- 1. ATTCL Polarized Sunglasses for Driving
- 2. Maui Jim Sunglasses for Driving
- 3. Costa Del Mar Loreto Sunglasses for Driving
- 4. DUCO Shades Classic Polarized Sunglasses for Driving
- 5. Ray-Ban Sunglasses for Driving
- 6. Serengeti Velocity Sunglasses for Driving
- 7. Fitover Polarized Sunglasses
- 8. J+S Premium Military Style Classic Sunglasses
- 9. Ray-Ban Women's Jackie Ohh Sunglasses
- 10. Maui Jim Peahi Rectangular Sunglasses
Driving sunglasses are a must-have for many motorists. They reduce glare, ease eye fatigue, and protect your vision from UV radiation. Overall, a good pair of polarized sunglasses makes the driving experience safer and much more comfortable.
However, not every pair of sunglasses is the same – plenty of poor-quality models just won’t give you the protection you need against the power of the sun. To help you find a great pair, we’ve put together this handy buying guide. We run through the top driving glasses on the market before answering some common questions about this vital accessory.
The Best Sunglasses for Driving
Kicking off our list are these versatile and affordable sunglasses by ATTCL. The stylish sunglasses are designed in Italy, and they’re available in five attractive colors, so you’re sure to find a pair you like. Their classic Aviator design looks great on anyone, too.
They’re not just stylish. These glasses are also highly functional. Due to their lightweight design, they’re comfortable to wear even on long journeys. Meanwhile, polarized lenses help to protect your eyes from glare and keep harmful UV radiation at bay. All this adds up to an excellent pair of anti-glare driving glasses. Customers say that the glasses look just as good as more expensive options, and their super dark lenses can handle even the brightest days. Since they come with their own compact case, it’s easy to pop a pair in the glove compartment and enjoy hassle-free driving whenever the sun emerges.
- Polarized, aviator style sunglasses
- Unisex appeal
- Available in 5 attractive colors
- Lightweight design makes for comfortable long-term wear
- ATTCL’s unique polarized lenses keep glare and UV radiation at bay
- Compact storage case included
- Brand ATTCL
- Model 6695
- Weight 4.8 ounces
Maui Jim is a well-known name when it comes to sunglasses and for good reason. These simple, rimless shades are ideal for driving. Their nylon frames are strong and durable, so you can store them in your car without worry. Meanwhile, their fully polarized lenses are constructed from polycarbonate, known for its shatterproof, scratch-resistant qualities.
Each pair of Maui Jim sunglasses offers 100-percent UV protection, thanks to their unique coating. This not only makes driving in bright conditions easier on the eyes, it also protects your eyes from damage, preserving your vision. Customers love how lightweight these glasses are, thanks to their rimless design. They are easy to wear for hours on end and are ideal for undertaking long journeys. Since the lenses come in three different colors, it’s easy to find a pair that suit your style.
- Rimless sunglasses, available in 3 different lens colors
- Feature durable nylon frames
- Unisex design
- Polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof and scratch resistant
- Special lens coating offers 100% UV protection
- Maui Jim earned the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of approval for their UV filters
- Lightweight design is comfortable to wear
- Polarized lenses keep glare at bay
- Brand Maui Jim
- Model H421-26
- Weight 6.4 ounces
The next pair of sunglasses to earn a spot on our list is Costa Del Mar’s ‘Loreto’ glasses. They’re the ideal solution if you’re a watersports enthusiast because their corrosion-resistant metal frames are equally at home in the car and at the beach. Their simple, aviator-style design is great for both men and women, and with three different lens colors to choose from you’re sure to find a pair that fits your taste.
Each lens is made from high-clarity polycarbonate, which is resistant to scratches and impact. As a result, these lenses are designed to last. Their frames are constructed from a corrosion-resistant, lightweight alloy, which lends them a unique look and feel. Thanks to 100-percent polarization, the glasses kill glare and prevent eye strain. They also keep your eyes safe from damaging UV radiation, protecting your vision for years to come. With a hard case included, it’s easy to store these handy glasses in the car, so they’re on hand whenever you need them.
