Question 1

What does UV400 protection actually mean on sunglasses?

Accepted Answer

UV400 means the lenses block 99–100% of ultraviolet radiation up to 400 nanometres — covering the full UVA and UVB spectrum. It's the gold standard for eye protection and should be considered the minimum acceptable rating. Crucially, lens darkness has no bearing on UV protection; a pale photochromic lens with UV400 certification protects your eyes far better than a dark, uncoated lens. Always verify the UV rating in the product specifications before buying.

Question 2

Are polarised sunglasses worth the extra cost?

Accepted Answer

For most people, yes — polarised lenses are the single most impactful upgrade available in sunglasses. They eliminate reflected glare from water, wet roads, and snow, which dramatically reduces eye strain during driving, cycling, or water sports. The price difference between polarised and non-polarised models of the same frame is typically modest once you're already in the 98 £ to 102 £ range. The exception: if you regularly read LCD screens outdoors or ski on icy terrain where surface texture matters, non-polarised lenses can actually be preferable.

Question 3

What is Oakley PRIZM technology and is it genuinely better?

Accepted Answer

PRIZM is Oakley's proprietary lens system that selectively enhances specific colour wavelengths to improve contrast in particular environments — road, trail, water, golf, and so on. It's not just a marketing term; independent optical tests consistently show improved contrast sensitivity compared to standard tints. That said, it's only worth paying for if you have a specific activity in mind. PRIZM Road for cycling and driving is particularly well-regarded. For general everyday use, a standard polarised lens from Ray-Ban will serve you just as well at a lower price.

Question 4

How do I know which frame shape suits my face?

Accepted Answer

The general rule is to choose a frame shape that contrasts with your face shape: round faces suit angular rectangular frames, whilst square faces are softened by round or oval styles. Oval faces are the most versatile and suit almost any shape. Beyond aesthetics, consider coverage — wrap-around frames provide better peripheral UV protection, whilst classic rectangular or aviator styles leave more of the sides exposed. If you're buying online, check the lens width measurement (usually listed in millimetres) against a pair you already own and find comfortable.

Question 5

Can I trust cheap sunglasses from unknown brands for UV protection?

Accepted Answer

Not reliably, no. Whilst EU and UK regulations require CE-marked sunglasses to meet minimum UV standards, enforcement is inconsistent for very cheap imports. Sunglasses priced below 80 £ on marketplace platforms are a particular risk — dark lenses with no real UV coating cause your pupils to dilate, allowing more UV radiation to reach the retina than if you wore nothing at all. Brands like Hawkers at the lower end of this catalogue are a safer budget option because they operate within regulated retail channels. If the price seems implausibly low, the UV protection probably is too.

Question 6

What's the difference between the Oakley Holbrook and the Oakley Latch?

Accepted Answer

The Holbrook is Oakley's classic lifestyle frame — a rectangular shape inspired by vintage American eyewear, designed for everyday wear rather than sport. The Latch uses a spring-loaded hinge mechanism that allows the temples to fold flat without a traditional hinge, making it more compact for travel and slightly more flexible in fit. Both are available with PRIZM lenses and polarisation. The Holbrook tends to sit slightly lower in price; the Latch's folding mechanism adds a small premium. For sport use, neither is the right choice — the Jawbreaker or Flak 2.0 XL are better suited.

Question 7

Are expensive designer sunglasses like Oliver Peoples actually better optically?

Accepted Answer

Oliver Peoples lenses are genuinely high quality — the brand uses premium CR-39 and glass lens materials with excellent optical clarity, and the Italian acetate frames are among the best-finished in the market. However, at their average price point, you're also paying significantly for heritage and aesthetics. For pure optical performance and UV protection, a mid-range Oakley with PRIZM polarised lenses will outperform most designer frames in real-world conditions. Oliver Peoples makes sense if craftsmanship and style are your primary criteria; if performance is, look at Oakley's sport range instead.

Sunglasses Price Comparison

Sunglasses price comparison UK