The Best Dark Polarized Sunglasses for Women

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Welcome to ThinkVail – shop our list for the best dark polarized sunglasses for women featuring Ray Bans, Oakley, Zeal Optics, ROKA, Burberry, DUCO, Tifosi, Duduma and more.


If you love outdoor sports then polarized glasses are for you. Especially in places where you want to perform your best. Whether its on snow, water, or while running, biking, golfing and driving, polarized sunglasses are a necessity.

The Benefits

Polarized sunglasses reduce glare, and make images appear sharper and clearer, increasing visual clarity and comfort. They are especially good at reducing glare while boating, fishing, skiing or driving.


How They Work

A polarized lens is more than just a color-tinted lens. The specially-coated lens reduces glare seen on horizontal surfaces, like roads and water and snow.

Polarized lenses filter light that comes in from different angles and allows you view objects clearly. It also increases depth perception, reduces distortion and enhances color. Polarization offers advantages for many outdoor activities including driving, extreme winter sports, kayaking, rafting, paddle boarding, and fishing.

A classic application of polarized sunglasses in Colorado, is for skiing. Light from the sun is unpolarized, but when it is reflected from the snow’s surface at a glancing angle, it becomes highly polarized. When you’re on a snow field, most of the bright light that shines in your eyes is light reflected from the snow, and when the sun is low in the sky, it is highly polarized. This reflected ice glare creates visual discomfort and is hard to see through. Wearing polarized sunglasses will help cut this glare, making it easier to see. The more reflective your environment is (IE. snow, water, metal from cars) the more intense the glare will be.

Polarized lenses contain a laminated filter that allows only vertically oriented light to pass through. This blocks the horizontally oriented light so that glare is almost completely eliminated.  They also substantially reduce glare, enhance color, clarity and contrast while reducing eye strain. Polarized sunglasses are ideal for people who are sensitive to glare.

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Which Lens Color is Best

Polarized lenses are available in a variety of colors. Darker colors provide higher levels of polarization and light filtration, which enhances clarity, color and contrast while reducing glare and eye strain. In addition, choose lenses with low visible light transmission, especially for clear, bright, sunny days.

Visible Light Transmission or (VLT) measures the amount of light that passes through your lenses. So the lower the percentage, the less light that reaches your eye. The percentage of VLT is a result of the color, lens thickness, material and any coatings on the lenses.  Generally, the darker the lenses the lower the VLT percentage.  Mirror lenses also  decrease light transmission. When looking for a good light filtration lens follow the following VLT percentage guidelines:

  • 0–5% VLT: only admits 0-5% of visible lights. This VLT is found in high end glacier glasses.
  • 19% VLT: admits 0-19% of visible light, it is ideal for bright, sunny conditions.
  • 20–40% VLT: admits 20-40% of visible light, it is good for all-purpose use.
  • 40+% VLT: admits 40% or more visible light and is best for overcast and low-light conditions.
  • 80–90+% VLT: admits almost all visible light, a virtually clear lens.
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Blocks UV Rays

UV Rays are all around us, every day, even on cloudy day. Reduce damage to your eyes due to both short term and long term UV exposure by wearing protective polarized lenses. Short-term exposure can lead to temporary sun-blindness, such as when you are skiing all day without eye protection. Long-term exposure is linked to cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation, warns that the eyelid region is one of the most susceptible areas on the body to develop skin cancers.

Wearing sunglasses with UV protection, protects your eyes from these problems.


Tips

  • Never leave polarized sunglasses on the dash of your car, especially in summer. Prolonged exposure to hot, oven-like temperatures inside a car can degrade the lenses.
  • Gradient lenses are characterized by a smooth transition from a solid color to a transparent shade of the same color.
  • Mirrored lenses decrease the physical amount of light rays that reach your eyes so they are great for bright, sunny days.

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See Also: Best Spray Sunscreens


Best Dark Polarized Sunglasses for Women


#1 Best Dark Polarized Sunglasses for Women – Julbo Elevate

These dark, polarized sunglasses for women from Julbo are built for performance but with a casual, stylish look you are going to love!

  • Optical-grade polycarbonate lenses block 89% of visible light.
  • Mirrored effect
  • Polarized lenses reduce 99% of visible glare from water, snow, sand and pavement for increased visual acuity and decreased eye strain
  • Lightweight frames with excellent shock resistance
  • Suitable for any outdoor activity
  • Wrap-around frame and curved temple arms with Grip Tech inserts and nosepiece
  • Rounded lines and curved temple arms fit low-profile faces
  • Includes a microfiber pouch
  • Eye/bridge/temple measurement 55/18/130 mm
  • VLT: 11%

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#2 Best Dark Polarized Sunglasses for Women – ROKA Apex

The ROKA polarized Apex delivers uncompromising design and performance in these truly advanced sports sunglasses. Get ready to elevate your game.