- Unisex, Aviator-style sunglasses, available in 3 different lens colors
- Ideal for beach use
- Feature corrosion-resistant alloy frames
- Polycarbonate lenses are scratch-proof and resistant to impact
- Lightweight for comfortable long-term wear
- Offer 100% UV protection
- 100% polarized lenses kill glare and reduce eyestrain
- Hard case included
- Brand Costa Del Mar
- Model LR22OBMP
- Weight 1 pounds
DUCO’s polarized sunglasses for women have a stylish design without compromising on eye safety. Their oversized lenses coupled with metallic details around the hinge offer a sophisticated and elegant look that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. With five different frame colors to choose from, it’s easy to track down a pair that fit your unique sense of style.
Each lens is made from tough polycarbonate, known for its durability and scratch-resistance. They’re also fully polarized, keeping glare at bay when you’re on the road and significantly improving visibility. DUCO’s high-quality lenses are engineered to block 100 percent of UV radiation. UVA, UVB, and UVC rays are all filtered out by these lenses. The frames are strong and made with a copper alloy hinge. DUCO says its frames are ‘unbreakable’ and offers a no-questions-asked replacement if yours become damaged.
- Polarized sunglasses for women
- Stylish, oversized lenses, with metallic hinge detail
- Five different frame colors available
- Polycarbonate lenses stand up to impact and scratches
- Full UV protection (UVA, UVB, and UVC)
- Polarized lenses prevent glare
- DUCO offer full replacement in the event of a breakage
- Brand DUCO
- Model DC-1220-04
- Weight 5.6 ounces
No list of sunglasses would be complete without a nod to Ray-Ban, which is one of the best-known manufacturers of sunglasses. This particular pair is ideal for driving due to its polarized anti-glare protection, lightweight design, and durability. The lenses are available in five different colors, so you’re guaranteed to find a shade that’s comfortable.
Whichever color you choose, the lenses will be polarized, preventing glare and reducing the risk of eyestrain and fatigue. The durable plastic lenses also filter out 100 percent of UV radiation, keeping your eyes and vision safe. Each pair of glasses includes a carry case and cleaning cloth, so it’s easy to keep them in good condition for many years to come. Users love the sleek and stylish design and claim they offer a comfortable fit even when worn inside a motorcycle helmet.
- Unisex polarized sunglasses
- Variety of lens and frame colors available
- Simple, sleek design
- Polarized lenses protect against glare and eye strain
- Provide 100% UV protection
- Cleaning cloth and case included
- Suitable for wear with motorcycle helmets
- Comfortable fir
- Brand Ray-Ban
- Model RB3183
- Weight 1 pounds
Serengeti is another big name in the world of sunglasses, and its Velocity design has been engineered specifically for driving. The titanium frame is so lightweight you’ll probably forget you’re wearing them, but it’s strong, so the glasses will last a long time.
Their clever photochromic lenses adapt to the light and automatically adjust to give you optimum clarity in any light condition. This technology goes a long way towards eliminating eyestrain, making for a relaxed and comfortable drive in almost any weather condition. The lenses are polarized, preventing glare and improving the clarity of your vision. Finally, spectral control technology allows only certain frequencies of light to pass through the lenses. Serengeti has carefully tailored which wavelengths are allowed through, creating the most vivid and balanced view possible.
- Polarized sunglasses for men and women, ideal for driving
- Titanium frames are lightweight, balanced, and durable
- Features durable spring hinges
- Photochromic lenses automatically lighten and darken to suit light conditions
- Polarization reduces glare and eye fatigue
- Spectral control technology curates which frequencies of light are allowed through
- Glasses offer 100% UV protection
- Brand Serengeti
- Model 6935
- Weight 4 ounces
If you need to wear prescription glasses when you drive, Fiore has you covered. Its unique Fitover sunglasses will slide over your existing glasses without looking bulky. They’re available in a wide array of colors, making them a great over-glasses option whatever your taste.
The tough plastic lenses are fully polarized, preventing glare and the eye strain and fatigue that can accompany it. This makes for a smooth and comfortable driving experience, even in the brightest conditions. In addition, this polarization blocks harmful UV radiation from entering your eyes, providing an additional layer of protection against eye damage. Users report that the sunglasses fit perfectly over their existing pair and are surprisingly lightweight, making them ideal for longer journeys.
