How to Choose the Best Type of Wide Face Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes
If you’ve got a wider face, finding sunglasses that actually fit is half the battle. But once you’ve solved the fit problem, there’s another big question: how well do they protect your eyes?
In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose the best sunglasses to protect from UV rays—and which wide-fit options offer the highest UV protection without compromising comfort or style. We’ll also cover the key features to look for, debunk common myths, and help you feel confident choosing the right pair.
Why UV Protection in Sunglasses Matters
The sun’s UV rays don’t just damage your skin—they also harm your eyes. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious conditions like:
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Cataracts – Clouding of the eye lens that can impair vision
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Macular degeneration – A leading cause of vision loss in older adults
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Photokeratitis – Essentially a sunburn on your cornea, causing pain and blurred vision
Even on overcast days, UV rays penetrate cloud cover—so eye protection is a year-round necessity. Snow, sand, and water can all reflect sunlight, intensifying your UV exposure without you even realising it.
That’s why UV protection sunglasses aren’t just a style choice—they’re a health essential. But not all sunglasses are created equal. Pricey designer shades don’t always offer proper protection, and many cheap high-street options skip key features like polarisation or full-spectrum UV filtering.
What to Look For in Sunglasses with the Best UV Protection
When shopping for the best UV blocking sunglasses, make sure they tick these boxes:
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UV400 protection – Blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays
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Polarised lenses – Reduces glare and improves clarity (especially around water, snow, or glass)
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Full lens coverage – Bigger lenses = better shielding
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Wraparound or wide styles – Protects peripheral vision from side exposure
Think of UV400 as your shield—it’s the highest standard available, and it guarantees that your eyes are fully protected. Look for certification or product detail listings that explicitly confirm UV400 compliance.
At Faded Days, every pair comes with UV400 lenses as standard—so your protection is guaranteed, no matter which style you choose.
What’s the Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays?
Understanding the types of UV light can help you make a better buying decision:
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UVA rays penetrate deep into the eye and contribute to long-term damage like macular degeneration.
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UVB rays are more intense and can cause immediate damage like photokeratitis (eye sunburn).
UVA rays are present all year round—even on cloudy days—while UVB intensity increases in summer or high altitudes. That means you need protection every day, not just at the beach.
The best sunglasses offer UV400 protection, meaning they block both UVA and UVB rays completely.
Are Polarised Lenses the Same as UV Protection?
Not exactly. Polarisation cuts glare, especially from reflective surfaces like water, snow, windshields, and roads—but it doesn’t automatically mean UV protection.
Many low-cost sunglasses are polarised, but lack proper UV blocking technology. That can give a false sense of safety, because your pupils dilate behind the darker lenses, letting in more harmful rays if UV protection is missing.
That’s why all Faded Days lenses are both polarised and UV400 certified. You get the best of both worlds: clear vision and total protection.
Our Picks: Best UV Protection Sunglasses for Wide Faces
Here are the best wide face sunglasses that combine eye protection and fit.
What to Look For in Sunglasses with the Best UV Protection
When shopping for the best UV blocking sunglasses, make sure they tick these boxes:
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UV400 protection – Blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays
-
Polarised lenses – Reduces glare and improves clarity (especially around water, snow, or glass)
-
Full lens coverage – Bigger lenses = better shielding
-
Wraparound or wide styles – Protects peripheral vision from side exposure
Think of UV400 as your shield—it’s the highest standard available, and it guarantees that your eyes are fully protected. Look for certification or product detail listings that explicitly confirm UV400 compliance.
At Faded Days, every pair comes with UV400 lenses as standard—so your protection is guaranteed, no matter which style you choose.
Classic 165mm XXL – Best Overall for UV Protection
Why it’s great: All-day comfort with full-face coverage. Polarised UV400 lenses stop glare and block 100% of UVA/UVB rays.
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Extra-wide 165mm fit
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Full-wrap lens coverage
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Timeless style, multiple colours
Built for wide faces. Designed for full sun protection
Sport 165mm XXL – Best for Outdoor Activity & Eye Safety
Why it’s great: Designed for movement, these wraparound frames keep your eyes protected while you stay active.
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UV400 polarised lenses
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Rubber grips for no-slip wear
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Ideal for running, cycling, or water sports
No bounce. No glare. Just full protection
The Gent 165mm XXL – Best for Style & Eye Protection
Why it’s great: Smart, modern design with full UV400 protection. Looks sharp at work, play, or travel.
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Wide 165mm fit
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Polarised lenses
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Premium build and finish
All style. All safety
Classic 155mm XL – Best for Medium-Wide Faces
Why it’s great: Not everyone needs XXL. The 155mm offers generous width with the same high-level sun protection.
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Polarised UV400 lenses
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Available in multiple lens colours
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Perfect for broad—but not extra broad—faces
Big protection. Tailored fit
What Is the Best UV Protection for Sunglasses?
UV400 is the gold standard. It blocks both UVA and UVB rays, which are the most harmful forms of ultraviolet light.
Don’t be fooled by darker lenses—lens colour doesn’t equal UV protection. Only lenses marked UV400 (like all Faded Days lenses) guarantee maximum safety.
You should also beware of labels like "UV-resistant" or "blocks most UV rays"—these vague terms aren’t enough. Always look for a clear UV400 or 100% UVA/UVB statement.
Wide-fit styles for women
Use our Fitting Guide to find your ideal size
"Finally, No More Squinting"
"I used to come home with sore eyes every sunny day. Since switching to Faded Days, I barely notice the sun—even on long drives. Plus, they actually fit my face. Game changer."
– Marcus, verified customer
Final Thoughts: The Best Sunglasses for Eye Protection (and Fit)
If you’re shopping for the best UV protection sunglasses and you’ve got a wide face, don’t settle for a tight fit or poor shielding.
Every pair of Faded Days sunglasses comes with:
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UV400 protection
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Polarised lenses
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Wide frame options (145mm, 155mm, 165mm)
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Fast, free UK shipping
Plus, you get stylish design, no temple squeeze, and peace of mind knowing your eyes are shielded from the sun’s harshest rays.
Ready to protect your eyes in comfort?
👉 Browse our full UV protection range
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Written by Gavin, Co-founder of Faded Days UK – the #1 brand for big head sunglasses. At Faded Days, we make extra-wide shades that finally fit, stay put, and look great.
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