Polaroid Eyewear is a worldwide leader in eye-care and a pioneering international eyewear brand that owes its name to the invention that changed the world of technology and optics: polarized lenses.
Back in 1937, Edwin Land invented Polaroid – the world’s first polarizing material. It’s almost 85 years later and the technology is being used by most commercial sunglass producers in the world.
Sunglasses produced by Polaroid come with polarized lenses and, as we shall see, they offer quite the selection to suit your every need.
BENEFITS OF POLARISED LENSES
Polarized is not to be confused with the ability of sunglasses to provide UV protection.
This being said, the lenses on Polaroid sunglasses do offer UV protection apart from the benefits of polarization.
So how does one benefit from purchasing sunglasses with polarized lenses?
In two words: Less Glare.
If you’ve ever had to stave off bright light on the golf course, the sea, or in a jam-packed parking lot, you’ll be quite familiar with the annoyance of glare.
Usually light scatters because it bounces at varying angles off an object’s uneven surface.
But if the surface is smooth, as with calm water or a flat piece of sheet metal, the light can reflect at one angle—such as right in your eyes.
Having a bright shaft of sunlight hit you directly in the eyes is both annoying and potentially dangerous.
This is where polarized lenses come in. They improve clarity and even reduce eye strain on those bright, sunny days.
How Polarized Lenses Work
Polarized lenses have a special chemical applied to them to filter light. The chemical molecules are lined up specifically to block some of the light from passing through the lens. Only light that passes through the blind’s openings can be seen.
On polarized sunglasses, the filter creates vertical openings for light. This means that only light rays that approach your eyes vertically can fit through those openings.
The lenses will block out all the horizontal light waves bouncing off a smooth pond or a shiny car hood, for instance.
As a result, the image you see with polarized lenses is a bit darker than usual, but objects look crisper and clearer, and details are easier to see.
People who use polarized sunglasses for long periods often say they are less tired than usual after hours of battling sun glare.
People who fish, in particular, find polarized sunglasses drastically cut the glare and help them see into the water.
What Polaroid Sunglasses Should I Buy?
1. Polaroid 2083 Aviators
Timeless and iconic, these polarized aviator sunglasses are a versatile everyday accessory to wear on holidays or around town.
Distinctive grey lenses are enhanced by the essential lines of a matte black stainless-steel double-bridge front.
The combination of an already minimal pair of sunglasses with a grey lens is not a look that would appeal to everyone though.
If you’re someone who enjoys a little extra pizzazz and flair, you’d be quite interested in the Polaroid Aviators that come kitted out with the most exciting burgundy lenses. Adding this splash of colour gives a playful character to these sunglasses.
The frames come in anthracite grey.
Probably the most luxurious of the grey shades, this colour brings a look of extravagance and high quality meaning you’ll look perfect wearing these in a classy beachside bar. “Cocktail please!”
2. Polaroid 7025 Square Frame (Ray-Ban Wayfarer competitors)
These Polaroid sunglasses for men and women ensure total comfort and freedom of movement without sacrificing attention to detail.
Perfect for a bike ride around town and for playing beach games in summer, these sporty sunglasses combine high performance and superior fit.
The frame is finished with a polka-dot texture, while the temples feature black non-slip rubber inserts for a secure grip.
Those of you familiar with Ray-Ban sunglasses will see an immediate resemblance to the Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses.
If the black non-slip rubber is not to your liking but you’d still like that Wayfarer look, then the yellow rubber detail sunglasses might be to your liking.
They come with a grey polycarbonate front, black polycarbonate temples with a subtly stylish yellow rubber detail.
3. Polaroid 6098 Oval Frame
An easy-to-wear shape that would suit most face-shapes, these polarised sunglasses come in a redesigned pop version for men and women.
They feature a solid colour look with grey lenses and a matching clear polycarbonate frame. Polaroid completes the style with its logo on the lenses and the unmistakable rainbow icon on the inner side of the rivet.
4. Polaroid 4078 Square frame
These sunglasses take everyday style to the next level.
Brown lenses and a Havana polycarbonate frame are combined to create a perfect tone-on-tone look. Near the front, the temples feature sparkling diamante detailing to add a casual chic accent.
