it is possible to find a pair that fits well and provides adequate coverage for a big face.
Tall lens sunglasses can be great for men and women with big faces due to their ability to elongate the face and add vertical balance. With large faces having more surface area to cover, tall sunglasses help to create a sense of height and proportion. The vertical lines of these sunglasses draw the eyes upward, creating the illusion of a longer face shape. By providing an elongating effect, sunglasses with tall lenses help to counterbalance the width and size of the face, resulting in a more flattering appearance.
Finally, wide frame sunglasses are another option to consider for the primary reason of narrow frame glasses being too tight to fit comfortably on a large face. If you’re unsure about whether or not a certain sunglass frame will be large enough for your face and head, check the sunglass size measurements listed in the product description before buying sunglasses online. If you already have a pair of wide frame or large sunglasses that fit you well, check the measurement numbers printed on the inside of the glasses frames to use a reference for knowing your ideal sunglass measurement. In general, wide sunglasses tend to be over 40 mm wide.
Individuals with small faces have unique challenges when it comes to finding the right pair of sunglasses. The goal is to find a style that complements petite face features without overwhelming or overpowering the face. Here are some of the best sunglasses styles for small faces:
When choosing sunglasses for a small face, it's important to consider the size of the frame and the lens. Smaller frames and lenses are generally more suitable for small faces, as they won't overwhelm or overpower the features. Additionally, a frame that sits high on the bridge of the nose can elongate the face and create a more proportionate look.
So, you've learned all about how your face shape and size play a crucial role in finding the perfect pair of sunglasses. Whether you have an oval, round, square, diamond, heart or oblong face shape, there's a style out there that will complement your features to make you look great wearing sunglasses. From angular square and rectangular frames to curvy cat-eye and round styles, the options are endless. And let's not forget, your face size matters too! From big and bold to petite and delicate, there's a pair of sunglasses that will fit your face perfectly and make you feel confident.
The best part? It's time to go shopping! Say goodbye to boring and generic sunglasses and hello to a new, personalized and stylish pair that you'll love wearing every day. Don't be afraid to try something new (such as bamboo and wooden sunglasses) and have fun with it! And remember, sunglasses don’t have to break the bank… If you’re looking for sustainable, cool and affordable sunglasses under $100, an independent sunglass brand like Kiwi Kool has you covered with unique stylish shades for men and women.
]]>What makes sustainable fashion important? Along with fashion being the 2nd most polluting industry worldwide, animal exploitation and human labor abuse are common in the industry. Companies and consumers alike therefore have a responsibility to support ethical environmental and social practices to protect the wellbeing of our planet and all living things. Accelerating climate change and worldwide labor abuses have resulted in the emergence of socially conscious and environmentally friendly fashion brands; these companies put people, animals, and the environment over profits.
While fast fashion companies are using excessive amounts of water, chemicals, and energy to produce clothing and apparel as fast and cheap as possible, “slow fashion” brands are adopting eco-friendly, sustainable approaches to taking responsibility for the social and environmental impact of fashion. Sustainable fashion brands use ethical labor practices to produce eco-friendly clothing and fashion accessories by using fewer resources, committing to the use of sustainable materials, and by having better control of and a more ethical approach to their supply chain. Manufacturing fashion products with both fewer and ethical materials is equally important to how fashion products are produced (fair labor standards, avoiding animal abuse, etc.). By adhering to elevated social and ecological standards, sustainable fashion brands are minimizing the negative effects on the environment and society.
Environmental and socially responsible fashion brands are working behind the scenes to support a sustainable future for all. A growing number of sustainable brands have committed to supporting specific social and environmental causes: Many socially focused brands put a portion of their profits toward providing clean drinking water to poor communities or donating to youth education initiatives, while environmentally focused brands often support ecological projects such as ocean cleanup and recycling efforts, animal protection initiatives, or tree-planting reforestation projects. As an example, Kiwi Kool, www.KiwiKool.co, plants one tree for every purchase of its sustainable fashion apparel by partnering with non-profit organizations such as One Tree Planted, www.onetreeplanted.org.
With the growing trend toward sustainability, eco fashion brands are coming up with new creative and unique fashion items for eco-conscious consumers to up their style sustainably. Examples include apparel made with natural and biodegradable materials such as wood, straw, rattan, and organic cotton, as well as items which utilize vegan leather or cork instead of traditional animal leather. A few products with these sustainable features include eco-friendly straw and rattan handbags, non-plastic items such as wooden sunglasses and wooden watches, and any "made to order" apparel which have essentially zero waste (items that are made one by one only after each order is received). Each of these eco-friendly items often come in sustainable packaging, such as a wooden case for wood sunglasses and watches, or by adopting minimalist packaging to avoid excessive waste. Now let’s dig deeper and see what makes each of these unique fashion accessories so great!
Kiwi Kool Straw & Rattan Bags for Women
https://kiwikool.co/collections/straw-bags
Eco-friendly straw and rattan handbags have become a popular sustainable alternative to leather and synthetic handbags. Compared to traditional women's handbags, these natural and biodegradable handbags offer an eco vegan-friendly option for women concerned about animal protection and the ecological impact of synthetic materials. Straw is a fast growing biodegradable resource which is plentiful and quick to replenish; it is a natural byproduct of cereal crops such as oats, barley, rice, wheat, and rye and is easy to reuse. Rattan is a sustainable, fast growing palm which can be picked without harming the plant. It's also strong and lightweight, perfect features for a small crossbody or daily handbag. The eco-friendly elements of these highly abundant, renewable resources make straw and rattan bags highly sustainable fashion items with virtually zero carbon footprint.
