Finding the perfect sunglasses when in the sea is difficult.
Not because they aren’t manufactured in the market, but mainly because not every manufactured model turns out to be good.
If you are able to resonate with this, then you are at the right place. This article is going to be the perfect solution to your problem, so keep reading!
Best Overall Sunglasses
Blenders Watercoast Sunglasses
Blenders Watercoast sunglasses are a popular choice among boating and watersports enthusiasts. Blenders Eyewear is a brand known for its stylish and functional sunglasses, and the Watercoast model is specifically designed to meet the demands that arise while traveling on a boat.
The Watercoast sunglasses feature polarized lenses, which effectively reduce glare and enhance visibility in bright conditions, particularly when sunlight reflects off the water’s surface. This feature allows you to see clearly and avoid eye strain during your boating adventures.
These sunglasses also provide 100% UV protection, shielding your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. The lenses are the specially crafted Pure Blend lenses of Blenders, that are lightweight and durable. Because of their durable construction, they’re suitable for boating activities. The frames are made from lightweight and impact-resistant materials, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of water sports.
The Watercoast sunglasses have a sleek and contemporary design, offering a fashionable look that complements your boating attire. With various frame and lens color options available, you can choose a style that suits your personal taste.
Pros:
- Won’t affect your budget
- Polarized lenses reduce glare for better visibility.
- Lightweight and impact-resistant frames.
- 100% UV protection for eye safety.
Cons:
- It is rectangular, which means there’s no extra coverage from the sides.
- Fit may vary depending on individual face shape.
Best Premium Sunglasses For Sailors
Costa Saltbreak Rectangular Sunglasses
The Costa Del Mar sunglasses feature a resin frame and crystal lenses. These polarized sunglasses come with a UV protection coating that blocks 100% of potentially harmful high-energy visible blue light rays and provides protection against 100% of Ultraviolet rays. The size of the sunglasses is quite universal.
Costa Del Mar utilizes their patented 580G glass lenses, which offer scratch-proof clarity. These lenses go beyond standard polarization by blocking the ideal amount of yellow and blue light while enhancing beneficial reds, blues, and greens. The mirrored lenses are particularly suitable for harsh sun conditions, open reflective water, as well as boating and fishing in deep water. Whether you’re out on your boat for fishing, or for a family yacht trip, these sunglasses are always handy.
The floatability feature of the Costa Saltbreaker sunglasses provides several advantages. It reduces the risk of losing your sunglasses in the water, as they won’t sink out of reach. This can be particularly important when sailing or engaging in activities near bodies of water. The floatability feature adds convenience by allowing you to easily retrieve your sunglasses without diving or searching in deep water. It saves time and provides peace of mind, knowing that your sunglasses will remain visible and accessible on the water’s surface.
The sunglasses feature co-injected nylon frames, known for their toughness and durability. These frames are made using an environmentally friendly bio-resin process. The TR-90 nylon material used in the frames is resistant to both heat and cold, making it ideal for sports and performance eyewear.
Pros:
- Universal fit for a wide range of face shapes.
- Mirrored lenses for added style and glare reduction.
- Floatability feature for water activities.
- Lightweight design for comfort during wear.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other options.
- Rectangular shape doesn’t offer a wide coverage in the sea.
Best Budget Sailing Sunglasses
Windrider Polarized Sunglasses
These sunglasses feature a plastic frame and composite lenses. They are polarized, providing reduced glare, which is particularly valuable when spending time on the water. Whether you’re fly fishing and need to spot fish below the surface, sailing and observing subtle wind patterns, or simply enjoying clear vision, polarized lenses are essential.
One standout feature of these sunglasses is their ability to float. You no longer have to worry about losing them to the sea, as they will stay afloat if accidentally dropped in the water.
The sunglasses are lightweight and designed for comfort. You can wear them throughout the day without discomfort or fatigue.
These sunglasses also have water and oil repellent lenses. The hydrophobic coating causes water to bead up and roll off the lenses, so you don’t have to constantly wipe them for clear vision. Additionally, the lenses repel oil, reducing the occurrence of fingerprint smudges, particularly valuable when you’re out boating on the water.
Pros:
- 1. Affordable price point.
