The winter sun sits low, and snow throws its light back at you, so glare is not just a summer problem. Here you will find out why winter sunglasses are worth wearing, which lens tint and category to choose, what matters in snow and when driving into a low sun, and which frames look good in the cold season.
Key points at a glance
- In winter the sun is low and snow reflects a lot of light. Sunglasses reduce glare.
- Look for UV400 and a CE or UKCA mark. The tint says nothing about UV protection: even light lenses can be UV400.
- Category 3 suits most sunny winter days, category 2 changing light. Category 4 is for glaciers only and not suitable for driving.
- Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflections on wet roads and snow. Screens can look dark through them.
Sunglasses in winter: why they are worth it
In winter the sun sits lower in the sky than in summer, so its light often comes straight into your line of sight. Snow adds to this by throwing a large share of it back: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), fresh snow reflects up to 80 per cent of UV radiation. It gets bright from above and from below.
Sunglasses reduce glare and make the light more comfortable, on a winter walk, in town or on the way to the slopes. UV protection is what matters most: UV400 means the lenses filter UV radiation up to 400 nanometres, and the CE or UKCA mark shows that the sunglasses meet the requirements for sunglasses in Europe and the UK.
Which lens tint and category for winter sun?
The filter category from 0 to 4 tells you how much visible light gets through the lens. It is usually printed on the inside of the temple.
| Category | Light transmission | Best for in winter |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 18–43% | cloudy days and changing light |
| 3 | 8–18% | sunny days in town and in the snow |
| 4 | 3–8% | glaciers and high mountains, not suitable for driving |
As for lens colour, grey and dark brown suit bright sun, while brown, copper and rose suit changing light. In fog and snowfall, lighter lenses in category 1 to 2 work better.
Sunglasses for snow: category, polarisation and side coverage
In snow, category 3 is the usual standard. You only need category 4 on a glacier or high in the mountains in bright sun. A wraparound frame or side shields also keep out light that comes in from the side.
Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflections, even on hard, shiny snow. The downside: patches of ice shine less and are harder to spot, and phone or sat-nav screens can look dark. How the filter works is explained in our guide to polarised lenses.
If you ski, you have a choice: airy ski sunglasses suit sunshine, cross-country skiing and ski touring, while ski goggles are usually better in snowfall, wind and on fast descents. If your eyes are sore after a day in the snow, see an optometrist or doctor.
Driving into a low winter sun
In winter the low sun often dazzles head-on, especially in the morning and late afternoon, and wet roads add to the reflections. In daylight, category 2 or 3 sunglasses are suitable; category 4 is not suitable for driving. Take them off in good time at dusk or before a tunnel, and keep them within reach.
Neutral colours such as grey, brown or green hardly distort traffic lights and brake lights. Polarised lenses can make displays in the car look dark, so try them in your own car. You will find more in our guide to driving glasses.
Winter sunglasses for women and men: styles and colours
In winter fashion a frame can be bolder than in summer. Dark tones and strong colours go with a wool coat, knitwear and a scarf, and large round, oval or square shapes and aviators make a clear statement. Call them winter shades or winter glasses: they should suit your face and sit firmly, even under a hat.
Best sunglasses for winter in the UK: what to look for
- UV protection: UV400 and a CE or UKCA mark.
- Tint: category 3 for sunny days, category 2 for changing light.
- Frame: It sits firmly, suits your face and keeps out light from the side.
- Prescription: Many sunglasses can be fitted with prescription lenses, so prescription winter sunglasses are possible. Strongly curved frames limit the range of powers.
At Edel-Optics you will currently find sunglasses from Oakley and Ray-Ban and the Italian luxury labels Prada, Miu Miu and Gucci, including classics such as the Ray-Ban Wayfarer and the Oakley Holbrook. Here is the current selection:
Oakley EYEJACKET REDUX (OO9438 943805)£118.15 PMiu Miu MU A51S 5AK20P£247.91Ray-Ban BILL (RB2198 129251)£95.87Prada PR 65ZS ZVN09T£152.95Prada PR B15S 17N70R£196.41Miu Miu MU B07S 16K04O£203.10Prada PR 15WS 01R0A6£146.27Ray-Ban CATS 5000 (RB4125 710/51)£95.87
