How to choose fit over sunglasses in Australia
Fitover sunglasses are designed to be worn over your prescription glasses. Check the size of your current frames first, and look for a pair labelled 100% UV protection or UV absorption up to 400nm.
From our range
Grey polarised lenses
The Fitovers Yamba in blue marble has grey polarised lenses. Polarised lenses reduce glare off reflective surfaces such as water.
Amber lenses for contrast
The Fitovers Ikara has a tiger eye frame with amber polarised lenses. Amber lenses suit sunny and overcast days, and fishing over grassy bottoms.
A simple black everyday pair
The Ugly Fish Fit Overs in matte black come with smoke polarised lenses. A plain black frame goes with whatever glasses you wear underneath.
Ugly Fish Fit Overs P108 MBLSM Matte Black / Smoke Polarised Lenses
What usually doesn't work
Don't judge a lens by how dark it looks or by its colour, because neither tells you how much UV it blocks.
Start with the glasses you already wear
Fitovers come in different sizes, so a pair that suits a friend may not clear your frames.
- Measure the width of your glasses at the widest point.
- Measure the height of the lenses, top to bottom.
- If you're shopping in store, bring your glasses with you.
Check depth and comfort
Some fitovers are designed not to add pressure on your ears, and some have temples that wrap around the back of the head. If you want a light, durable frame, look for TR90, which also resists stress cracking.
- The arms of your glasses should slide under the fitover arms without pinching.
- The fitover shouldn't push your glasses down your nose.
- Nod and turn your head to check the pair stays put.
Look for coverage on top and at the sides
When you compare pairs, check for a brow bar and side shields or side lenses, which stop light getting in from above and the sides.
Choose lenses: UV label first, then polarised
Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun's UV radiation. UV can damage the cornea and lens, which can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and other conditions that permanently damage sight. Polarisation on its own gives no UV protection, so check the label on any polarised pair.
- Look for 100% UV protection, or a label that says UV absorption up to 400nm. Our guide to UV400 explains the term.
- Go polarised if glare off the water bothers you. Polarised lenses cut glare from reflective surfaces. Our polarised sunglasses explainer has more.
- Choose a warm tint like brown, rose or amber if you want extra contrast.
- Don't pay for a badge alone. Cheap sunglasses labelled 100% UV blocking beat designer pairs with no protection.
Test the lenses and know your other options
Look at a rectangular pattern through the lenses. Straight lines mean good lenses; wavy lines mean poor quality. Uncoated polycarbonate lenses scratch easily, so get a scratch-resistant coating.
BrightEyes doesn't fit prescription lenses, so if you need a prescription, see an optometrist. For glasses wearers we sell fitover sunglasses, clip-on sunglasses and stick-on bifocal lenses. Clip-ons are two tinted lenses joined by a nose bridge, and they attach to your glasses with clips or magnets. Our guide to choosing sunglasses in Australia covers the basics.
Questions we get asked
Are there sunglasses that fit over regular glasses?
Fitover sunglasses are made to be worn over prescription glasses, and some wraparound models are made to fit over glasses too.
Do fit over sunglasses actually work?
They're made to sit comfortably over prescription glasses while easing sensitivity to light and glare. The key is size: a properly sized pair slides over and wraps around your glasses, so check your frame dimensions before you buy.
Which is better, polarised or 100% UV protection?
UV protection comes first: polarisation doesn't block UV, so it can't stand in for a UV label. Polarised lenses cut glare on top of that, so look for a pair with both.
What is the best brand of fitover sunglasses?
The best brand is the one that fits your frames, because fitovers come in different sizes. Online we carry the Fitovers Yamba and Fitovers Ikara, plus Ugly Fish Fit Overs.
Check your frame size before you buy, look for cover above and at the sides, and check any polarised pair for a UV protection label. BrightEyes has been Australian owned since 1985 and is an authorised retailer of the brands it sells, with stores across Queensland, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.