Choosing Sunglasses for Face Shape on a Budget

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Mon May 11, 2009 1:40pm EDT

Foster Grant`s "Sunglasses 101" for Summer
SMITHFIELD, R.I.--(Business Wire)--
Foster Grant is preparing to celebrate its 80th anniversary this summer as the
oldest American sunglasses company. Foster Grant continues to offer fashionable,
on-trend sunglasses at affordable prices - styles retail nationwide for $30.00
and under. 

Karen Goldman, Design Director for Foster Grant and Quantum Optics Sunglasses,
brands under the FGX International (NASDAQ: FGXI) umbrella, offers her tips for
selecting sunglasses for summer: 

1. Should you choose sunglasses according to your face shape? What styles look
best on different face shapes?

Knowing which shapes fit your face will lead you in the right direction in
picking out the perfect pair. The sunglasses should help to create contrast with
the shape of your face, so people with round faces should choose square or
rectangle shaped sunglasses. Square faces look good with oval or round frames,
while aviators, rimless styles, and flat top styles are good fits for heart
shaped faces. If you have an oval face, anything goes. However, you shouldn't
feel limited to these styles; the best way to pick the perfect pair is to try on
as many as possible until you find the one that makes you feel fabulous! 

2. What are the trends for sunglasses this summer?

We're seeing a lot of two-tone colorations, with an emphasis on dark to light
fades. Pastels and translucent colors are creating ultra feminine looks, while
bright colors (red, pink, blue) make a bold statement. Cat eyes are making a big
comeback, while aviators and wayfarer shapes continue to be popular. 

3. When you`re shopping for sunglasses, what factors should be considered?

Comfort and fit are key when selecting sunglasses. The temple tips should rest
against your head, behind your ears, but should not press too tightly. The
glasses should sit on your nose bridge, high enough so your cheeks do not touch
the bottom of the frame. All sunglasses should offer UVA/UVB protection, but
check the tag or lens label to be sure. All our brands are 100% UVA/UVB
protective. 

4. Are there any regulations imposed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
(AAO) that require sunglasses to have UV protection?

The AAO recommends that all non-prescription sunglasses block 99% -100% of UVA
and UVB light. All of our sunglasses at FGX International meet this standard. 

5. What are the different types of lenses out there? What`s best?

The most common lens types are Acrylic (AC), Polycarbonate (PC) and Polarized.
Acrylic lenses are used primarily on fashion styles and are scratch resistant.
Polycarbonate lenses are shatter/impact resistant and are commonly used on
sport/performance styles. Polarized lenses reduce glare and are great for water
activities (fishing, boating, etc). A lot of consumers seem to prefer polarized
lenses; however, the best type of lens is determined by the needs of the
customer. 

6. Does lens tint matter?

Lens tints have a variety of uses, from creating fashion statements to improving
contrast on the ski slope. Gray/smoke colors are the most popular, as they
transmit all colors evenly. Green tints also transmit colors evenly, and are
becoming more popular in the fashion categories. Amber, yellow, and orange tints
improve contrast and reduce glare and are preferred by hunters, fishermen, and
snow sport enthusiasts. Brown tints are often used on fashion styles, but are
also good for golfers, as they help highlight the different contrasts in green
colors. 

7. What makes sunglasses sturdy?

We use high-grade plastics and metals on all of our styles, and build fabulous
fit and quality into each pair. Overall, fit and build should produce a "sturdy"
pair of sunglasses. 

About FGX International

FGX International is a leading designer and marketer of non-prescription reading
glasses and sunglasses with a portfolio of established, well-recognized brands
including Foster Grant, Magnivision, Anarchy, Angel, Gargoyles, Solar Shields
and PolarEyes. FGXI also holds licenses from Ironman, Levi Strauss, Field &
Stream, Body Glove and C9 by Champion. Based in Smithfield, Rhode Island, FGXI
has approximately 375 full-time employees. Additional offices are located in New
York, San Luis Obispo, Toronto, Stoke-on-Trent, England, Mexico City,
Bentonville, AR and Shenzhen, China. 

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For FGX International
Shawna Hassett, 401-274-0001 x410
shassett@duffyshanley.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009

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