Nonprescription Sunglasses
Nonprescription sunglasses are universally popular, whether you are a celebrity in search of the latest fashion statement or an outdoor worker who needs the ultimate in sun and UV protection.
Choices of frames and lenses in this category are almost endless. You often have the option of having your regular eyeglass prescription incorporated into a sunglass frame. But many designer sunglasses that can be purchased "over-the-counter" are called "plano," which means without prescription.
While shopping for just the right sunglasses, you'll find many options in styling, designer name and frame materials.
Here's 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.
But the latest styles bring a new and different look to sunwear. Modern styles that have been popular recently, such as sleek wraps and Jackie O shapes, have gained 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 sunglasses, which have lenses held in place by a wire or plastic thread, have some very unique lens shapes that are cut in angular, unusual ways.
And some plastic sunglass frames are featuring unusual cutouts and temple details to pump up their look.
Sunglass Materials
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.
The specialty metals have become increasingly popular in plano sunglasses because everyone is looking for lightweight options. Titanium, aluminum, stainless steel and even beryllium frames are a somewhat more costly investment, but offer the benefits of thinness and lightness as well as corrosion-resistance and strength.
Converse's Heritage Collection Expands
January 21, 2010 — New styles for 2010 have debuted in the vintage-inspired collection called Converse Heritage.
These styles are true to their '70s roots, such as the thick plastic aviators shown here, called "Rearview."
The vibe is cool and classic, in handmade acetate with customized rivet hinges. The collection is available in optical stores nationwide. Please click here for a closeup photo.
Shopping for Sunglasses
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 your head, it can often be adjusted:
- Metal frames can be bent slightly to better conform to your face and head.
- Plastic frames can be heated and reshaped for a better fit.
The color and shape of the frame you choose depend on your personal style and preference.
However, many sunglass aficionados say they like bolder styles, colors and details since they will be wearing them occasionally and only outside, as opposed to eyeglasses that are worn all day long indoors. Eyeglasses are considered "normal" eyewear, whereas sunglasses may be viewed as specialized eyewear, particularly for those who love the outdoors.
"First, look for lightweight sunglasses that provide all-day comfort," says Chris Abbruzzese, Maui Jim sunglasses vice president of marketing. "Make sure the lenses are impact-resistant and scratch-resistant, and the frames have corrosion resistant hinges — these are key features for anglers, for example."
Current Sunglass Trends: Fall and Winter 2009
If you want to know which sunglasses are the must-have look of the season, look for these current style trends.
Playful. Colorful new sunglass frames for women let you be playful at any age. Wild color combos are this season's trend — as found in the Zoom sunglass with different shades of yellow, the pink cat-eye from Emilio Pucci styles or the multicolored, oversized Jill Stuart sunglasses. Also, you might try distinctive looks in the nicely angled, white-framed "Snow Queen" style by Nathan Jenden or the brown-patterned Merona styles.
Sun Classics. The latest men's sunglass styles are appropriate for any sun quest, whether it be winter skiing or lounging on the patio. The Cazal sunglass provides extra shielding, while the Sun Trends and Randolph Engineering (style "Sportsman") sunglasses fly high on a traditional aviator look. Classics also are found in the semi-rimless Police sunglass and the newest Calvin Klein Collection Classics retro, rounded sunglass.
No Boundaries. Imagination knows no boundaries here. Multiple colors prevail in styles such as the striking white-on-black pattern of the newest Christian Roth sunglasses for men and women, and black and gray Dockers styles in metal. Other standouts are the white-framed "Caballito" by Costa del Mar; round Lanvin frames in green plastic and oversized, patterned Vogue frames.
Special thanks to The Vision Council 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: Fall and Winter 2009 Trends in Women's Eyeglasses and Fall and Winter 2009 Trends in Men's Eyeglasses] 
[Page updated January 2010]
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