6/7

Pros:

• Stylish yet practical
• Two size options
• Side shields for peripheral protection

Cons:

• Not polarized
• No anti-scratch protection

Is there such a thing as chic safety glasses? Stoggles proves the answer is yes! These glasses look fashion-forward without being too flashy; and most importantly, still have all the features important for shop safety devices. They also have impact-resistant polycarbonate side and top shields, an anti-fog coating, plus blue light and UV-blocking lenses. Bonus points for the eight fun color options!

7/7

Pros:

• Vanguard Plus anti-fog and anti-scratch coating
• Adjustable nose pad and soft rubber arms for a perfect fit
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Cannot fit over prescription glasses
• No safety certifications

You’ll find many options with anti-fog properties, but the NoCry Anti-Fog Safety Glasses are the clear winners (just ask the 38,000+ five-star reviewers!). The Vanguard Plus double-coated lenses offer fives-times more fog resistance and two-times more scratch resistance than standard picks, and there’s no optical distortion for crystal-clear vision at all times. One happy customer Michele explains: “Wearing safety glasses 12-plus hours a day, I can highly recommend these! Not one tension or pinch point…the adjustable arms and nose are great. No fog, no scratches.” By the way, keep your frame safe with this safety glasses insurance trick.

Why You Should Trust Us

I’m a freelance home and lifestyle writer. As a contributor to Family Handyman, I write about home decor, organization, cleaning, landscaping and DIY projects. My work has also appeared in Taste of Home, POPSUGAR, The Belladonna, Your Tango, The Organized Mom, Reader’s Digest and Curbly.

For this guide, we spoke with Robert Johnson, the founder of Sawinery, an online community and resource for woodworking enthusiasts. His long-held passion for woodworking has made him a skilled furniture designer, establishing himself as a notable expert in the world of woodworking. Johnson has been called on for his expertise by several publications, including USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman and The Spruce

How We Found the Best Safety Glasses

During our research we turned to trusted brands in the industry, and also looked for products with thousands of positive customer reviews. We also considered the following features and criteria when making our selections:

Durability: Obviously when it comes to any kind of work wear, durability is essential. When you’re woodworking, cleaning up the yard or climbing through a dusty crawlspace, glasses go through a lot of wear and tear. We picked tough products that are built to last, and won’t break while you’re in the middle of a project.

Lens Quality: Your eyes deserve more than a simple plastic barrier to keep them safe. The lenses should be made from strong yet lightweight polycarbonate, be resistant to both glare and fog and protect against harmful UV rays.

Comfort: If your glasses are uncomfortable, you’re less likely to wear them, so comfort is key. Johnson recommends opting for safety glasses with “padded nose bridges and temples, so they fit snugly without digging into your skin.”

FAQs

How do you keep safety glasses from fogging up?

If your glasses keep fogging up, you might be wearing a pair that’s too tight that doesn’t have adequate airflow. Make sure to invest in a quality pair of anti-fog glasses with a snug fit that still allows for ventilation. Also consider applying an anti-fog coating, which are available in sprays, wipes or gels. Apply it to both sides of lenses for a clearer view.

When should safety glasses be worn?

According to the American Optometric Association, you should wear safety glasses any time there is a risk of particles, flying objects or dust harming your eyes. That includes woodworking, auto repair, electrical work, welding, yard work and more. If you’re working with chemicals, switch to goggles for extra protection.

“Some of the common tools that require using safety glasses include power tools like routers, table saws, miter saws and grinders,” Johnson says. “Sanding and finishing also require using glasses, since they produce fine particles and airborne dust.”

Where can you buy prescription safety glasses?

Many eyeglass manufacturers also offer prescriptions, including Zenni Optical and Frames Direct. You can also shop for prescription options at specialized safety gear stores like Safety Gear Pro or RX Safety.

Many safety glasses can also fit over your prescription glasses. If that option is easier on your budget, Johnson recommends choosing safety glasses that offer side protection for maximum coverage.

“Look for styles with a larger frame and lens size so there’s more room for your prescription glasses to fit comfortably underneath without feeling cramped,” he says. “Adjustable temple arms and nose pads would also be helpful since you’d be able to adjust the fit.”

What are safety glasses made of?

Most of these glasses (and all of our top picks) are made with polycarbonate lenses, which are impact-resistant and scratch-resistant for the best protection. The frames, meanwhile, are made from various materials including rubber, nylon and plastic.

Do safety glasses have UV protection?

The best ones definitely include this feature. Sun exposure can burn your corneas and damage your vision. Look for options that block more than 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Another note: UV protection is not related to how dark the lenses are. Both dark and clear lenses can block UV rays as long as they’re treated with a UV protective coating.