Top brands of men's sunglasses. Rating of sunglasses manufacturers Fashion trend: cat eye glasses
It may seem difficult against the backdrop of their modern diversity. There are many glasses available in stores with lenses made of different materials, different colors and degree of darkness. There are dozens, even hundreds of frames on the shelves that can take all day to try on.
Therefore, to make your fate easier, carefully formulate for yourself where and how your future sports equipment will be used. Sunglasses. Most leading manufacturers specialize the sports optics they produce for a specific range of activities, making it easier for us to find the right model.
Regardless of the activity for which your glasses will be used, they will be based on lenses, which almost always “do not have registration” in a particular sport. Therefore, understanding what they are like will be useful for everyone who is faced with the problem of choosing glasses for outdoor activities.
Sports glasses lenses – what are they and which ones should you prefer?
Protective properties of lenses in sports glasses
UV protection
All modern sports glasses from leading manufacturers reliably protect our eyes from the negative effects of all types of ultraviolet rays: A, B and C (although potential danger for us only the first two represent). This applies even to those lenses that have no shading at all.
Visible light protection
Bright light can be very annoying and interfere with sports activities. To protect the eyes from its effects, glasses use darkening, which does not transmit part of the visible spectrum of light. Depending on how dark the lens is, it is assigned a certain index:
| Protective index | S0 | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visible light transmittance,% | 80-100 | 43-80 | 18-43 | 8-18 | 3-8 |
S0– transparent or almost transparent lenses. Used in low light conditions, at night, under artificial lighting and in cloudy weather.
S1– have a slight darkening. Used at dusk and cloudy weather. They have a certain contrast for a better perception of the surrounding area.
S2– have a medium shade. Used in partly cloudy and cloudy weather. They have a certain contrast for a better perception of the surrounding area.
S3– protect from strong bright light. Suitable for most users who play sports in sunny weather.
S4– protect the eyes from very bright light. Necessary for high mountain conditions, where the intensity of sunlight is an order of magnitude higher than at sea level. Used in mountaineering, ski touring, ski mountaineering and skyrunning. Since 2014, the S4 category characterizes not only the degree of darkening of the lenses of the glasses, but also the geometry of their frames.
Visible Light Protection Index
The darkness of category S4 glasses is so strong that it is not recommended for use when driving a vehicle. Through a dark filter it is sometimes difficult to make out the color of traffic lights, road markings and signs.
Naturally, no lens is capable of working across the entire spectrum of light brightness. And this creates problems in case of changeable weather. To solve this problem, glasses are created with the ability to quickly change lenses or photochromic lenses are used that can change darkening depending on the degree of illumination. Simple in design, photochromic lenses change their light transmission as the intensity of UV radiation increases or decreases. However, this does not allow them to work inside cars and glassed rooms, where UV radiation is highly scattered. This disadvantage has been overcome in many modern photochromic lenses ah high class (Oakley Transitions, Julbo Falcon).
Mechanical protection
Sports optics are designed to protect not only from the harmful aspects of sunlight. Glasses should also protect against a branch or a pebble that has jumped out from under the wheel of a passing car flying into your eyes. All sports glasses with polymer-based lenses cope well with these tasks.
Optical properties of lenses in sports glasses
Optical correctness
The first and main property by which lenses from different manufacturers are evaluated is optical correctness. Any lens produces distortion and the task of manufacturers is to reduce this to a minimum. After all, the more distortion the glasses produce, the more tired our eyes are and the more discomfort we experience from wearing them. In those sports where you need to constantly monitor a rapidly changing situation - mountain biking, trail running, kayaking, etc. - the optical correctness of glasses is one of the keys to the safety of the life and health of an athlete. Optically correct lenses are perceived as very transparent and clean. When wearing glasses with them, the user does not have the feeling that he is looking “through glass”.
