Glasses Atlas · Free tool

Sunglass tint simulator

See how each lens colour changes the view, and how dark each category really is, before you choose a pair. Pick a tint and a darkness below.

Lens tint
Darkness category

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How to choose a sunglass tint

The short answer: pick the tint for the light you spend time in, then confirm the lens is UV400 separately. Tint changes contrast and comfort; it does not change UV protection. Darkness is a different measure, graded from category 0 to 4, and category 3 is the everyday bright-day default.

Tint Best for What it does
Grey Bright sun, everyday Keeps colours true, cuts overall brightness
Brown / Amber Driving, variable light Lifts contrast and depth
Green (G-15) All-round, outdoors Balanced contrast, easy on the eyes
Rose / Copper Golf, cycling, sport Sharpens green-and-brown contrast
Yellow Fog, dusk, low light Boosts contrast when light is flat
Mirror Snow, water, high glare Reflects extra light off the front
From our test bench. Tint is the part people obsess over and the part that matters least for safety. We meter every pair for UV first, because a dark or mirrored lens with no UV filter is worse than bare eyes. Choose the colour you like, then make sure it says UV400.

Tint simulator FAQ

Does lens colour affect UV protection?

No. UV protection comes from a filter built into the lens, shown as UV400, not from the tint. A dark lens can lack UV protection, and a light one can have it. Always check for UV400 separately.

What is the most versatile tint?

Grey or brown. Grey keeps colours true in bright sun, while brown adds contrast and suits driving and changeable light. Both are safe everyday choices in a category 3 lens.

Which lens category should I choose?

Category 3 for most bright-day use, category 2 for moderate light, and category 1 for overcast days. Category 4 is very dark and not legal for driving.

Are mirrored lenses better?

They cut extra brightness in high glare, like snow and water, but the mirror coating sits on top of a tint and does not change UV protection. It is a comfort and style choice, not a safety upgrade.

Last updated: August 5, 2026 · Glasses Atlas Team · More free tools · The complete guide to sunglass lenses