How to choose the right sunglasses for your child

Choosing sunglasses for a child isn't obvious. The UV rays are the same as for adults, but the needs, morphology and habits aren't. Here are the 6 criteria to check before buying.

1. Check the UV 100% standard (and why it's non-negotiable)

This is the one criterion that takes no compromise. The UV 100% label, also referred to as UV400, guarantees that lenses block 100% of UV rays up to 400 nanometres in wavelength. Essentially all UVA and UVB that harm the eye.

Beware of the trap: a tinted lens can perfectly well let UV through. A cheap sunglass with no UV protection does worse than nothing. It dilates the pupil (dark lens = less perceived light) and lets UV through. The result: more UV reaches the retina than without sunglasses at all.

All Olivio & Co sunglasses are UV 100% by default. If a brand doesn't clearly state it on the label or product page, walk away.

2. Understanding the sun filter category

The category indicates the lens tint intensity, hence how much visible light is filtered. Scale of 0 to 4:

• Category 0: very clear lenses, aesthetic only, no useful sun protection.
• Category 1: low brightness (city, end of day).
• Category 2: medium brightness (everyday tempered use).
• Category 3: strong brightness (beach, holidays, southern climates, prolonged outdoor use). The recommended standard for children.
• Category 4: extreme brightness (high mountains, glaciers). Banned for driving, reserved for high-altitude sports.

For 95% of children's situations, even in winter, Category 3 is the right choice.

3. Picking the right size for your child's face

Adult sunglasses don't fit a child, even in smaller versions. Bridge width, temple length and frame curvature are different. A poorly sized pair slides off, presses on the temples, or lets light through the sides.

Benchmarks by age:

• 0-12 months: Baby range, XS frame, flexible or elastic temples.
• 1-3 years: Toddler range, slightly wider lenses, sturdy temples.
• 3-5 years: Kids range, S size, stable frame for active play.
• 5-12 years: Junior range, M size, balanced shape.
• 10-15 years: Junior+ range, shapes close to adult.

A detail that changes everything: during fitting, lenses should fully cover the eye and a bit beyond. If light passes through the sides, the frame is too narrow.

4. Matching the frame to age and activity

Age isn't everything. Use matters just as much.

• Baby and toddler: frames in flexible TPEE material, temples that won't snap if bent. Retention strap recommended up to 18 months.
• Active schoolchild: robust G850 bio-based frame, preferably full-rim rather than thin-rim. Favour rounded or covering rectangular shapes.
• Teen and sport: dedicated sport range if cycling, skating, running. TR90 wraparound frame with antibacterial coating, non-polarised lenses if reading a bike screen.

5. Polarised or not: who and when

Polarised lenses eliminate glare off shiny surfaces (water, sand, roads, snow). Immediate visual comfort. But not essential.

Polarised really makes sense if the child:

• Regularly goes to the sea or outdoor pool
• Practices a sport in reflective environments (sailing, skiing, fishing)
• Is particularly sensitive to glare (light-coloured eyes especially)

For everyday use (school, walks, city), non-polarised is more than enough, and costs less.

6. The detail that changes everything: comfort

The most beautiful sunglasses in the world will end up in the bag if they're not comfortable. Three tests to do at home after purchase:

1. 10 minutes of continuous wear with no complaint from the child.
2. No red marks upon removal on the nose bridge or temples.
3. The glasses stay put when the child tilts their head forward.

If any one of these fails, the size isn't right. Better to exchange than to force it. A child who associates sunglasses with discomfort will refuse to wear them in the long run.

Checklist summary

Going further

Depending on your child's age, this complementary read may help:

• At what age can a baby wear sunglasses?
• Are blue light glasses for kids really useful?

→ See all our kids' sunglasses