  • Fitted with customizable Titanium core wires that offer ultralight stability while allowing the wearer to adjust the temple pieces for a precision fit.
  • Titanium frame offers high strength-to-weight ratio, strong environmental stress, and corrosion resistance.
  • Frames are 50% lighter than traditional alloys but just as strong.
  • Premium category 3 polarized lenses are made of ultralight nylon
  • These polarized lenses offer best-in-class razor-sharp optics with anti-scratch, anti-reflective, anti-fog, hydrophobic, and oleophobic coatings for anti-spotting, fingerprint resistance, and easy cleaning.
  • Made with no-slip Geko Pads means you’ll never have to worry about slippery frames falling off your face.
  • Lens is easily removable so you can easily change your lens color to match the light conditions of the day.
  • Lens lock tab provides a simple guide for placement and peace of mind knowing your lens is securely seated.
  • Rimless single shield sunglasses are light weight and very durable perfect for professional athletes and weekend warriors.
  • 100% UV protection coating
  • Eye/temple measurement 55/140 mm
  • Available in Black and Mirrored lens

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#3 Best Dark Polarized Sunglasses for Women – Zeal Optics Magnolia

Nothing compares to the style and elegance of these Zeal Optics Magnolia polarized sunglasses. These glasses make sure you stand out from the crowd.

  • Plant-based Ellume lenses control specific wavelengths of visible light and eliminate color confusion.
  • Impact resistant lenses are ideal for outdoor activities.
  • Polarized lenses decrease eye strain
  • 95% High-Energy Visible (HEV) light reduction promotes clarity and long-term eye health
  • 100% UVA/B/C defense from the sun’s harmful rays.
  • ProFlex rubber  nose piece and temple tips keep sunglasses in place
  • Thin Z-Lite frames are lightweight
  • Classic sunglasses that never go out of style
  • Eye/bridge/temple measurement 47/18/135 mm
  • VLT: 9%

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#4 Best Dark Polarized Sunglasses for Women – Burberry

A stylish collection of sunglasses and optical frames inspired by English-woven gabardine, the fabric of the Burberry trench coat.

  • Classic shape that looks great on just about every face.
  • Cat eye style design offers full coverage that is not overpowering
  • Premium cellulose acetate frame
  • Black/Grey gradient polarized lens
  • Black frame with Burberry tartan design on the arms
  • 100% UV protection to keep your peepers safe
  • Scratch resistant
  • Impact resistant
  • Made in Italy
  • Includes a protective case.
  • Eye/bridge/temple measurement 58/17/140 mm
  • Sophisticated luxury eye wear with the classic styling of Burberry

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#5 Best Dark Polarized Sunglasses for Women – Ray Ban Erika

Ray-Ban Erika polarized sunglasses are the perfect accessory to complete your outdoor look. The oversize round lens shape looks stylish, provides a lot of coverage and 100% UV protection.

  • Frame features thin, metal arms with matching color rubber tips
  • These full rim frames offer a cool, rubberized, matching matte color material around the lenses.
  • Polycarbonate lenses are available in polarized brown gradient or a polarized grey gradient
  • The nylon Erika frame is available in tortoise or black.
  • Arm ends are made of rubber, so they do not hurt behind your ears for all day comfort.
  • The soft bridge with unique keyhole design adds interest to the look frame
  • Ray Ban polarized lenses have a small letter P after the Ray Ban logo on the lens so you know it’s polarized.
  • Integrated UV protection blocks more than 99% of the reflected lights and the polarized lenses will reduce glare and eye strain.
  • Includes a Ray Ban protective case
  • Available in Black and Tortoise
  • Eye/bridge/temple measurement 54 /18/145 mm
  • VLT: 15%
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#6 Best Dark Polarized Sunglasses for Women – DUCO

These super stylish DUCO frames are hip, cool and AFFORDABLE with cutting edge polarized lens technology and UV protection. It’s the whole package

  • TAC Polarized lenses are made of TriAcetate cellulose that offers offer superior visual and polarization clarity
  • Provides 100% protection against harmful UVA, UVB & UVC rays,
  • Reducing glare well when you’re driving, traveling, on the water or while skiing
  • Trendy oversize frame is endowed with simple and classic style for a fashion forward look.
  • Plastic, durable polycarbonate frame has elegant metal accents that feature high quality rhinestones,
  • Lightweight and comfortable fit
  • Lifetime breakage warranty on frame & Lens
  • Eye/bridge/temple measurement 62/17/130 mm
  • Impact Resistant meets FDA lens impact test, very durable to use
  • Includes glasses case, soft cleaning cloth and a Polarized testing card
  • Available in a variety of colors and Brown or Gray lens shades.

