THE JOURNAL
On a practical level, sunglasses are there to help you see. In terms of filtering out glare, but also harmful UV rays. However, they’re also about how you look. And it would be disingenuous on our part to turn a blind eye to part of the appeal of shades. They have the power to make us appear cool.
That is, of course, if you get them right. Like any other accessory or item of clothing, there are certain pairs for certain situations, as well as certain styles that work for certain people. And since not every pair will suit every head, it pays to do your research before investing. To go in with your eyes open.
Thankfully, MR PORTER has you – and your peepers – covered. We not only stock a wide range of luxury sunnies, we have, over the years, amassed a wealth of advice on how to wear them and the science behind the frames that fit each and every face. And while we can’t guarantee they’ll make you cool, we’ve at least thought about the concept of that, too. (Read Have You Got What It Takes To Be Cool? here.)
For the best sunglasses advice under the, well, sun, read on.
How To Find The Right Sunglasses For You
Our nuts-and-bolts breakdown of styles and shapes of sunglasses, with attention to materials, lenses and more. All the technical know-how you need to up your frame game.
The Summer Of Status Sunglasses
Love, Sam, ’69… every summer has a theme or main character. In recent times, we’ve seen everything from hot girls to rat boys via Brat. This year will be no different, if elevated. And with UV protection. “Finding the right pair of Japanese-made shades has become its own form of luxurious self-expression,” writes Finlay Renwick. “As seen on red carpets – mostly on Jacob Elordi, who is practically everywhere – and dimly lit New York bars. A thick frame with a slight tint, the sort of thing that can be worn to guard against a paparazzi’s flashbulb or an errant smartphone lens, has become somewhat ubiquitous as a symbol of cool.” Find out what to look for here.
Find The Right Sunglasses To Suit Your Face Shape
“Much like you would seek advice on what style of clothing suits your body shape or a hair style suits your hair type and face shape, the correct style of frame transforms and elevates the wearer,” Marie Wilkinson, the style director at Cutler and Gross, tells us. Which means that getting the frames to complement you is key. Below is everything you need to know to complete your face shape + sunglasses equation.
And for another thorough deconstruction based on face shape, try this guide. Plus, how sunglasses can add character to your summer look.
Why Is Everyone Suddenly Wearing Tinted Glasses?
The biggest accessory trend of the year so far? Tinted glasses, it would seem. “A-list red carpets and fashion editorials are awash with them,” writes Ian Taylor. “Colourful, not-so-opaque lenses that are very much in keeping with the throwback peacock vibe that’s pervading much of menswear.” The difference between this and your everyday shades is that we can see their eyes. “Eyes are inherently sexy, so framing them in an attention-grabbing way signifies a quiet confidence that’s full of sex appeal,” the stylist Eric Down says. For a deeper dive into this style, read on.
The Style Debate: Should You Really Wear Sunglasses Inside?
Just because Jack Nicholson can do it doesn’t mean that you can, too. This mantra should apply to many things, but certainly to wearing sunglasses inside. Or at night. That said, sunnies can be a saviour for anyone nursing a serious hangover, suffering from a subconjunctival haemorrhage or just wanting to look mysterious. (Or awake.) Opinions are divided, and here two members of the MR PORTER Team make the case for and against popping on shades for all occasions – even out of direct sunlight.