How to Know if Sunglasses Are Polarized: A Simple Guide

How to Know if Sunglasses Are Polarized: A Simple Guide

Okay, listen up, my stylish friend. You just got a new pair of sunglasses. You’re feeling like a superstar, right? But wait… are they polarized?

What even is polarized? It sounds like something you’d hear in science class or on the weather channel when they can’t decide if it’s gonna rain or shine.

Don’t worry! I’m here to help ya figure this whole thing out without turning into a lab rat.

So let’s dive into the wild world of sunglasses and find out if those bad boys are actually doing their job or just making you look cool for no reason.

Step One: The Window Dance

First off, you gotta get your hands on another pair of sunglasses. It can be your buddy’s or maybe your mom’s old ones that she thinks are still “in.”

Now go outside and find any window. Like the one at the coffee shop where you pretend to work but really just scroll Instagram.

Hold one pair up to the window and then switch it with the other pair. If one pair makes everything look super dark or weirdly tinted compared to how it was before… congrats! Those might be polarized!

Step Two: The Phone Trick

Got a smartphone? Good! Grab it because we’re going all techy now.

Hold your sunnies in front of your phone screen while looking at it from an angle. If your screen goes black or looks all funky… boom! You found yourself some polarized shades!

If nothing happens, then sorry dude, you might just have fancy-looking lenses that are good for selfies but not much else.

Step Three: The “Is That Water?” Game

Find some water… not like a swimming pool kind of water but maybe a puddle or even a glass of water—whatever floats your boat.

Look through your sunnies while staring down at the water surface. If you see less glare and it’s easier to peek at what’s below…. ding ding ding! Your glasses are likely polarized!

But if it just looks like every other day at the beach… well, those shades might just be pretending to be useful.

Step Four: Breaking Out The Old Credit Card

Okay, don’t go breaking into your piggy bank for this one. Just grab an old credit card or any plastic card that doesn’t mind getting “tested.”

Look through your glasses while holding the card in front of them—like you’re about to pay for gas but don’t have enough cash. Rotate the card 90 degrees and watch closely!

If the view changes drastically, then hallelujah! Those babies are polarized! If nothing changes… well, I hope that card has some points left on it ‘cause you need better glasses.

Step Five: Track Down Your Reflection Skills

Ever heard of reflection? No, not thinking about life choices—but like mirror-in-your-sunglasses kinda thing! Go outside and look at something shiny—maybe a car or a shiny street sign.

Now put on those shades—you should see less reflection if they’re polarized! If you’re still blind by all that shine, then sorry kiddo, these aren’t making the cut.

Step Six: Sunlight Showdown

You know how some things seem whiter in sunlight? Like marshmallows? Or bleached hair?

Test this by standing in direct sunlight with those shades on and looking at anything white nearby — like clouds or some dude wearing a white shirt who badly needs fashion tips. Ughhh…

If things don’t seem as blindingly bright as before… congrats again! You’re rocking some polarizers!

Step Seven: Ask Someone Who Knows Stuff

And finally, when all else fails… ask someone who actually knows stuff about sunglasses—like an optometrist or that friend who’s obsessed with everything trendy.

They’ll probably laugh at how clueless we are over here but they can give you straight-up answers faster than scrolling through Google search results.

Fun FAQ Section

Question: What does polarized even mean?

Answer: It means these magic glasses reduce glare from surfaces like water and roads so ya see better!

Question: Can I wear non-polarized sunglasses?

Answer: For sure! They’ll make ya look fly but they may not protect against glare as well.

Question: Why do people care about polarization?

Answer: Because squinting like a confused raccoon is no fun when enjoying sunny days!

Question: Can kids wear polarized sunglasses too?

Answer: Totally! Just make sure they fit right so they don’t fall off when running around being kids!

Question: Can puppies wear sunglasses?

Answer: LOL puppies should absolutely sport them but they probably won’t care for clarity – only style points!

Question: Do expensive sunglasses always mean they’re polarized?

Answer: Not really! Price tags don’t guarantee anything—it’s all about what’s inside those frames!

Question: How often should I check my sunglasses for polarization?

Answer: Whenever ya feel fancy enough to put them on — aka every sunny day ever!

So there ya have it folks—your fool-proof guide (well mostly fool-proof) to figuring out if your sunnies are worth their salt (or UV protection). Now go forth and flaunt those shades with confidence…whether they’re polarized or not!