Jul 26th, 2010 | Written by Original Writer | Posted in Sunglasses |

Spotlight On Sunglasses

It’s summer in the Western Hemisphere and time for sunglasses to shine as the fashion accessory of the moment. Though worn year-round, summer is the height of sunglasses popularity, and there are more than enough styles to choose from to make your fashion statement while protecting your baby blues (or greens and browns!).

It is important to note that UV (ultra-violet) rays can cause serious damage to one’s vision, so look for sunglasses that carry a protection rating of 400 to maximize your safety. Once you’ve established your protection standard, go for fit, comfort and style.

Ideally, your choice of “shades” should provide full coverage of the entire eye area, and should feel lightweight on the bridge of your nose and above your ears. Too tight at the ears or too loose at the bridge will not afford good protection, or make a carefree fashion statement.

Style is a very personal choice. Once associated with celebrity disguises, anyone can have the luxury of hiding behind a fabulous pair of shades. From colorfully tinted to strong polarized lenses, there is a look for everyone. Famously fashionable types from the past decades include the Jackie O, which has an oversize round lens and solid color frame. Evoking an air of 1960s hip, these never quite seem to go out of style and are worn primarily by women.

A unisex style is the Aviator which was modeled after the protective eye wear designed for pilots in the mid-1930′s. This style has not wavered in popularity since that time. Aviator lenses are full coverage, sporting a cutaway in the bridge area. Mirror shades are mirrored lenses featured on aviator style sunglasses as well as other fashionable types such as Teashades.

Teashades are small, round wire rimmed tinted glasses worn mostly for effect. Of all styles, these are probably the most widely popular and associated again with the 1960′s. Worn to identify oneself as a member of the counter culture backlash against the establishment, they are now taken for granted as merely another option in the arsenal of cutting edge fashion.

Fickle fashion has produced and cast off other styles such as Oversize Square lenses and Cat’s Eye frames which tilt to a sweet upturn by the brow. Often embellished with rhinestones, Cat’s Eye frames come into vogue briefly every decade or so to accompany ladies’ current clothes offerings. They disappear just as quickly when the next season hits the runway.

Finally, Wraparounds feature a one piece lens in a curved frame that wraps the eye from ear to ear. Extremely diverse and colorful in the 1980s, Wraparounds are also a must for sports due to the easy fit and stability they provide during activity.

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