Sunglasses are both UV protection and the accessory that defines a look. Always choose lenses with UV400 certification — that's the minimum standard for real eye protection. Shape, colour and material determine whether the sunglasses complement your face. Tortoiseshell and black are timeless choices; coloured acetate takes courage but rewards you with personality. Store your sunglasses in a hard case so they keep their shape and the lenses stay free of scratches.
A pair of sunglasses can transform an entire look. They cover a third of the face, frame the eyes and are the first thing people notice. Yet many people choose sunglasses purely on price or impulse. That's a shame, because the choice of shape, material and lens tint has real consequences — both for how you look and for how well your eyes are protected. This guide covers the practical and the aesthetic side by side, so you end up with a pair of glasses you'll actually wear.
What makes sunglasses a proper accessory?
In the fashion world, a distinction is made between accessories that are functional (belts, gloves, hats) and those that are primarily expressive (earrings, bracelets, brooches). Sunglasses are both at once. They need to stay in place, they need to protect — and they need to look the part.
That's what makes them unique in the wardrobe. Because the glasses cover the eyes, they control what people see when they look at your face. A bold frame shape draws attention to the cheekbones. A thin, almost invisible frame lets the facial features speak for themselves. A pair of very dark lenses creates distance and mystery. It's not a coincidence — it's a concrete design decision you make every time you put the glasses on.
Just like jewellery, sunglasses are about proportion and contrast. A large, dramatic frame balances a simple outfit. A minimalist pair enhances details that are already bold. Think of them as the frame around a painting — they don't change the subject, but they change how you experience it.
Find the shape that suits your face
There's no universal shape that suits everyone — but there are clear rules of thumb based on face geometry.
The classic shapes
Aviator — the teardrop-shaped frame, developed by Bausch & Lomb in 1936 for American military pilots. The wide, rounded lower edge softens an angular face and suits most nose shapes well.
Wayfarer — the square, trapezoid frame, popularised by Ray-Ban in 1952. Works especially well on oval and heart-shaped faces, because the horizontal lines create width in the upper part of the face.
Cat-eye — the upturned corner gives a lifted effect and highlights the cheekbones. Classic on round and square faces, because the shape creates vertical dynamic.
Face shape as a starting point
- Round face: Choose rectangular or angular frames that add contrast to the soft lines.
- Square face: Round or oval shapes soften the edges.
- Oval face: The most flexible shape — most frames work, but avoid extreme width that breaks the proportions.
- Heart-shaped face:Aviator and cat-eye balance a wide forehead against a narrower chin.
Tip: The frame width shouldn't exceed the width of your face. Measure the distance from temple to temple — a frame that's more than 5 mm wider on each side creates an "oversized" look, unless that's the intention.
Colour and material: what signals what?
Frame colour and material are where you really define your style. Here are three categories that cover the vast majority of choices:
Black
Black is the only frame choice that's never been completely out of fashion since the 1950s. It's neutral, authoritative and compatible with everything. Black acetate looks sturdy; black metal frames look minimalist. Choose the finish (glossy vs. matte) based on whether you want a soft or sharp expression.
Tortoiseshell
The tortoiseshell pattern — brown, amber and black in uneven patches — is produced in acetate and imitates the tortoiseshell pattern that was the standard in eyewear manufacturing until the 1970s (when real tortoiseshell was banned). It's timeless because the colour spectrum is warm and complements most skin tones. It has an organic, craft-like quality reminiscent of ceramic vases in handmade finishes — the variation is part of the expression, not a flaw.
Coloured acetate
Pastels, earthy tones, bright colours — coloured acetate requires awareness of what it does to your complexion. Warm tones (terracotta, honey, olive green) lift warm skin tones. Cool tones (blue, purple, grey) work best with cool undertones. It's the category that requires the most courage — and usually gives the most distinctive aesthetic expression.
Metal vs. acetate
| Property | Acetate | Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lighter (approx. 20-30 g) | Heavier (30-50 g depending on alloy) |
| Durability | Flexible, but cracks under hard pressure | Bends, can be straightened |
| Adjustability | Requires heat (optician) | Can be adjusted with pliers |
| Look | Sturdy, characterful | Minimalist, technical |
| Price range | Wide range (200-3000+ DKK) | Wide range (200-4000+ DKK) |
UV protection — facts you need to know
Tinting has no connection to UV protection. That's the mistake most people make: thinking that dark lenses automatically protect better. A dark-tinted lens without a UV filter is more dangerous than no sunglasses at all, because the pupil dilates (it registers darkness), while the total UV radiation can actually be higher than in daylight without glasses.
The UV400 standard
UV400 is the label you need to look for. It means the lens blocks electromagnetic radiation up to a wavelength of 400 nanometres — covering both UVA (315-400 nm) and UVB (280-315 nm). The EU standard EN ISO 12312-1 specifies the requirements for sunglasses sold in Europe, and all glasses marketed as sunglasses must at minimum comply with category 0-4 on the filter scale.
