There are two types of “shady individuals;" those that are admired for their stylish sunglasses, and then there are those "shady individuals" that secretly admire their best friend’s girlfriend. Here at SUITABULL, we encourage the former over the latter. We understand that the superb world of ocular protection is more than just saving your eyeballs from frying and drying up like a raisin in the sun. It’s about staying stylish in the process. So whether you’re in the market for some new shades, trying to figure out the right pair to get your significant other, or just want to be in the know, SUITABULL has got your back!
Types of shades
Most people think there are only 2 types of shades, the ones they wear and the ones they don’t! But the truth is that there are so many variations of shades that you’re bound to find another type that catches the eye. Like people, sunglasses come in many types, but we’ll make it easy for you by divvying it up into 5 main categories:
Aviators—Tom Cruise Top Gun
Usually metal, have a teardrop shaped lenses and we’re issued to military pilots, hence the name “Aviators”. For an easy on the go, light, all purpose shade that you can easily dress up or dress down with, reach for a pair of aviators
Wayfarer—Blues brothers
If you’ve actually seen the “Blues Brothers” movie (either the John Belushi version or the Sam Jackson/Bernie Mac version), or have ever been to a Jazz spot, then you’ve seen wayfarer shades. These full plastic frames are a bit more formal than aviators, but more versatile than brow lines. Given the versatility and variety of plastic frame design, wayfarers have a broad range from fun and wacky to as serious as funeral shades. These particular shades have a way of making you feel cool, yet classy and classic.
Browline— Malcolm X’s
Originating as eyeglasses, browlines, caught on in the 50s and 60s. Malcolm X was one of the famous faces to sport a pair of these. They’re easily identifiable with a plastic top frame which peak out at the temples, metal bridge with a wired lower frame (resembling brow lines). As popularity grew, the sunglasses variation came to life and formed into the style that many enjoy today. With the retro vibe, these work great with any hipster look. If you’re the type of guy that loves fedoras, military jackets and wears a scarf year round; these may be the move for you.
Round —Will-I-am
Round shades are eclectic and seem like an obvious choice when you want to be different. These remind me of a thespian, artist or musician. Which is probably why You’ve seen folks like Will-I-am,Elton John and Quavo from The Migos sporting s pair. If you’re in a committed relationship with prescription lenses then try the flip-up variation to enjoy circular eyeglasses and sunglasses combined along with a funky look.
Wraparound—Coach
Not to be confused with the wraparound specs that Lavar Burton wore on Star Trek, but the ones that just about every athletic coach and gym teacher has worn from the mid 90’s to the present. As the name implies, the lenses wrap around the side of the eyes to create an added shield from the sun. Wraparounds tend to be super durable, which works well for throwing down on the ground during one of coach’s epic meltdowns over a terrible referee whistle. The “Oakley’s” brand dominated the market on these for years but other brands like Ray Ban have updated the style that expands its desire far beyond the coaches’ huddle.
Brands
With Amazon and internet shopping today, you could find any style in any brand at any cost. But there are some brands that are better than others and are easily found at your local eyeglasses retailer. One of my favorite spots to shop is Cohen’s Fashion Optical at Roosevelt Field Mall. Head on over and tell them we sent you.
Persol—These handmade Italian shades are well know for their plastic frames and metal accents. For great quality at a moderate price, grab a pair of these. Browlines, wayfarers and aviators in a tortoise shell are the sweet spot for this brand. https://www.persol.com/usa
Ray Ban—Your neighborhood hustler as far as sunglasses brands go. Famous for their wayfarers but Growing in popularity for their attention to details for other glasses types, Ray Ban is your go to for fairly priced specs of all types.
Tom Ford—Provide a simplistic yet sturdy and classy look for men. If you want an upscale pair of shades that you can wear everyday then count on these. They’re especially skilled at their aviators and wayfarers. https://www.tomford.com/eyewear
Gucci—The first pair of designer glasses I ever bought were Gucci. They’re a bit flashier than Tom Fords with the same build quality. For something a little extra head to the Gucci section. https://www.gucci.com/us
Cartier—For Ultimate Luxury, way behind the protected case with fingerprint scan access, you’ll find the Cartier section. For those special occasions that require something a little extra, Cartier shades will do the trick. With the 4-figure price tag, expect precious and semi-precious metal frames combined with exotic woods. Even the more subdued pairs will seem “different” in quality versus other luxury brands, let alone the masses. https://www.cartier.com/en-us/collections/accessories/eyewear
Warby Parker—WP frames will give you designer looks for less. For the bargain price range you can have some of the popular plastic framed styles. Durability and build quality may be inferior, to some of the other brands, but nevertheless, these are still a great brand to get your collection started. www.warbyparker.com
Prive Revaux—This new brand, created by actor, Jamie Foxx, has run out of the gate strong. With an even lower price point (starting at $29.99) than Warby Parker and even more variety of styles, you can step your style up for the same price as a haircut. https://priverevaux.com
Type of Lens
Light tint—If you like the look of shades but don’t want to affect your sight with dark lenses, a light tint will work for you. Light tint shades are great for all day shade wear that you can rock from dusk till dawn.
Gradient—Due to their complex nature, gradient or two-tone lenses give an instant luxurious vibe. They consist of a darker tint on the upper half with a lighter tint on the lower. Aviator shades tend to look best with a gradient tint
Black out—For the, “I’m famous so I’m trying to hide look, reach for the pitch black tint. Or if you have eyes that are highly sensitive to bright lights, these are great as well.
Mirrored—These lenses will get you the most looks hands down, for 2 reasons.
1—No one knows for sure where you’re looking so they’ll stare to see if they can see your eyes.
2—people will use you as a personal mirror, so they will stare at themselves, in your lenses.
Frame Composition
Metal—From Steel and titanium, to semi precious metals, this composition will grant you the most classic and perhaps elegant look. The styles that are mostly offered in metal are aviators and round.
Wood—Usually a sign of luxury, wooden frames can stand-alone or be combined with fine metals, as is done with the Cartier brand.
Plastic—the most popular and economical material to produce sunglasses today, plastic is the choice for wayfarers, wraparounds and some aviators and can be combined in a dizzying array of combinations. Plastic allows for the most versatile styling, from blended and gradient colored frames, to frames with temples colors that differ from the rim.
Horn rimmed/Tortoise shell—Probably one of the most distinctive designs you’ll come across are horn rimmed or tortoise shell frames. Originally made from actual horns or tortoise shell in the early 1900s, it was considered to give an ordinary look to the wearer. Today is the opposite. Plastics A solid color based plastic such as light brown is used, with lighter or darker blotches of color, to resemble (you guessed it), a tortoise shell. All types with the exception of wraparounds look great in this composition.
The reality is that the man makes the shades, so as long as you pick something you like and you own your look, you can’t go wrong. If you’re looking for a great pair, check out the links above or pay the good folks a visit at Cohen’s Fashion Optical in Roosevelt Field Mall and tell them that “SUITABULL sent me.” Stay shady, stay encouraged and most of all..
Stay Suitabull guys.