Gradient, when it refers to sunglass lenses, means the shade darkens by degree—the tint deepens gradually through the lens. Typically, gradient lenses are tinted from the top down, with the darkest portion protecting your eyes most if you look up when the sun is overhead. Explore our collection of authentic designer sunglasses to find an impressive array of frames styles available with gradient lens tints; choose from popular brands, including Ray-Ban, Prada, Persol, and others.
Gradient lens tints for sunglasses offer style and utility, performing well in scenarios where you're moving from indoors to outdoors—popping into and out of stores in an open air mall, for example. You can keep on wearing your gradient-tinted sunglasses, looking through the lower portion while you shop and the upper portion when you head back outside.
Sunglasses with gradient lenses are ideal for driving because the upper half of the lens shields your eyes from the sun, but the less deeply tinted lower portion makes it easier to see your dashboard (or to adjust your radio without removing your sunglasses). Gradient lenses work well for pilots for the same reason, making it easier to look back and forth between the skies ahead and the instrument panel.
And you might consider sunglasses with a gradient lens tint for hiking. While they protect your eyes from the sun filtering through the trees, they also allow you to clearly see the tripping hazards at your feet, including rocks or tree roots.
Sunglasses also make an undeniably fashionable nightclub accessory—but while shades look cool indoors, it's not practical to wear them in the dark. Gradient lens tints are a perfect compromise, allowing clubbers to dance incognito while still seeing well enough to explore a drink menu (and not step on other party-goers toes).
Gradient lenses worn for fashion offer myriad options, since a lens can be tinted virtually any color. Make a bold statement by coordinating the tint of your lenses with the frames, picking up an accent color, or precisely matching the lens tint to the color of your frames. Rose, aqua, lavender, and olive are all popular fashion tints. And gradient tints need not be merely different depths of the same shade—double and triple gradient options are available where multiple colors are incorporated.
If you're interested in experimenting with gradient lenses, explore the array of lens options on some these top-selling frames:
The Ray-Ban RB3025 Large Metal Aviator is available in more than 50 lens colors.
The Wayfarer aficionado will want to browse the Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer, available in more than 35 lens colors, or the classic Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer, available in more than 15 lens colors.
You can also get prescription lenses for your sunglasses in a gradient tint. If you have concerns about ordering prescription lenses, FramesDirect.com has plenty of resources to make the process easy. Buying glasses online can be less expensive and simpler than visiting your local optician.
Contact one of our experienced opticians if you have any questions about gradient tinted sunglasses.