Blue Light vs Clear Safety (Z87) vs Fashion Clear: Differences (2025)

Connor Thomas
2025-10-07T16:09:09-05:00

TL;DR

Blue Light = screen comfort; not job-site rated.

Clear Safety (ANSI Z87/Z87+) = impact protection; choose if there’s debris or tools in play.

Fashion Clear = non-rated clear lenses for style/indoor wear only.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Intro

How to Choose

Fit & Coverage

Lens Tints & Conditions

Grip, Weight & Comfort

Editor’s Top Picks (6 Products)

Compare at a Glance

Pro Tips & Use-Case Scenarios

FAQs

Shop the Collection

Links (for your webmaster)

INTRO

“Clear lenses” can mean very different things. If you’re on screens all day, Blue Light lenses help with day-to-day comfort—no tint required. If you’re on a job site or around moving parts, Clear Safety (ANSI Z87 or Z87+) is the right call for impact protection. And if you just want that clean, no-tint look for everyday style and indoor wear, Fashion Clear (non-rated) is the simplest option—as long as there’s no safety requirement. To decide fast, match by use-case first, then dial in fit (standard vs XL), coverage (wrap vs flatter frame), and comfort features (spring hinges, grippy nose/temples). Ready to browse all three in one place? See the Clear Lens Glasses & Goggles.

How to Choose

Fit & Coverage

Head size: If regular frames pinch or sit high, start with XL. Wider frames reduce temple pressure and improve stability.

Coverage: High-wrap designs hug closer to your face to help block wind, dust, and overspray—great for shop/yard tasks or sport. Flatter styles feel more casual for office or classroom use.

Side protection: Some Z87/Z87+ frames accept clip-on side shields. If your workplace requires lateral coverage, add them.

Lens Tints & Conditions

Clear (0% tint): The go-to for indoor work, night tasks, and low-light training. If there’s any chance of impact, choose Z87/Z87+ Clear instead of non-rated fashion clear.

Blue Light (clear with filter): For screens and LED/fluorescent lighting. Helpful for long sessions at a computer without darkening your view. Not a substitute for safety eyewear.

Yellow/Hi-Viz: Not “clear,” but worth a note—adds contrast in very low light (check local laws for night driving).

Grip, Weight & Comfort

No-slip contact points: Rubberized nose pads and temple tips keep glasses planted when you sweat or move.

Spring hinges: Add flex and reduce temple pinch for all-day comfort (especially on XL frames).

Hat/helmet friendliness: Thin, grippy temples and a moderate-to-high wrap play nicer under hard hats, baseball caps, or bike helmets.

Editor’s Top Picks (6 Products)

Breach XL — Clear ANSI Z87+ — XL wrap and high-velocity impact rating for big heads that need serious shop-ready protection.

Breach — Clear ANSI Z87+ — Standard-fit twin to Breach XL; rock-solid grip and certified protection when you don’t need the extra width.

Big Kahuna XL — Clear — ANSI Z87 — Oversized comfort with spring hinges; ideal when you want safety plus room to spare.

Eminence — Clear Lens — ANSI Z87 — Flatter, lifestyle-leaning look that still meets Z87 for light shop duty and office-to-garage versatility.

Big Kahuna XL — Blue Light Filters — XL comfort for marathon screen days; great if you love a roomy fit without job-site requirements.

Essentials — Blue Light Filters — Lightweight everyday frame for home/office setups; easy wear, easy win.

Compare at a Glance

Model | Fit | Wrap | ANSI Z87 | Best For | Lens Base
Breach XL — Clear | XL | High | Z87+ | Job sites, dusty/windy tasks | Clear PC
Breach — Clear | Standard | High | Z87+ | DIY, shop work, coaching | Clear PC
Big Kahuna XL — Clear | XL | Medium | Z87 | Large heads, all-day wear | Clear
Eminence — Clear | Standard | Low/Med | Z87 | Office + occasional shop | Clear
Big Kahuna XL — Blue Light | XL | Med | No | Screens/office/class | Clear (Blue Light filter)
Essentials — Blue Light | Standard | Low | No | Everyday screens | Clear (Blue Light filter)

Pro Tips & Use-Case Scenarios

Office/classroom: Blue Light filters keep visuals true-to-life while helping during long screen sessions.

Shop/yard/garage: Go Clear Z87/Z87+. Consider side shields if policy requires lateral coverage.

Movement & sweat: Choose wrap frames with rubber nose/temples (Breach family) to minimize slip.

Big-head comfort: Start with XL (Big Kahuna XL or Breach XL) to reduce pressure and improve stability.

Mixed day: If you bounce from desk to quick shop tasks, keep a Z87 clear pair at the bench and a Blue Light pair at the desk.

FAQs

Do Blue Light lenses replace safety glasses?
No. Blue Light lenses are not impact-rated. Use Z87/Z87+ clear if there’s any risk of debris or tools.

What’s the difference between Z87 and Z87+?
Both are impact-rated; Z87+ adds high-velocity/high-mass impact testing. Follow your safety supervisor’s requirements.

Can I wear Z87 at a computer?
Yes. Clear Z87 lenses are fine indoors. If you want screen-specific comfort, keep a separate Blue Light pair.

I have a wide head—where should I start?
Try XL frames like Big Kahuna XL or Breach XL; they add width and coverage without extra pinch.

Will these work under hats or helmets?
Wrap frames with slim, grippy temples (Breach/Breach XL) tend to play nicer under hard hats and caps.

Do I need side shields?
Only if your workplace requires lateral protection. Several Z87 frames accept compatible side shields.

Shop the Collection

Explore every option—Blue Light, Clear Safety, and Fashion Clear—in one place: Clear Lens Glasses & Goggles.