The Benefits of Tinted Lenses: How To Find The Right Color For Your Needs
Few accessories are as eye-catching as sunglasses with tinted lenses. Eyewear enthusiasts have been fans of tinted lenses for decades, but the full set of benefits may surprise you. Tinted lenses are much more than a fashion statement; they also protect and filter light away from your eyes.
Every color reacts to natural light differently. Certain tints give natural colors a more vivid appearance, while others distort them. Some block light, and some enhance visual awareness. So, which tinted lens should you choose?
Each lens color has its own unique set of benefits. The right lens tint should improve your vision and depth perception while reducing eye fatigue. Below we’ll be discussing the benefits of tinted lenses, so you can choose your next pair with confidence.
Different Tints & Their Benefits
Aesthetic preferences are important, but you should also consider your lifestyle when choosing a tinted lens. Are there particular outdoor sports or activities you regularly engage in? Some colors will be beneficial for certain activities, while others may cause problems. Another thing to keep in mind is the psychological effect of colors. This means that tinted lenses even have the power to improve your mood!
Be sure to understand the benefits of each color before you choose your tint.
Blue & Purple
This calming color family can do wonders for increasing color perception. Blue and purple tinted lenses offer visual clarity and protection from highly reflective surfaces. You may have noticed that blue and purple tins are popular for skiers and snowboarders, as the colors work well against snow, fog, and mist. Don’t be afraid of catching the blues - these tints are most often associated with rejuvenation and relaxation, perfect for holidays and off-duty looks.
Blue and purple lenses will add an air of coolness to any outfit. Stick to darker shades, like navy and indigo, to add an elegant pop of color to your look. Light blue lenses have a wonderfully beachy feel, perfect for holidays or summer parties. Lilac lenses feel simultaneously contemporary and retro. The pastel hue has become a favorite among Gen Z and Millennial trendsetters over the past few years, but lilac tinted lenses in particular were a popular Y2K trend. They’re an excellent choice for those that love staying ahead of the style curve.
Red & Rose
Seeing the world through rose colored glasses isn’t just romantic, it can be incredibly beneficial. Red and rose tinted lenses block out blue light, which enhances visibility, reduces strain, and alleviates sensitivity. These vibrant tints are often used for driving, sports, and other active endeavors as they increase visual depth and detail.
The colors of passion and love, red and rose tints may provide the energetic boost you need during a physically-demanding activity. Although the two colors are in the same color family, they complement completely different aesthetics. Red tinted lenses are made for the bold at heart; those that truly want their outfits to stand out. Rose tinted lenses, on the other hand, provide a softer and more feminine feel.
Yellow, Orange & Gold
Going for gold is especially helpful in areas with low levels of light. Yellow, orange, and gold tinted lenses also block out blue light, which increases visibility and makes objects appear brighter than they actually are. They have also been linked to strengthening attention and focus. Be careful, however, as golden-toned sunglasses can cause distortion and make colors seem warmer than they actually are.
These cheerful tones can even work indoors! Yellow and orange tinted lenses are perfect for creating a bold statement at parties. These fashion-forward tones are perfect for those who love to add vivid colors to their wardrobe.
Green
Green tinted lenses are a favorite among athletes like golfers and tennis players. They filter out blue light, which helps to reduce glare and eye strain on bright, sunny days. Green is a great choice for anyone who leads an active lifestyle, or lives in a sunny location. It’s a calming color that is known to relieve stress and increase creativity.
Although green is a popular shade for clothing and accessories, it’s a relatively rare color for tinted lenses in the fashion world. It’s a great choice for anyone who isn’t afraid to think outside of the box and experiment with new, perhaps even avant-garde, styles.
Gray
Cool and classic, gray tinted lenses are excellent for reducing glare. They’re especially helpful around water, which is why gray lenses are so popular for nautical activities like sailing, stand up paddleboarding, or relaxing beach days. Gray also works well for cloudy weather, making it a great choice for everyday wear on and off the coast.
This neutral shade will always be in style. They’re the ideal choice for anyone with a refined sense of style that values timeless classics over fleeting trends. Your gray tinted lenses will look amazing when styled with your other sophisticated staples, like trench coats, LBDs, and crisp white shirts.
Amber & Brown
Although these earthy tones may seem dark, their glare-reducing properties have the power to brighten up cloudy days. Amber and brown tinted lenses block out blue light and enhance depth perception. They also soothe the eyes on bright days, and create a higher contrast against blue skies and greenery. Amber and brown tints have often been considered performance sunglasses, as they’re ideal for outdoor sports.
A warmer group of neutrals, amber and brown tinted lenses work best with casual classics like t-shirts and denim jackets. They look particularly good with aviator frames - just picture Brad Pitt in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood or Tom Cruise in Top Gun.
Does UV protection Matter More Than The Lens Color?
Not necessarily. At Vintage Eyewear, we believe that UV protection and lens color are equally important. Who says you need to sacrifice style in order to protect your eyes? We want our clients to express their personalities while protecting their eyes from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
What Lens Color Should I Add To My Sunglasses?
Vintage Eyewear’s diverse range of colored lenses are the perfect tools for eyewear customisation. You can choose to upgrade your new VE frames, or use our lenses to breathe new life into an existing pair of sunglasses in your collection. Choosing a Vintage Eyewear lens will provide you with a one of a kind pair of sunglasses, as each lens color has been custom-designed by our skilled team.
Not sure where to start? Get inspired by our best selling colored lenses.
4.1 - Ferrari Red Gradient, Gold Flash - Curve: 0
45 - Red Wine-Pink Gradient, Silver Flash - Curve: 0
17 - Bronze Gradient, Gold Flash - Curve: 0
10.1 - Purple Iris Gradient, Silver Flash - Curve: 0
10.3 - Purple Gradient, Pink Flash - Curve: 0
3.3 - Flamingo Pink, Silver Flash - Curve: 0