Winter Sunglasses: Why Low Sun and Snow Glare Matter
Why do you need sunglasses in winter? Low sun, snow and wet roads add glare. Learn which tints, polarized lenses and frames work best.
4 min readBy IGIOO Optical
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Yes, you still need sunglasses in winter. The sun sits lower in the sky from autumn to early spring, so it shines straight into your eyes on the commute, and snow, wet roads and frosty pavements bounce even more light back at you. A well-fitting pair with dark, polarized lenses makes cold, bright days far more comfortable.
Why winter light feels harsher than summer light
In summer the sun is high overhead and the brim of a cap or the top of your frame blocks a good part of it. In winter it hangs close to the horizon, which means it arrives at eye level. Drive east in the morning or west in the afternoon and it is hard to avoid.
Then there is reflection. Fresh snow, ice, puddles and the shiny bonnets of parked cars all send light back toward your face. The result is squinting, watering eyes and a tired feeling by lunchtime, even though the temperature says "cold day".
What to look for in winter sunglasses
- Dark, even lenses. Low sun is intense, so a darker tint usually feels better than a light fashion tint.
- Polarized lenses. They are designed to cut glare from flat, shiny surfaces such as wet roads and snow.
- Coverage. Lenses that sit close to the face and are tall enough to block light from above and the side help when the sun is low.
- A secure, comfortable fit. Cold weather means hats, scarves and hoods, so check that the temples do not press against them.
Not sure about frame width? Our frame size guide shows how to measure.
Which lens tint works best on low-sun days?
There is no single right answer, but this comparison is a good starting point.
| Lens tint | Feels like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Grey or smoke | Neutral, true colours | Driving, snow, all-round winter use |
| Brown or amber | Warm, higher contrast | Overcast-but-bright days, rural roads |
| Gradient | Darker on top, lighter below | Driving, when you also look at the dashboard |
| Mirrored | Reflective outside surface | Very bright snow or open landscapes |
Our polarized sunglasses cover several of these tints, so you can pick the one that matches how you spend your winter days.
Frame shapes that suit winter
Aviators are a natural fit: the large teardrop lens covers a lot of the eye area and the thin metal frame sits comfortably under a hat. Browse our aviator collection if you like that classic outline. Slightly wider, rounder shapes also work well because they let in less light from the sides, and they pair easily with a winter coat and scarf.
Wearing sunglasses in the car
Keep a pair in the glove box. A dark tint is useful when the sun drops low on the way home, but remember to take them off in tunnels, at dusk and after sunset. If you drive in the evening, our driving glasses are worth a look as well.
Need a prescription?
If you wear glasses every day, you do not have to swap between two pairs at the door. Prescription sunglasses bring your lens power and a tint into one frame. Not sure what the numbers on your prescription mean? Our prescription guide explains them step by step.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I really need sunglasses when it is cold and cloudy?
On a dull day you may not. On a bright winter day, especially with snow or a low sun, many people find sunglasses much more comfortable than going without.
Are polarized lenses better for snow?
Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare from flat reflective surfaces, which is why many people choose them for snow, ice and wet roads.
Which tint should I choose for winter driving?
Grey and gradient tints are popular because they keep colours natural. Brown works well if you like extra contrast. Try the tint on a bright morning to see which feels best.
Can I get winter sunglasses with my prescription?
Yes. You can choose prescription sunglasses and enter your values when you order.
Find your winter pair
Explore the full range of sunglasses and find a frame that looks good with your winter coat. Add your prescription in a few clicks with our lens selector.
