Sunnies is just a casual word for sunglasses. It started in Australia, and it now sounds right for any pair you wear as part of your outfit. In Singapore, a good pair of sunnies needs three things: a UV400 label, a lens dark enough for our glare, and a frame light enough to wear all day. You do not need to spend more than $90 to get all three. Below are four pairs from Aura Shades between $54.90 and $84.90, each with the specs listed so you can check them yourself.
Heading out over the Deepavali long weekend (Saturday 7 to Monday 9 November)? Sort your sunnies before the plans start, because three days out is a lot of sun.
In this article
- What are sunnies, and are they different from sunglasses?
- What should I check before buying sunnies in Singapore?
- Which sunnies are worth buying under $90?
- How do the four pairs compare?
- FAQ
What are sunnies, and are they different from sunglasses?
No. Sunnies and sunglasses are the same product. According to All About Vision, the word sunnies originated in Australia, and it is also used by fashion-minded people who treat sunglasses as an accessory. That second meaning is the one that matters here. When someone searches for sunnies, they usually want a pair that looks good first and protects properly second. You should not have to pick one.
What should I check before buying sunnies in Singapore?
Check the UV label first, then the lens, then the fit.
- UV label. Look for UV400 or "100% UVA and UVB". All About Vision explains that UV400 lenses block wavelengths up to 400 nanometres, and that lens tint does not tell you how much UV a lens blocks. Singapore's HealthXchange also says to look for a label showing the lens blocks 99 to 100 per cent of UV rays.
- Lens darkness. Mirrored and darker lenses cut glare from roads, water and glass towers. Category 3 is the darkness rating made for bright daylight.
- Fit and weight. A heavy frame slides down your nose in humid weather. Lighter is better, and the two pairs below with a listed weight both come in at 24g.
The HealthXchange guide to choosing sunglasses also warns that very cheap pairs may have poorer optical clarity, so a low price should not be your only filter.
Yellow mirrored sunnies : a loud lens on a light frame.Which sunnies are worth buying under $90?
Here are four pairs that cover different looks. All four are UV400 and Category 3, and all four are priced under $90 in Singapore dollars.
1. Steph's Killer Drip: the easy everyday pair
A rubberised matte cream frame with yellow and orange mirrored lenses. It pairs well with white tees, linen shirts and gym fits, and the colour reads as a style choice rather than a sports accessory. The lightweight EMS TR90 frame has a rubberised finish for grip, and the yellow and orange lens boosts contrast on cloudy afternoons as well as sunny ones.
Cream frame, orange mirrored lens, UV400. The softest way into colour.
2. Disco Pigeon Takes Flight: the statement pair
A gloss tri-colour frame with silver mirrored lenses. It is the loudest of the four. It weighs 24g and the lens has anti-scratch, anti-seawater, anti-fingerprint and anti-oil coatings, so it handles beach days, sea sports and cycling.
Silver mirrored lens, 24g frame, four lens coatings, UV400.
3. Your Eyes Deserve This Drama: the streetwear pair
Red mirrored, non-polarised lenses on a matte black frame with carbon fibre legs and rubber tips. It has adjustable nose pads, so you can tune the fit instead of putting up with it. It suits a dark outfit and a city day, and it also works for outdoor training.
Red mirrored lens, carbon fibre legs, adjustable nose pads, UV400.
4. Running on Liquid Gold: the runner's pair
A gloss yellow frame with gold Revo mirrored lenses, made for bright road and trail days. It weighs 24g, the 1.4mm TAC lens is built for durability, and the same four coatings as Disco Pigeon help it shrug off sweat, salt and smudges. It is the pick if your sunnies spend more time on a run, a ride or a long session in the sun than at brunch.
How do the four pairs compare?
| Pair | Price | Lens | Frame | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steph's Killer Drip | $54.90 | Yellow and orange mirrored, Cat 3, UV400 | Rubberised matte EMS TR90 | Everyday wear, cycling, driving |
| Disco Pigeon Takes Flight | $69.90 | Silver mirrored TAC, Cat 3, UV400 | Gloss EMS TR90, 24g | Beach, water, trails |
| Your Eyes Deserve This Drama | $84.90 | Red mirrored, non-polarised, Cat 3, UV400 | Matte black, carbon fibre legs | City days, streetwear, training |
| Running on Liquid Gold | $69.90 | Gold Revo mirrored TAC, Cat 3, UV400 | Gloss yellow EMS TR90, 24g | Road and trail running, cycling |
Our pick if you can only buy one: Disco Pigeon Takes Flight. It sits in the middle of the price range, has four lens coatings, and works with almost anything you wear. If most of your sun time is running or cycling, go for Running on Liquid Gold instead.
Frequently asked questions
Do sunnies need to be polarised?
No. Polarised lenses cut glare from flat surfaces such as water and roads, but polarisation is separate from UV protection. The UV label is what protects your eyes, and All About Vision advises that polarised pairs should also carry a UV400 or 100% UV label. For a full breakdown, read our guide to polarised vs non-polarised sunglasses in Singapore.
Does a darker lens mean more UV protection?
No. Lens tint does not tell you how much UV a lens blocks. Always check for the UV400 or 100% UVA and UVB label, not how dark the lens looks.
How do I know my sunnies fit properly?
They should sit level without pinching behind the ears or sliding down your nose when you look down. Adjustable nose pads, like those on Your Eyes Deserve This Drama, let you fine-tune the fit.
How do I look after mirrored lenses?
Rinse with fresh water after salt water, then dry with a clean microfibre cloth. Do not wipe dry lenses with your shirt, since grit can scratch the surface.
Where can I buy sunnies in Singapore?
You can browse the full range at Aura Shades' Sunglasses Singapore collection. All prices are in Singapore dollars.
Find your pair before the long weekend
All four pairs in this guide are UV400, Category 3 and under $90.
Shop Sunglasses Singapore →
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