Driving during a hot, sunny day isn’t the most enjoyable experience. Aside from the heat, the glare from the sun will affect the visibility of the road. Instead of squinting and putting yourself in danger, you should wear the best polarized glass lens sunglasses. A decent pair of polarized sunglasses will improve your driving experience, regardless if you’re sporting a fancy convertible or a chic Honda Fit.
Comparison table
Last update on 2023-03-25 at 12:13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
All drivers know that sunlight can both be a friend and a foe on the road. While it lights up the road, the sun can also cause excessive glare that will create blind spots and distortions. This is literally dangerous and could become deadly.
According to a 2018 report of the Insurance Information Institute, about 3% of fatal crashes occur in the U.S. due to obscured vision. Such obscurity can be caused by snow, buildings, trees, rain, and sun glare. That percentage accounts for over 1,500 deaths in that year alone.
Meanwhile, sun glare is observed to be the main culprit to around 3,000 accidents a year in Britain. In 2013, they reported 36 drivers getting killed due to this distraction.
With all these numbers, there’s no excuse not to get a pair of polarized sunglasses. It can save your life and it adds an aesthetic touch to your look, too.
And if you’re looking for the best picks, these five options will not disappoint:
1. Maui Jim Guardrails Aviator Polarized Sunglasses
If you’re looking for the best color sunglasses for driving, you should definitely consider the Maui Jim Guardrails Polarized Sunglasses. This sports Maui Jim’s proprietary MauiFlex metal frame that conforms to the grooves of your face. It also remembers the shape of your face so it will fit just right every single time.
Moreover, the highlight of these sunglasses is their MauiBrilliant, polarized lens. It’s waterproof and oleophobic at the same time so it’s very easy to clean. The lens also sports anti-reflective, UV protection, and clear shell coatings. All of these are intended to make the road easy to look at, any time of the day.
Aside from that, I like the color-enhancing effect that makes things appear clearer and more natural. It also has the bi-gradient mirror which means that the lens itself squints for you so you can relax your eyes while staring at the sun-lit road.
In addition, this has a lens width of 58 mm and a lens height of 43 mm. Its bridge is 17 mm and the arm length is 130 mm. It rests comfortably on your face and ears without irritation.
Lastly, these polarized sunglasses are available in gloss black, silver with blue, and metallic gloss lens colors.
Pros
- Oleophobic and waterproof lens
- Memory metal frame
- Bi-gradient mirror to help you see through sun glare
Cons
- The lenses tend to be small for those with big faces
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2. Randolph Matte Classic Aviator Sunglasses
Another driving sunglasses I swear by is the Randolph Matte Classic Polarized Sunglasses. This sports the SkyTec-P Cobalt Mineral Glass Lens. This is polarized to ward off glare so you can drive without squinting.
Moreover, the lens is anti-reflective with a BlueWave HEV Blue Light management feature. This is paired with an infrared light coating to protect the eyes. Overall, these are certified 100% UVA and UVB 55 mm lenses.
I also like how sturdy these sunglasses are. It has been drop-ball tested to ensure that it can put up with wear and tear. This isn’t surprising because it uses a chrome finish luxury frame that’s initially engineered for military pilots.
This pair of Randolph Classic Aviator sunglasses also have increased the contrast so you can look around in better quality. It reduces eyestrain and has a very stylish look. The best part here is that the sunglasses frame is covered by a lifetime warranty.
This specific pair is available in 52, 55, and 58 mm sizes as well as a variety of lens colors. This cobalt pair is my favorite, but you can also consider the likes of Atlantic blue, northern lights, granite, American gray, and more.
Pros
- 100% UVA and UVB lenses
- BlueWave HEV Blue Light management feature
- Lifetime warranty for the frame
Cons
- Pulls a lot of hair when you put them on top of your head, but not a biggie
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3. Maui Jim Mavericks Polarized Sunglasses
If you’re looking for a cheaper Maui Jim option, the Mavericks Aviator might be the one. Like the Guardrails Aviator sunglasses above, this pair has polarized lenses made of polycarbonate. It also sports a titanium frame that resists corrosion and harsh outdoor elements.
Moreover, this has a UV protection coating to reduce eyestrain. And with a lens width of 61 mm, this will be comfortable to wear for long drives. I really think that these are the top sunglasses for driving sun glare away.
In addition, this has a lens height of 49 mm, 14 mm bridge, and 137 mm arm. You can also get this in gold, rose gold, blue, and silver colors to match your style. It even comes with a branded case and wiping cloth.
Aside from that, this Maui Jim pair has the PolarizedPlus 2 lens technology that reduces glare and enhances the color of the surroundings. This is paired with the MAUI sunrise, which is a pink mirror coating that gives a stylish touch.
Overall, I love how lightweight this is and the fact that it bears the same protection as the Guardrails pair above. This is also a unisex pair that’s a great gift to friends and loved ones.
Pros
- PolarizedPlus 2 lens technology
- Bigger lens for bigger faces
- Titanium frame
Cons
- The glasses tend to hit the cheek
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4. William Painter The Hook Polarized Sunglasses
Are you driving to go for a picnic? If so, you should definitely wear the William Painter The Hook Sunglasses. This is a polarized pair of sunglasses with a built-in bottle opener. It’s a convenient feature when camping, picnicking, and going to the beach. Just don’t drink while driving, though!
