How to Choose the Best Sunglasses for Driving

Key Features to Look for in Driving Sunglasses

The most essential feature of driving sunglasses is full UV protection. Sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays help prevent long-term damage to your eyes and should be non-negotiable for daytime driving. Another important feature is polarized lenses, which minimize harsh reflections from water, roads, and car surfaces, keeping lane lines, brake lights, and obstacles clearly visible. Other considerations when selecting driving sunglasses include:

• Lens Color: Different lens colors perform better in specific conditions. Brown lenses enhance contrast in low-light or overcast situations, while grey lenses maintain true-to-life colors under bright sunlight. 

• Backside Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating: Backside AR reduces distracting reflections on the rear surface of the lenses, especially useful when the sun is behind you or near the horizon. 

• Durable, Lightweight Materials: Polycarbonate or Trivex lenses provide impact resistance and comfort for extended wear. 

• Frame Fit and Coverage: Slightly curved or larger lens designs block peripheral sunlight, while well-fitting nose pads and temples keep frames secure without obstructing your view. 

Polarized Lenses: Why They Matter for Driving

Polarized sunglasses are designed to block intense horizontal glare from reflective surfaces like windshields, car hoods, roads, and bodies of water. By reducing this distracting reflection, polarized lenses make lane markings and brake lights more distinct, ease squinting, and decrease eye strain—helping you drive more comfortably, even on long trips. Keep in mind that polarization primarily addresses glare entering the front of the lenses. For reflections coming from behind—such as sunlight at low angles or early morning/late afternoon drives—adding a backside anti-reflective (AR) coating can further reduce ghost images on the rear lens surface, providing clearer vision in all lighting conditions.

Brown Polarized Lenses

Brown polarized lenses improve contrast in low-light situations, such as early mornings, late afternoons, shaded roads, or overcast days. They enhance visual separation between blue skies and green landscapes, allowing you to see details more clearly and judge distances safely. Brown lenses are ideal for commutes at dawn or dusk, tree-lined streets, variable weather conditions, or whenever you want subtle contrast enhancement without darkening the scene.

Grey Polarized Lenses

Grey polarized lenses are excellent for bright, sunny conditions because they maintain natural color perception while controlling glare. These lenses reduce harsh brightness without altering how you see traffic signals, road signs, or the surrounding scenery. Grey lenses are perfect for midday drives, open highways, coastal routes, or any prolonged bright-light environment where comfort and true-to-life color are key.

Choosing the Right Frame and Fit for Driving

Selecting driving sunglasses isn’t just about lenses; it’s also about how the frames fit and protect your eyes:

• Coverage: Opt for slightly curved or larger lenses to block peripheral sunlight and glare from above or the sides. Lenses should sit close enough to your face to prevent light leaks without touching your lashes. 

• Stable Temples: Slim temples fit comfortably under hats or headsets and reduce blind spots. Flexible yet secure hinges help sunglasses stay in place on uneven roads. 

• All-Day Comfort: Adjustable nose pads ensure lenses align with your visual sweet spot, while lightweight materials like nylon or titanium reduce pressure points on longer drives. 

• Prescription-Ready Build: If you require prescription lenses, choose frames compatible with prescription sunglasses so your vision remains sharp across the entire lens. Pair these with polarized tints and backside AR coatings for maximum clarity.