- 2. Water-repellent feature for water resistance.
- 3. Wrap-around design provides enhanced coverage.
- 4. Floatable in water for added convenience.
Cons:
- 1. Plastic frames may have durability concerns.
- 2. Potential discomfort for individuals with larger faces.
Best Floating Sunglasses
Blenders Black Bay Sunglasses
Blenders Black Bay sunglasses are a stylish and versatile eyewear option. With their sleek design, they offer a classic and timeless look that complements various styles.
The polarized pure blend lenses provide excellent glare reduction, enhancing visual clarity and reducing eye strain, making them suitable for outdoor activities, including boating and watersports.
The lightweight construction ensures comfort during extended wear, while the durable materials provide long-lasting performance. They are anti-saltwater and anti-floating, ensuring you won’t be losing them easily.
Whether you’re on the water or exploring on land, the Blenders Black Bay sunglasses offer a combination of fashion and functionality, making them a reliable choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable eyewear option.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing.
- Lightweight for comfortable wear.
- Floatable design prevents loss in water.
- Polarized lenses provide eye protection.
Cons:
- Not wrap-around.
Other Great Sunglasses For Sailing
Kastking Skidaway Sunglasses
These sunglasses stand out with their exceptional features. The polarized lenses offer comparable quality to higher-priced sports eyewear, passing rigorous testing to ensure optical clarity and reduce eye strain. The frames, made from lightweight and flexible Grilamid material, are known for their strength, comfort, and resistance to heat and UV rays.
The sunglasses come with different lens color options that have different uses. Smoke lenses are ideal for bright sunlight, while brown lenses enhance contrast and depth perception in partly cloudy to sunny conditions. Copper lenses provide excellent contrast and depth perception in moderate to low light.
Furthermore, the sunglasses block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, meeting or exceeding U.S. ANSI standards for eye protection.
What makes these sunglasses even more remarkable is their affordable price range, offering exceptional value compared to other options in the market. This might be the best affordable sunglasses for watersports.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing.
- Mirrored lenses for style and glare reduction.
- Lightweight for comfortable wear.
- Floatable design for water activities.
- Improved depth perception.
Cons:
- None identified, they’re literally perfect!
Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses
Oakley Holbrook sunglasses are widely recognized and utilized as sailing sunglasses and among the best watersport sunglasses available. These sunglasses offer a combination of features that make them well-suited for water-based activities. One of the key advantages of the Holbrook sunglasses is their polarized lenses, which effectively reduce glare caused by sunlight reflecting off water surfaces. This reduction in glare enhances visibility and allows sailors and watersports enthusiasts to see more clearly on the water, minimizing eye strain.
The lenses block 100% of harmful UVA, UVB, and UVC rays, ensuring the eyes are shielded from potential long-term sun damage. This is crucial for individuals spending extended periods on the water, where the sun’s rays are intensified.
O Matter is a lightweight and impact-resistant material, offering both strength and comfort. The frames are designed to withstand the challenges of sailing and other watersports, providing long-lasting performance and reliable eye protection.
Style versatility is another advantage of the Holbrook sunglasses. Their classic and timeless design makes them suitable for both sporty and casual settings. Oakley offers a variety of frame and lens color options, allowing users to select a style that matches their personal preference and fashion sense.
Oakley Holbrook sunglasses feature a hydrophobic lens coating. This water-resistant coating repels water, preventing droplets from obstructing vision and ensuring clearer sight, even in wet conditions making them the best sunglasses for watersports.
Pros:
- Durable construction for long-lasting use.
- Incorporates Oakley’s optimal lens technologies.
- Floating feature for water activities.
- Water repellent properties ideal for water sports.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some other sunglasses brands.
Rheos Wyecreeks Round Floating Sunglasses
The Rheos Wyecreeks sunglasses are designed specifically for water enthusiasts, featuring a composite frame and Nylon Optics lenses. These sunglasses have a range of features that make them ideal for watersports.
The Wyecreeks are unsinkable sunglasses. Their floating design ensures that they won’t be lost in the water, giving you the freedom to enjoy your water activities without the worry of losing your sunglasses. This feature is especially beneficial for boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and other water-based sports.