Moreover, this has an anti-scratch coating to keep the lenses clear. The lens itself is made of polarized nylon with 100% UVA and UVB protection. Meanwhile, the frame is made of aircraft-grade titanium so it can put up with abuse.
In addition, this has a 50 mm lens width, 22 mm bridge, and 150 mm arm. It’s a perfect fit for those with big faces.
As mentioned earlier, this comes with a discrete bottle opener. It’s located on both arms of the sunglasses, which keeps hidden behind your earlobes. This is a neat feature that will surely wow your friends.
Lastly, these polarized sunglasses are covered by a lifelong durability guarantee. It’s also available in black, red, and blue lens colors. Overall, it’s the most durable sunglasses I’ve ever had for driving and casual use.
Pros
- Lifelong durability guarantee
- Aircraft-grade titanium frame
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
Cons
- I just wish it doesn’t have a logo on the lens
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5. Ray-Ban Polarized Metal Sunglasses
For those looking for cheaper yet stylish sunglasses, you’ll never go wrong with the Ray-Ban Polarized Metal Sunglasses. This has a unisex fit and an exquisite look that has appealed to customers of the brand over the years.
This pair is made of a metal frame with classic round, polarized glass lenses. It has a UV protective coating that keeps your eyes comfortably focused on the road. This offers excellent low-light contrast, as well, which makes the sunglasses very versatile.
As the best color sunglasses, this is available in a wide variety of lens hues. You can try green, blue, blue gradient, clear gradient brown, copper flash, brown gradient, and more. It’s also available in lens 50, 53, and 47 mm lens sizes.
Aside from the sunglasses, you will also receive a protective case and lens cloth. This pair is also covered by the Ray-Ban warranty. Just make sure that you purchase from legitimate Ray-Ban stores like the one on the link to avoid knock-offs.
However, I want to warn those with bigger and chubbier faces. This Ray-Ban pair runs small and can have a tight fit around the ears.
Pros
- Available in a wide range of colors
- The lenses are made of real glass
- Affordable driving sunglasses
Cons
- The fit is a bit tighter for some
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Polarized Sunglasses Buying Guide
There are a ton of polarized sunglasses in the market so finding the best one can be difficult. But to help you out, I suggest considering the following aspects:
Size
Before we dive into the specific features, it’s important that you check if the sunglasses fit you well. You must check the bridge size, arm length, and lens width to get the right size. Otherwise, you’ll have protective polarized sunglasses that you can’t wear.
Most often, the basis of the eyewear sizing is the lens size. The other parts of the sunglasses will also become bigger and longer as the lens itself becomes larger.
For the most part, lens sizes will range from 47 mm to 61 mm. This offers leeway for you to find the one that fits well but not too loose.
Polarization
Next, since you want to cut glare while driving, you must check the polarization of the lenses. Most of the time, the color of the lenses will dictate how polarized it is. Darker colors like gray and dark blue offer the highest polarization. Meanwhile, light gradient colors have lower polarization. And when the polarization is low, it means that the sunglasses don’t offer a lot of glare protection.
The good thing here is that there are wide color options for polarized sunglasses. It’s up to you to choose which ones you need.
UVA and UVB protection
Take note that just because a pair of sunglasses is polarized doesn’t mean it’s already UV-resistant. This is the reason why brands often use it as a marketing pitch whenever their glasses have an added UVA and UVB protection. This is a separate coating from the polarization of the eyewear.
It’s important to have this feature to reduce eye strain, especially on long drives. This will also make the sunglasses versatile as all-around eyewear.
Lens material
Polarized glasses can either have acrylic, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and glass lenses. Acrylic is the most affordable and lightweight option, but it’s not very durable. The second best option is polycarbonate, which is more impact-resistant but remains lightweight.
On the other hand, polyurethane is more reliable but it comes at a higher price. Of all the materials, glass is the most expensive but offers the best overall experience.
In the end, it’s all about what works for you and your budget.
Frame material
Aside from the lens material, it’s also important to choose the best frame material. My best bet is titanium because it resists corrosion and it doesn’t break easily. However, it comes at a higher price range.
You can also opt for cheap metal if you don’t want to splurge a lot on titanium frames. However, look for one that doesn’t corrode easily.
If you’re short on cash, you can also look for affordable but still reliable plastic or nylon frames. These are also lightweight but may not endure the excessive impact of falling.
Price
Last but not the least, consider your budget. If money isn’t an issue, I highly suggest that you invest in a durable pair of polarized sunglasses with long-lasting material.
While you can easily purchase cheap polarized sunglasses, you will spend more by the time you need to get a replacement. It’s always best to shell out a few more bucks to get the best balance between quality and cost.
Final words
The best polarized glass lens sunglasses will keep your eyes comfortable while on the road. It cuts sun glare so you can stay focused while driving, especially on a busy day. Just make sure that you get one with the right size, material, and level of protection. Also, spending a little more will give you the best eyewear experience you can ever have.