Why choosing the right sunglasses matters

Choosing the right sunglasses for your style is important as you are more likely to wear them if you feel confident and comfortable in them. But choosing the right sunglasses goes beyond just style. They’re essential for protecting your eyes as they provide UV (ultraviolet) protection, which help to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. Your eyes are more sensitive to UV than your skin, making consistent protection especially important in brighter months. Sunglasses also help to reduce glare which can help your eyes to feel more comfortable in bright sunlight, as well as ensure clear vision outdoors with prescription sunglasses if you need them. You can read more benefits to wearing sunglasses here. Keep reading for our top tips on choosing the right sunglasses for your face shape, lifestyle and vision needs – including lens types and prescription options.

UV protection

Look for sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. This protects your eyes while reducing squinting and fatigue in bright sunlight. Find out more about UV rays, when to wear sunglasses and why they're important.

• Check for labels or tags that state ‘100% UV Protection’, ‘UV400’ or ‘100% protection against UVA and UVB.’

• Check for Standards Marks: Look for the CE or UKCA mark on the inside of the temple, which confirms compliance with health and safety standards.

Lens quality

It’s important to check for clarity, glare reduction and durability. High quality lenses can help to improve vision outdoors by improving clarity and reducing glare, as well as reduce the risk of scratches with more durable lenses. Read more tips on how to keep your lenses scratch and smudge free during the summer months.

Lens type

Polarised Lenses

Polarised lenses are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water, wet roads and glass. This can make them a great choice for bright summer days, helping to improve visual comfort and clarity whether you’re driving, relaxing by the pool or spending time at the beach.

Gradient Lenses

Gradient lenses are darker at the top and gradually become lighter towards the bottom, helping to block strong sunlight while keeping your lower field of vision clearer. This makes them especially useful during summer, when bright skies and long daylight hours can make driving, sightseeing and outdoor dining more challenging in full sun.

Prescription Sunglasses

Prescription sunglasses are a practical summer essential for anyone who normally wears glasses. They combine clear vision with reliable UV protection, so you can enjoy holidays, walks and days spent outdoors without having to swap between your regular glasses and a separate pair of sunglasses.

Frame fit

Frame fit is important as it helps your sunglasses stay secure and feel comfortable throughout the day. When trying them on, it helps to understand a couple of key parts: the bridge and the temples.

The bridge is the part of the frame that sits across your nose and connects the two lenses. It should rest comfortably without pinching or slipping. If it’s too narrow, it may feel tight or leave marks; if it’s too wide, the sunglasses may slide down more easily.

The temples are the arms of the sunglasses that extend from the frame and sit along the sides of your head, resting over your ears. They should feel secure but not overly tight. If they’re too short, the frames can feel uncomfortable behind the ears, while if they’re too long, the sunglasses may not stay in place properly.

Lightweight materials can also help improve all-day comfort, especially in warm weather when sunglasses are worn for longer periods.

If style is important to you, it can be worth considering your face shape as well as the level of sun protection you need. The right frame can complement your features while still feeling comfortable for long days outdoors:

• Oval face: Most sunglasses styles suit this balanced face shape, from oversized frames to classic aviators.

• Round face: Angular or rectangular sunglasses can add definition and create contrast.

• Square face: Round or softly curved frames can help soften stronger jawlines and sharper features.

• Heart-shaped face: Aviator or cat-eye styles can help balance a broader forehead with a narrower chin.

If you’d like more detailed advice, explore our guide on choosing sunglasses that suit your face shape and summer style.

Driving

Bright summer sun can create strong glare on the road, especially from reflective surfaces such as water, glass and other vehicles. Wearing the right sunglasses while driving can help improve visibility, reduce eye strain and make long journeys more comfortable. For more advice, read our guide to choosing sunglasses for summer driving.

Holidays and travel

Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, exploring a new city or spending long days outdoors, your eyes are often exposed to stronger sunlight, glare and environmental factors like wind, sand and salt water. Sunglasses with UV protection are essential for helping to shield your eyes from harmful rays and debris, while also improving comfort and visibility in bright conditions.

For beach holidays, polarised lenses can be especially useful as they help reduce glare from water and other reflective surfaces. Wraparound frames can also offer extra protection from sunlight, wind and sand. For more advice, read our guide to protecting your eyes at the beach and on holiday.

Outdoor sports

Whether you’re running, cycling, hiking or playing tennis, summer conditions often mean stronger UV levels and increased glare from surfaces like water, sand and pavement. Wearing the right sports sunglasses can help protect your eyes from UV rays while also improving comfort, visibility and performance outdoors.

Look for sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection as a baseline, then consider polarised lenses to reduce glare and improve clarity in bright conditions. For active use, features like wraparound frames, lightweight materials and prescription options can also help ensure a secure, comfortable fit while you move.

For more advice, read our full guide to summer sports sunglasses.

Everyday use

For daily wear, look for styles that balance protection, comfort and versatility. Lightweight frames in neutral colours like black, brown or tortoiseshell are easy to pair with most outfits, while classic shapes such as round, square or aviator styles work well for everyday use.

Though not a replacement for sunglasses, for added convenience, light reactive lenses automatically adapt from clear indoors to tinted outdoors, providing seamless UV protection without needing to switch glasses.

When choosing your sunglasses, it’s also worth considering your personal style so your frames feel comfortable and complement your everyday look. Read more for inspiration on matching sunglasses to your summer outfits.

Find your perfect sunglasses at Boots Opticians

Choosing the right sunglasses is about more than just style - it’s about protecting your eyes, staying comfortable and finding a fit that works for your everyday life. From designer frames to prescription sunglasses, there’s a wide range of options to suit different needs, activities and personal styles.

Explore our collection of designer sunglasses for the latest looks or discover prescription sunglasses for clear vision with built-in UV protection. If you’re unsure where to start, our in-store experts can also help you find the right fit with personalised advice and frame adjustments, so you can feel confident in your choice all summer long.

At Boots Opticians, we offer a range of appointments, with our essential, advanced and ultimate eye checks as well as contact lens appointments, designed to assess your vision and provide a detailed picture of your overall eye health, helping you stay on top of your eye care with confidence.