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Mirrored sunglasses have long been a go-to style for those wanting to turn heads, block glare, and add a bit of boldness to their look. But are they actually better than regular sunglasses? Do mirrored sunglasses protect your eyes just as well? And if you’ve got a bigger head—do mirrored styles even come in sizes that fit?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of mirrored sunglasses, how they compare to non-mirrored options, and the best mirrored sunglasses for large heads and wide faces.


What Are Mirrored Sunglasses?

Mirrored sunglasses are lenses with a reflective optical coating that creates a mirror-like finish on the outside of the lens. This coating reflects a significant portion of light, which reduces glare and limits the amount of light that enters your eyes.

The mirrored surface also adds a distinct, often bold, aesthetic that stands out from traditional tinted or polarised lenses. They’re available in a wide range of colours, including silver, blue, green, red, and gold.

Image of model wearing Faded Days aviator sunglasses with mirrored lenses

Do Mirrored Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes?

Yes—mirrored sunglasses absolutely protect your eyes when paired with UV-blocking lenses.

The mirror coating itself isn’t what protects you from UV rays, but it enhances your protection by reflecting additional visible light. For maximum safety, mirrored lenses should include UV400 protection (like all Faded Days lenses), which blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Important Note: Not all mirrored lenses are created equal. Some low-cost options offer the reflective coating without proper UV protection. Always look for UV400 certified mirrored sunglasses.

Are Mirrored Sunglasses Good for Driving?

Yes, mirrored sunglasses can be good for driving—especially in bright, sunny conditions. The reflective surface reduces glare from the road, vehicles, and reflective surfaces like bonnets or water.

However, not all mirrored lenses are ideal for driving:

  • Polarised mirrored lenses are best, as they cut glare and improve contrast

  • Avoid mirrored lenses that are too dark or brightly coloured if you drive in mixed or low light

  • Blue or green mirrored lenses may offer the best balance of glare reduction and visibility

All Faded Days mirrored options are available with polarised UV400 lenses, making them both stylish and practical for everyday driving.

Image comparing driving lenses

Pros of Mirrored Sunglasses

Let’s break down the key benefits of wearing mirrored lenses:

1. Superior Glare Reduction

The reflective coating bounces light away from your eyes, reducing overall glare from surfaces like water, sand, snow, and roads.

2. Enhanced Privacy

Mirrored lenses act like a one-way mirror. People can’t see your eyes behind them, making them great for privacy and subtlety.

3. Stylish and Bold

Let’s face it—mirrored sunglasses look cool. Whether you go for silver, blue, or gold, the finish makes a strong fashion statement.

4. Eye Comfort in Bright Light

By reflecting more light, mirrored lenses reduce strain and squinting in intense sun. They’re ideal for high-brightness environments like beaches, ski resorts, or sunny cityscapes.

5. Great for Outdoor Activities

They’re perfect for sports like:

  • Fishing

  • Boating

  • Snowboarding

  • Cycling

  • Driving

Especially when combined with polarisation, mirrored sunglasses enhance clarity and reduce reflective glare.

Cons of Mirrored Sunglasses

As with any eyewear, mirrored sunglasses have a few downsides depending on how and where you use them.

1. More Susceptible to Scratches

The mirror coating can be more delicate than traditional lenses. Without proper care, scratches may appear more easily on the surface.

2. Harder to Clean

That shiny finish shows fingerprints and smudges more than standard lenses. You’ll need to clean them regularly with a microfiber cloth and lens-safe solution.

3. Too Reflective for Some Situations

In shaded or overcast environments, mirrored lenses may appear too dark or reflective, reducing overall visibility. Some wearers prefer switching to non-mirrored lenses in low light.

4. Flashy Isn’t for Everyone

Let’s be honest—not everyone loves the look. If you prefer a more classic or understated style, mirrored lenses may feel too bold or trendy.

Image of model wearing Faded Days Scholar mirrored sunglasses

What Are Blue Mirror Lenses Good For?

Blue mirror lenses are a popular choice due to their balance of function and fashion. They’re especially useful for:

  • Fishing and water sports – They cut glare from the surface of the water, helping you see beneath

  • Driving in bright conditions – The blue tint enhances contrast while reflecting glare

  • Style-conscious wearers – Blue mirrors offer a sleek, modern look that stands out

Faded Days offers blue mirrored lenses across several wide-fit frame styles—including our Aviator 165mm XXL and Classic 165mm XXL.

Best Mirrored Sunglasses for Large Heads

Finding mirrored sunglasses that actually fit a large head isn’t easy. Most high-street options are one-size-fits-most—and that usually means tight, pinchy temples and lenses that look too small.

At Faded Days, we specialise in sunglasses built specifically for wide faces and big heads. Our frames come in widths of 145mm, 155mm, and 165mm to suit all face sizes.

Here are our top picks for mirrored sunglasses for large heads:

Classic 165mm XXLEveryday Comfort With Mirrored Flair

  • Available with mirrored polarised lenses

  • Timeless shape in a wide 165mm frame

  • Great for all-day wear

Aviator 165mm XXL – The Icon, Reinvented for Big Heads

  • Sleek metal frame with mirrored lens options

  • Extra-wide aviator design

  • Lightweight but built for width

Sport 155mm XL – Mirror + Grip for Active Lifestyles

  • Wraparound fit

  • Available in mirrored polarised lenses

  • Ideal for running, cycling, and movement

Image of model in faded days xl classic sunglasses with mirrored lenses

How to Care for Mirrored Lenses

Because of their delicate coating, mirrored lenses require extra TLC:

  • Always store them in a hard case when not in use

  • Use only microfiber cloths to clean—no tissues or clothing

  • Use lens-safe cleaning spray or warm water with a drop of dish soap

  • Never leave them face-down on a surface

Every pair of Faded Days sunglasses ships with a microfiber cleaning cloth, so you’re always ready to keep them looking sharp.

 

Final Thoughts: Are Mirrored Sunglasses Better?

Mirrored sunglasses offer fantastic glare reduction, eye comfort, and bold style—especially when paired with UV400 and polarised lenses.

They're not for every occasion, but when it comes to bright sun, water, and outdoor activity, mirrored lenses are hard to beat.

And if you’ve got a wide face or larger head, Faded Days offers the only mirrored sunglasses designed to fit comfortably, securely, and stylishly.

Ready to reflect your style—and the sun?

👉 Shop mirrored sunglasses for big heads or take our Fitting Guide to find your perfect size.

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