- Fitover sunglasses slide over prescription glasses
- Unique design covers your existing glasses without looking bulky
- Available in a wide array of colors
- Tough plastic lenses are fully polarized
- Glasses reduce glare, and the resultant eyes train or fatigue
- Lightweight design remains comfortable, even during long journeys
- Designed to offer wraparound protection
- Lenses filter out UV radiation to protect your eyes from damage
- Brand Fiore
- Weight 0.32 ounces
Ray-Ban has earned a second spot on our list with its Jackie Ohh sunglasses. The stylish design, available in four different shades, features a protective lens coating that filters out 100 percent of UV radiation. Ray-Ban’s unique crystal lenses are strong and durable, while the acetate frames are lightweight enough for long-term wear.
These retro-inspired sunglasses look great no matter your face shape, and stylish detailing on the arms add a subtle flair. Each pair of Ray-Ban glasses comes in its own soft case for easy storage. Drivers say that these glasses are comfortable and effective with their wrap-around design fitting closely to almost any face shape. One thing to bear in mind is that unlike most of the sunglasses on our list this pair isn’t polarized.
- Non-polarized women’s sunglasses
- Stylish yet sporty design
- Available in 4 different shades
- Protective lens coating filters out powerful UV rays
- Comfortable enough for long-term wear
- Soft case included
- Wraparound design offers all-round protection
- Brand Ray-Ban
- Model RB4101-02
- Weight 9 ounces
Last, but not least, is Maui Jim with a second entry on our list. The sunglasses feature unique PolarizedPlus2 lenses: they’re waterproof, protect against glare, and enhance the color and clarity of whatever you’re looking at. In addition, the lenses provide total protection against UV radiation, keeping your eyes as safe as possible.
This UV filtration system has been approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation, earning their seal of recommendation back in 2014. The frames wrap around slightly, providing all-round protection from the sun. Users report that the glasses block the sun perfectly and are comfortable to wear. The sleek design is stylish no matter your face shape. Overall, the glasses are a stylish but practical solution and are built to last.
- Unisex sunglasses
- Polarized lenses protect against glare, and the eye strain it can cause
- Protective lens coating offers total protection against UV radiation
- Lenses enhance the color and clarity of your view
- UV filtration technology approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation
- Wraparound design protect against strong sunlight from all angles
- Built to last
- Brand Maui Jim
- Model H202-10
- Weight 6.4 ounces
Best Sunglasses For Driving Buying Guide
Clearly, you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a pair of sunglasses for driving. Because this wide selection might seem a little intimidating, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you find your perfect pick.
Read on for our top tips, as we cover everything you need to know about driving sunglasses – why you need some, how to choose the perfect pair, and how to look after them so they last for years to come.
What to Look for When Buying a Driving Sunglasses
When it’s time to choose a pair of sunglasses for driving, there are a few key features to watch out for:
- Polarization
When looking for a pair of sunglasses, one important feature to watch out for is polarization. Polarized lenses prevent glare, which can come from sources such as car headlights and water on the road. They contain millions of parallel rows made up of tiny iodine crystals, which only allow half of the light waves travelling towards the glass to pass through. This significantly reduces brightness without compromising on visibility. Glare prevention helps you see more clearly when driving in bright conditions.
- UV Protection
UV protection is another vital component of a good pair of sunglasses. Over time, UV radiation can contribute to eye problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and pingueculae. Lenses which protect your eyes from UV light are a must-have for your driving sunglasses.
- Lens Tint
Generally speaking, sunglasses with a graduated tint are best for driving. They’re dark at the top, and light at the bottom, blocking glare without preventing you from reading your instruments. If in doubt, you could always try a pair of self-adjusting lenses, such as number six on our list. Lenses like this grow darker and paler depending on light conditions.
- Comfort
It’s also a good idea to bear comfort in mind when choosing a pair of sunglasses. If your glasses are uncomfortable, this can be quite distracting when you’re trying to drive. Bear in mind that some sunglasses might be comfortable at first, but quickly become irritating over the course of a long drive. It can be hard to tell whether your glasses will be comfortable without checking them out in the flesh, but customer reviews can be hugely helpful in this department.
- Style
Sunglasses are a useful tool, but they also double up as a fashion accessory, so it’s important to choose a pair that you like the look of. If in doubt, it’s a good idea to choose a classic design, which is versatile enough to suit most wearers. Aviators or classic Ray-Ban style glasses are a great option if you’re unsure.
