Metal Sunglasses
Houser metal sunglasses have an oval wraparound frame in lightweight metal alloy with a satin gunmetal finish, and polarised UV400 lenses in six colours. Shipping is free and tracked Australia-wide.
A buying guide to metal sunglasses
This guide covers what to look at when you compare metal sunglasses: the frame, the lenses and the fit. There is also a short chooser for lens colours and a few quick answers at the end.
The frame
Houser is an oval wraparound frame made from lightweight metal alloy with a satin gunmetal finish. The details:
- An X-shaped bridge, fixed with two screws.
- Slim S-wave arms that end in long rubber grips with metal tips.
- Hinge eyelets that sit flat along each arm when the arms are open and turn outward when they are folded.
- One size, with lenses about 35 mm tall. The frame wraps slightly at the sides.
When you compare metal frames, look at how the bridge and hinges are put together. Small screws can loosen with use, so it helps to know where they are and to check them now and then.
The lenses
Four things describe a sunglass lens, and each one tells you something different.
- Lens category (0 to 4). How dark the lens is and how much it cuts sun glare. In Australia, sunglasses must be labelled with a lens category under a mandatory standard based on AS/NZS 1067.1. Our guide to sunglasses lens categories explains each one.
- UV protection. This comes from the lens material, not the colour, so a darker lens doesn't automatically block more UV.
- Polarisation. A filter that cuts glare reflected off flat surfaces such as water, roads and snow. It doesn't add UV protection. See polarised vs non-polarised sunglasses for how it works.
- Colour and mirror finish. The tint sets how colours look through the lens. A mirror coating reflects some light away and sets the colour other people see. The mirror lens colours guide covers how to choose.
All six Houser lenses are polarised and rated UV400. Silver, Red, Purple, Blue and Green have a mirror finish. Smoke is a dark grey tint without a mirror finish.
Choosing a lens colour
The table below is general guidance about lens types, not a rating of any particular pair. How dark a lens is depends on its lens category rather than its colour, so check the label as well.
| Lens type | Bright sun | Overcast | Water | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grey tint (such as Smoke) | A common everyday choice. Grey changes colours the least. | How dark the lens is matters more than its colour. Category 2 gives a brighter view than category 3. | Colours stay natural. Polarisation deals with glare off the water. | Colours stay natural. Check the category, as snow is a high-glare place. |
| Brown or grey-green tint | Some wearers report that colours look more vivid. | Reported to improve contrast in hazy light. | Polarisation deals with glare off the water. | Check the category, as snow is a high-glare place. |
| Mirror finish (such as Silver, Red, Purple, Blue or Green) | Reflects part of the light before it passes through the lens. | The extra light reduction can make a dull day look darker. | Often chosen for water and sand, where surface glare is strong. | A common choice for bright snow. |
| Polarised (all Houser lenses) | Cuts glare reflected off flat surfaces. | Still cuts glare reflected off wet, flat surfaces. | Cuts much of the glare reflected off the water. | Cuts glare off the snow, but may make icy patches harder to see. |
For very bright places such as snowfields or at sea, ARPANSA recommends very dark category 4 lenses. Category 4 lenses must not be used for driving at any time.
Fit and coverage
Light and UV can reach your eyes around the edges of a frame as well as through the lens, and small lenses leave more room for that. Fit and lens size are worth comparing alongside the lenses themselves.
Houser is one size and suits most adult faces. The lenses are about 35 mm tall, so compare that with a pair you already own. If the fit isn't right, unworn pairs in original condition can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Care
Rinse grit off the lenses before you wipe them, dry them with a microfibre cloth and keep the pair in a hard case away from heat. Each pair of Houser Metal Sunglasses comes with a zip-up hard case with a clip and a microfibre pouch. The full routine, including what to do about a loose screw, is in how to clean metal sunglasses.
Delivery and returns
Shipping is free and tracked to any address in Australia. Orders are shipped by our fulfilment partner overseas and usually arrive within 7 to 14 business days. Unworn sunglasses in original condition can be returned within 30 days of delivery, with the case and pouch. Return postage is paid by the customer unless the item is faulty or incorrect.
Quick answers
Are Houser sunglasses polarised?
Yes. All six lens colours are polarised and rated UV400.
What is the frame made of?
A lightweight metal alloy with a satin gunmetal finish. It has an X-shaped bridge fixed with two screws, and S-wave arms with rubber grips and metal tips.
Will they fit my face?
Houser is one size and suits most adult faces. The lenses are about 35 mm tall, so compare that with a pair you already own.
Can I get them with prescription lenses?
No. Houser is available with non-prescription lenses only. For prescription sunglasses, speak with an optometrist.
How long does delivery take?
Orders usually arrive within 7 to 14 business days, with free tracked shipping anywhere in Australia. A tracking link is emailed when your order ships.