Most people buy sunglasses for one reason: style. Their own, some one else's, what's "in," or frantically avoiding what's "out."

Enter 'sunglasses' on www.ebay.ca and almost 12,000 items pop up. Enter 'cool sunglasses,' and the number drops to a mere 176. And, that's from the seller's perspective only.

So, what's cool, and just as importantly, what's NOT cool? It appears most of us define cool based on our own perceptions. If they are expensive, and the sales person tells you they are trendy, they might be cool. If you say they are, or your children say they are, they might be cool.

The coolest brands on the market today, according to an informal survey, are Gucci's, followed closely by Oakley (but, only if you're into sports). Then there's Spy, the big movie star lenses that J. Lo favours (but really don't look great on normal people), and the regular line-up of Versace, Ray-Bans, Chanel, Armani and Eddie Bauer.

But, how to choose?

The cool factor is just as much about the wearer as the glasses, according to most of you.

Alan Yeomans, owner of Classic Eyewear & Sunglasses, confirms that designer eyewear is very hot right now.

"Most glasses combine some level of fashion and function. I'd say the brand that's doing that the best right now is Gucci," which is also their top seller, he said.

"Glasses like Oakley or Maui Gym are very popular for sports, and include polarizing, an extra glare protection feature, which athletes need," said Yeomans. "Serengeti's definitely fall into the 'function' camp and have additional lens features such as anti-reflection coating which they call their 'drivers' lens.' "

An innovative new sunglass design is 'dop Templewear.' Made of super-elastic titanium, this award-winning innovative eyewear works without the traditional eyeglass arms that hook over your ears. The frames simply rest with two rubber pads that grip tight to your temples, without pinching, and without falling off.

"I love my dops," said Mississauga's trendy Alison Bittle-Fair. "You forget you're wearing them."

For more information, visit their website at www.dopinc.com.

So, what about clip-ons? Most of us carry in our heads an antiquated image of these convenient yet style challenged accessories...the type your Uncle Fred used to flip up when he went to the Canadian Tire and leave sticking out of the front of his head like two tiny open windows.

They've come a long way and now clip on to regular cool prescription glasses via magnets. But, according to Gary Locke, Director of Merchant Services for Visa Canada, the clip-ons have got to go.

"The uncoolest are the ones that you clip on over your regular glasses. Sorry, if you need prescriptions, get cool prescription sunglasses," he said emphatically.

Yeomans agrees.

"I don't sell clip-ons as they make the glasses frame hard to adjust for the wearer. If the magnets aren't lining up exactly, either the fit will be wrong or the sunglasses won't be clipped on securely."

He also recommends prescription sunglasses as a more suitable alternative.

What else isn't cool? Number one uncool glasses are any type that wrap around your head, across your eyes, particularly the mirrored ones.

"The wrap-arounds make people look like mosquitoes," said Leslie McCauley, the proud owner of four pairs of sunglasses, two which clip-on, and two which don't.

Other uncool glasses include Blue Blockers (now discontinued, and not without just cause), fluorescent colours, or ones that "just plain look uncool on the individual," said Heather McCartney of Clarkson, herself the proud owner of three pairs of designer sunglasses.

Sales of the smaller lenses, a la John Lennon, are definitely on the decline, said Yeomans.

How many sunglasses does the average person own? Anywhere from one to five pairs. Generally, we're purchasing sunglasses when the need arises (junior has snapped the arms off, they're lost, or irretrievably scratched from sitting at the bottom of our purses or knapsacks).

Specialty sunglass stores like Classic Eyewear are the preferred location to purchase sunglasses, but many of us are buying them almost anywhere - from department stores to drug stores, airports, designer outlets like Roots or Eddie Bauer, or even venturing to Karir in Yorkville for a special treat. You can spend from $5 at an outdoor market for designer fakes, $15-$20 at the convenience store, or more than $200 should you care more about style, than price.

What is the real reason we buy the sunglasses we do? Style weighs in over price 99 per cent of the time. Most of us want glasses that also give us comfort and provide sun protection as well. Many women wear sunglasses to help stop the wrinkles which come from squinting.

But, are sunglasses smart, or even safe to wear in the sun? According to the Opthalmological Society of Canada, you bet.

According to their website at www.eyesite.ca, sunglasses are imperative for blocking UVA, UVB and UVC rays that are harmful to your eyes. Cumulative exposure to sun can contribute to chronic eye disease, including ptergyium, cataracts and macular degeneration. They recommend looking for glasses that block 99-100 per cent of UV light, and (sorry, cool police) suggest that you use wrap-around glasses to prevent the sun from entering your eyes from the side.

What should you look out for?

"Don't be deceived by colour or cost. Dark lenses to not necessarily mean good protection. Also, expensive glasses do not guarantee good protection. Price may be an indication of better quality or durability, but more often, it is a reflection of current fashion," said Yeomans.

Classic Eyewear only carries sunglasses that provide 100 per cent UV protection, said Yeomans.

So, whatever the reason you're wearing sunglasses...vanity, comfort, style, safety or just to be cool...hopefully in the words of one-hit wonder Timbuk3, your "future's so bright, you gotta wear shades."

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The sunglasses pictured with this feature were supplied by opticians Alan and Silvia Yeomans at Classic Eyewear & Sunglasses, 168 Queen St. S. in Streetsville. Call 905-858-2121.