What to Avoid When Buying a Sunglasses for Driving
On the other hand, there are a few things to avoid when choosing a pair of sunglasses for the car:
- Thick Frames
If the frames of your sunglasses are too thick, this can block your peripheral vision, and end up impeding your overall vision. It’s a better idea to look out for large lenses and thin arms.
- Pink, Blue, or Green Lenses
Studies show that pink, blue, and green lenses, can make red lights hard to see. This isn’t just a problem for traffic lights, it could also impede your ability to see when a car in front of you is braking, potentially resulting in an accident. Gray and brown lenses should be your preferred colors for driving.
- Too Dark a Tint
Lens tints can be broken down into five classes – 0 to 4. The higher the number, the darker the lens. Class 4 lenses allow only 3% to 8% of light to pass through, and should only be used in exceptionally bright conditions, such as high altitudes. They should never be used for driving. Instead, choose classes 1 to 3, depending on the intensity of the brightness.
Why You Should Wear Sunglasses For Driving
Wearing sunglasses to drive in bright conditions has a number of benefits:
- Sunglasses protect your eyes against potentially harmful UV radiation
- Polarized lenses hugely reduce glare, improving visibility
- Wearing the right pair of sunglasses behind the wheel improves the clarity of your surroundings
- Sunglasses are lightweight and portable, so it’s easy to keep a pair in your car
- Wearing sunglasses will prevent you from squinting, reducing the risk of headaches or nausea
- Sunglasses are available to match any budget, making them a simple and cost effective way to improve your driving safety
Best Sunglasses For Driving FAQ:
Driving sunglasses are a pair of glasses featuring tinted lenses, designed to make driving safer and more comfortable in bright conditions. They tend to have large lenses and thin frames, for good all-round visibility. Driving sunglasses are also likely to feature polarized lenses, which reduce glare from the road, headlights, and reflective or white surfaces. Driving sunglasses should also protect their wearer against UV radiation, by filtering it out before it can reach the eyes. Driving sunglasses are available in a wide variety of styles, and with different lens tints. Gray and brown tints are generally preferred when manufacturers develop sunglasses with driving in mind.
Taking good care of your driving sunglasses will help them to last for many years to come. To keep them in excellent condition, you should:
Use the Case: Always carry your sunglasses in their proper case when you’re not wearing them. This helps prevent scratches from forming on the lenses.
Wear as Intended: You can reduce the strain put on the hinges of your sunglasses by wearing them only as intended, and not sliding them up onto your head.
Keep Screws Tight: Regularly give your sunglasses a look over, and gently tighten any loose screws with a small screwdriver. You can purchase a properly sized screwdriver from your local optician.
Clean the Lenses now and then: To remove smudges from the lenses of your sunglasses, use a gentle lens solution, with a soft cloth. Avoid wiping your lenses with paper towels or other rough materials, as this can leave scratches.
If you regularly drive on brighter days, it’s best to opt for gray lenses. Gray is a good option for removing glare from your vision, but doesn’t tend to distort natural colors too much. This can be important when you’re trying to see traffic lights or brake lights on a sunny day. Gray lenses are also a good all-rounder when it comes to driving.
Although they’re great for filtering out excess light and reducing glare, polarized lenses do have some disadvantages to consider:
Wearing polarized sunglasses sometimes allows you to see the tempering patterns in the glass of your windshield, which could be distracting. It can be tough to read LCD screens through a polarized lens. In snowy conditions, polarized lenses reduce the contrast you can see between different colors, making it more difficult to spot certain objects against the snow. Polarized lenses are more expensive than their non-polarized counterparts. Cheaper polarized lenses don’t tend to last long – particularly if you live by the ocean. Salt in the air, as well as sweat, can erode the polarized film on the surface of this type of lens.
Our Top Pick
In our opinion, the best sunglasses for driving are this Aviator style pair by ATTCL. Available in five different lens colors, the glasses are ideal for pretty much anyone, no matter their style. The composite lenses are polarized, helping to prevent glare, and its subsequent eye strain or fatigue. As well as this, the glasses filter out harmful UV radiation, protecting your eyes against the effects of these high frequency waves, even in the brightest weather.
With all these features, and an affordable price point, ATTCL have created the best polarized sunglasses for driving. Customers were impressed with the high quality of these glasses, since a polarized pair can often cost hundreds of dollars.
Sources:
- Clear Window To The Road – Business Today
- Top 10 Safe Driving Tips – HowStuffWorks