Adjustable tint sunglasses let you change how dark the lenses are, so one pair works in bright sun, on cloudy days and in low light. On our SmartShade HD adjustable tint sunglasses, you turn a dial on the frame to move through 9 tint levels, from 1 (lightest) to 9 (darkest).
How do adjustable tint sunglasses work?
Regular sunglasses have one fixed tint. If the light changes, you either squint or take them off. With adjustable tint sunglasses, you control the darkness yourself. The SmartShade HD uses ND filter lenses with a 1–9 gear tint control: turn the dial and the lenses get lighter or darker, step by step.
The change is manual, so you decide when it happens. Set the lenses light for an overcast morning or the evening, and turn them dark when the sun comes out.
Specifications at a glance
| Tint control | Dial with 9 levels (1 = lightest, 9 = darkest) |
|---|---|
| Lenses | Polarized ND filter lenses |
| UV protection | UV400, blocks UVA and UVB |
| Frame | Round, lightweight, adjustable nose pads |
| Fit | Unisex |
Adjustable tint vs fixed tint sunglasses
A fixed tint is chosen for one kind of light. An adjustable tint covers a range of conditions with a single pair.
| Adjustable tint (SmartShade HD) | Typical fixed-tint sunglasses | |
|---|---|---|
| Lens darkness | 9 levels, set by dial | One level |
| Changing light | Turn the dial to match it | Same darkness all day |
| Low light | Set to a light level | Often too dark |
| Bright sun | Set to a dark level | Depends on the tint chosen |
The SmartShade HD lenses are also polarized, to reduce glare from roads, water and glass, and have UV400 protection that blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
How to choose the right tint level
With 9 levels, it helps to have a simple starting point. Begin in the middle and adjust until you can see comfortably without squinting:
| Light conditions | Suggested starting level |
|---|---|
| Evening, dusk or indoors | 1–3 (light) |
| Cloudy or mixed sun and cloud | 4–6 (medium) |
| Bright, direct sun | 7–9 (dark) |
These are only starting points. Everyone's eyes are different, so turn the dial until the view looks clear and comfortable to you.
What adjustable tint sunglasses are good for
- Driving. Light can change quickly on a drive. A turn of the dial adjusts the lenses, and the polarized lenses cut glare from the road.
- Fishing and time near water. Polarized lenses reduce glare from the water's surface.
- Outdoor activities. Walks, trips and days out where the weather shifts between sun and cloud.
- Indoor and outdoor use. At a light setting they can be worn indoors as well as outside.
How to get a comfortable fit
The frame is lightweight and round, and the nose pads are adjustable. Gently adjust the pads so the glasses sit level and stay in place without pressing. The frame is designed for both men and women.
Heading away somewhere sunny? Keep your passport and cash out of sight with the FORTRESS hidden travel passport wallet, which clips to your belt loops and sits inside your trousers.
Spending time in the water too? Read our post on swimming goggles from lane to beach.
Frequently asked questions
How do you adjust the tint?
Turn the dial on the frame. There are 9 steps, from 1 (lightest) to 9 (darkest).
Are the lenses polarized?
Yes. The polarized lenses cut glare from roads, water and glass.
Do adjustable tint sunglasses protect against UV?
The SmartShade HD has UV400 protection, which blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Are they for men or women?
Both. The round, lightweight frame is unisex.
Shop the SmartShade HD: Adjustable Tint Sunglasses: SmartShade HD · free worldwide shipping, no duties.