If you’re a fan of designer sunglasses, you may have heard the buzz about Vuarnet, a line of luxury sunglasses made with high-quality lenses. But are they right for you? Keep reading to find out what made this brand soar in popularity.
At a Glance:
- Vuarnet sunglasses combine fashion and quality, making them popular with athletes, especially skiers.
- The “lynx” lenses have bi-directional mirroring at the top and bottom to drastically reduce glare.
- Blue Polar lenses are also very popular for sports involving snow or water.
- Most Vuarnet lenses are very dark, with a visible light transmission rating (VLT) of 9–13%. Typical sunglasses have a VLT of around 15%.
- Two models, the Belvedere and Legend, are prescription-capable.
The History of Vuarnet Sunglasses
Vuarnet was established in 1960 by Roger Pouilloux, a frequent skier who wanted to create a better pair of sunglasses for his favorite hobby. But he wasn’t just an athlete—he was also an optician, and his work led him to develop the Skilynx mineral glass lenses. He asked ski champion Jean Vuarnet to test them out on the slopes, and Vuarnet was so enthusiastic that he went into business with Pouilloux.
While Vuarnet sunglasses were originally developed for skiing and other outdoor sports, these uniquely crafted shades quickly became the height of fashion, too. Soon, both athletes and models were rocking the look, along with other celebrities like Mick Jagger.
In the 1980s, the brand debuted in the US at the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. By the ’90s, it was a global brand.
Vuarnet continued to evolve through the 2000s with product placement in the modern James Bond movies. Daniel Craig wore two models of Vuarnet shades—Legend 06 Brownlynx and Edge 1613 Matte Black—in Spectre and No Time to Die.
Today, Vuarnet continues to be a high-fashion brand of sunglasses known for its quality and coveted by both skiers and non-athletes alike.
Popular Vuarnet Sunglasses
Vuarnet sunglasses exist at the intersection of function and fashion, so you don’t have to compromise on either one! Let’s take a look at some popular styles and who they’re for.
Vuarnet ALPINE 02 VU40036U
The Vuarnet Alpine 02 model is a modern aviator style with generously sized lenses (59mm) and a thick central bridge replacing the classic double bridge of most aviators. This design provides good coverage from snow and sun on the slopes, while the Brownlynx lenses reflect glare.
The bi-mirror treatment of the “lynx” lenses is a darker, mirrored finish at the top and bottom, strategically placed to shield against direct sunlight at the top and glare from the ground (for example, from snow) at the bottom. While this is obviously good for skiers, it can also be useful for water sports, where you may encounter a lot of glare from the water.
The Brownlynx lenses also have a visible light transmission rating (VLT) of 12%. VLT is the percentage of sunlight that can pass through a sunglass lens to reach your eyes. Most sunglasses are around 15% VLT, so the ALPINE may be darker than you’re used to. However, a lower VLT can be preferable in full sun, high glare, or very bright conditions.
Vuarnet ALPINE 01 VU40035I
The Vuarnet Alpine 01 shades are very similar to the Alpine 02, but with Grey Polarlynx lenses. As you might guess from the name, Polarlynx lenses are polarized, which helps with horizontal glare. Otherwise, the lenses are the same, with bi-directional mirror treatment at the top and bottom.
Vuarnet HORIZON 02 VU40043U
The Vuarnet Horizon 02 design features a rectangular frame with wide, wraparound Pure Brown lenses. Like Brownlynx, the Pure Brown lenses have a VLT of 15% and come with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings. The wraparound style also provides extra coverage on the sides, where glare can sometimes sneak into your peripheral vision.
I also like that these come with a relatively lightweight metal frame, since the high-quality lenses are a bit on the heavy side.
Vuarnet BELVEDERE 06 VU40033I
The style of the Vuarnet Belvedere 06 sunglasses is a bit different than the Alpine and Horizon. One significant difference is the smaller lens size (53), which means a smaller coverage area. Depending on what you’re doing, this may still be adequate, but you will have less coverage in your periphery.
However, these do come with Blue Polar lenses, which have a VLT of 13%. That means the tint is slightly lighter than the Brownlynx or Pure Brown, although a difference of 1% may not be noticeable to everyone. The polarized lens is ideal for reducing horizontal glare bouncing off snow or water.
These are just a few of the reasons why Redditors love the Vuarnet Blue Polar lenses. Several said that the Blue Polar lenses show outdoor detail that’s easier to miss with Grey Polar (which is also popular). Others call it the best blue lens they’ve tried.
Vuarnet LEGEND 03 VALLEY VU40016I
Compared to the Alpine line, the Legend 03 Valley sunglasses have the classic aviator double bridge design and a slightly smaller lens (58mm). They come with two lens options: Greylynx and Skilynx.
What’s the difference? Both have a VLT of 10%. Skilynx lenses transmit slightly less infrared (8% vs. 10%), though this difference is small and may not be noticeable. Infrared blocking mainly affects heat and comfort rather than perceived brightness.
Greylynx has a 7% rating for HEV blocking (high-energy visible light or blue light), versus a 1% rating for Skilynx. In this case, the lower number is better, because a 1% rating means the Skilynx blocks 99% of HEV light.
There are some drawbacks, though. Color distortion will be higher with the Skilynx, so some people prefer the more balanced color profile of the Greylynx. Some wearers prefer Skilynx in high-glare conditions. If you’re outdoorsy, polarized lenses are the more common choice for fishing. Take some time to find the right pair of Vuarnet shades based on your fashion or athletic goals and, because they’re so durable, they’ll last through many outings.
FAQs
I’d love to try a pair of Vuarnet sunglasses, but they’re so pricey. How can I save money?
EZContacts frequently runs sales on sunglasses, including Vuarnet. Right now, for example, the Vuarnet Legend shades are on sale for over $70 off.
And the Vuarnet Belvedere sunglasses are almost $100 off.
Keep in mind that sale prices are subject to change, so if you see the pair you want at a good price, I recommend snapping it up.
Can I get Vuarnet sunglasses with my prescription?
Yes, the Belvedere and Legend models are both prescription-capable.
You can add a prescription for distance, reading, or progressive lenses.
