Ladies, listen up! Sunglasses can make you look uber-cool, like Trinity in the Matrix movies. However, they not only help you look good, but they can also help protect your eyes from intense light or glare. Not just any pair of sunglasses would do, either. For the best protection, opt for polarized sunglasses. But with all the choices out there, how do you narrow down your options from among the best polarized sunglasses for women?
How To Choose The Right Polarized Sunglasses For Women
The right type of sunnies doesn’t have to cost the earth. Sure, polarized sunglasses from prestigious brands can up the cool factor. Still, you’ll find a good number of affordable brands that will protect your eyes from glare. So, whether you’re headed to a Colorado ski resort or a unique beach, consider these factors when shopping for polarized sunglasses.
UV Protection
Polarization scatters harmful ultraviolet rays. It doesn’t automatically block them. If spending plenty of time outdoors is on your agenda, it’s best to choose sunnies with excellent UV blocking. The good news is, most eyewear companies today offer polarized sunglasses with full UV protection.
Lens Finish
Lenses for polarized sunglasses come in two thicknesses: 0.57 mm and 1.1 mm. Either one can protect your vision from glare and enhance visual clarity. However, thicker lenses are more durable. Hence, they’re more suitable for extreme sports. Also, the color of the lenses can affect contrast and clarity. For instance, amber or green lenses will help you see fast-moving objects better.
Frames
Sunglass frames come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it’s likely there’s one out there that will complement your facial shape. Still, there are a few things to consider when choosing frames. First, think of whether to choose a metal or plastic frame. Metal might be a bit heavier, but this is a good thing if you’ll be spending time in windy conditions. Also, make sure that the frame’s arms maneuver smoothly and that it rests on your ears and your nose without pinching them.
Ray-Ban RB4068 Sunglasses For Women
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The company that’s a titan in the field of eyewear offers iconic sunglasses, and the RB4068 is no exception. Boasting the classic square style, the Ray-Ban RB4068 sunglasses provide full coverage wrap. The plastic frame is light, and the square shape flatters most face shapes and sizes.
The frames are available in either gloss tortoise or tortoise. The polarized glass lenses, meanwhile, come in either brown or green. The brown lenses provide greater contrast in low light and allow you to see with greater clarity. On the other hand, green lenses absorb 85% of visible light and block out the majority of blue light. Thus, it ensures a more natural vision.
What We Love About It
- The classic and timeless look that looks stylish in nearly all situations.
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- Free cleaning kit
- Wide visual coverage
- Durable
- Flattering wrap-around style
- Stays in place even if you move around a lot
Cons
- Not the cheapest polarized sunglasses for women around
- Because it’s so popular, it’s hardly a unique look
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Kate Spade New York Women’s Annika Sunglasses
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These Kate Spade New York Women’s Annika polarized sunglasses are classic yet fashion-forward. It’s a versatile piece of eyewear that looks good in casual or formal situations. The pattern on the inside of the arms only adds to its stylishness.
The acetate frame features rectangular rims with rounded edges. These slightly oversized rims curve for a snug fit on the head. The polarized lenses, made from polycarbonate, provide 100% protection from harmful ultraviolet rays.
The lens width is 57mm, the bridge width is 16mm, and the temple length is 122mm.
What We Love About It
- It comes with a branded case
- It’s prescription ready (Rx-able)
Pros
- The acetate frame is lightweight, flexible, and durable
- The polycarbonate lenses are shatter-resistant and impact-resistant
- The price is affordable
- Fashionable design
Cons
- The oversized rims may not suit all women with small faces.
- The light frame might feel flimsy to some
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Bolle Women’s Greta Sunglasses
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The French company Bolle has been delivering quality eyewear since 1888. The Bolle Women’s Greta Sunglasses are an example of how the company combines fashion and function. Constructed from B88 nylon, the frame is strong, yet flexible and lightweight at the same time. Also, it offers excellent shock resistance.
Likewise, the polycarbonate polarized lenses are light and resistant to impact. In fact, they are much lighter and more impact-resistant than glass lenses. Also, with a flash mirror coating, they are anti-reflective and provide true color reproduction. And they are perfect for sunny conditions due to a 10% visible light transmission. It’s also worth noting that the lenses are oleophobic and hydrophobic. This means that they repel water spots, grease, and dirt.
What We Love About It
- Comfortable fit
- Stylish look
Pros
- Provides full UVA and UVB protection
- The shape and size are suitable for smaller faces
- Sturdy and durable feel
Cons
- The lenses may deteriorate with prolonged exposure to salt water
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Oakley Women’s OO9191 Unstoppable Rectangular sunglasses
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Proudly made in the USA, the Oakley Women’s OO9191 Unstoppable Rectangular Sunglasses pack a punch. For one thing, the O-Matter frame, made from injection-molded thermoplastic, is very durable. Compared to traditional acetate, it’s stronger and resists deformity over time. Plus, the semi-rimless design gives you an unobstructed downward view.