To stay true to their environmental purpose, these sustainable handbags have vegan leather straps and handles, as vegan leather (faux leather) requires fewer resources, creates less pollution, and does not negatively impact animal welfare. Aside from being eco-friendly, straw and rattan bags are also stylish and functional! They make for great beach bags, casual day bags, and lightweight evening bags for their minimalistic and rustic yet elegant design which complements most spring and summer outfits with a natural touch.
Traditional handcraft methods are frequently used in the manufacture of straw and rattan handbags, which can benefit regional economies and skilled craftspeople. Additionally, this promotes the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional crafts. Overall, handbags made of rattan and straw are a perfect eco-friendly substitute for conventional synthetic bags because they are fashionable, sustainable, biodegradable, and uphold traditional workmanship. They are a fantastic start in lessening the fashion industry's negative environmental effects and advancing sustainable living.
Kiwi Kool Wood Sunglasses for Men & Women
https://kiwikool.co/collections/wooden-sunglasses
For consumers seeking to lessen their influence on the environment and desiring a more unique pair of shades, wooden sunglasses are a distinctive and fashionable solution. Sunglasses made of wood have a natural appearance and feel and are constructed from high quality, responsibly obtained wood and bamboo. Bamboo, in particular, is extremely fast growing, strong, and easy to source sustainably. Compared to more conventional sunglass materials like plastic, the production of wood eyewear is more environmentally friendly, as plastic sunglasses are constructed with non-renewable materials and add to plastic pollution in our oceans, beaches, and landfills. Plastic sunglasses can be replaced with wood sunglasses as a more environmentally friendly option. Woodgrain sunglasses are also frequently handcrafted, which gives them a unique and special originality. Kiwi Kool is one such fashion eyewear company which offers these cool sustainable sunglasses made of real wood!
Kiwi Kool Wood Watches for Men & Women
https://kiwikool.co/collections/wood-watches
Another eco fashion accessory to add to your wardrobe are watches made of wood and bamboo! Wood watches are a stylish and ecological alternative to conventional watches made of plastic and metal due to wood's renewable nature and the ability to handcraft strikingly beautiful designs with wood. Wood and bamboo watches are fashionable, durable, highly unique, and even make great hypoallergenic watches for watch wearers with nickel allergies (avoid metal watches). Handmade woodgrain watches also promote artisan craftsmanship and lessen the environmental effects of mass manufacturing.
Kiwi Kool Sustainable Graphic T-Shirts & Tank Tops:
https://kiwikool.co/collections/t-shirts
Kiwi Kool Sustainable Graphic Hoodies:
https://kiwikool.co/collections/unisex-hoodies-sweatshirts
Sustainable clothing, often made from biodegradable or natural materials such as organic cotton or hemp, is produced in an ethical and transparent manner. Clothing production is typically extremely water intensive and can be quite polluting when non-eco-friendly dyes are used or wasteful energy practices are performed. Sustainable clothing manufacturers such as Bella Canvas, www.bellacanvas.com/eco_friendly, are therefore putting forth strong efforts to minimize the environmental impact of clothing production by using 7x less water than other manufacturers, recycling almost all materials, and substantially reducing CO2 emissions. For these reasons, when Kiwi Kool first started as a sustainable fashion brand, it chose to have the majority of its clothing designs printed on Bella Canvas apparel rather than on cheaper, lower quality fabrics with fewer environmental standards.
"Made-to-order" apparel are apparel items which are produced one at a time; this creates environmental benefits such as reducing energy, water, chemical, and textile usage, as well as avoiding waste from overproduction. Made to order, also known as "print on demand" apparel also reduces transportation related emissions, as they avoid the extra shipping step that traditional mass-produced items undergo (made to order items are produced and shipped directly to the end consumer, whereas mass produced items are manufactured and then shipped to individual global retail outlets first).
Aside from an obvious example of made to order clothing, there are several other apparel items which make sense to be produced as made to order. Such examples could include any custom printed apparel catered toward small niche markets with low overall global demand, such as custom snapback hats for world traveler men, custom printed canvas tote bags for women, or custom engraved personalized jewelry... Fast fashion companies catering to the mass market would end up throwing away a lot of unsold inventory if they overproduced such specific apparel which only appeals to a small demographic of passionate consumers. To reduce waste by keeping production small, Kiwi Kool uses this made to order apparel model which also provides customers with unique apparel designs with customization and personalization options.
Brands and consumers alike must consider ethical ways of making fashion sustainable. Fast fashion companies must shift away from their detrimental practices of producing cheap apparel which often ends up in landfills, while consumers can choose to purchase eco-friendly fashion accessories and support socially conscious, environmentally friendly brands. We all have a duty to create a more sustainable future; luckily, there are many affordable sustainable fashion brands which offer stylish eco-friendly fashion apparel alternatives.
In addition to the sustainability initiatives of Kiwi Kool, check out how other sustainable fashion brands like Everlane, Reformation, Free People, Proof Eyewear, and Patagonia are also doing their part to bring high quality and affordable eco fashion to the planet.
Kiwi Kool
www.kiwikool.co/pages/sustainability
Everlane
www.everlane.com/cleaner-fashion
Reformation
www.thereformation.com/sustainability/oh-hi.html
Free People
www.freepeople.com/care-fp-mother-nature
Proof Eyewear
www.iwantproof.com/pages/do-good-program
Patagonia
https://www.patagonia.com/one-percent-for-the-planet.html