<p>Buying sunglasses is confusing, and some kinds are very expensive. Can someone here guide me through the intricacies of UV protection, polarization, etc.? What features are worthwhile, and where is the best place to buy good quality sunglasses without spending a fortune? (These are for a 12-yo.)</p>
<p>I saw an article recently that said that anything that blocks both UV a and b would do. Polarization, fancy frames are cosmetic elements and are not as important as a good fit. A cheap pair from TJMaxx will be a good start. Your preteen will probably break and/or lose a few pairs before learning to take care of them properly.</p>
<p>These are the hottest accessory on my 12 year old son’s baseball team:</p>
<p>[Oakley</a> Mens Sunglasses, Watches, and Clothing](<a href=“http://www.oakley.com/store]Oakley”>http://www.oakley.com/store)</p>
<p>Most 12 year olds know what they want. My S wouldn’t wear glasses that don’t have the right look - cheap from a discount store would not cut it with him! Oakley’s can be completely customized with team colors and other features. A little pricey, to be sure.</p>
<p>For girls, Ray Ban Wayfarers are hot right now.</p>
<p>Neither of my sons care at all about fashion - they’re both completely oblivious. I’m really only interested in function here, good brands with nondistorting lenses. I thought that polarization was good because it blocked glare?</p>
<p>Sunglasses don’t need to cost a fortune to work properly</p>
<p>
[The</a> key to eye health: Sunglasses - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports](<a href=“http://www.newschannel5.com/story/14580665/the-key-to-eye-health-sunglasses]The”>http://www.newschannel5.com/story/14580665/the-key-to-eye-health-sunglasses)</p>
<p>Thank you, EK for linking the article.</p>
<p>Costco would be a good place to strart since it usually has a nice selection of sunglasses under $50. I just got myself a pair of very comfy Ray-Bans for running for about $50.</p>
<p>Thank you, EK, that’s exactly the kind of information I need.</p>
<p>Ditto on Costco. Decent selection, fairly stylish. Not Oakleys but not in that price range either.</p>
<p>Agreed with BunsenBurner. I broke quite a few pairs of sunglasses (cheap TJMaxx pairs) before learning how to take care of them, so I would definitely suggest not buying $100+ sunglasses yet…</p>
<p>Once I finally started taking better care of them, I bought a pair of Costa Del Mar glasses (they’re meant for fishing so they’re polarized). My eyes are really sensitive to sunlight so I’m usually wearing sunglasses outdoors, and it was worth it to get a nice pair…</p>
<p>I would check Marshall’s. They usually have some decent sunglasses that you wouldn’t mind buying for a kid. Take your 12 yr. old to the store, give him/her a $ limit that you feel comfortable with and let them choose. I would def. not spend a lot of $ on expensive high quality sunglasses for a middle schooler. Chances of them getting lost,broken or simply cast off because after a few weeks decided they like something else better are very high.</p>
<p>mine are RX sunglasses and I made sure they said full UV protection.</p>
<p>Ray-bans at costco are a steal. My ~20 year-old fashionista says that they “look cool.”</p>