Nonprescription Sunglasses

Fashion sunglasses with simple sunlenses (meaning without prescription) in them are called "plano" sunglasses. This category of sunglasses is vast and offers many choices in styling, designer name, and materials of construction.

Following are some highlights of what's happening in this arena:

Shapes and styles for men and women for the past few seasons have run the gamut: sporty wraparounds, glamorous cat-eyes and "Jackie Os," sleek futuristic styles that hug the face, small retro-looking shapes, large and sometimes bulbous "bubble" wraps, rectangular and angular styles, plus embellished and bejeweled looks.

Click on photo for close-ups and style names of these nonprescription sunglasses.

The latest styles, however, bring a new and different look to sunwear. Modern styles that have been popular recently, such as sleek wraps and Jackie O shapes, are given fresh energy with details like rhinestones, cubic zirconia and tinted lenses (in a variety of colors including blue, yellow, rose, orange, purple and coral).

Rimless and semi-rimless sunwear (which have lenses held in place by a wire or plastic thread) are carrying some very unique lens shapes (cut in angular, unusual ways). Additionally, some plastic sunglass frames are featuring unusual cutouts and details to pump up their look.

Options for sunglass frame materials include plastic (often called zyl), basic metal (usually a combination of a variety of metals) and specialty metals such as titanium, aluminum and stainless steel. Many sunwear styles today incorporate both metal and plastic into the design of the frame, giving them a unique look.

The specialty metals have become increasingly popular in plano sunglasses as consumers are looking for lightweight options. Titanium, aluminum, stainless steel and even beryllium frames are a somewhat more expensive investment but offer the benefits of thinness and lightness, corrosion-resistance and strength.

When shopping for sunglasses, keep in mind that the frame should fit comfortably on your face. However, if a frame is too large, or does not fit properly to the head, it can often be adjusted.

Metal frames can sometimes be slightly bent or screws tightened on the hinges. Plastic frames can be heated and formed for better fit.

The color and shape of the frame you choose depends on your personal style and preference. However, many sunglass aficionados say they feel more comfortable choosing bolder styles, colors and details since they will be wearing it occasionally as a sunglass, as opposed to more frequently as with their eyeglasses.
 

If you want to know which sunglasses are the must-have look of the season, look for these current style trends, as identified by Sunglass Association of America and Vision Council of America.

Solid Tradition. Aviator and wrap-around sunglass designs remain timeless. But even conventional styles can have unique flourishes, as demonstrated in the Enni Marco by New Line Optics, Foster Grant by FGX International and Timberland by Marcolin USA. The Maui Jim Akoni at left is a classy new back-to-the-basics style.

Feminine Whimsy. It's all about fun and standing out from the crowd with these frisky new styles and cool, new geometric shapes, including Vera Bradley by McGee Group, Christian Roth by Charmant USA and Chloe by L'Amy.

Eco Savvy. Expect sunglasses made of recycled materials to be available soon as the next environmentally friendly option for nature lovers, says Sunglass Association of America President Dave Bibbey. Meanwhile, newly styled nose pads and other features make wearing sunglasses for crucial UV protection extra comfortable even if you stay outdoors from sunrise to sunset. Try this lightweight Costa del Mar style, or don fashionable Rocawear by Colors in Optics.

Sunreaders. Would you like to peruse a book while lounging on the beach, as well as view that distant sailboat on the ocean? Sunreaders are increasingly available in bifocal designs for presbyopes who have trouble seeing at near ranges. Maui Jim offers the Makaha and Ho'okipa sunglass styles in sunreaders, as does Zoom.

All Sizes for All Faces. One size doesn’t fit all, which is why more sunglass styles, from oversized to extra petite, are now available for sunglass wearers who demand frames that flatter a variety of faces. New Jimmy Choo styles offer several oversized sunglass designs, as does A&A Optical with its new XXL Sun collection. A&A Optical also features the Casados design for smaller, feminine features.

Special thanks to Vision Council of America and Sunglass Association of America for their assistance with fashion updates.

Want more? See our section called What's New in Sunglasses. Most of these sunglass styles are non-prescription only, but some may accept prescription lenses, too. Ask your optician about it. [See also: Spring and Summer 2008 Trends in Eyeglasses]