Contrast
Modern sports optics are designed not only to protect our eyes from external negative influences. Its tasks also include improving our vision and perception of the situation. By adding colored pigments or coatings to lenses, manufacturers increase their contrast and regulate light transmittance, which can be useful in different types sports and weather conditions. High contrast sharpens shadows, highlighting terrain and objects around you. Combined with the dimming of “white” visible light, this allows you to actually see your surroundings better.
Which lens color should I choose?
The color of the filter can affect the perception of the real world. For example, for ski goggles, the most popular filters are yellow-orange, bronze and black. Cycling also often uses yellow lenses; these glasses can be worn early in the morning and late in the evening.
Polarization
The glare of reflected light can be even brighter than the ambient light. This is especially pronounced in the mountains, during trips to a glacier or snowy pass and on the water. Here, the reflected light dazzles, prevents you from accurately seeing surrounding objects, makes your eyes water and leads to premature fatigue. For fishing enthusiasts, the light reflected from the water does not allow them to see the bottom topography, even if the water is clean and transparent. Polarized lenses eliminate these problems. They dampen the glare of reflected light and increase contrast, allowing anyone who loves water sports and active recreation in the mountains to easily navigate. They will also be loved by drivers and city dwellers who are bothered by glare from glass and wet roads.
Lens materials for sports glasses
The materials for the manufacture of modern sports sun lenses can be:
- Glass– has very high optical correctness – a lens made from it does not cause any optical distortion. Good glass lenses are clean and highly scratch resistant. At the same time, they are distinguished by their relatively high weight. In this case, glass lenses can break and the fragments can damage your eyes. Impacts can cause jagged marks on them. Therefore, glass lenses are rarely used in the sports and outdoor industry. Today they can be found in some high-end mountaineering glasses, where impact resistance is not so important. Examples: Julbo Alti Arc 4 lenses; Cebe 4000 lenses.
Polycarbonate– very light, flexible and durable material. Lenses made from it provide eye protection not only from bright sunlight and UV rays, but also from mechanical damage, for example, from small stones. At the same time, polycarbonate lenses have a relatively low price. The combination of these properties has made polycarbonate the most popular material for making lenses for sports and ski goggles. At the same time, polycarbonate is easily scratched and lenses made from it require more careful handling and care. In addition, manufacturers have not yet been able to achieve the same purity and optical correctness from polycarbonate lenses as from glass ones. Examples include all Lexan lenses from General Electric; Julbo Spectron lenses; All Cebe lenses except 4000 series.
NXT polymer(semi-silicate quasi-thermoset) - combines the lightness and strength of polycarbonate lenses and the optical correctness of glass. Resistant to scratches. Used in the most technically advanced sunglasses. The main disadvantage is its price. Examples – Julbo Falcon, Octopus.
Which material to choose?
This choice has already been made for us by optics manufacturers. In most sports, glasses require protection from UV rays, mechanical damage, and their low weight is desirable. Therefore, when making lenses, manufacturers give preference to impact-resistant polymers - polycarbonate and NXT. 99% of all modern glasses for sports and active recreation are produced from them.
Don't worry if your glasses fit glass lenses. Just make sure whether they are positioned as sports and whether they correspond to the intended operating conditions? Glass is still used to make lenses used in mountaineering.
Lens coatings in sports glasses
The properties of sports glasses lenses can be significantly improved by applying special coatings to them. They are applied to most top-class glasses, regardless of their specialization for a particular sports activity. Let's talk about the most common ones:
- Oleophobic coating– simplifies the cleaning of lenses from human skin oils – fingerprints, etc.
Anti-fog coating– reduces the risk of glasses fogging, the lenses are ventilated faster if condensation does occur on them.
Water-repellent coating causes water droplets to roll off the surface of the lenses, improving visibility. It can be used both on the outer wall of the lens, for example, in running or cycling glasses, and on both its sides, for example, in Julbo Octopus lenses for water sports.
Mirror finish– Used to darken and reduce glare in non-polarized lenses.
