The short answer: buy sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB (marked UV400), choose polarized lenses if you drive or spend time near water, pick a lens colour for the light you are usually in, and make sure the frame matches the width of your face. Frame material and the warranty decide how long the pair lasts.
01UV protection comes first
Sri Lanka is close to the equator, so UV from the sun is strong all year, not only in the dry season. Long-term UV exposure is linked to cataracts and other eye damage, so the first thing to check is the label: UV400 or 100% UVA/UVB protection.
A darker lens is not a safer lens. Tint only reduces brightness; UV filtering is a separate property. A very dark lens without a UV filter can be worse than no sunglasses, because your pupils open wider behind it.
02Polarized or non-polarized?
Polarized lenses contain a filter that blocks horizontally reflected light: the glare that bounces off roads, water, car bonnets and glass. Polarization and UV protection are different things; a good polarized pair has both.
| Polarized | Non-polarized | |
|---|---|---|
| Glare from roads and water | Strongly reduced | Reduced only by the tint |
| Best for | Driving, beach, boating, cycling | Everyday and city wear |
| Phone and car screens | Some screens look dark at certain angles | No effect |
| SPINEL examples | Amber Fade, Midnight Fade and its colourways | See each product page |
03Choosing a lens colour
| Lens | What it does | Good for | SPINEL example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grey / dark grey | Cuts brightness evenly and keeps colours true | Strong sun, driving, all-round wear | Noir Edge |
| Brown | Adds warmth, contrast and depth | Changing light, outdoors, golden hour | Desert Fade |
| Green | Balanced contrast with natural colour | Everyday, mixed light | Blush Fade |
| Gradient | Darker at the top, lighter below | Driving (clear view of the dashboard), city, style | Crimson Fade, Amber Fade |
04Frame materials
- Acetate is a plant-based material (cellulose acetate) cut and polished from solid blocks. Colour runs through the material rather than sitting on the surface, it can be adjusted with gentle heat for a better fit, and it lasts. Italian acetate is the premium grade.
- Injection-moulded plastic is lighter and cheaper, but colour is often only on the surface and the frame is harder to adjust.
- Metal is thin and light, with adjustable nose pads.
Most SPINEL sunglasses are premium acetate; Midnight Fade is Italian acetate, and Crimson Fade pairs a sculpted frame with metal temples.
05Fit and face shape
Fit matters more than any shape rule. The frame should be about as wide as your face, sit without pinching your temples, and not rest on your cheeks when you smile.
For shape, think contrast: rounder, softer faces usually suit angular frames such as the squared Noir Edge; strong, square jaws usually suit rounded frames such as Desert Fade; oval faces suit most shapes. Not sure? Ask us for a frame’s measurements before you order.
06Driving, beach and everyday
- Driving: polarized grey or brown lenses, or a gradient that keeps the dashboard clear. Avoid very dark lenses at dusk.
- Beach and travel: polarized lenses for glare off water and sand, and a frame that stays put. Rinse off salt and sand with fresh water.
- Everyday and city: any UV-protective lens you like the look of; gradients and lighter tints work well indoors and out.
07Avoiding fakes and low-quality pairs
- Buy from the brand or an authorised stockist, and keep the invoice.
- Check the hinges, the finish around the lens, and that the arms close evenly.
- Look for UV labelling and a real warranty with contact details.
- For SPINEL, enter the number on your warranty card, invoice or serial label at spinelglobal.com/verify. A genuine product shows its purchase date and warranty status.
08Warranty and care
SPINEL sunglasses carry a 1-year warranty from the invoice date against manufacturing defects. To keep a pair looking new: clean with a microfibre cloth (not tissue or your shirt), rinse off salt or sand first, keep them in the case, and never leave them on a car dashboard, where heat can warp acetate.
09What sunglasses cost in Sri Lanka
Price follows lens quality, frame material, finishing and the warranty behind the pair. SPINEL sunglasses cost from Rs. 9,990 to Rs. 15,990 as of November 2026; see the shop for current prices. Island-wide delivery, card or cash on delivery.
10Read next
FAQQuick answers
Are polarized sunglasses better?
For driving, the beach and water, yes: they cut reflected glare that tint alone does not. For everyday city wear either works. Polarized and UV protection are separate, so check for both.
Does a darker lens mean more UV protection?
No. Tint only reduces brightness. UV protection is a separate filter, so look for UV400 or 100% UVA/UVB on the label.
What lens colour is best for driving?
Grey or brown, ideally polarized, or a gradient lens that keeps the dashboard clear. Avoid very dark lenses at dusk.
How much are good sunglasses in Sri Lanka?
It depends on lens quality, frame material and warranty. SPINEL sunglasses are Rs. 9,990 to Rs. 15,990, with a 1-year warranty.