The polarized Plutonite lenses are light in weight but heavy on protection. They provide full UV protection and filter UVA, UVB, UVC, and blue light. Visual clarity is supremely sharp from every angle due to the patented high definition optics. Several lens tints are available including brown and blue.
What We Love About It
- It looks feminine
- Comfortable to wear all day long
Pros
- Comes with a soft sunglass case and microbag
- The nose pads increase their grip with perspiration, ensuring they stay in place
- Color, contrast, and detail are enhanced with PRIZM Lens Technology
- Ideal for strenuous activities like running and cycling
Cons
- The lenses could have better scratch-resistance
- The Prizm Lens Technology makes the sunglasses less than ideal for reading your phone
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Maui Jim Honi Polarized Cat Eye sunglasses
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The Maui Jim Honi Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses is a great piece of eyewear for women. Whether you have an active or a laid-back lifestyle, you’ll experience its benefits for years to come. This is because the frame, built from injected nylon, can withstand extended wear time. Also, the SuperThin Glass Material of the lenses resists scratches and solvents.
The sunglasses feature Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2 lens technology. It protects your eyes from both UV rays and glare that can cause headaches. Plus, the technology enhances colors by offering the highest available light reduction. Whether the sun is shining bright or whether the day is overcast, these Honi sunglasses perform well.
What We Love About It
- The tropical appearance
- High contrast that’s fantastic for fast-moving activities and sports
Pros
- The SuperThin Glass is lighter and thinner than regular glass
- Available in prescription
- Comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Fits securely with the saddle bridge and nose pad inserts
Cons
- Pricy
- It might seem child-sized to women with large faces
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Carfia Vintage Round Polarized Sunglasses For Women
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Want to look trendy while shielding your eyes from glare? With the Carfia Vintage Round Polarized Sunglasses for Women, it’s as easy as pie. Plus, you don’t need to spend an obscene amount of money to do so. The hand-polished cellulose acetate frame is hypoallergenic, perfect for women with sensitive skin. Also, unlike the usual injection-molded plastic frames, the Carfia frame doesn’t tend to flake or wear out easily.
The HD polarized lenses provide UV400 protection, blocking out blue light, UVA, UVB, and UVC. They also filter out the majority of reflected glare without compromising visual and color clarity. Also, they function well when it comes to enhancing contrast. The lenses can withstand strong impacts, and they’re easy to clean too.
What We Love About It
- It’s inexpensive, providing value for money
- The vintage design is eye-catching
Pros
- It comes with a 365-day warranty on the frame and lenses
- The temple is flexible and adjustable
- Comfortable nose pads keep the frame from sliding
- Packaged in an elegant leather case
Cons
- It might fit too snugly for women with large heads
- The level of polarization could be improved
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Costa Del Mar Anaa Sunglasses
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If retro is your style, you’ll like the Costa Del Mar Anaa Polarized Sunglasses for Women. An American-made product, it’s got a lot going for it. For example, it’s built by hand and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. The frame, built from co-injected bio-based nylon, is durable yet light and comfy.
The polycarbonate lenses are copper polarized. Thus, its effectivity in cutting down reflected glare is enhanced. As a result, you experience less eye strain, whether you’re at the beach or on a golf course. Like the frame, the lenses are lightweight. They’re also scratch-resistant. These sunglasses measure 3 x 8 x 3 inches and have a shipping weight of 8 ounces.
What We Love About It
- The cool retro two-tone color and design
- Includes a carrying case and cleaning cloth
Pros
- Prescription-ready (Rx-able)
- Lenses are available in several colors
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
- Hip mirror lens finish
Cons
- The frame’s plastic hinge could be more durable
- It’s a bit pricy
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LVIOE Cat Eyes Polarized Sunglasses For Women
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Cat-eye sunglasses are all-time favorites among a lot of women. In the same way, oversized eyewear is a big hit. So, it’s no surprise that when you combine the two, you get something that’s quite popular. In this case, we have the LVIOE Cat Eyes Sunglasses for Women.
