Introduction to Gender-Neutral Sunglasses
When I launched Faded Days back in 2012, the feedback started rolling in almost immediately. Customers loved the style—but more than a few asked the same thing: “Any chance you could make these for big heads?” That pattern kept repeating, and eventually it clicked—there was an entire group of people walking through life without sunglasses that fit. And they were fed up.
I’ve never had a big head myself, but at 6 foot 5 with a 36-inch inseam, I know the feeling of being boxed out by sizing. For me, it was always pants—either too short or too wide, never just right. That frustration gave me the empathy to listen closely when people said, “I just want a pair of sunglasses that don’t hurt to wear.”
So I got to work. My first prototype was 3D printed back when printers were still the size of washing machines. The frame was crude—no hinges, barely wearable—but I bent some paperclips into makeshift arms and took it bar-hopping through Orlando until I found someone with a truly big head to try them on. They looked absurd, but his reaction wasn’t. He lit up. “It actually fits,” he said, shaking his head in disbelief. That’s when I knew I was on to something real.
Today, we build frames that fit first—gender-neutral designs that prioritize comfort, clarity, and confidence. Our XXL sunglasses collection is the result of listening, testing, and constantly improving. Because eyewear should never leave anyone out.
Why Unisex Eyewear Is Trending
Cultural shifts toward fluid fashion have collided with practical demands for better fit. Designers now borrow silhouettes across collections, so classic wayfarers, round metals, and flat-top shields appear side by side without gender tags. Consumers reward that flexibility: Google Trends shows a five-year climb in “unisex sunglasses,” and independent retailers see similar spikes in search traffic.
But utility matters as much as identity. Universal styles reduce inventory waste, making it easier for small businesses like ours to spend on premium hinges, FDA-tested lenses, and hypoallergenic acetate instead of stocking two separate size runs. That value returns to you as frames that last season after season.
One customer told us last month, “I walked out the door and my wife asked if she could borrow them—first time we’ve ever traded sunglasses.” That’s the promise of gender-neutral design: equal comfort, shared style, and no awkward sizing compromises.
For larger heads, the trend is even more liberating. Historically you had to hunt specialty retailers or settle for frames labeled “novelty.” Today, thoughtful proportions and spring-loaded temples give you mainstream aesthetics with custom-feeling fit.
Features of Unisex Sunglasses for Big Heads
Every millimeter counts when you have a wider skull, so we obsess over dimensions most brands ignore. Below are three features that transform a good idea into a wear-all-day favourite.
Generous Frame Widths
Our 165 mm XXL frame spreads weight across the brow instead of pinching the temples. A subtle 3 ° base-curve keeps lenses close enough to block stray light without brushing your cheeks.
Polarized, Impact-Tested Lenses
Glare reduction means nothing if the lens cracks on drop number two. We send every batch for independent impact testing, then add polarization to cut surface reflections. Fishermen and women love the way ripples sharpen; drivers notice reduced squint-induced fatigue.
Subtle Colourways
Oversized frames can still feel refined. Matte tortoise, midnight onyx, and smoke-gray transparent acetates keep attention on your face rather than shouting “extra large.” Match them to a linen shirt or trail gear; the design adapts.
Styles to Suit Every Personality
You shouldn’t have to choose between fit and flair, so our line spans heritage to head-turning. Use the quick guide below to narrow your search.
Aviators
Teardrop lenses soften angular features while the double bridge adds just-enough edge. Their military roots ensure they’ll outlast TikTok micro-trends.
Round Frames
Channel a retro vibe without sacrificing coverage. Slightly upsized circles sit wider than vintage originals, offering room for broader brows.
Boldly-Sized Frames
Need statement energy? Go for chunky bevels and crystal clear lenses. Our Scholar frame delivers museum-worthy presence yet remains super lightweight.
Before you buy, skim our fitting guide for larger heads. It walks you through head-measurement and temple-length checks in under two minutes.
How to Choose the Perfect Pair
Great sunglasses solve three problems at once: optical clarity, facial harmony, and long-term comfort. Here’s a streamlined decision tree.
- Measure first. Use a flexible tape from temple-to-temple; 160 mm or more usually calls for our wider catalog.
- Match shape to face. Round faces benefit from angular edges; square jaws soften with curved lenses.
- Weigh your lifestyle. Cyclists might prefer wraparound coverage, while office commuters lean toward understated acetates.
- Consider lens tech. Blue-light filtering, mirror coatings, or photochromic tints add utility without extra bulk.
Finalize by picking a colourway that complements your wardrobe’s dominant tones. Black never fails, yet mocha-tortoise pairs surprisingly well with navy suits and weekend denim.
Why Faded Days Wins on Comfort and Service
Plenty of brands stamp “XL” on a label; few recalibrate every component. We prototype in 0.5 mm increments until pressure metrics drop below our comfort threshold. That engineering costs more up front but saves you headaches—literally.
Customer-First Crafting
A recent Trustpilot review put it best: “They feel like they measured my head in secret.” We adjust bridge width, temple curve, and lens base-curve rather than just stretching the front chassis.
Indie-Owned Responsiveness
Because we’re independently owned, decision loops are short. Email at 9 a.m. and you’ll often hear back before lunch—sometimes with a photgraph showing the exact hinge you asked about.
Fast, Free Shipping
Orders placed before 1 p.m. Eastern ship the same day—one perk of running our own Charlotte warehouse. Domestic delivery averages three days, so your new frames beat the weekend barbecue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes sunglasses “unisex”?
Unisex designs skip gendered flourishes and focus on universal proportions—bridge height, temple length, and lens width that suit a broad range of faces. That neutrality lets anyone wear them confidently while still enjoying tailored comfort.
How can I confirm a larger frame will fit?
Measure the straight-line distance between your temples and compare it to our sizing chart. For heads above 160 mm, reach for frames 165 mm or wider. Spring hinges add a forgiving extra few millimeters.
Do polarized lenses really matter?
Yes. Polarization filters horizontal glare, sharpening contrast on water, snow, and asphalt. The result is lower eye strain and safer driving, especially during sunrise or sunset commutes.
Conclusion
Inclusive eyewear shouldn’t feel like an exception—it should feel normal. By merging wider-than-average dimensions with timeless designs, gender-neutral frames finally give larger-headed shoppers options that look intentional, not improvised. If you’re ready for shades that fit the first time, explore our Scholar frame and the rest of the collection. Your eyes—and maybe your partner, who’ll want to borrow them—will thank you.
We’re grateful for every customer who trusts this small, Carolina-based workshop to solve a big, global problem. Your support keeps us iterating toward even better fit and style.
Stay Faded,
Ben