The Psychology of Sunglasses: What Your Choice of Frames Says About You

*Collaborative Post

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. But, when it comes to sunglasses, there is a school of thought that suggests maybe this is ok.

Aside from the obvious protection of their eyes from the harsh UV rays of the sun, people wear shades for various reasons. These include everything from boosting their self-confidence and improving their mood to avoiding eye contact and creating a sense of privacy.

However, with several types of sunglasses available, the specific ones a person wears can tell you a lot about their personality, style, and even their interests. All of these can provide you with plenty of insight about the people you meet, date, or choose to be friends with.

If you want to know more about the psychology of sunglasses, here is our guide to what a person’s choice of frames says about them.

1. Rectangular Sunglasses

If you see someone wearing a rectangular pair of sunglasses with a minimalist, no-nonsense design, they will be a practical and rational person.

Generally speaking, people who wear sunglasses with these types of frames tend to be logical, efficient, and methodical and favour functionality over form.

They are also likely to be pragmatic, responsible, reliable, and very much focused on completing tasks with the minimum of fuss. Additionally, the simplicity of the design appeals to their love of structure, routine, and order, which is evident in both their professional and personal lives. 

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2. Cat-Eyes Sunglasses

Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Marylyn Monroe all made cat-eyes sunglasses famous in the 1950s, which is partly the reason why they are synonymous with mystery, elegance, and sexiness.

Thanks to their distinctive frames that slope upwards, they have a stylish edge, so they are often worn by those who have a good handle on what’s considered fashionable.

Almost exclusively worn by women, this type of frame is a favourite among those who like to add a bit of flair to their look. They also tend to be confident in their own skin, socially active and are known for having a distinctive style that is regarded as bold, creative, and very detail-orientated.

3. Aviators

Aviator sunglasses have been around since the 1930s, but it was Tom Cruise in Top Gun that really made these oversized lenses with their slim metal frames famous.

Partly because of their association with this Hollywood Blockbuster film, those who wear them are generally perceived to be bold and confident characters who exude an air of self-reliance and an adventurous spirit.

Often, they display admirable leadership qualities and are very independent. They have a natural propensity to thrill-seeking and outdoor experiences and aren’t afraid to push their boundaries and explore new destinations.

4. Oversized Sunglasses

If someone is wearing oversized sunglasses, particularly with bright lenses or frames, there is a good chance they are an extrovert who enjoys making bold fashion statements.

Think Elton John, Redfoo, the Olson Twins, and Flavour Flav of the legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy, and you’ll know what we mean.

The people who wear these types of sunglasses are usually the life and soul of the party and enjoy expressing themselves by making bold fashion choices. They are also comfortable with who they are and like to stand out amongst others with an aura of sophistication and glamour that is designed to draw attention to themselves.

5. Round Sunglasses

Those who wear classic round sunglasses are intelligent and introspective individuals who are attracted to their nostalgic, artistic, and retro feel.

John Lennon arguably popularised this style of the frame the most, and because of this, people who favour these shades are perceived as being thoughtful, unconventional, and a little bit quirky.

Many even have a profound appreciation for culture, music, and art and have a unique view of the world around them and their own signature style.

6. Mirrored Lenses

Perhaps the coolest style of sunglasses on the market right now are mirrored lenses.

Showcasing an air of confidence, mystery, and control in equal measure, these types of shades are favoured by those who value privacy. While their reflective lenses look cool, they hide the eyes of the person wearing them.

However, at the same time, they also reflect the world around them and create a sense of distance from others. Despite this, they also attract attention and a sense of allure, which can be quite compelling

7. Wraparound Sunglasses

If someone is wearing wraparound sunglasses, it is often because they are very sporty individuals who enjoy pastimes like running, hiking, or cycling.

These types of eyewear are extremely functional and effective at blocking out the sun, offering maximum protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun.

They are also very durable, which makes them a very popular choice for anyone who values fitness, health, and personal development. and often reflects a goal-orientated mindset and a person who is able to maintain strong commitments.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.