Sunglasses lens categories: Which one is right for you?

Not every pair of sunglasses is made for the same kind of light.

You may have noticed Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 on sunglasses before, but what do those numbers actually mean? And which one should you choose?

The category tells you how much visible light a lens allows through. The darker the lens, the less visible light reaches your eyes. But darker doesn’t automatically mean better — the right category depends on where you wear your sunglasses and how much light you’re dealing with.

Here’s the simple version.

CATEGORY 1 — LIGHT + EASY

43–80% visible light transmission

Category 1 lenses have a light tint and are made for softer light conditions. They’re a good choice when you want some reduction in brightness without going for a dark lens.

Think late afternoons, overcast days, softer light, festivals, night events and everyday style.

They’re also a great option when the sunglasses are as much about the look as they are about the light.

CATEGORY 2 — THE EVERYDAY ONE

18–43% visible light transmission

Category 2 is the sweet spot for everyday wear.

These lenses offer a good balance between light reduction, visual comfort and style, making them suitable for city days, walks, travel and moderately sunny conditions.

If you’re looking for one pair to wear most days, Category 2 is a versatile place to start.

CATEGORY 3 — MADE FOR BRIGHT DAYS

8–18% visible light transmission

Category 3 lenses are designed for strong sunlight and provide a high level of glare reduction.

Think beach days, summer holidays, bright cities, outdoor adventures and long days in the sun.

This is the category you’ll most often want when the light gets intense.

DOES A DARKER LENS MEAN MORE UV PROTECTION?

Not necessarily.

Lens darkness and UV protection are two different things.

A darker lens reduces visible light and glare, but it doesn’t automatically provide better protection against UV radiation. UV protection depends on the lens’s filtering properties.

That’s why it’s important to look for UV400 / 100% UVA + UVB protection, rather than choosing a lens simply because it looks darker.

THE COLOR IS PART OF THE LOOK

Lens category and lens colour aren’t the same thing.

Grey, brown, green, blue or other tints can exist across different categories. The color changes the way the lens looks and can influence the visual experience, but the category is determined by how much visible light passes through.

So choose the color that feels like you — then choose the category that fits where you’re going.

SO, WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Category 1
For softer light, late afternoons and when you want a lighter, more fashion-forward lens.

Category 2
For everyday wear, city life, walks and changing or moderately sunny conditions.

Category 3
For bright days, beaches, holidays and strong sunlight.

There isn’t one category that’s right for everyone. The best choice depends on where you go, how much light you’re in, and how you want to wear your sunglasses.

At VOYA, we design sunglasses for a life that doesn’t stay in one place.

From the first coffee of the day to the last plan of the night. From city streets to Mediterranean beaches. From familiar places to somewhere new.

Different light. Different places. Different journeys.

For sun + moon.

Lens category specifications vary by model. Always check the individual product page for the exact specifications of your VOYA.