Glasses frames for sports and outdoor activities
In the sports optics industry, there are virtually no lenses that specialize in a specific type of activity. With frames the situation is almost the opposite. Their convenience for the user and “belonging” to specific types of activity depend on their geometry and the interconnected shape of the lens.
The final weight of the glasses, as well as their ability to stay on the owner’s head, depends on the material and geometry of the frame. The last circumstance is especially important - sudden movements and vibrations should not lead to the loss of glasses. A curved frame with flexible arms that tightly cover the head “sits” many times more securely than rigid glasses with straight plastic arms.
The most popular material for the production of sports glasses frames today is nylon. It is light, flexible, cheap to produce and quite durable. Budget class glasses most often use molded plastic, which, alas, is quite fragile. In addition, it is rarely possible to create frames of complex shapes from cheap plastics that would accurately fit the heads of future owners.
Top-class optical frames often use inserts made of soft and tenacious elastomer, capable of absorbing moisture. They help the glasses to stay on the head in conditions of high sweating of the athlete; the frames do not slip or rub. This is very helpful during intense sports activities.
Especially for water sports frames are produced that can float on water, if for some reason they still slip off the owner’s face or simply fall overboard.
Have you already chosen sunglasses to complement your fashionable look? No? Then be sure to check out the latest trends and find out. And after that, go shopping :)
We have chosen for you the TOP 5 best sellers sunglasses on Aliexpress.
1. MERRY’S official store
The most popular model of women's glasses
Customer review:
I liked the glasses, they were heavy and the lenses were beautiful. They sit comfortably on the bridge of the nose. I don’t think they will suit girls with narrow face. The box with the glasses contained a soft case and a cloth for wiping the glasses. Delivery to France within 16 days.
The most popular model of men's glasses
2. VEITHDIA Glasses Official Store
Men's anti-glare glasses
Women's anti-glare glasses
3. AOFLY Fashion Glasses Store
For outrageous people: steampunk glasses
New! Stylish women's glasses
4. A&E Glasses Co.,Ltd Store
The most popular model in this store
Chunky women's sunglasses
Customer Feedback:
Points 5+!!! Thanks to the seller for the declared quality and appearance. The product matches the picture. What’s more pleasing is that they are similar to previous sunglasses and follow the same shape! Packed neatly, case, bag, bubble bag and box. I will order more!
5. BOUTIQUE Eyewear store
Fashion trend: cat eye glasses
Round glasses are still in fashion and are perfect for ethno, hippie, or hippie looks.
If you liked our selection, please tell your friends about it! 🙂
Expensive designer sunglasses are not just a fad, but a status symbol. Few mere mortals can afford them. The cost of glasses takes into account the quality of the materials used, the brand name, the name of the designer, the ability to change color from light to dark (depending on lighting), scratch resistance and many other factors
Basically, sunglasses should serve two functions - protect your eyes from exposure sun rays and bright light and hide them from prying eyes. And for them to become a symbol of social status, they must also be fashionable. Most expensive sunglasses are made of gold and platinum and are inlaid with precious stones– diamonds and emeralds. The most expensive glasses in the world belong to the following brands: Dolce & Gabbana, Chopard and Bulgari. Many of the glasses are produced in limited quantities or specifically for certain celebrities and fashionistas to highlight their individuality, which also explains the high cost.
10. Lugano Diamonds Sunglasses – $27,000
Lugano Diamonds, a privately owned jewelry company, was founded in 1974 and is currently located in Newport Beach, California. When she decided to produce sunglasses, she began collaborating with famous designer Barton Pereira. The glasses are available in different styles, such as gold frames with pink lenses and 2.85 carats of pink diamonds or brown lenses, leopard print and 3.59 carats of black diamonds. Each pair of glasses costs $27,000.
9. Bulgari Parentesi Diamond Sunglasses – $31,000
Luxury brand Bulgari is celebrating its 130th anniversary since the company was founded in 1884 in Rome. The capital of Italy for the company is not only a location, but also a source of inspiration for the creation of jewelry, watches, perfumes, and leather goods. The temple arms of these Bulgari sunglasses are set with 206 diamonds weighing 2.5 carats. Naturally, the glasses are produced in limited edition - only 10 exclusive pairs at a very high price.