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#7 Best Dark Polarized Sunglasses for Women – Duduma

Sleek, athletic polarized sunglasses are perfect for the adventurous lifestyle. Ideal for motorcycling, biking, driving, running, fishing, racing, skiing, climbing, hiking or any other outdoor activity where you need to be your best.

  • TAC Polarized lenses are made of TriAcetate cellulose for superior visual and polarization clarity than many other lenses
  • TAC lens includes 7 layers; 1st layer is polarization layer, 2nd and 3rd layers are bonding layers for durability.  4th and 5th layers are UV protection layers, the 6th and 7th layers are shatterproof layers.
  • Polycarbonate lens and frames are impact and scratch resistant
  • UV400 protective coating, blocks 100% harmful UVA & UVB Rays.
  • Stops glare and restore true color, eliminates reflected light and scattered light and protects eyes.
  • Super light, stylish sunglasses
  • Rimless frame design enables clear lower vision field.
  • Lifetime breakage warranty on frames and lenses
  • Very affordable sports sunglasses with a price tag around $20
  • Suitable for men and women
  • Multiple lenses colors are available
  • Includes a soft Microfiber Pouch, cleaning cloth
  • Eye/bridge/temple measurement 40 /12-30/140 mm

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#8 Best Dark Polarized Sunglasses for Women – Tifosi Alpe

The Tifosi Alpe polarized sunglasses are perfect for women interested in high performance sports like cycling and running.

  • Grilamid TR-90 nylon frame
  • Lightweight and virtually shatterproof.
  • Polycarbonate lenses are 20 times more impact-resistant than glass but only weigh one-third the weight.
  • Polycarbonate, polarized lens are very durable
  • Hydrophilic rubber nose piece and temple ends become grippier when wet for less slippage
  • These sunglasses fit small faces best.
  • Includes a protective case and cleaning cloth
  • 100% UV protection coating protects your eyes
  • Lenses are prescription ready
  • Optically decentered lenses eliminate distortion and prevent magnification.
  • Wraparound sunglasses with shatterproof lenses featuring logo at arm and lens
  • Colors: available in Black and Tortoise
  • Eye/bridge/temple measurement 62 /12/120 mm
  • VLT: Brown Polarized: 11.2 % Smoke Polarized: 12.1 %

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#9 Best Dark Polarized Sunglasses for Women – Oakley Tie Breaker

Oakley has been setting the standard for performance eyewear since 1975. The Oakley Tie Breaker continues this tradition with a classic favorite, these aviator sunglasses protect your eyes beautifully and look great on nearly every face.

  • HD Polarized Iridium® lens coating reduces glare and light transmission for enhanced visual clarity.
  • Lenses are a polished gradient color.
  • CS-wire Metal frame has cool acetate stem with a bold color pattern for additional interest and detailing.
  • Double nose bridge style
  • Plastic lenses are durable
  • 100% UV protection coating keeps your eyes safe from harmful sun rays
  • No-snag nose pads are awesome and keep your hair from getting caught in the frame
  • Non-slip stem pads prevent glasses from slipping down your nose
  • Three-point fit that holds lenses in precise optical alignment
  • Impact resistance meet or exceed z80.3 optical and basic impact standards
  • Eye/bridge/temple measurement 55 /19/129 mm
  • A soft, classic look
  • Lightweight frame
  • Fixed hinges Lens options:
  • Prism Tungsten: VLT 14%

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#10 Best Dark Polarized Sunglasses for Women – SUNGAIT

The least expensive pair of glasses on the list is a really stylish pair of mirrored aviators that has a whopping 78% 4-star rating by more than 600 reviewers.

  • These sunglasses have a classic metal frame with a double wire bridge nose
  • Composite, UV400 lens offer 100% UV protection and blocks harmful rays.
  • Lightweight metal frame has spring hinges for comfort.
  • Polarized Mirror Lenses reduce glare and eye strain while enhancing color, clarity and contrast.
  • Lifetime breakage warranty
  • Unisex sunglasses are ideal for both men and women
  • Best for standard and larger faces.
  • Eye/bridge/temple measurement 60 /18/144 mm
  • Available in gold or silver frames with a variety of lens colors to choose from
  • Includes cleaning soft cloth and soft fabric sunglasses pouch.
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See Also: Best Glacier Glasses


Comments

Hope you enjoyed this list of the best dark, polarized sunglasses for women. Do you wear polarized sunglasses and why? What sport do you use polarized sunglasses for? What is your favorite sunglasses  brand and lens shape? We would love to hear your thoughts, comments and stories.

