Sunglasses Buying Guide: Lens Types, UV Protection & Frame Fit
Searching for the best sunglasses in Australia means balancing two things most people treat as separate: proper UV400 protection and a frame that actually looks like you chose it on purpose. This guide breaks down lens technology, the polarised vs non polarised debate, and how to read your own face shape, so your next pair earns its place in daily rotation, not the glovebox.
What Does UV400 Actually Mean?
UV400 is a lens rating, not a marketing sticker. It indicates a lens blocks light up to the 400-nanometre wavelength, which covers the full UVA and UVB spectrum reaching Australian streets. In a climate with some of the highest UV index readings globally, this is the single non-negotiable spec when shopping for sunglasses — colour, tint darkness and lens price tell you nothing about protection level on their own. Every pair across our sunglasses collection is built to UV400 standard, so the starting point is already covered before you get to choose a shape you love.
Polarised vs Non Polarised: Which One Do You Need?
The polarised vs non polarised question comes down to glare, not general darkness. Polarised lenses use a laminated filter that blocks horizontally reflected light — the kind that bounces off water, wet roads, car bonnets and pale pavement. That makes them genuinely useful for driving, beach days and boating, where glare causes squinting and eye fatigue rather than just brightness. Non polarised lenses still deliver full UV protection but let more reflected light through, which some people prefer for reading screens or digital displays that can appear distorted through polarised film. If most of your wear is city streets, cafés and everyday errands, non polarised is perfectly adequate; if you're near water or driving often, polarised is worth the upgrade.
Understanding AS/NZS 1067: The Australian Standard
AS/NZS 1067 is the joint Australian and New Zealand standard covering sunglasses and fashion spectacles, setting requirements for UV transmittance, lens category and impact resistance. Lenses are graded into categories from 0 (minimal tint, not for strong sun) through to 4 (very dark, not suitable for driving). Most everyday sunglasses sit in category 2 or 3, offering solid glare reduction for general outdoor use without impairing colour perception on the road. When you're comparing options, this categorisation is a more reliable indicator of real-world performance than tint colour alone.
Finding the Right Frame Fit for Your Face
Fit is where fashion-forward sunglasses earn their keep. Oval faces have the most flexibility and suit nearly any silhouette. Round faces benefit from angular or square frames that add definition. Square jawlines pair well with rounder, softer shapes like our Dock Havnen with classical lenses, which balances a strong brow line with a curved bottom edge. Heart-shaped faces, wider at the temple and narrower at the chin, tend to suit lighter frames or aviator-style shapes that don't add extra width up top. Beyond geometry, check bridge fit — frames that constantly slide down the nose are usually too wide at the bridge, not too small overall — and temple length, which determines whether a frame sits flush against your head or flares out awkwardly.
Cellulose Acetate: Why Frame Material Matters
Every Mr Boho frame is designed in Spain using cellulose acetate, a plant-based plastic prized for its depth of colour, durability and comfortable weight on the face. Unlike injection-moulded plastics that can look flat, acetate is layered and polished to produce rich tortoiseshell patterns, translucent finishes and saturated colour that doesn't fade or go brittle in Australian heat the way cheaper materials can. It's also more flexible than metal, which means a better long-term fit as the frame gently adjusts to your face shape over time. Styles like the Bondi sunglasses use this material to hold bold colour without feeling heavy.
Caring for Your Sunglasses Season to Season
Acetate frames last longest when kept out of direct heat — leaving them on a car dashboard in Australian summer is the fastest way to warp a frame or degrade lens coatings. Store them in a hard case when not worn, clean lenses with a microfibre cloth rather than clothing (which can carry fine grit that scratches coatings), and rinse off salt water or sunscreen residue promptly, as both can cloud lens tints over time. A quick wipe after each beach or ocean swim keeps colours and coatings performing as they should through the whole October–March season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all sunglasses sold in Australia need to meet AS/NZS 1067?
Sunglasses marketed with UV protection claims in Australia are expected to meet this standard, which governs lens categories and UV transmittance limits.
Are polarised lenses always darker than non polarised?
Not necessarily — polarisation refers to glare filtering, while darkness is set by the lens category, so a polarised lens can be a lighter tint and still cut reflected glare effectively.
Can I wear category 4 lenses while driving?
No — category 4 lenses are too dark for driving and are intended for intense glare environments like snow or open water, not road use.
How do I know if a frame is too wide for my face?
If the temples press noticeably at your hairline or the frame extends past the outer edge of your face, size down or try a narrower bridge width.
Ready to Find Your Pair?
Whether you're after glare-cutting polarised lenses for the coast or an everyday UV400 pair with real personality, browse the full sunglasses collection and find a shape built around how you actually spend your summer.