8. Bently Platinum Sunglasses – $45,276
Bentley Motors Ltd is well known as a manufacturer of respectable and luxurious cars in the world. It was founded in 1919 by W. O. Bentley, and in 1931 it was bought by the Rolls Royce Corporation. A few years ago, Bentley released 100 pairs of sunglasses as a gift to buyers of the “Lausnne” luxury car. The frames of the glasses are made of platinum and they cost $45,000. A cheaper version is available for $14,000, albeit in rose, yellow and white gold.
7. Bulgari Flora Sunglasses - $59,000
Once again, Bulgari offers its luxury sunglasses with floral frames crafted from 18-karat white gold and set with blue sapphires, diamonds and aquamarines. The glasses are priced at $59,000, but basic glasses, without as many diamonds and with less gold, are available for $25,000.
6. “The Diplomat I” Sunglasses by Maybach - $60,000
Maybach is a German luxury car brand founded in 1909. As a result of many years of competition with the giants of the automotive industry, Rolls Royce and Bentley, the company gave up in 2013 and was bought by Daimler AG. A few years ago, the company released a limited edition (only 5 pairs) of chic sunglasses, in honor of one of the Maybach cars. The frame of the glasses is made of 18-karat yellow gold and encrusted with 174 diamonds weighing 1.18 carats. The tortoiseshell frames of the glasses with the Maybach logo are made of ox horn.
5. Luxuriator Style 23 Canary Diamond Sunglasses – $65,000
Jewelry by Franco is a Los Angeles-based company that specializes in women's and men's wedding jewelry. Style 23 glasses are representatives of the Luxuriator collection and cost about $65,000. For that kind of money, you get luxury glasses with 18-karat gold and platinum frames, as well as hand-cut diamonds that line the sides of the frames. Dark lenses may change color depending on the light intensity. The arms are made of natural ox horn.
4. CliC Gold Sport Sunglasses – $75,000
CliC Gold was founded by Ron Lando, who has been making eyewear for 35 years. After producing the world's most expensive reading glasses in 2012, the company decided to collaborate with contemporary jewelry designer Hugh Power to launch a line of the world's most expensive sunglasses. It took 40-50 hours to make a pair of glasses. The entire frame is made of pure gold, which makes them terribly impractical. The lenses from Carl Zeiss Super ET are coated inside with a special coating, and the lock on the bridge was even patented. A total of 100 pairs of these glasses were produced.
3. Emerald Sunglasses by Shiels Jewelers – $200,000
Shiels Jewelers is an Australian company founded in 1945 by Jack Shiels. At first, she was engaged in the sale of gifts, silver goods, jewelry, and the production of sunglasses began only in 1977, when the company was bought by Albert Bensimon and his wife Noura. The company spent 5 years to create emerald lenses, like those in these expensive glasses. The designers were inspired to create glasses by the Roman Emperor Nero, who used emeralds to protect his eyes from the sun while attending gladiator fights. This unique pair of glasses also boasts a gold frame set with diamonds.
2. DG2027B Sunglasses by Dolce and Gabbana – $383,609
These glasses were the most expensive in the world for many years. The world-famous designers of the Italian fashion house Dolce and Gabbana have created amazingly beautiful and luxurious glasses for their clients. Model DG2027B with brown lenses is presented in a gold frame. The name of the fashion house is on the arms and encrusted with diamonds.
1. De Rigo Vision and Chopard Sunglasses – $408,000
The most expensive and trendy sunglasses in the world are the creation of the Swiss company Chopard and designers from De Rigo Vision. The cost of the glasses is $408,000. The ends of the arms are made of 60 grams of 24-karat gold. The glasses are beautiful, but very expensive. The company's logo, the letter "C", is located on the temples and is encrusted with 51 diamonds weighing 4 carats.