What I Learned About Polarized vs. Mirrored Lenses in 10 Years of Blinding Sun
By Ben Saperia – Updated: July 25, 2025
I lived in Florida from 2007 to 2017. If you’ve ever experienced that kind of relentless sun—the kind that reflects off water, asphalt, and windshields—you know how quickly a bad pair of sunglasses can ruin your day. After a few years of squinting my way through everyday life, I started Faded Days in 2012 with a simple idea: make sunglasses that look good and actually work in the sun.
In the early days, I spent a lot of time out west—particularly in Las Vegas. I was young, Faded Days was just getting off the ground, and I’d often find myself at pool parties where conversations would turn to what I did for work. When people found out I made sunglasses, they’d ask if they could try on the pair I was wearing. Every single time, it surprised me how quickly their expression changed. They’d take off their designer shades, put mine on, and immediately say: “Wow, I can’t believe how clear these lenses are.” That reaction never got old.
At first, I was focused on affordability and fit. But it became clear—literally—that what people appreciated most was how much better they could see. I started paying closer attention to lenses, testing different coatings and filters myself, and listening to what real customers noticed.
Most people can’t explain lens specs, and they shouldn’t have to. What matters is how you feel after an hour outside. Do your eyes feel calm? Can you still see your screen? Do colors feel richer or washed out?
This article breaks down polarized vs. mirrored sunglasses in plain terms, based on what actually matters in daily life. If you’ve ever been unsure which lens type is best for you, you’ll leave with a clear answer—and hopefully a clearer view of the world, too.
What I didn’t expect was how many people would write in saying the same thing: “These are the first sunglasses I’ve worn that actually help.” Some were talking about the size and fit. But more often, they were talking about the lenses—about how much clearer their world became. That’s when I realized most people don’t know what makes a lens *good*. They just know when their eyes hurt. This article is here to fix that.
If you’ve ever wondered whether polarized or mirrored sunglasses are right for you, I’ll walk you through the differences—based not just on specs, but on real-world experience—so you can make a choice that pays off every time you step into the sun.
Why Choose Polarized Sunglasses?
Polarized lenses aren’t just a buzzword. They’re a specific solution to a specific problem: glare. Glare happens when sunlight bounces off flat surfaces like water, pavement, or a car hood and hits your eyes in a concentrated burst. Polarized lenses filter out that horizontal light, which cuts the glare dramatically—leaving your eyes more relaxed and your vision sharper.
Here’s when polarized lenses shine:
- Driving – Glare off windshields and wet roads is reduced, improving visibility and safety.
- Water activities – They’re a must for boating, fishing, or just spending time by the lake or pool.
- Everyday wear – The enhanced contrast makes colors pop and landscapes look crisper.
One of our customers, Mike from Texas, told us: “I bought a pair of Faded Days Sunglasses for Big Heads for a road trip through the Southwest. I didn’t realize how much glare I was dealing with until it was gone. Everything just looked…calmer.”
Polarized lenses also come with full UV protection, which matters more than you think. UV exposure builds over time, and protecting your eyes now helps prevent issues like cataracts and macular degeneration later on. Our 165mm polarized sunglasses for wide faces were built with this in mind: maximum glare protection, full-spectrum UV blocking, and clarity you can feel after five minutes of wear.
Why Choose Mirrored Sunglasses?
Mirrored lenses look cool—that part’s obvious. But there’s more to it than aesthetics. A mirror coating reflects more light away from your eyes, which lowers the total amount of visible light that gets through. That makes them excellent for ultra-bright conditions, whether you're up a mountain or just walking through a concrete-heavy city under a cloudless sky.
Mirrored lenses are a strong choice for:
- High-altitude or high-sun environments – Like skiing, hiking, or sunny urban spaces.
- Style-conscious wearers – The reflective finish makes a strong visual statement.
- Privacy – They obscure your eyes completely, which some people prefer for focus or discretion.
While mirrored lenses don’t inherently block glare, many of our models pair a mirrored exterior with a polarized core. So if you’ve ever wanted the privacy and flash of mirrored lenses *and* the comfort of polarization, that combination does exist. We build both technologies into select styles to give you the best of both worlds.
Polarized vs. Mirrored: Which Should You Pick?
It comes down to how you spend your time outdoors. If you’re frequently driving, fishing, or spending long hours near reflective surfaces, polarized lenses will serve you better. You’ll see more, squint less, and feel the difference in your eye fatigue by the end of the day.
But if you love expressive eyewear—or live in a bright climate where reducing light is just as important as reducing glare—mirrored lenses might be a better match. And if you're split down the middle? Look for frames that offer both.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Best for clarity and comfort – Polarized sunglasses
- Best for brightness and privacy – Mirrored sunglasses
- Best of both – Mirrored + polarized combo lenses
Whichever path you choose, make sure you’re getting real protection—especially if you're outside regularly. A stylish lens isn’t enough if it doesn’t shield your eyes or make your world easier to see.
FAQs
Are mirrored sunglasses the same as polarized?
No—mirrored sunglasses reflect light off the surface, while polarized lenses reduce glare by filtering light.
Can sunglasses be both polarized and mirrored?
Yes, many sunglasses—including ours—combine both for glare reduction and stylish light blocking.
Are polarized sunglasses worth it?
If you drive, fish, or spend time outdoors, yes—they reduce glare, enhance clarity, and protect your eyes.
Do mirrored lenses offer UV protection?
They can, but only if the lens itself has UV filters. At Faded Days, all our sunglasses lenses are UV400 rated.
Final Take: Choose the Lens That Works for You
There’s no wrong answer here—just the one that suits your lifestyle. Polarized lenses give you visual comfort and real-world protection when it matters most. Mirrored lenses add privacy and block more light when the sun won’t quit. And the combo? That’s for those who refuse to compromise.
We’ve designed our sunglasses to do more than look good in photos. They’re tools—made to protect your eyes, sharpen your vision, and let you enjoy the outdoors without strain or squinting. Try them for yourself. You’ve got 10 days to decide, and we think that’s more than enough.
Thanks for supporting our small business. And if you’ve ever had a lens that changed how you see the world—literally—we’d love to hear about it in the comments.