Snowboarding queen, Gretchen Bleiler has a lot to be thankful for these days. She has a list of sports accomplishments to die for: A long list of gold and silver medals that can pay your rent for 12 consecutive years, an attractive and sexy body, a long list of endorsers, and now, a designer for Oakley with a sports collection she aptly named as the Gretchen Bleiler Signature Series Collection.
I may not be a fan of snowboarding, bulky jackets, and half pipes, but I’m definitely a fan of sunglasses. I was really delighted to see that Gretchen Bleiler carries those as well. I particularly like the Ravishing Limited Edition Sunglasses, because it’s cool, it’s hip, and it’s a great addition for anyone who loves to play outdoor sports. Aside from this, it’s really pretty, so you’re really getting a good deal from it.
How will you know which sunglasses to buy? Here are some tips to help you get started:
First, remember that fashion shades and athletic activities do not match. Outdoor activities — like cycling, hiking, running, kayaking, skiing, sailing and snowboarding, exposes the athlete to a lot of sunlight, so you really need good protection for your eyes. A good tip would be to buy sunglasses with UV Protection and polarized lenses. By the way, I cannot emphasize the importance of polarization when you experience constant glare in your sports activities. This is especially true if you play sports such as surfing, kayaking, sailing, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, running, cycling, or any other sport where glare can be reflected on wet streets or sidewalks. If you experience glare, polarize it!
Second, make sure it’s has a no-slip grip. Plastic can slip right off your nose if you are going to break out a sweat. Sunglasses made specifically for sports will have nosepieces and temple grips that stay on no matter how much you perspire. Believe me, you’ll thank me later.
Third, try to choose titanium, carbon-fiber composites and other high-tech materials when you don’t have a limited budget. If you’re on tight strings, try polycarbonate lenses. Nothing can make your mood sourer than having shattered sunglasses while you’re in the middle of playing sports.
Fourth, favor aerodynamics. No, I am not talking about airplanes here, although the principles used on airplanes are the same on sunglasses as well. If you are into cycling, skiing, or other sports where there is a lot of speed, sunglasses that are shaped aerodynamically have better chances of retaining their shapes while the wind is bombarding your face at a hundred miles per hour.
Fifth, different lens colors depend on your situation and environment, so look for lens that are suited to the conditions you normally face outside. Depending on your usual environment, look for a lens that will best suit the conditions you usually face.
By the way, another alternative you can do is to buy a pair of shades that has interchangeable lenses. If you constantly face a lot of bright sunlight, go with the deep-orange brown lenses; if your light is more subdued, go with the golden yellow ones.
So now that you know what to do, go out and have some fun. Have you ever tried playing your favorite sport and look uber cool like Gretchen Bleiler at the same time? It’s not possible. Just follow these tips, and you will be off to a great start.
A freelance writer that is fascinated by things that are simple and minimal. He likes minimalist art, lives a simple lifestyle and writes things that are light and easy to read.