Clip-on sunglasses might bring to mind visions of flipping up your tinted shades in the early 1990s, but these babies are back in style. Those of us who wear prescription eyeglasses are cheering on this bit of good news, as it means not having to fork out extra money to purchase a second pair of frames for prescription sunglasses. Not only that, but life becomes a little bit easier when you don’t need to haul around double the eyeglass cases and constantly switch back and forth as you move inside and out on sunny days. The best part though is that in-style options for clip-ons enable even those of us with the thickest lenses to look cool.
So, what are clip-ons?
These types of dark lenses fasten to your regular prescription eyeglasses with either a fixed or a magnetic clip. They can be ordered in a variety of sizes – round, rectangular, square, or oblong – in order to fit the shape of your frames. You can also purchase them in varying tints and with or without UV protection and polarization. Hundreds of options are available, depending on your budget, fashion sense and sun-protection requirements.
Magnetic Clip-On Sunglasses
Do you have metal frames? If so, this type of clip-on might be a great choice for you. The most costly type, they don’t have clips so they fit seamlessly against your lenses. Make sure they match the shape of your lenses though, so that they’ll work to protect your eyes from the bright sun.
Standard Clip-Ons
Specially designed with a rubber coating, these clip-ons attach to the upper frame of your glasses without scratching the lenses or causing any other damage. Perfect for eyeglasses made of plastic, epoxy or even wood, this type of clip-on can also amp up your appearance. Check out the many retro-yet-modern styles, including those in the Bailey Nelson clip-on sunglasses collection which offer full UV protection.
Flip Clip-On Sunglasses
If you really want to go retro – and experience the ultimate in practicality – purchase a pair of flip clip-ons. Designed with a hinge, usually placed in the centre of the frames, this type of clip-on can be raised and lowered depending on environmental conditions, eliminating the need to detach the clip-ons to see. When you’re on the beach, flip them down, and as soon as you set foot in that ocean-side restaurant, up they go to read the menu. The only downside to these is that they don’t seem as sleek and high-style and the hinge can more easily break.
Hopefully, this overview has given you a clear sense of the clip-on sunglass options available to you. Be a convert; free yourself from carting around two pairs of glasses!
