Can You Wear Sunglasses Under Motorcycle Helmet?

Can you wear sunglasses under a motorcycle helmet? If you are on the road a lot, you have probably asked this at some point.

After all, you are exposed to the elements for hours on end, so this is a good question to ask.

The sun shining directly on your eyes as you drive can lead to accidents.

Fortunately, the quick answer is yes, you can. However, wearing sunglasses under a helmet has its own challenges. 

It can be distracting and, in worse cases, could result in headaches. Either way, this could compromise your safety on the road.

We’re here to make things easier for you with these simple tips.

Can You Wear Sunglasses Under Motorcycle Helmet?

As mentioned, it is possible to wear sunglasses under a motorcycle helmet.

In fact, thousands of motorists wear glasses every day while driving. This includes both prescription and sunglasses.

The question is how to do it without sacrificing your comfort and safety.

As you may very well know, it is not as easy as it seems.

The helmet’s inner lining could press the arms of your sunglasses against the sides of your head. It can be distracting, at the very least. 

If you try to adjust the glasses to relieve your discomfort, you could end up breaking them.

If you do nothing and leave it as it is, the prolonged pressure on your temples could turn into a mean headache.

The best thing for you to do is be proactive and not wait to be in this situation before doing something.

If you have no other choice but to wear glasses while riding, you need the right pair of eyewear and the appropriate motorcycle helmet.

Choosing the Right Sunglasses for Motorcycle Helmets

The first thing you need to do is invest in the right pair of sunglasses. 

As much as possible, look for one that has thin, straight arms. It will help ensure that they do not get pinched by the helmet and end up pressed against your skin.

Also, for the same reasons, try to avoid arms that curve behind the ears.

If you can find sunglasses with padded rims and arms, the better. They are much more comfortable to wear, even if you spend hours on the road.

They are also better at keeping the wind, dust, and small debris away from your eyes.

However, these types of glasses are harder to get your hands on.

That said, if all you can find are close-fitting sunglasses, it’s fine. Just make sure that the frame is not too bulky.

Remember that it has to fit under your helmet.

Some sunglasses come with thin arms that can get bent without getting broken. These are good options too.

Choosing Motorcycle Helmets Designed for Glasses

If you plan on wearing glasses while riding, you should invest in the right motorcycle helmet.

Some models come with grooves or narrow spaces cut out in the temples. In some brands, there is a space near the eyes that does not have padding. 

There are even those with peel-away foam, making it easier for you to achieve a customized fit.

If you wear this type of helmet, it will be easier to fit your sunglasses under it. Also, you won’t have to endure the arms pressing against your skin for hours.

As for the helmet type, your best options are the open-face type and those with a flip-up visor.

Some are specifically designed to let you put your glasses on before wearing the helmet. These helmets have a wider opening at the front.

Try to avoid buying your helmet online without even trying it on.

It is much better if you give it a try with your sunglasses on before you buy it at the store.

Even better, the store clerk might be able to help you choose the right model.

Check the Fit Before You Take Off

After putting on your helmet, make sure that your sunglasses are in place before you hit the road.

Also, check that they fit nicely and feel snug. You would not want them falling off or sliding down your nose while driving.

It can be distracting and could even interfere with your vision, resulting in a serious accident.

Additional Safety Tips 

While we have covered most of the information you need, there are a few more things that you should consider.

When choosing your sunglasses, pay attention to the thickness of the frame or the hinges.

If they are too wide, they could limit your field of vision, especially at the sides.

When riding, you would need even the smallest advantages to guarantee your safety, so this is worth looking into.

You should also be wary about fogging, as it can disrupt your vision.

As you can imagine, this is very important since you won’t be able to wipe your glasses while driving.

Fortunately, there are anti-fog products in many stores.

Make sure that you apply some on your sunglasses and visor in case of temperature changes while you’re on the road.

What To Do if Your Vision Is Compromised

Sometimes, no matter how much you prepare, something unexpected still happens.

For instance, a sudden gust of wind could dislodge your sunglasses and block your view.

Other times, your nose could sweat too much, and your glasses could simply slide down your face.

If something like this happens, slow down right away but do not slam on the brakes.

Try adjusting your sunglasses with one hand. If this is hard for you to do, find the right time and place to pull over.

Next, wipe your face or fix whatever caused your glasses to fall.

Once you are done, you can put your sunglasses and helmet back on again and keep on driving.

Eyes on the Road

Can you wear sunglasses under a motorcycle helmet? The quick answer is yes. 

If done properly, it can increase your safety on the road by protecting your vision.

On the other hand, if you are not careful, it could be the very reason that you get into an unfortunate mishap.

Just follow the tips we’ve outlined, and you should be able to don this eyewear safely while driving your motorcycle.

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