Filter categories
- Category 0: 0-19% light absorption. Fashion lenses, not for sunny weather.
- Category 1: 20-57%. Light sun and overcast weather.
- Category 2: 58-82%. Normal sunshine.
- Category 3: 83-92%. Strong sun, beach and ski slopes.
- Category 4: 92-97%. Extreme conditions (glaciers, high seas). Not suitable for driving.
For Danish summers, category 2-3 is the standard. Category 1 isn't really eye protection in full sun.
Styling and coordinating with the rest of your outfit
Sunglasses interact with three things: hair, clothes and the rest of your accessories. Here are the concrete considerations:
Hair and glasses
Tightly styled hair (bun, ponytail) fully exposes the frame of the glasses — the shape comes through clearly. Loose hair around the glasses softens the silhouette. Neither is better than the other, but it changes which glasses you're looking at.
Coordinating with jewellery
A gold metal frame naturally coordinates with gold-toned earrings and necklaces. A black acetate frame is neutral and works with all metal colours. Avoid matching the frame colour directly to your jewellery — it looks planned in the wrong way. A subtle relationship (similar tone, not identical) works better.
Proportions in the outfit
Large, oversized frames require either a simple outfit or one that's very structured. They steal attention — that's the whole point. Slim, minimalist frames disappear in an overloaded outfit and work best with simple combinations.
Storage and maintenance
A scratch in the lens is permanent. Acetate frames can lose their shape at high temperatures — a car dashboard in summer is enough to deform a cheap frame. Proper storage isn't excessive care, it's practical common sense.
The case makes a difference
A hard case (not the soft pouch that comes with the cheap models) is the minimum standard. It protects against pressure from bag contents and scratches from keys and coins. A good case typically weighs 50-100 grams and isn't something you notice — until you don't have to explain a scratch on your lenses.
Just like you keep track of jewellery in separate compartments or trays, it makes sense to dedicate a fixed spot to your glasses. It's the easiest way to avoid damage.
Cleaning
Use a microfibre cloth — not your jumper sleeve, not a paper towel. Both materials have a surface that's rough enough to cause micro-scratches in anti-reflective coated lenses. For stubborn dirt: a bit of neutral soap and lukewarm water, dried with a microfibre cloth afterwards. Avoid alcohol on anti-reflective coated lenses.
Tip: Store your glasses with the lenses facing upwards (not downwards) in the case, so they rest on the frame edge rather than the lens surface — even if the case is soft on the inside.
You'll find our range of sunglasses in various shapes, colours and materials — from simple everyday models to more distinctive frames that make a clear statement.
Frequently asked questions
What is UV400, and is it mandatory?
UV400 means the lens blocks radiation up to 400 nanometres — covering the entire UVA and UVB spectrum. In the EU, all sunglasses are subject to EN ISO 12312-1, which requires documented UV protection. You should avoid glasses without labelling, as you can't verify the level of protection. Always look for the CE mark and UV400 indication on the temple or packaging.
Do darker lenses give better UV protection?
No. Lens tint and UV protection are two independent properties. A dark lens without a UV filter is actually harmful, because the pupil dilates in the dark and is thus exposed to more radiation. UV protection is a chemical filter in the lens, not a matter of colour intensity.
Which frame shape suits a round face?
For a round face, rectangular or angular shapes that add contrast to the soft lines are recommended. A wayfarer or a rectangular metal frame works well. Avoid round and oval shapes, which reinforce the roundness of the face shape instead of balancing it.
What's the difference between acetate and plastic in sunglass frames?
Acetate is a cellulose-based polymer — technically a type of plastic, but with a density and surface finish that differs markedly from cheaper injection-moulded plastic. Acetate can be polished and sanded, holds its colour better over time, and has a noticeably more "substantial" quality feel in the hand.
Can sunglass frames be adjusted at home?
Metal frames can be adjusted carefully with your fingers or a glasses screwdriver. Acetate frames need to be heated before bending — cold acetate cracks. An optician can heat them with a special blower and adjust them correctly. Don't try to bend cold acetate; the damage is irreversible.
What is filter category 3, and when should I choose it?
Category 3 absorbs 83-92% of visible light and is well suited to strong sunshine, beach and skiing activities. It's the standard choice for southern holidays and high-summer days in Scandinavia. Category 4 (over 92%) is for extreme conditions such as glaciers and isn't permitted for driving in Denmark.
Summary
Sunglasses are the accessory that work on two levels at once: they protect your eyes and they define a face. These two functions aren't opposites — they complement each other if you choose consciously. UV400 certification isn't up for negotiation; everything else is aesthetics. Shape is chosen based on face geometry, colour and material based on skin tone and the rest of your wardrobe's signals. A hard case and a microfibre cloth cost next to nothing and significantly extend the lifespan of your glasses. Buy fewer, better pairs — and get to know them.
Explore our range of sunglasses in classic and distinctive shapes.
