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Nonprescription Sunglasses

By Erinn Morgan, with updates by Liz Segre

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.

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 2011-2012

If you want to know which sunglasses are the must-have look of the season, look for these current style trends. (Click on the buttons below for videos.)

Prepped (men). These chunky styles recall the fearlessness of the '80s, but with modern touches that make them wearable now. Lucky Brand, Kaenon, Fendi and 7 For All Mankind are brands to look for.

Click on the button for a video of new trends in men's sunglasses for Fall/Winter 2011-2012.

Click on the button for a video of new trends in women's sunglasses for Fall/Winter 2011-2012.

Baroque Beauty (women). Whether you're a pretty, pretty princess or a high-fashion diva, you'll love the attention to detail in these intricate designs from the Prada, Silhouette, Face a Face, Diva and Caviar collections.

Refined (men). These sunglasses have clean, simple, rounded shapes for no-nonsense sun protection that looks good on everyone. Examples include styles from Foster Grant, Colors in Optics, Giorgio Armani and Randolph Engineering.

Patterns (women). Polka dots, plaids and animal prints enliven these sunglasses by Marc Jacobs, XOXO, Yves Saint Laurent and Ete.

Vintage Jock (men). Old-school sports looks from the '70s have strong details such as double bridges, wraparound shapes and interesting color. You'll find examples in the Nike Vintage, Costa Del Mar, Bolle and DSquared collections.

In the Mod (women). Oversized frames and softly gradated lenses recall the fashion energy and creativity of the '60s. Emilio Pucci, Mykita & Bernhard Willhelm, Swarovski, Jason Wu and Chloe all offer sunglasses in this trend.

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/Winter 2011-2012 Trends in Women's Eyeglasses and Fall/Winter 2011-2012 Trends in Men's Eyeglasses]

Sunglass News

Tommy Hilfiger's New Preppy Sunglass Lets You Change the Temple Icons

October 2011 — Here's a fun new concept in sunglasses: changing up the look of each temple by adding or removing the little magnetic icons.

The TH 1090/S unisex sunglass by Tommy Hilfiger comes with magnets in the shape of a pink flamingo, a skull, a coat of arms and a miniature pair of sunglasses. The injected resin frame has a bold, 1980s shape and comes in blue with white temples or glossy black with matte black temples. Both feature gray shaded lenses. Please click here for closeup photos.

Want more sunglass news? Click here.

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[Page updated November 4, 2011]