There are few accessories as powerful as a great pair of sunglasses. They’re effortless, essential, and when worn well, impressively cosmopolitan. But with that cool factor comes responsibility, because no matter how bold the frame or flattering the fit, the how and when matters just as much as the what.
Let’s break down the unwritten – until now – rules of sunglasses etiquette, so you can wear yours with confidence, clarity, and a tasteful amount of mystique.
Indoors: The Eternal Debate
Wearing sunglasses inside is possibly one of the most hotly debated gray areas in shady etiquette. Here’s the short version: unless you have a good reason, it’s probably best to let those peepers fly free once you step into the AC.
Sure, if you’re walking through a bright airport terminal or trying to hide from the old boss you spotted across the restaurant, keep those shades on. The same goes for those who are dealing with light sensitivity or other medical needs. But if you’re sitting down for a candlelit dinner, browsing a boutique, or strolling through a gallery, take a beat to take off your shades. Removing your sunglasses singles awareness, intention, and engagement. If you’d remove your hat or earbuds in the same situation, it’s a good idea to take the sunnies off, too.
Bottom line: wearing sunglasses indoors is a sure way to make a statement. Just make sure it’s the one you intend to make.
On Your Head: Hair Accessory or Style Faux Pas?
Wearing sunglasses on your head isn’t a fashion felony. In fact, it can be downright charming – if done with some thought.
Out for a walk? Browsing a weekend market? Perching your shades on your head between sunny strolls is perfectly fine. Practical, even. But if you’re stepping into a professional setting or a more refined environment, using your frames as a headband can undercut your polish. Not to mention, it can stretch out your frames over time, so you’re left wondering if your noggin has suddenly shrunk. To prevent this, make sure you’re being choosy about the moments you wear your sunnies on your crown.
Wearing sunglasses backwards on your head should be avoided, though. Unless you’re actively coaching a Little League team, we suggest letting that look retire in peace.
Sunglasses at Night
We can blame Corey Hart for this impulse – it’s a good song; we’ll give him that. However, unless you’re a blues guitarist or emerging from a limo at a midnight premiere, sunglasses sans sun tend to miss the mark.
We get it – some sunnies are so good-looking that it’s tough to part with them, even when their services are no longer required. But in most settings, wearing sunglasses after sundown reads less “mysterious” and more “misread the invite.” People want to see your eyes, especially in social settings where connection is the goal.
The exception: if your sunglasses are prescription or you’ve got a medical reason (like migraines or post-surgery needs, for instance), you’re in the clear.
Dates and Interviews: Don’t Hide Your Eyes
We all know it’s true: first impressions are everything. Your sunglasses might be the most stylish thing you’re wearing, but you should give them a break during meaningful one-on-one interactions, whether you’re heading into a job interview or meeting someone for a latte and potential sparks.
Eye contact builds trust, plain and simple. Wearing sunglasses throughout a conversation can make you seem guarded, distracted, or worse: disinterested. On the other hand, holding someone’s gaze is key to making them feel seen, heard, and understood.
Best practice: wear them on the way in, make a confident entrance, then take them off once you’re face-to-face. That small gesture sends a big message: I’m here. I’m engaged. I know how to read a room.
Table Manners
When it’s time to take off your shades, where they land matters.
Setting them directly on the table is fine – if done with care. Avoid lenses-down (hello, scratches) and try not to toss them into the breadbasket like an afterthought. If you have a case, use it. If not, fold them arms-in and place them off to the side, ideally on a napkin or clean surface.
A note on dinner parties and restaurants: if the table’s tight or the atmosphere is more formal, slip them into a coat pocket or handbag. When in doubt, treat them like your phone: the more discreet, the better.
Bonus: Other Small Moves That Make a Big Impression
We wouldn’t be eyebobs if we didn’t leave you with a few extra tips to level-up your sunglass etiquette game.
Clean your lenses before you head out. Smudged lenses are distracting for both you and your many admirers. Nobody’s expecting you to carry a microfiber cloth around like a pocket protector (but we wouldn’t judge you if you do!), but a quick wipe before heading into the sunlight takes seconds and is always a good idea.
Mind the mirror. Yes, mirrored lenses are very chic (and often useful), but remember that they reflect everything, not just your sense of style. Be mindful where you point them in conversation – it can be disorienting to chat with someone while you’re watching yourself literally reflected in their eyes.
Match the mood. Sunglasses say something about you. Oversized and dramatic might be perfect for a pool party, but might feel a little off at a formal outdoor wedding. Like your wardrobe, your eyewear should reflect the tone of the moment – as long as it still makes you feel like the fabulous sun-seeker you are.
The Confidence Quotient
At their best, sunglasses are a form of self-expression, a subtle (or bold) nod to who you are and how you see the world. They’re a power move, but with great eyewear comes great responsibility, especially in social situations.
Think of these etiquette tips less as hard-and-fast rules and more as gentle suggestions for how to share space with other humans. Removing your sunglasses when it’s time to connect, keeping them off your head when the moment calls for polish, and storing them with care are little ways to signal that you’re present, engaged, and conscious of those around you.
How you wear your frames is part of your style story, and we’re always here for the kind of originality that’s informed, expressive, and totally intentional. So go ahead: own your look. Choose sunglasses that feel like you. Then wear them in ways that make people stare – in a good way.
And remember: when you’re aiming to leave the right impression, good manners matter just as much as good taste in eyewear.
