Driving is an often daily task that requires our full attention and focus. However, the bright sun and glare from the road can cause discomfort and make it difficult to see, leading to potential safety hazards.
To mitigate these issues, investing in a pair of sunglasses for driving is essential. In this article, we’ll cover what’s important to look for when choosing a pair of shades for your on-road excursions.
Lens shape? Lens color? Polarization? We’ll be covering it all, so buckle up and let’s explore how to find the perfect pair of sunglasses for behind the wheel.
What to Look for in a Pair of Driving Glasses
When shopping for sunglasses for driving, there are several key features you should keep in mind.
#1: UV Protection
For optimal vision protection, the best sunglasses for driving should offer 100% UV protection from UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C light. Although most car windshields include a UV protective coating, this is not enough to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Wearing sunglasses with UV protection will offer the protection you need and help lessen eye discomfort.
#2: Lens Color
Sunglasses with brightly-colored lenses can be an excellent choice for looking fashionable and stylish. However, when it comes to driving, brightly colored lenses—particularly pinks and blues—are not the best option.
This is because these brightly-colored lenses can distort colors, making it difficult to see the true colors of traffic lights and signs.
Instead, choose sunglasses with neutral-colored lenses, namely dark gray and olive green. These shades accurately represent color and are ideal for driving on bright, sunny days.
On overcast days, brown or amber lenses are a good choice, as they enhance contrast and make it easier to see in low-light conditions.
#3: Lens Tint
Different tint levels can offer varying levels of protection from the sun’s glare and can be beneficial in different driving conditions.
Light- to medium-tinted lenses are the best choice when driving in low to moderate sunlight. These options will reduce light and glare, but still allow you to see your surroundings clearly.
The darkest lenses are only suitable for very bright light, such as light typically seen in high-altitude, mountainous areas.
#4: Polarization
Polarized sunglasses are ideal for driving in sunny conditions, as they provide an extra layer of protection for your eyes. Polarized lenses are designed to reduce the amount of glare that’s reflected off of horizontal surfaces, like the hood of your car, the road, and other cars.
This helps reduce eye strain and fatigue and makes it easier to see in bright light. Polarized lenses also provide enhanced clarity and contrast, allowing you to see the road ahead more clearly.
#5: Fit
A well-fitting pair of sunglasses should fit snugly without slipping down your face. This type of fit will ensure they stay in place while driving and reduce the amount of light that reaches your eyes.
To ensure a perfect fit, refer to our Sunglasses Size Guide.
#6: Style
While big, bold sunglasses make a fashionable accessory for an outdoor brunch, you should avoid wearing oversized frames, thicker frames, and frames with broad temples while driving. Why? Because they can obstruct your peripheral vision, making it more difficult to see hazards on the road.
Instead, opt for well-fitting frames that are slightly wider than your face (aka the distance between your temples). For a closer look at different sunglasses shapes, check out our Types of Sunglasses Guide.
Other Questions You May Have About Driving Sunglasses
Now, let’s answer some other common questions people have about driving and sunglasses.
Should You Wear Sunglasses for Night Driving?
It’s not recommended to wear sunglasses while driving at night. Sunglasses, which are designed to reduce glare and improve visual clarity in bright light, can make it more challenging to see other drivers, pedestrians, and obstacles in low-light conditions, such as nighttime.
Are Gradient Lenses Good for Driving?
Gradient lenses are characterized by a darkened upper portion that gradually transitions to a lighter hue near the bottom. This type of lens is not only fashionable, but also has practical applications for driving.
When you’re driving, the darkest part of the lens will shield your eyes from the sun’s rays when you look ahead. If you glance downward toward the dashboard, the lens becomes clearer, allowing you to easily read the gauges and displays.
Just make sure they’re polarized to help reduce dangerous glare!
Are Mirrored Glasses Good for Driving?
Mirrored glasses can be good for driving in certain conditions. The reflective coating on the lenses can reduce the amount of glare and bright light entering your eyes, which can be helpful when driving in bright sunlight.
However, the reflective, mirrored coating can sometimes cause the glasses to become too dark, making it difficult to see in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk.
If you use mirrored glasses, they should not be polarized, as this combination may make visibility difficult.
What Are the Best Sunglasses for Driving?
The best sunglasses for driving are ones that meet the above criteria and match your personal style. Of course, if you’re looking for recommendations, we’ve got plenty! Here are some of our favorite polarized sunglasses for daytime driving.
Featured product: The Alton
Gray Polarized Driving Sunglasses
Gray lenses feature a neutral tint that effectively mutes light. They offer minimal color distortion while effectively reducing glare, making them an excellent choice for sunny days.
Featured product: The Maestro
Brown Polarized Driving Sunglasses
Brown lenses, another neutral tint, are the perfect choice for cloudy days, providing a brighter and clearer view in lower-light conditions.
Featured product: The Mandolin
Green Polarized Driving Sunglasses
Green lenses offer excellent contrast, allowing for the clear distinction of shadows and reduced glare. They are best suited to medium- to bright-light conditions.
Find Your Fit with Privé Revaux
The above sunglasses are just a small sampling of our offerings at Privé Revaux. With a wide selection of styles and lens options, we have everything you need to make your driving experience more comfortable and safe.
Shop our blue light glasses, readers, and sunglasses collections today and get ready to conquer the road in style!