Selection guide
Which sunglasses suit me?
Answer three questions and instantly see which model suits you. Below that, you’ll read why.
Laatst bijgewerkt:
Fit finder · 3 questions
In short
How do you choose sunglasses?
First, choose the lens: UV400 and a filter category that suits the light, usually Cat. 3 in the Netherlands. Then choose according to the situation, for example polarized lenses for driving and water. Finally, choose the size: the frame should be approximately as wide as your face at eye level.
Glass first, then situation, then form. UV400 with Cat. 3 is the standard for everyday use; polarized lenses help with glare from water and on the road.
Recognition
Do you recognize this?
- You are standing in front of a rack of a hundred pairs of sunglasses and they all look the same.
- You don't know if those cheap glasses really protect your eyes.
- Your glasses are too dark in the car or too light at the beach.
This guide solves that in three steps.
Choose sunglasses in three steps: first the lens, then the situation you will wear them in, and only then the size and shape. For everyday use in the Netherlands, a Cat. 3 lens with a UV400 filter is the standard.
Step 1: the lens
Good sunglasses protect against UV radiation and soften bright light. Those are two different things. UV400 tells you about protection against ultraviolet light. The filter category tells you how dark the lens is.
| Category | Light transmission | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Cat. 0 | 80–100% | Indoors, overcast, fashion |
| Cat. 1 | 43–80% | Little sun |
| Cat. 2 | 18–43% | Moderate sun |
| Cat. 3 | 8–18% | Bright sun, city, beach, daytime driving |
| Cat. 4 | 3–8% | Mountains and snow, not for driving |
All Shadeclub sunglasses have Cat. 3 lenses with a UV400 filter.
Step 2: the situation
- Driving. Cat. 3 is fine in daylight. Polarised lenses reduce glare on the road, but can darken displays.
- Water and beach. Choose polarised lenses against reflections from the water. At Shadeclub: REX or VALENCE.
- City and terrace. Style matters most here. Any Cat. 3 model will do.
- Festivals. Choose a sturdy frame with fixed temples, such as JOHN or REX.
- Long days. Choose a light frame with flexible temples, such as AERO (21 grams).
Step 3: size and shape
The frame should be roughly as wide as your face at eye level. A wide face wears a large frame better, a narrow face a compact model. Then choose the shape: an angular frame gives a round face more definition, a round frame softens an angular face.
Model by model
| Model | Lens | Size and build | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLLIN | Cat. 3 · UV400 | Medium, metal-core temples | Every day, the all-rounder |
| MONARCH | Cat. 3 · UV400 | Compact, metal-core temples | City, classic look |
| AERO | Cat. 3 · UV400 | 21 grams, flexible temples | Long days, on the move |
| REX | Cat. 3 · UV400 · polarised | Compact, solid frame | Water, driving, festivals |
| JOHN | Cat. 3 · UV400 | Large, robust, fixed temples | Festivals, a statement |
| VALENCE | Cat. 3 · UV400 · polarised | Patterned temples | Terraces, by the water |
| NOVA | UV400 | Wide temples, transparent | City, standing out |
| TIBOR | Cat. 3 · UV400 | Sturdy, clean frame | City, evenings on the terrace |
How we know
Dirk and Nick wear every pair in the Shadeclub collection themselves first, for weeks: in the car, on holiday, at work and at festivals. This guide is based on that experience and on each model's specifications. The filter categories follow the European standard EN ISO 12312-1.
Live from the register
Current prices per model.
| Model | Nr. | Glas | Formaat en bouw | Beste voor | Prijs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIBOR | SC·008 | CAT.3 · UV400 | Stevig · strak montuur | Stad, avond op het terras | €29,95 |
| VALENCE | SC·006 | CAT.3 · UV400 · POLARISED | Gemiddeld · patroon zijkant | Terras, water | €24,95 |
| JOHN | SC·005 | CAT.3 · UV400 | Groot · vaste pootjes | Festival, statement | €22,50 |
| AERO | SC·003 | CAT.3 · UV400 | 21 gram · flexibele pootjes | Lange dagen, onderweg | €19,95 |
| COLLIN | SC·001 | CAT.3 · UV400 | Gemiddeld · metalen kern | Elke dag, de allrounder | €27,95 |
| MONARCH | SC·002 | CAT.3 · UV400 | Compact · metalen kern | Stad, klassieke look | €24,95 |
| REX | SC·004 | CAT.3 · UV400 · POLARISED | Compact · solide frame | Water, rijden, festival | €24,95 |
| NOVA | SC·007 | UV400 | Brede pootjes · transparant | Stad, opvallen | €19,95 |
Club Register
The register.
Expertise and evidence
What this guide is based on.
The European standard for sunglasses, which defines filter categories 0 through 4.
This is how long Dirk and Nick wear each model themselves before it gets a registration number.
Models compared by glass, size, and use.
Questions
Follow-up questions.
Are more expensive sunglasses better for your eyes?
Not necessarily. The protection depends on the lenses: UV400 and the correct filter category. A €25 pair of glasses with UV400 protection protects just as well against UV rays as a designer pair with UV400 protection.
What is the difference between polarized and non-polarized lenses?
Polarized glass filters horizontally reflected light, such as glare on water and wet roads. It does not make things darker or provide better protection against UV rays; it makes vision in reflected light more comfortable.
Which filter category do I need for the Netherlands?
For sunny days in the Netherlands, category 3 is the standard. Category 2 is sufficient in changeable weather. Category 4 is intended for snow and mountains and is not allowed in traffic.
How do I know if a frame fits without trying it on?
Look at the size: compact, medium, or large. The frame should be approximately as wide as your face at eye level. If it still doesn't fit, you can return it within 14 days without having worn it.
Next step
Ready to choose?
All sunglasses have Cat. 3 UV400 lenses and come with a flat folding case. Ordered before 12:00, shipped today.