Matte vs Glossy Sunglasses: Which Finish Lasts Longer and Looks Better?
Style Guide
Matte vs Glossy Sunglasses: Which Finish Lasts Longer and Looks Better?
The same frame can look completely different in matte and glossy. The finish also changes how the pair handles fingerprints, scratches and daily wear. Here is how to choose between them.
In this article
- What is the difference between matte and glossy sunglasses?
- Which finish lasts longer?
- Which finish suits which occasion?
- Does the finish affect how sunglasses look on your skin tone?
- How do you clean matte and glossy frames?
- Matte and glossy Rawbare frames in stock
- Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between matte and glossy sunglasses?
A matte frame has a flat, non-reflective surface. A glossy frame has a smooth, shiny surface that reflects light. Matte looks understated and modern; glossy looks richer and more classic.
| Feature | Matte | Glossy |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Flat, modern, low-key | Shiny, rich colour depth |
| Fingerprints | Hides them well | Shows them clearly |
| Fine scratches | Less visible | More visible |
| Skin oil marks | Can leave shiny patches | Wipes off easily |
| How it ages | Can polish shiny where handled | Builds fine surface scuffs |
| Best for | Sport, daily, casual | Dressy, events, classic styles |
Which finish lasts longer?
Neither lasts longer in every case. Matte hides small scratches better, so it often looks newer for longer with rough daily use. Glossy is easier to keep clean but shows scuffs and fingerprints sooner.
How a finish ages also depends on the frame material and coating underneath. On matte frames, the areas you touch most, such as the temples and the top of the frame, can slowly turn slightly shiny. On glossy frames, fine scratches catch the light. See frame materials explained.
Which finish suits which occasion?
Matte suits sport, riding, travel and everyday casual wear. Glossy suits office, weddings, events and classic shapes such as wayfarers and cat-eyes.
- Sport and riding: matte does not reflect light into your eyes and hides handling marks.
- Office and smart casual: either; glossy black reads more formal.
- Weddings and festivals: glossy and bold colours stand out in photos. See sunglasses for weddings and festivals.
- Travel: matte hides the wear of being packed and unpacked. See travel sunglasses.
Does the finish affect how sunglasses look on your skin tone?
Yes, slightly. Glossy finishes add shine and make colours look deeper. Matte finishes soften colour, which can look more natural against warm and deeper skin tones.
Frame colour matters more than finish, though. See which sunglasses suit your skin tone.
How do you clean matte and glossy frames?
Wipe both with a soft microfibre cloth. Use lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap for grease, rinse and dry gently.
Full method: how to clean sunglasses without scratching the lenses.
Matte and glossy Rawbare frames in stock
Compare both finishes. All with UV400 lenses; the kids pairs are polarized.
Frequently asked questions
Q1 Are matte or glossy sunglasses better?
Q2 Do matte sunglasses scratch easily?
Q3 Do glossy sunglasses show fingerprints?
Q4 Which finish is better for sport?
Q5 How do I clean matte sunglasses?
Q6 Does the finish change UV protection?
Key takeaways
