Forget luxury logos and ultra-niche archival frames, the biggest flex this summer is swaggering around in a pair of sunnies from the servo.
A wide range of circumstances can lead one across the forecourt and into the air conditioned grotto of the nation’s Zs, Mobils, Gulls and BPs in search of shades. Summer sees eyewear fall victim to all manner of mishaps. Across the motu glasses are forgotten on beaches and picnic tables, left behind like former mill towns and Scott Robertson’s tenure. Others suffer grievous bodily harm, crushed by posteriors descending onto modular couches, park benches and the many fragile, folding chairs dragged out for BBQs and camping trips.
Going without can lead to light sensitivity and sunburned eyes, while long-term, sun exposure can increase the risk of cataracts and some eye and eyelid cancers. While New Zealand lags behind Australia when it comes to regulating sunglass and UV-protection requirements, most brands and retailers voluntarily comply with common safety standards. Head to any petrol station in the country and you’ll find sunglasses which offer 100% UV protection from between $20 and $40.
This ranking, however, is purely aesthetic.
Number one: Wraparounds
The supreme leader of the eyewear display – top dog! – and a highly practical style. The close-fitting, curved frames shield your eyes from the sun, dust and any sand missiles being expelled by that vigorously shaken towel. They also make you look like you go really, really fast.
No longer just for sunsmart dads, the past five years has seen a renewed appreciation for the design, which can be tracked to the likes of Charli XCX, Balenciaga and baristas who wear Salomons. The fashion revival is based largely on irony and nostalgia for the “classic dad accessory” as fashion writer Zoe Walker Ahwa posited when charting the trend in 2022, though for most other wearers they’re just great glasses.
If you want to channel Newsboy-era Jeremy Wells, Bella Hadid or Dennis Rodman, you could pay a grand for Balenciaga wraparounds, but otherwise head to the petrol station where a pair will set you back around $20. Best paired with a Monster energy drink.
Number two: Wire frames
Surprisingly weighty and universally flattering, these are a quality choice. Pick up a pair while you wait for a gas station latte. (They go well with a suspiciously clean white T-shirt.)
Number three: Sport shades
These are the jetski of eyewear, thanks largely to the style’s athletic connotations, muscular frames and rubberised details. A sportier iteration of the classic wraparound, this style is designed for activity, and the kind of people who rock up to the petrol station dragging something from their towbar. Princess Anne is a fan and so is Chris Hipkins, who even wore a pair during an at-home photo shoot for The Post in 2024, after they unexpectedly became his “thing” the year prior when he was snapped off duty wearing them. Purchase these with an Up&Go and some sunscreen.
Number four: Safety glasses
The people who wear these literally keep our country going.
Number five: Jumbo
Looking for something expansive and chic? We found some great black-framed shield sunglasses with brown lenses at the petrol station on Williamson Ave, in Auckland’s Grey Lynn. Pop these on then scoot across the road to join the trendy crowd at Bodega (vintage Coach bag optional).
Number six: Aviators
These sit lower on the list due to being less universally flattering – it’s the lens shape – but nonetheless the style is a classic that has aged even better than Tom Cruise.
Buying a pair of these? You probably drive a European car and perhaps once humoured the idea of an EV. You might also be buying a “gourmet” pie.
Number seven: Understated
An example of the inevitability of the trend cycle, “clean girl” glasses can now be found at the petrol station and come in faux-tortoiseshell and black variations. This means no capsule wardrobe need be without suitable eyewear for long, even if yours were left on the counter of the cafe down the road.