This frame can be easily transformed into a pair of polarised prescription sunglasses.
Carrera 1019/S
5. Polaroid 2042
6. Polaroid Sport
There are several Polaroid Sport options.
- For fishing, running, and cycling, this pair of light Polaroid sunglasses with a brow-only frame and more coverage than other sunglasses offer the perfect eyewear solution.
- For climbing, being out at sea, and other activities where there is a danger of your sunglasses coming off your face, the Polaroid Sport 7030 may be just what you need.
This pair of sunglasses don the Utilitarian Cap and provide security in the form of a handy head-strap to keep the sunglasses when things get a little, um… hairy.
The strap colour matches that of the frame: matte black. The strap itself is about as tall as the thickest part of the frames and sports the Polaroid name across its middle. This is an excellent addition to your sunglasses arsenal for tackling situations that need a little more sturdy security.
- For a general sporty look, take a look at the Polaroid Sport P8411s.
They do what any good pair of sunglasses should – protect your eyes from debris and dangerous UV rays. Get yourself a pair of these if you’re after a pair of every day, keep-in-your-car sunglasses.They’ll be handy on the beach when you’re throwing a frisbee and will be just as good if worn while driving or even teeing off on the golf range.
7. Polaroid 6096
These sunglasses are Polaroid’s take on one of the most classic styles: women’s oversized sunglasses.
With their traditional butterfly shape, these sunglasses are the perfect choice to complete any outfit. Both the polarised lenses and the Havana transparent polycarbonate frame come in the same brown colour.
This irresistibly youthful style is completed by the brand’s iconic rainbow on the inside of the hinge.
8. Polaroid 4082
9. Polaroid 6080
Combining a classic soul with on-trend style, the matt brown Havana injected front of these Polaroid eyeglasses comes with magnetic Snap-On polarized lenses, instantly turning them into fashion-forward clip-on sunglasses.
The ultra-lightweight ruthenium-hued metal temples ensure a comfortable fit while the elegant pixel-shaped rivet details on the front create instant allure.
If the Havana pattern is a little bit out of your comfort zone, find assurance in the subtler black polycarbonate front of these Polaroid glasses.
10. Polaroid 2076
Polaroid has designed these simple, practical browline sunglasses for men who seek an urban look that’s in step with the times.
Polycarbonate details add a touch of color, embellishing the upper half of the ruthenium stainless steel front.
A metal bridge stylishly connects the blue shaded lenses and a refined laser-etched label adds the finishing touch to the matte green injected temples.
11. Polaroid 2092
Although Carrera sunglasses are available in several brick-and-mortar stores nationwide, Smith doesn’t have a store finder in South Africa, making it hard to find a specific store that carries it.
The good news is that Carrera has online-based authorized resellers that sell authentic Smith sunglasses.
Oculux is an authorized reseller of Carrera, Rayban, Arnette, and Vogue Eyewear online and has made over 11,000 customers happy over the years.
Check out the full range of Carrera sunglasses on offer at Oculux today!
Verdict
Finding a pair of Polaroid sunglasses that suit your face shape, style, and practical needs really couldn’t be easier – Polaroid offers a vast array of varying sunglasses styles.
The hardest thing would probably be deciding between them all! These sunglasses are priced reasonably-well meaning you can always go for two or three pairs if you’re not sure which one to settle on.
There are many positives to the Polaroid sunglasses:
- They’re budget-friendly yet premium quality.
- They provide glare-free vision
- Come in a range of subtle to spicy colours
- Many of the styles on offer are unisex
- The polaroid lenses offer clearer contrast and reduced eye fatigue.
Where to Buy the Polaroid sunglasses in South Africa?
Although Polaroid sunglasses are available in several brick-and-mortar stores nationwide, there is a special kind of convenience that comes with purchasing a product online.
The good news is that Polaroid has online-based authorized resellers that sell authentic Polaroid sunglasses in South Africa.
Oculux is an authorized reseller of PolaroidRayban, Oakley, Arnette, and Vogue Eyewear online and has made over 11,000 customers happy over the years.
Check out the range of Polaroid sunglasses on sale today!