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  • I am having cataract surgery on both eyes and need large sunglasses while they heal, so I am using this procedure as an excuse to treat myself to a nice pair of high-quality, polarized Burberry sunglasses. These sunglasses seem so elegant, I just love the square shape, so unique.  I usually don't buy such expensive sunglasses but because of this surgery I really want to find good sunglasses to keep my eyes protected going forward.  I have already ordered them and can't wait till they arrive!

    • Good luck with your cataract surgery, I love your attitude!  These Burberry polarized sunglasses are a great choice.  It has a very dark lens so it will protect your eyes more than a light colored lens color.  The large square lens shape offers a lot of protection form the sun and the polarized coating will reduce glare while increasing visibility. 

  • Great post about women's polarized sunglasses and I love that you included some brands that are not expensive. I do love polarized sunglasses but I lose sunglasses all the time and I hate spending a fortune on them because I know I will just leave them somewhere.  So I loved the DUCO classic oval sunglasses.  They look so cool and glamorous and are only $20 - that is an awesome deal! They also come in both black and brown so I think I am going to get one of each!

    • Hi Sam, so happy that this post about the best dark polarized sunglasses for women was helpful. Yes,the DUCO polarized sunglasses are very sophisticated and super-stylie.  Their oversize, oval shape offers lots of coverage and sun protection and the polarized feature will reduce glare and keep you from squinting. You will look very polished and elegant in these cool, inexpensive sunglasses. Have fun with the colors, there is also a really fun purple color as well!

  • Polarized sunglasses are so nice to have, especially in snowy regions. I actually wear mine more often in the winter than I do in the summer due to the brightness of the snow when the sun hits it.  

    Very helpful tips in this post, I hadn't thought about the effects the sun could have on them by leaving them on the dash. I also didn't know that mirrored lenses served a purpose. I thought that was just an aesthetic feature! 

    I have two brands, one is Oakley, a sporty style, and my other pair is Maui Jim's aviators. I love both.

    • Hi Chris thanks so much for the nice comments about the best dark polarized sunglasses article.  Yes polarized sunglasses can be soooooo helpful in the winter.  Sometimes it is so bright you can barely keeps your eyes open, the glare is so great.  Slip on a pair of polarized sunglasses and the glare is reduced while keeping all the contrast and color. This so needed if you are nordic skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing or dong most any winter activity on a bright, sunny day. Oakley is definitely the sunglasses to choose for winter protection as they know their stuff from making great ski goggles for years.  Thanks for sharing.

  • Awesome line-up of polarized sunglasses for women.  I am searching for a pair of Prada sunglassesfor my wife.  She is very sensitive to bright light and glare so I think she will love a pair of polarized Prada sunglasses.  She loves that brand and the cat eye style is her look.  I like that it comes with an authenticity card and a 1-year warranty as these glasses are not cheap. I also really appreciate that I can just buy them directly from the link on your site, you made this decision so easy for me.

  • Great article about polarized sunglasses!  I am searching for a new pair of polarized glasses because I love fly-fishing and polarized glasses REALLY make it easier to see fish in the river.  They completely remove the glare from the surface of the water so you can look into the river clearly, such a difference. I have had my last pair of polarized glasses for years but I have recently lost them and need to replace them. I really like the Oakley Aviator glasses because I am a HUGE fan of oakley the make a quality product and their glasses are cool and stylish. Thanks for putting all these sunglasses together in one post so it was easy to find the perfect pair for me.

    • Hi Rana, so happy to hear that the article about the best dark polarized sunglasses for women helped you find a great pair of shades to help you fly-fish.  You can't go wrong with the Oakley Tie Breaker aviator sunglasses, they have such a nice, classic look that not only looks great on the river but will keep you looking stylish through your whole day. Also for more information about fly-fishing check out the our fly-fishing posts on Thinkvail.com for tips, videos, gear and great places to fish around the Vail valley.  

  • The article recommends "dark"--then does not give the percentage of light penetration for any of the recommended glasses/lens. In fact, the lens recommended all come with standard 'darkness' lens--nothing to suggest increased amounts of light filtration.

    • Hi Jeff, Thank you so much for your comment. Yes I agree, light filtration is very important in purchasing a dark lens, so thanks to your remarks, I have added the definition and importance of VLT percentages (visible light transmission) and have included the VLT percentage in each sunglass description when I can. I hope this helps you decide which dark polarized sunglasses are best for you. Thank you for opening my eyes to a very important detail that had been forgotten.

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