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Too many sunglasses, too little time. A new frame style drops, and suddenly, you’re becoming paralyzed by choice. Dramatic? Yes, but very accurate. Except in this case, they're not even new. They're just back.
Trends are cyclical, and wraparound shades are the hottest thing to hit the scene (again). So let's break it down: wraparound vs. traditional sunglasses. You know they look different. But what's each actually for? Fashion, function, or both? As wraparound nerds, let us help you see the light and block the glare, so you can find your perfect pair!!!
What's the Difference Between Wraparound & Traditional Sunglasses?
When Do Wraparound Sunglasses Have the Edge?
When Might Traditional Sunglasses Be the Better Pick?
Does UV Protection Differ Between the Two Styles?
How Do You Know Which Style Fits Your Face?
So, Which Should You Choose? Wraparound or Traditional?
Let’s take it back to the basics to build up your sunglasses lingo.
Wraparound sunglasses feature curved lenses and frames that wrap around the sides of the face for extended coverage. Traditional sunglasses offer flat or gently curved lenses that sit directly in front of the eyes with open sides.
A quick way to check if something is wraparound vs traditional sunglasses is to see if the lenses cover your peripheral view or not.
A curved lens affects the coverage your peripheral vision gets, and if it wraps around your peepers and temple, then you've got yourself a pair of wraparound sunglasses. This type of wrap lens offers more light and glare protection, especially if they come equipped with UV protection to fight UVA and UVB rays and polarization.
Lucky for you, goodr’s wraparound and traditional sunglasses offer these features, plus our no-slip, no-bounce technology for a fit that doesn’t quit, but more on that later.
The wraparound design is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and athletic activities. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy running, cycling, golfing, and hiking, or really anything where light and debris want to ruin your vibe.
When you’re active and jaunting around, the wraparound style helps block UV rays from multiple angles, not just head-on light. Meaning you won’t get a sudden blast of unwanted light to the eye while spinning, sprinting, or dramatically freeze-framing mid-stride with inspirational text fading in underneath. Now that’s what we call superior UV protection.
The wraparound design also blocks out distractions from reflective surfaces like water, snow, sand, and pavement, which means fewer surprises during a game, a run, or anything in between. Pair them with polarized lenses, and you’ve given glare the boot with no forwarding address, because polarization doesn’t play when it comes to light glare and clear views.
With that wide expanse of coverage, these frames are built to stay put, especially when they're goodrs. Our no-slip coating adds an extra layer of stay-put magic, and some of our frames go even further with an adjustable nose pad that locks in during intense activity.
Wraparound sunglasses are ideal for:
Runners
Golfers
Cyclists
Beach Days
Water Sports
Mountain Activities
If you're a casual athlete, or you prefer to stick to the classics (just like your favorite denim jacket), and tactical coverage isn’t your number one priority, traditional wraparounds might not be your go-to. And that's totally fine.
Maybe you want a frame that blends in at brunch as easily as it does on a bike path. Maybe you just like the way they look. Either way, traditional styles have their place, and we've got plenty of them. Traditional sunglasses are great for everyday wear, and offer versatility, while wraparounds tend to skew into statement-making territory.
Still unsure? Consider your face shape and what might complement it best. (But remember: if you like ‘em, wear ‘em.) Here’s a general guide on how to choose frames based on facial shape:
Oval face shapes: You've hit the genetic jackpot. Classic square frames? Cat-eyes? Aviators? You can pull off pretty much all of them.
Round face shapes: Angular, traditional frames can add definition and structure to your face. We’d advise you to take a peek at some aviators and oversized square frames.
Square face shape: Rounder frames are the way to go here, think of frames like our Circle Gs or Mood Gs.
Traditional sunnies are known for their adaptability and being able to hold up wherever you take them. Think:
Everyday Wear
Social Settings
Office-To-Outdoors Transitions
Fashion-Conscious Wearers
Both styles can offer full UV protection, because UV protection comes from the lens, not the frame shape. All goodr sunglasses come with UV400 protection, blocking 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, no matter the style.
