Polarized Sunglasses for Men: What You Need to Know

As summer approaches, it's time to think about protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Polarized sunglasses are popular with men, as they offer both style and functionality. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about polarized sunglasses for men, including their benefits, how they work, types of polarized lenses, choosing the right frame, and maintenance tips.

Table of Contents

1. What are polarized sunglasses?
2. How do polarized sunglasses work?
3. Benefits of polarized sunglasses for men
4. Types of polarized lenses
5. Choosing the right frame for your polarized sunglasses
6. How to maintain your polarized sunglasses
7. Are polarized sunglasses worth the investment?
8. The difference between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses
9. Polarized sunglasses for specific activities
10. How to spot fake polarized sunglasses
11. How to clean and care for polarized sunglasses
12. Polarized sunglasses for men: A fashion statement
13. Frequently asked questions

1. What are polarized sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses are a type of sunglasses that have a special coating on the lenses to reduce glare. Glare occurs when light reflects off of a surface, such as water or snow, and enters your eyes. This can be not only annoying but also dangerous, as it can impair your vision and make it difficult to see clearly.

Much like our Minima Retro Round Polarized Sunglasses or the Jimbo Steampunk Round Polarized Sunglasses, Polarized sunglasses block this reflected light, making it easier to see and reducing eye strain. 

2. How do polarized sunglasses work?

Polarized sunglasses work by blocking polarized light. Light waves vibrate in all directions, but when they reflect off of a surface, they become polarized, meaning that the waves vibrate in a specific direction. The special coating on polarized sunglasses is designed to only allow light waves that are vibrating in a horizontal direction to pass through the lenses. This blocks the polarized light that causes glare, making it easier to see clearly.

3. Benefits of polarized sunglasses for men

There are many benefits to wearing polarized sunglasses for men, including:

Reduced glare

As mentioned above, polarized sunglasses reduce glare, making it easier to see in bright conditions.

Improved vision

By reducing glare and blocking polarized light, polarized sunglasses can improve your vision, making it easier to see clearly.

Reduced eye strain

When you're squinting to see in bright conditions, it can cause eye strain and fatigue. Polarized sunglasses can help reduce this.

Better depth perception

Polarized sunglasses can also improve your depth perception, making it easier to judge distances and perceive the world around you.

You can find some of these sunglasses by visiting our online sunglass shop.

4. Types of polarized lenses

There are different types of polarized lenses to choose from, each with its own set of benefits. Some of the most common types include:

Glass lenses

Glass lenses are the most scratch-resistant and offer the best clarity, but they can be heavy and expensive.

Polycarbonate lenses

Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and impact-resistant, making them a good choice for active lifestyles.

Acrylic lenses

Acrylic lenses are also lightweight, but they scratch more easily than glass or polycarbonate lenses.

Gradient lenses

Gradient lenses are tinted from the top down, with the top being the darkest. This is useful for driving, as it allows you to see the dashboard clearly while still reducing glare from the sun.

Mirrored lenses

Mirrored lenses have a reflective coating on the outside of the lens, which reflects light away from your eyes. They are a popular choice for their stylish appearance and added glare reduction.

Photochromic lenses

Photochromic lenses automatically adjust their tint based on the amount of UV light they are exposed to. This makes them versatile for varying light conditions but may not provide the same level of polarization as dedicated polarized lenses.

5. Choosing the right frame for your polarized sunglasses

When choosing a pair of polarized sunglasses, it's important to consider the frame as well. The frame should be comfortable and fit well on your face. Some things to consider when choosing a frame include:

Frame material

Sunglasses frames can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and acetate. Choose a material that suits your style and fits comfortably on your face.

Frame shape

Different frame shapes can complement different face shapes. Round faces, for example, look good with square frames, while square faces look good with round frames.

Lens size

The size of the lenses can also affect the look of the sunglasses. Large lenses can make a bold statement, while smaller lenses are more understated.

Frame durability

Consider the durability of the frame, especially if you plan on using your polarized sunglasses for sports or other activities where they may be subject to impact.

Frame style

Choose a frame style that matches your personal taste and complements your wardrobe. Popular styles include aviators, wayfarers, and wraparound designs.

6. How to maintain your polarized sunglasses

To ensure your polarized sunglasses last as long as possible, it's important to take care of them. Some tips for maintaining your polarized sunglasses include:

• Use a microfiber cloth to clean the lenses. This will prevent scratches.
• Avoid using paper towels or tissues, as they can scratch the lenses.
• Keep your sunglasses in a protective case when not in use.
• Avoid leaving your sunglasses in hot cars or in direct sunlight, as this can damage the lenses.

