Are There Etiquette Rules for Wearing Sunglasses?

Sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, reduce glare, and make you look stylish. With all the benefits of sunglasses for women and men also come various etiquette rules to promote respect and enhance better social interactions. These rules provide suggestions for when and how to wear sunglasses and what types of sunglasses are appropriate in certain situations. Here are some etiquette tips for wearing sunglasses:

1. Choose the Right Type of Sunglasses for the Occasion

Sunglasses for women and men are available in many designs and colors, but not all are suitable for every occasion. Try to choose sunglasses that are appropriate for the specific event or activity. Traditional aviator-style, square, or rectangular sunglasses with simple frames and dark lenses are typically the most common choice for formal and semi-formal events. Brightly colored frames, bold designs, and colored lenses are great for more casual activities, such as a day at the beach or a picnic. Use your best judgment when choosing sunglasses for an event to avoid unwanted attention.

2. Remove Sunglasses During a Business Meeting

A business meeting requires eye contact and non-verbal communication to build trust and rapport. Removing your sunglasses during a business meeting or when introducing yourself to new people allows others to read your facial expressions and body language, which can make all the difference in making a good first impression. Keeping your sunglasses on during these interactions can create the impression that you’re hiding something or not taking the meeting seriously. If the meeting is outdoors, consider moving into a shaded area to reduce the need for wearing your sunglasses.

3. Avoid Wearing Sunglasses Indoors

Wearing sunglasses indoors can be interpreted as rude and dismissive. When interacting with others at home or in public settings, remove your sunglasses and maintain appropriate eye contact with other parties, especially if you’re involved in an active conversation. This shows that you are paying attention and interested in what the other person is saying. The exception to this rule is when you need to wear sunglasses indoors due to a medical condition, such as extreme sensitivity to light. In that case, consider explaining your situation to help people understand why you need to wear sunglasses indoors.

4. Avoid Wearing Sunglasses at Night

Wearing sunglasses at night is considered not only inappropriate but dangerous as well. Sunglasses for women and men are designed to reduce glare from sunlight during the day, so wearing them at night could further reduce the amount of light that reaches your eyes. This can impair your vision and cause you to miss important details in your surroundings. If you’re driving at night, wear prescription glasses with an anti-glare coating or tinted lenses designed to reduce the glare from vehicle headlights. This can help you stay focused and safe while driving at night.

5. Avoid Looking at People Over Your Sunglasses

Looking at someone over the top of your sunglasses can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect. It’s even worse if you do it while someone is talking to you. Instead of sliding your sunglasses down your nose to look at a person, take them off completely. This action shows that you’re giving the other person your undivided attention and respect. If the sun is too intense and you need to keep your sunglasses on, look directly at the person through your lenses to avoid displaying negative body language.

6. Store Your Sunglasses Properly

Put your sunglasses away correctly when you’re not wearing them. Avoid leaving them on the table, car seat, or dangling from your clothes. Store them inside a sunglasses case when you’re not using them. If you don’t have a case, put them in a pocket within your purse or bag. This can help keep you organized and protect your sunglasses from dirt, dust, and scratches that can reduce their clarity or damage the frames.

7. Clean Your Sunglasses Regularly

Because sunglasses are worn outdoors, they can accumulate dirt, dust, and smudges. Showing up to a meeting or event with dirty sunglasses can create an unprofessional or careless impression. Clean your sunglasses regularly with a soft cloth or cleaning solution made for lenses and frames. This removes dirt or oil residue and keeps your sunglasses looking their best. Regular cleaning can also help your glasses function properly and keep your vision clear.

Get Quality Sunglasses for Women and Men

High-quality sunglasses can be a fashionable accessory that also protects your eyes from the sun’s rays. Following sunglasses etiquette rules can help you appear stylish without being overly showy or disrespectful in social settings. Clean and store your sunglasses properly to maintain their quality and look your best in any situation.