The only real difference? Side light. Traditional frames let in some peripheral rays. Wraparounds? They've got your sides covered.
A quick note on polarization: Polarized lenses reduce glare, but they don't block UV rays. Only UV400 does that. So make sure your sunglasses do both, because polarization alone isn't going to cut it against the sun.
For those high-exposure sun environments and bright conditions (snow, large bodies of water, wide open pavement), wraparound styles offer your eyes more coverage. So, if you’re spending lots of time outdoors or in direct sunlight, wraparounds will keep light and UV rays from sneaking through your peripheral.
Don’t you worry, we’ve got options for your noggin!!! We’ll break it down by face shape and the best sunnies for your unique face.
Again, lucky you!!! (Stop showing off now.) Any wraparound shades and traditional sunglasses work for your face.
Recommendations:
Wraparound: Astro G, shield wrap sunglasses for your toughest ride yet.
Traditional: VRG, a classic frame featuring one lens for some futuristic oomph to your everyday life.
You’ve got a great face, but we can help elevate it with some angles!
Recommendations:
Wraparound: Sonic G, a vented wrap lens with a bold top bar and an adjustable nose piece for performance that won’t quit halfway. Vroom, vroom, get out of the way, world.
Traditional: Deco G, an angular take on traditional cat-eye sunglasses.
You've got that strong jawline, so let's soften things up a bit.
Recommendations:
Wraparound: Bolt G, ventilated wrap lens with soft curves that smooth out the angles while keeping you looking sharp.
Traditional: Circle G, classic round sunglasses for a vintage look that’ll soften that jawline (in the best way).
You've got a wider forehead and a narrower chin, so the goal is balance.
Recommendations:
Wraparound: Sonic G, wider coverage and a bold brow line that balances your features without overwhelming them.
Traditional: OG, a classic frame that won’t ever let your looks or workouts flop.
If you’re worried about the fit of your frames for wraparound styles, we’d suggest looking for sunnies with an adjustable nose pad, flexible temples, and lightweight builds for a secure fit. These are all great ways to better adjust your frames for your comfort.
It’s simpler than it seems!
Active, outdoorsy, need full coverage face and UV coverage? Go wraparound.
Everyday wear, classic style, full protection without the sporty look? Go traditional.
At goodr, you don't have to sacrifice your personal style for function. We give you options, all with UV protection, polarized options, and a no-slip fit. Plus, prices that won't make you wince.
All our sunglasses are reasonably priced and built with quality, durable materials. Sweat? Water? The occasional drop? Covered. Our performance sunglasses are prepared for your shenanigans, wraparound or not.
Consider your fear of the sunglasses rack conquered! When the latest wraparound shades drop, you know what to look for: UV protection (from the lens, not the frame), periphery coverage, polarization, and your lifestyle needs.
The perfect wraparound sunglasses won’t compromise your performance or style; they’ll take it to the next level. Fighting wind, debris, and bright light? Grab these baddies. Transitioning from your morning jog to coffee with your crew? Traditional sunglasses are your move.
Either way, you're covered. No slip. No bounce. No wrong choice. (Ay.) Check out these best sellers, so you know you’re getting the real deal!
So pop over to all goodr styles and get to searching before you buy sunglasses you regret.
Depends on your lifestyle. Wraparound sunglasses offer more complete UV protection by blocking UV rays from the sides, but both styles can provide full UV400 protection for your eyes.
Yes, modern wraparound styles have become increasingly sleek, which lends itself to some adaptability (we see you Y2K baddie). This makes them a solid option for daily wear beyond athletic activities.
goodr offers polarized lenses with UV400 protection across our collections, regardless of frame style. You can find polarized lenses in both wraparound and traditional styles here.
Yes, wraparound styles can complement round face shapes by adding visual structure. A top frame line can also help define your face.
No! goodr keeps pricing consistent and affordable across all our styles and collections. No style gouging here.
THE SUNNIES THAT STARTED IT ALL
THE STORY BEHIND THE SHADES