Made of premium polymer, the frame is very light and comfortable. The integral nose pads make for a snug fit while the arms, constructed from TR material, are quite flexible. The HD polarized TAC lenses, meanwhile, are resistant to scratching and shattering. Also, they are effective in reducing glare and light reflection. Plus, they protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
What We Love About It
- The extra-large coverage of the eyes and part of the face
- Highly affordable
- Attention-catching design
Pros
- There’s a variety of tinted polarized lenses available
- It comes with a hard case and polishing cloths
- After-sales service is available
Cons
- Because it’s very lightweight, it might not stay put when you push it up on your head
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DUCO Classic Polarized Sunglasses for Women Vintage Street Fashion DC1220
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It looks like something an A-list celebrity would wear, but for a fraction of the price! The Duco Classic Polarized Sunglasses for Women Vintage Street Fashion DC1220 offers great value for money. And hundreds of happy customers agree, giving it 5 stars and high praise. It’s a part of many women’s everyday lives, using it in activities ranging from driving to traveling. Plus, it looks well with virtually any type of outfit.
Besides blocking any unwelcome glare, the polarized composite lenses also filter out 100% of UVA and UVB rays. By doing so, they help prevent long-term damage from ultraviolet radiation. And by blocking glare, the polarized lenses help you see color more vividly. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate frame features a double hinge, which ensures smooth folding of the arms. Also, the integrated nose pad design promotes comfort and stability.
What We Love About It
- The Italian design concept looks classy
- It’s inexpensive yet offers high quality
Pros
- Made of premium materials
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, plus a lifetime damage warranty on the frame and lens
- Provides HD vision and blue light protection
Cons
- The lens might not be dark enough for some people
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Joopin Polarized Sunglasses For Women Vintage Big Frame
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The Joopin Polarized Vintage Big Frame Sunglasses for Women combines eye-catching design with extreme functionality. Add a super affordable price, and you get a winner with thousands of high ratings and reviews. Cheap doesn’t equate to shoddy, as Joopin demonstrates with this classy and attention-grabbing pair of shades.
If you’re a fan of bedazzled accessories, you’ll love the metal and rhinestone accents on the oversized polycarbonate frame. It isn’t all just cosmetic, though. The resin frame is very well constructed, considering its low price point. Plus, with reinforced metal hinges, you can expect outstanding flexibility and durability. Meanwhile, the polarized lenses have a UV400 protection coating that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Also, they enhance contrast and reduce heat radiation.
What We Love About It
- The glamorous movie-star vibe
- Low price point
Pros
- The polarized lenses are composed of 9 layers
- Comes with several types of sunglasses cases plus other accessories
- Some women wear it over their prescription glasses
- It sits on your nose, not on your cheeks
- It looks good even on women with small faces
Cons
- The lenses might not be dark enough for some
- The texture of the arms might irritate those with sensitive skin
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Tory Burch Women’s 0TY6051
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Aviator-style sunglasses with a feminine touch are what you get with the Tory Burch Women’s 0TY6051. This pair of polarized sunglasses for women exudes understated elegance and effortless style. Built from a high-tensile metal, these full-rim shades feature attractive and durable acetate arms. The nose pads are soft-tipped and adjustable for a comfortable fit.
The composite lenses are gradient polarized. Besides shielding your eyes from blinding glare, they also offer full protection from UV rays. As well, they can enhance contrast and permit greater depth of vision, particularly in water. Use it while driving or playing sports where glare reduction is needed. The lens measures 60mm, the bridge is 14 mm, and the arms are 140 mm long.
What We Love About It
- Value for money
- The chic, modern silhouette
Pros
- Comes with a Tory Burch logo case and satin drawstring bag
- Larger than most other aviator-style sunglasses
- Secure and comfortable fit
Cons
- It seems to look good only on oval or round face shapes
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Polarized Lenses?
Polarized lenses have a specialized chemical film that reduces or completely eliminates glare. This film absorbs horizontal light waves, which cause glare.
How Are Polarized Sunglasses Different From Regular Sunglasses?
Regular sunglasses simply have tinted or darkened lenses, which cut down the overall amount of light you see. However, they don’t typically reduce glare. Polarized sunglasses, on the other hand, absorbs the light that causes glare. Such light can come from sources like car headlights, or sunlight reflected from ice, snow, water, sand, or cement. Also, polarized lenses provide better depth perception. This is something that ordinary sunglass lenses don’t offer.
Can I Get Polarized Prescription Sunglasses?
You can buy your favorite sunglasses frame and have polarized prescription lenses put in by an optician. Alternatively, you can choose from fit-over sunglasses. These have polarized lenses and you wear them over your regular glasses.
Final Thoughts
Form and function aren’t mutually exclusive. For ladies who love fashion accessories, adding a pair of stylish polarized sunglasses to their collection is a pleasure. Even if you aren’t the type who lives and breathes fashion, the right type of eyewear matters if you love the outdoors. Want to stop squinting in bright light? With the right pair of polarized sunglasses for women, you can look fashionable and see better at the same time.
