Black Sunglasses

Part of the appeal is simply how many different styles work in black. The same colour can be used on a classic aviator, chunky square, cat-eye, sports frame or tiny rectangle without those sunglasses looking remotely alike.

It means you can change your sunglasses considerably without necessarily changing your favourite frame colour.

Some have a solid black frame throughout, while others combine black with metal details, contrasting temples, transparent sections or another colour.

The finish varies too. Glossy black sunglasses reflect more light, while matte and satin finishes can look softer and less polished.

Glossy black has a smooth, reflective surface that catches the light. Matte black has much less shine and generally creates a flatter finish.

Neither changes the basic colour, but put the two next to each other and they can feel surprisingly different.

If you already own black sunglasses and want another pair, changing the finish is an easy way to avoid buying something that looks almost identical.

Grey sunglass lenses reduce visible brightness while keeping colours relatively neutral. The precise lens tint and specification will vary between products, so check the individual pair rather than relying solely on how dark the lenses appear in photographs.

No. The colour of the frame has no effect on UV protection.

Even the darkness of the sunglass lens shouldn't be used on its own to judge protection. UV performance comes from the properties of the lens, so check the stated lens specification when choosing sunglasses.

A larger frame and lens can physically cover more of the area around your eyes than a very small pair, but size alone doesn't determine UV protection.

Fit matters too. Sunglasses that sit closer to the face or use a more wrapped design can provide different physical coverage from a large but relatively flat frame.

Choose the frame size you prefer, but always check the lens specification separately.

Oversized black sunglasses have been worn in countless different forms over the years, from deep square frames to large rounded and cat-eye designs.

Rather than being one particular trend, oversized simply describes the proportions. If you like greater lens coverage or want the frame to have more presence, it's a style worth exploring.

Slim black sunglasses usually have a shallow lens height, creating a narrower horizontal appearance.

Rectangular and oval shapes are particularly common in these proportions. They create a completely different look from oversized sunglasses while still using the same black frame colour.

It's mainly about proportions. Black rectangle sunglasses tend to be wider than they are tall, creating a more horizontal silhouette. Black square sunglasses have greater lens depth, so their width and height sit closer together.

If you like angular frames but aren't sure which you prefer, comparing the two side by side is the easiest way to decide.

Traditional aviator-style or Pilot sunglasses are closely associated with fine metal frames, but contemporary versions come in many different finishes.

A black aviator frame gives the familiar shape a darker appearance and can be paired with a variety of lens colours depending on the individual design.

Yes, where polarised lenses are included or available with the individual frame.

Polarisation helps reduce reflected glare from flat surfaces such as water and wet roads. It's a property of the lens, not the black frame, so check the lens options available for your chosen pair.

Yes. Many black frames can be ordered with prescription sunglass lenses, subject to the individual frame and your prescription being suitable.

Choose the pair you like and continue through the lens selection process to see the prescription options available.

Depending on the lens options available for the individual frame, yes.

Black is a useful base for experimenting with lens colour because you aren't restricted to keeping everything dark. Grey keeps things tonal, while brown, green and other available tints can create a noticeably different finished pair.