Go to any park in spring or summer, and you’ll witness what’s become a great British tradition: slathering young children with sun cream. We’re very aware of the impact UV light can have on unprotected skin – and the link between over exposure to the sun and skin cancer. UV light can also damage eyes and cause discomfort. For children, these concerns are even more important. Young eyes are more vulnerable to light because the cornea, lens and fluids are clearer and allow more light to enter the retina. According to the Eyecare Trust a Charity dedicated to raising awareness of eye health across the UK, up to 70% more UV light reaches the retina than would reach an adult eye. And, 80% of a lifetime’s UV is absorbed before a child hits his or her 18th birthday. (more…)
For a lot of men, accessories are tricky territory. We’re not all comfortable with bags. And ties – we don’t seem to wear them so often. But sunglasses…they’re both satisfyingly stylish and also speak to practical needs. The best of both worlds. But there’s so much choice out there. Where should you start? (more…)
Thanks to Polaroid Eyewear, in September this year I will participate in the Clipper 09-10 round the world race by racing the first leg from Hull (England) to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) via La Rochelle (France) – my home town incidentally.
I thought I would keep you updated on my progress towards the start of the race and later on during the race from the boat. (more…)
My wife gave me a pair of Polaroid sunglasses for my daily cycle to the train station and back It’s part of her job to spread the word about Polaroid sunglasses, so I just said thank you and wandered off to read the paper. I wasn’t in the mood to be a guinea pig. But she’s not so easily put off. In the space of three days, she asked me seven times if I’d had a chance to try them. That’s her counting, not me. I explained that it had been cloudy. But my wife is nothing if not evangelical. So she launched into an explanation of low light and glare, and how glare can be just as bad on overcast days as when the sun shines. Arguing seemed pointless. So I tried the sunglasses. (more…)
Eric Boinard is Polaroid Eyewear’s technical expert. He’s the one that ensures the lenses in our sunglasses use the latest technology to eliminate glare, protect from UV rays and stay so lightweight, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. When Eric’s not focused on guiding Polaroid’s technical progress, he spends as much time as possible sailing. Originally from La Rochelle, Eric grew up around boats and retains his passion for all things connected to the sea. He’s about to embark on a Clipper Round the World Race. (more…)
It all started with baggy jeans. You know the ones, slightly wider legs that sit lower on the waist. They’re great with contrasting high heels. Cardigans went the same way, from the short Lana Turner styles to the longer, slightly more masculine silhouette we’re seeing now. For me, Gap is the big winner here. The blazer is also making a big comeback. And for my money, Whistles is a great choice. But there’s a huge selection out there. Just remember that a blazer is one of the toughest garments to fit. It should skim the hip and the bust easily and the shoulders and back shouldn’t bind in any way. So try on a few before you decide. (more…)
UV is short for ultraviolet. Ultraviolet radiation is found in sunlight and is also produced by welding machines, tanning beds and lasers. While a welder shouldn’t be without safety goggles, just being outdoors has its own UV risks.
There’s plenty of evidence that exposure to UV from the sun can have both long and short term effects on the eye, and on your vision. (more…)
You know what they say, “twice the money and half the clothes” is the perfect mantra for going on holiday. Like most good advice, it’s not much fun. Travelling means you should have a flexible wardrobe. Dress up if you want to and enjoy a day at the beach if that’s on your agenda. Then, there’s sight-seeing, shopping, sunning…your wardrobe has to work hard for you. When I travel, I like to start with one item and go from there. In the winter, it’s always a coat. But in the summer you have more choice. (more…)
Sometimes, a product really can sneak up and give you a big surprise. Clip-ons are one of those products. They’re been around for years. I remember my dad wearing them fishing way back when… And there’s a few people here at Polaroid who recall seeing them in the seventies when wire-framed glasses were the very zenith of style. Clip-ons are actually a very neat bit of kit that come with either a flip-up clip or a spring-fit clip. That’s a tongue twister for most of us, but easy to use with any pair of prescription glasses. What’s surprised us this year is our sales. Clip-ons are proving to be a very popular item – and they’re literally flying out of our warehouse. (more…)
Here are some simple tests you can do yourself.
Test like with like
When you’re next out shopping you can easily test whether your sunglasses are polarized. Just hold them at 90° to another pair labelled as polarized and if the lenses go dark where they overlap then your sunglasses are polarized too. If there’s no change, your lenses aren’t polarized. (more…)