Sunglasses Lens Colour Guide

Lens colour isn’t just about style—it directly affects your vision, comfort, and safety in different settings. Each tint filters light differently, enhancing contrast, improving depth perception, or reducing brightness depending on the environment.

For instance, grey lenses keep colours true to life—perfect for everyday wear. Meanwhile, amber or brown tints boost contrast and depth, great for activities like golfing, hiking, or fishing. Yellow lenses can brighten vision on overcast days, improving visibility in low-light conditions.

Choosing the wrong lens tint can lead to squinting, headaches, or fatigue—so matching the right sunglasses tint to your activity matters as much as ensuring proper UV protection. Always look for sunglasses that explicitly state 99–100% UVA/UVB protection or a UV400 rating—you can learn more about  why UV protection in sunglasses matters from the National Eye Institute, or read the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s tips for choosing UV-safe sunglasses.

Choosing the right lens colour can completely change how you see the world — literally. Different sunglasses tints filter light in unique ways, affecting contrast, colour perception, and comfort. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, driving in bright sun, or taking a walk on a cloudy day, here’s how to pick the right shade for your needs.

Grey lenses are the all-around classic. They reduce glare, keep colours true to life, and work well in bright sunlight. Perfect for driving, outdoor sports, or everyday wear, they’re a safe bet if you want versatility without altering colour perception. They’re also easy on the eyes for prolonged wear, making them a favourite among people who spend long hours outdoors.

Brown and amber lenses enhance contrast and depth perception, making them ideal for outdoor activities where spotting details is key — like hiking, fishing, or golfing. They perform especially well in variable light and can make surroundings appear warmer. These tints filter blue light, which can help reduce glare on cloudy days and improve clarity.

Yellow lenses brighten your view and sharpen contrast in low-light conditions. They excel in fog, haze, dawn, or dusk, making them popular with cyclists, hunters, and indoor athletes. They filter out blue light, which can help make details pop, but they do slightly distort colour perception, so they’re not ideal for bright sunlight.

Blue and purple tints are as stylish as they are functional. They enhance colour perception in sunny or snowy conditions and can help reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or ice. Often chosen for fashion, they also offer comfort on bright days and can provide a soothing effect on the eyes.

Red and pink lenses increase contrast and depth perception, especially against green or blue backgrounds, making them great for winter sports or driving in snowy conditions. They can reduce eye strain over long periods and give the world a warmer, more vibrant appearance. These tints are also popular for enhancing visual clarity in partly cloudy or variable light conditions.

Green lenses offer a nice balance between contrast and colour accuracy. They reduce glare, filter out some blue light, and work well in both sunny and low-light conditions. Popular with golfers and tennis players, they’re a versatile choice for mixed lighting and everyday wear.

Choosing the right lens tint isn’t just about style, it’s about matching your sunglasses to how (and where) you’ll be using them. Different colours excel in different settings, so knowing the match can give you better comfort, safety, and performance.

For driving, grey or brown lenses are your best bet. They maintain natural colour balance, reduce glare, and improve contrast, making it easier to spot traffic signals, road markings, and potential hazards. Check out the full guide on the best sunglasses for driving.

If you’re boating, fishing, or spending time by the water, brown or green polarized lenses help cut surface glare and enhance depth perception, so you can see below the water’s surface more clearly. Find out more on the best sunglasses for water enthusiasts.

Skiers and snowboarders often prefer yellow, amber, or rose lenses, which improve contrast against snowy backdrops and help you see undulations and ice patches. They also enhance visibility in foggy or overcast conditions. Grey lenses are another great choice for bright, sunny days on the slopes, as they reduce glare and maintain natural colour balance without distorting your view.

For varied terrain and shifting light conditions, brown and amber tints offer excellent contrast and depth. If your hikes take you into bright sunlight, grey lenses can also be a reliable choice. Get the full list of the best sunglasses for hiking.

If you want a versatile option for casual, all-day wear, grey lenses keep things looking natural while protecting your eyes in a range of environments. Green lenses are another great choice for everyday comfort and style.

At Kraywoods, sunglasses aren’t just about style—they’re designed with lens tints that enhance your visual experience in different settings. Whether you’re after true-to-life colour, better contrast, or low-light visibility, there’s a shade for every adventure.

Every pair of Kraywoods polarized sunglasses features high-quality, UV-protective, scratch-resistant polarized lenses, so you can enjoy both comfort and clarity no matter your colour choice. To make it easier, we’ve put together a Sunglasses Lens Colour Guide where you’ll discover the benefits of each tint, the activities they’re best suited for, and the weather conditions where they truly shine.

No. UV protection is independent of lens darkness. Always verify that your sunglasses are labeled with 99–100% UVA/UVB protection or UV400 certification. For a general overview of how sunglasses protect your eyes and how lens features vary, the Wikipedia page on sunglasses offers a helpful breakdown.

Grey and brown are top picks—they reduce glare while preserving natural colour balance.

Not ideal—they excel in low-light. For bright sun, opt for grey or brown lenses.

Yes. Green balances contrast and brightness, making it a great choice for varied sporting conditions.

Yes. Polarization is separate from tint. Kraywoods offers polarized lenses in multiple shades for both function and fashion.