Sizing Up Sunglasses
When it comes to sunglasses, size is a major driving factor. Here we take the measure of the market
By Erinn Morgan
Within the sunglass category, there is something for everyone. Some opt for the privacy-providing aspects of oversized sunglasses, others strive for peak output in sports with face-hugging wraps equipped with lenses that enhance visual performance. One sure thing about this category is: there is a size to fit all.
IS OVERSIZED OVER?
With so much hoopla over the oversized eyewear trend the past few seasons, we had to stop and wonder, “Is this trend staying or going?”
Robert Marc, owner of Robert Marc Eyewear, which has eight stores in New York City and one in Boston, tells it like it is: “The oversized trend is still going strong in 2010, but the shapes are more tailored and angular… (which is) very flattering for a woman's face.” The new-and-improved oversized look is slimmed down from its behemoth predecessor to be much softer and more wearable with curves that complement and a more flattering take on round, circular shapes. This time around, the oversized trend suits a much broader range of face shapes.
The Big and the Small of ItWhen you are sizing up a customer's features to bring the right frames to the table for consideration, know that scale is of the utmost importance for all face shapes. “No matter the size of your face, it's all about picking sunglasses that have the right proportion and are in scale for your face,” says designer and optical chain owner Robert Marc.“If you have a large face, you want a frame that is going to give you a decent amount of coverage. If you have a square face, go for a soft shape; round faces should look for frames with angles and structure to add definition,” he adds. Particularly petite customers will benefit from lightweight or thin frames in subtle colors. “You don't want to overwhelm delicate features with exaggerated frames,” says Kristie Weiss, communications coordinator at The Vision Council. On the flip side, a large face with strong features can be balanced with oversized frames and bold colors. |
PROGRESSIVE THINKING
The progressive lens market is booming for baby boomers and beyond and ECPs can catch the wave by being privy to the sunwear shapes that work for this premium lens.
“Since fashionable sun styles today generally have some depth and progressive lenses are available that require less depth, (finding the right style) should not be an issue, although it should always be considered,” says Marc. “It's safest to keep to a six-base sunglass, which is easy with today's fashion.”
In the end, there are many options available in progressives that allow patients to choose either narrow or deep frames as well as wraps.
MALE DOMINATED
Men's looks are at the forefront right now as members of the more rugged sex become particularly adventurous in expressing their own sense of style. As such, men's eyewear looks get amped up this season with a bevy of fresh silhouettes in inventive colors. “Current trends for men include retro round and square frames updated with dropped or upswept temples, but nothing too oversized,” says Kristie Weiss, communications coordinator at The Vision Council.
Weiss also points to the popularity of sporty shields and dark, sleek styles as particularly strong trends in the sunwear arena.
The draw of the past is still strong as well. “Retro-inspired silhouettes are still very big for men's sunwear,” says Marc.
As innovative choices in men's sunwear override the basics, other key trends are emerging, from shields in various shapes and sizes (updated with bold colors and new bridge details) to timeless designs modernized by innovative materials. EB