 

7. Are polarized sunglasses worth the investment?

Polarized sunglasses can be more expensive than non-polarized sunglasses, but they are worth the investment. The benefits of polarized sunglasses, such as reduced glare and improved vision, make them a worthwhile purchase, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

8. The difference between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses

The main difference between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses is that polarized sunglasses have a special coating on the lenses to reduce glare, while non-polarized sunglasses do not. Non-polarized sunglasses are still good for blocking out UV rays, but they don't offer the same level of clarity and reduced eye strain as polarized sunglasses.

9. Polarized sunglasses for specific activities

Polarized sunglasses are particularly beneficial for certain activities where glare can be an issue. Some examples include:

Fishing

Polarized sunglasses are an excellent choice for fishing, as they can reduce the glare from the water, making it easier to see fish below the surface. The improved vision provided by polarized sunglasses can also help anglers judge the distance and depth of fish more accurately.

Driving

Polarized sunglasses can help reduce glare from the road, other vehicles, and traffic signs, making driving safer and more comfortable.

Snow sports

Skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports can benefit from polarized sunglasses, as they reduce glare from the snow and ice, improving visibility and reducing eye strain.

Golf

Polarized sunglasses are beneficial for golfers, as they can help reduce glare from water hazards and improve depth perception, making it easier to judge distances on the course.

Cycling

Cyclists can benefit from polarized sunglasses, as they reduce glare from the road and other surfaces, making it easier to see potential hazards and improving overall visibility.

10. How to spot fake polarized sunglasses

Unfortunately, some sunglasses on the market claim to be polarized but are not. Here are some tips to help you spot fake polarized sunglasses:

• Test the lenses: Hold your sunglasses in front of a computer screen or smartphone display. If the lenses darken or become opaque when you rotate the glasses, they are likely polarized.
• Check for a polarized logo: Genuine polarized sunglasses often have a "P" logo on the lens or frame to indicate they are polarized.
• Compare with a known pair: If you have a pair of polarized sunglasses, compare them with the pair you're considering. If you notice a significant difference in glare reduction, the new pair may not be polarized.

11. How to clean and care for polarized sunglasses

Proper cleaning and care can help extend the life of your polarized sunglasses. Follow these steps to keep your sunglasses in top condition:

• Rinse your sunglasses with water to remove any dust or dirt.
• Use a mild soap or lens cleaner to gently clean the lenses and frame.
• Rinse the sunglasses again to remove any soap residue.
• Use a microfiber cloth to dry the lenses and frame. Avoid using paper towels or tissues, as they can scratch the lenses.
• Store your sunglasses in a protective case when not in use.

12. Polarized sunglasses for men: A fashion statement

In addition to their practical benefits, polarized sunglasses can also be a stylish accessory for men. With a wide variety of styles, shapes, and colors available, you can find a pair of polarized sunglasses that not only protect your eyes but also make a fashion statement. Popular styles for men include aviators, wayfarers, and sporty wraparound designs.

13. Frequently asked questions

Can I wear polarized sunglasses while using a smartphone or other digital devices?

Yes, you can wear polarized sunglasses while using a smartphone or other digital devices. However, you may notice that the screen appears darker or has a rainbow-like effect. This is due to the interaction between the polarized lenses and the screen's protective coating. If you find this bothersome, you may want to consider a pair of sunglasses with a lower level of polarization. 

Are polarized sunglasses suitable for night driving?

Polarized sunglasses are not recommended for night driving, as they can reduce the amount of light entering your eyes, making it more difficult to see in low light conditions. Instead, consider wearing glasses with anti-reflective coating or yellow-tinted lenses to improve night driving visibility.

Can polarized sunglasses be prescription?

Yes, polarized sunglasses can be made with prescription lenses. Many eyewear retailers offer prescription polarized sunglasses in various styles and lens materials.

Are polarized sunglasses suitable for skiing or snowboarding?

Polarized sunglasses can be suitable for skiing or snowboarding, as they can help reduce glare from snow and ice. However, it is important to choose a pair with a wraparound frame to provide better coverage and protection from wind and cold. Goggles with polarized lenses are also available for those who prefer a more secure fit.

Can you wear polarized sunglasses with contact lenses?

Yes, you can wear polarized sunglasses with contact lenses. In fact, combining contact lenses with polarized sunglasses can provide optimal vision correction and glare reduction for those who require prescription eyewear.