Meet the Standard: Side Shields, Fit & Coverage

Connor Thomas
2025-10-07T11:53:54-05:00

Intro

When your job throws sparks, dust, or flying fragments your way, a “normal” pair of shades won’t cut it. You need ANSI-rated eyewear that stays put, seals gaps as much as possible, and matches your lighting—clear for indoor/low light, gray for bright sun, amber/copper when you need contrast. Just as important is lateral protection: side shields help close those temple gaps when your safety plan requires it. This guide explains the essentials (Z87 vs Z87+, side shields, wrap, and fit), then points you to specific Detour frames that meet the standard without feeling like lab goggles. At the end, you’ll find an easy link to the full collection. If you’re shopping for a wider head, look for XL notes below.

How to Choose ANSI Z87 Safety Sunglasses

Fit & Coverage

Start with width: If sunglasses usually pinch, your temples feel pressure, or the frame sits too shallow on your face, go XL. Wider chassis (e.g., Breach XL, Big Kahuna XL) deliver more wrap and temple length, which also helps with stability under movement.

High-wrap reduces gaps: A curved, wraparound frame minimizes open space near the cheeks and temples—critical for deflecting debris.

Side shields for lateral protection: If your job hazard assessment or supervisor calls for it, add model-specific clip-on side shields. They’re designed to lock to the frame and help protect from side impacts.

Bridge and temples: Rubberized nose pads/temple tips and spring hinges help prevent sliding when you sweat and keep lenses aligned with your eyes.

Lens Tints & Conditions

Clear: The go-to for indoor/low-light or night work. You remain compliant without sacrificing visibility.

Gray/Jet Black (neutral): Best under bright sun; keeps colors true and glare down for outdoor jobs.

Amber/Copper base (often with blue/other mirrors): Adds contrast in mixed or overcast light—handy around concrete, wood, and variable shop lighting.

Mirrors: A mirror coating further manages surface glare (polished metal, glass, water). Choose by environment; the base tint does the heavy lifting, the mirror fine-tunes reflectivity.

Grip, Weight & Comfort

No-slip pads: Rubber nose + temple pads reduce slip when you’re sweating or wearing a hard hat/cap.

Bounce-free stability: Spring hinges plus higher wrap keep frames centered when you’re climbing, lifting, or looking up and down.

Helmet/hat compatibility: Slim, low-profile temples slide under hard hats and caps more comfortably than bulky straight temples.

Editor’s Top Picks (6 Products)

Breach — Matte Black — Jet Black Polarized — ANSI Z87+
Neutral gray base for bright, outdoor job sites; polarized to cut harsh glare from metal, glass, and concrete.

Breach — Matte Black — Deep Blue Polarized — ANSI Z87+
Amber-base contrast with a blue mirror—great when light is variable and you still want strong glare control.

Breach XL — Matte Black — Jet Black Polarized — ANSI Z87+
An XL, high-wrap workhorse for big heads; strong grip and stability under sweat, ladders, and long shifts.

Breach XL — Matte Black — Clear — ANSI Z87+
Impact-rated clear lenses for indoor/low light tasks or night work; all the XL stability without dimming your view.

Big Kahuna XL — Matte Black — Jet Black Polarized — ANSI Z87
Maximum coverage and face wrap for the biggest heads; neutral gray polarized lens for bright outdoor environments.

Eminence — Matte Black — Clear Lens — ANSI Z87
Medium-fit, spring-hinge stability for warehouse and shop work where clear compliance is required all shift.

Compare at a Glance

Model | Fit | Wrap | ANSI Marking | Best For | Lens Base
Breach – Jet Black Polarized | Medium | High | Z87+ | Bright outdoor job sites; glare-heavy areas | Gray (neutral)
Breach – Deep Blue Polarized | Medium | High | Z87+ | Mixed light; needs extra contrast + glare cut | Amber base + blue mirror
Breach XL – Jet Black Polarized | XL | High | Z87+ | Big heads; outdoor tasks under sun | Gray (neutral)
Breach XL – Clear | XL | High | Z87+ | Indoor/low light; night work | Clear
Big Kahuna XL – Jet Black Polarized | XL | High | Z87 | Very large heads; max coverage outdoors | Gray (neutral)
Eminence – Clear | Medium | Medium | Z87 | Shops/warehouse; all-day clear compliance | Clear

Pro Tips & Use-Case Scenarios

Side shields: If your safety policy requires lateral protection, add frame-specific clip-on shields to close temple gaps. Always verify model compatibility.

Clear vs tinted: Use clear for indoor/low light; gray for bright sun; amber/copper bases when you need more contrast.

Polarized outdoors: Working near water, glass, polished steel, or glossy paint? Polarization reduces glare and squinting.

Fit test: If frames slide when you sweat or feel tight at the temples, size up to XL or pick models with more nose/temple grip.

Hard hat days: Choose high wrap with slim temples for better seal and fewer pressure points under a helmet or cap.

Maintenance: Keep lenses clean and dry—oils increase slippage. Rinse dust before wiping to avoid micro-scratches.

FAQs

Do I need side shields for ANSI compliance?
Side shields aren’t universally required—but if your hazard assessment or supervisor calls for lateral protection, you’ll need them. Use the model-specific shields that lock to your frame.

What’s the difference between ANSI Z87 and Z87+?
Both are impact-rated. Z87+ indicates high-impact testing. Your site’s PPE policy determines which mark you need.

Which lens color should I choose for indoor vs outdoor work?
Clear indoors/low light; gray outdoors in bright sun; amber/copper for contrast in mixed light or overcast.

Are polarized safety sunglasses worth it on the job site?
Yes—around reflective surfaces (metal, glass, water), polarization cuts glare and eye strain, helping you see detail.

What if I have a big head and everything feels tight?
Choose XL frames (Breach XL, Big Kahuna XL). You’ll get more width, longer temples, and higher wrap for stability.

Can I wear ANSI Z87 sunglasses at night?
Yes—pick clear ANSI lenses for compliance without dimming your view.

Do side shields fit any frame?
No. They’re model-specific. Confirm compatibility and installation before use.

Shop the Collection

Ready to meet the standard with a comfortable fit? Explore Detour’s ANSI-rated lineup here. You’ll find medium and XL fits, clear and polarized options, and high-wrap frames that stay put on long shifts.