Is there any other item in a man’s wardrobe that has the same transformative power as a pair of sunglasses? Within seconds you can go from sad dad squinting over the barbecue, eyes watering from the sun and pollen, to smooth rock star preparing to take the Pyramid stage by storm.

No matter how debonair they look, however, the main role of a pair of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from UV damage caused by the sun. If you’re wearing cheap plasticky styles because you’ve got form for sitting on them, bear in mind that your retinas are getting roasted.

To shield them properly, look out for ‘CE’ or ‘ANSI’ marked on your shades – usually on one of the temples. This shows that the lenses comply with common standards by blocking out 95 per cent of UV rays below 380 nanometres (light is measured in nanometres with damaging UVB rays measuring between 320 and 390 nanometres).

Other Buying Considerations

Materials matter. As a general rule, lens materials CR-39 (a plastic made from hard resin) and polycarbonate (a synthetic material) are lightweight but not particularly scratch-resistant, while glass lenses are heavier but better built to withstand the impact that leads to scratches forming.

Similarly, plastic frames (including acetate) are lightweight and malleable but not as durable and corrosion-resistant as metal. Other details that mark a quality pair of shades apart from imposters include springs at the hinges to allow the arms to open wider when worn, and padding at the bridge so that they sit comfortably at the top of your nose.

Aside from choosing a design that suits your face shape, the other buying consideration to remember is that if you’re planning on driving or spending time near the water, think about polarised lenses. “Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces and [by extension reduce] eye fatigue,” says Andie White, frame buyer at MyOptique Group.