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04/20/2026
What does the category mean in sunglasses and which one should you choose?
12/23/2025
What is the category in sunglasses?
You may be wondering what category means in sunglasses. Well, in this context, category refers to the level of protection the lens provides against sunlight, especially UV rays, and can also indicate the degree of darkening of the lens.
In other words, the sunglasses category indicates how much light the lenses filter and the UV protection they offer. These factors can be very helpful when choosing the most suitable sunglasses for the intensity of the sun and the activity we are going to do.
Sunglasses by category
There are different categories of sunglasses, also known as sun filter categories or filter categories. These range from 0 to 4, from lowest to highest degree of protection. Let's take a closer look at each one.
Category 0 sunglasses: light filtering and aesthetic use
Category 0 sunglasses for men and sunglasses for women have a light filtering capacity of between 0% and 20%.
These types of sunglasses have almost transparent lenses, so they are not recommended for use in direct sunlight.
They are usually worn indoors or as a fashion accessory, although they can also be a good option for protection from external elements such as wind.
Category 1 sunglasses: basic protection and use in low light conditions
The filter level of category 1 sunglasses ranges from 20% to 57%, so they are not suitable for intense outdoor activities or sunny days. They are therefore a good option for use on cloudy days or in low light conditions.
Category 2 sunglasses: protection and recommended use
If you are looking for a versatile option for everyday use that balances visual comfort with protection, category 2 sunglasses are ideal for you.
These sunglasses offer medium sun protection, filtering out approximately 57% to 82% of light. They are therefore suitable for moderate light conditions: partly sunny days, outdoor activities without prolonged exposure to the sun, daytime driving, etc.
In this category, we highlight the Miu Miu MU 06S 21D90Q, Tom Ford FT1363 01V, and Carrera 3030S SZJHA; although you will find many more options on our website.
Category 3 sunglasses: the most widely used and versatile
Category 3 sunglasses are the most common and widely used, given their versatility. With a filtration level of between 82% and 92%, category 3 sunglasses provide high protection against sunlight, making them perfect for prolonged outdoor use.
Designed for sunny and very bright days, they are the perfect accessory for beach or mountain activities such as sailing, hiking, or cycling.
They are also a very good option for driving in intense sunlight, as they offer visual comfort and significantly reduce glare.
Here are some of our favorites: the Gucci GG1958S 002 and Ray-Ban Puffer RB4940 60187 to face each day in style, and the Oakley Cyber Dyno OO9513D 03 to enjoy your sports activities to the fullest with total protection for your eyes.
Category 4 sunglasses: maximum protection for high mountains
Category 4 sunglasses are the best choice for adventurers, as they offer maximum protection for high mountains and extreme light conditions, with the highest level of solar filtering (92% – 97%).
These characteristics make category 4 sunglasses the best option for high-intensity activities such as mountaineering or intense water sports.
They are also especially recommended in snowy environments, where solar reflection is very high, making them ideal for snowboarding or skiing, among other activities.
For this scenario, our picks are the Cazal Blizzard 001 and the Tom Ford FT1124 05C. Which ones would you choose?
How to choose the right category of sunglasses
If you're not sure how to choose the right category of sunglasses, don't worry, here are some ideas:
• Consider the intensity of the light: cloudy days or low light (category 0-1), medium light or intermittent sun (category 2), intense sun (category 3), extreme exposure (category 4).
• Take into account the environment in which you will be wearing them: in cities or indoors, the lower categories are usually sufficient, while in snowy or aquatic environments, where light is excessively reflected, it is advisable to use higher categories.
• Define the activity to be performed: this advice is linked to the previous one. If the sunglasses are for driving or urban use, categories 2 or 3 are ideal, while for intense activities, as we mentioned, you should consider whether to use categories 3 or 4, depending on the activity you are going to do.
• Driving and safety: always avoid category 4 when driving.
• UV protection: here the category no longer matters, whatever glasses you choose, make sure they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Choose the category of your sunglasses at Vytria
Now that you understand the different categories of sunglasses, all that remains is to choose the ones that are right for you.
And what better place to do so than at Vytria, where we can advise you on everything you need to take home your ideal pair of sunglasses. We look forward to seeing you!