In addition to their buoyant nature, the Rheos Wyecreeks sunglasses are lightweight and boast a classic style. The retro-inspired round frames are suitable for both men and women, providing a comfortable and fashionable look. You can enjoy your time on the water with these sunglasses while maintaining a sense of style. Additionally, the lenses offer 100% UV protection to keep your eyes safe from harmful sun rays.
Overall, the Rheos Wyecreeks sunglasses provide a combination of functionality, comfort, and style for water enthusiasts. Their floating design, lightweight construction, Polarized Nylon Optics, and protective features make them an excellent choice for those who love to spend time on the water while maintaining clear vision and eye protection.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing.
- Floatable design for water activities.
- Stylish appearance.
Cons:
- Non-durable construction may not withstand heavy use.
- Provides limited coverage from sunlight.
How To Choose Sunglasses For Sailing?
There are a lot of factors to keep in mind while shopping for sailing sunglasses. They’re factors which aren’t visible to the naked eye, so you’ll have to be very careful.
Polarization
It is very important for the glasses to be polarized when you’re boating or on a yacht trip. When out on the water, sunlight reflects off the surface, creating intense glare that can be uncomfortable and hinder visibility and polarized lenses provide glare reduction. Depth perception is also one of the important properties of the polarized lenses which allows sailors to judge depth and distance in waters.
To know if your lenses are polarized or not you can look at the screen of an LCD device such as a smartphone or a digital watch while wearing the sunglasses. If the lenses are polarized, you should observe changes in the brightness or color intensity of the screen. This is because LCD screens emit polarized light, and polarized lenses can affect the display when they align or cross with the polarized light waves.
UV Protection
UV protection is indeed essential when spending time in the water, as prolonged sun exposure can lead to harmful effects on the eyes and skin. Fortunately, many sunglasses on the market today offer built-in UV protection. UV-protective coatings or materials are commonly applied to sunglass lenses to block out harmful UVA and UVB rays.
It is important to note that not all sunglasses provide the same level of UV protection. When selecting sunglasses for water activities, it is recommended to choose ones that explicitly mention offering 100% UV protection or blocking UV rays up to 400nm. This ensures that your eyes are adequately shielded from potentially damaging UV radiation.
Lens Color
Different lens colors can enhance visibility in specific conditions.
Gray lenses are known for providing true color perception. They maintain a neutral tint that doesn’t distort colors, making them a versatile choice for various lighting conditions.
Brown or amber lenses are popular for enhancing contrast and depth perception. These lenses filter out blue light, which helps improve visual clarity, especially in partly cloudy or variable lighting conditions. By increasing contrast, brown lenses make objects appear sharper and more defined against the background.
Yellow lenses are known for their ability to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. They excel in improving contrast and depth perception in overcast or hazy environments.
Out of these three, yellow lenses are the most popular choices for wearing in yacht and boat trips.
It’s important to note that the choice of lens color ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific lighting conditions in which you’ll be using the sunglasses.
Comfortable Fit
Indeed, a comfortable fit is crucial when selecting sunglasses for sailing, as the activity often involves constant movement, wind, and potentially challenging conditions.
Look for sunglasses that have features like rubberized nose pads, temple grips, or wrap-around designs that provide a snug fit around your face. This helps prevent the sunglasses from slipping or bouncing during maneuvers or when encountering waves, ensuring clear vision at all times.
Sunglasses with a wrap-around design or curved temples can provide added wind protection by reducing the amount of airflow around your eyes. This not only enhances comfort but also prevents wind from drying out your eyes or causing excessive tearing, allowing you to maintain clear vision and focus on your sailing activities.
By prioritizing a comfortable and secure fit with adjustable features, you can ensure that your sunglasses stay in place throughout your sailing adventures. This allows you to fully concentrate on the water, maintain clear vision, and enjoy the experience without any discomfort or distractions.
Floating Sunglasses
The floating feature is important for sailing sunglasses because it helps prevent them from sinking in water if they accidentally fall overboard. This feature allows sailors to easily retrieve their sunglasses and ensures they remain visible on the water’s surface, reducing the risk of loss.
It provides added convenience, safety, and peace of mind during sailing activities, making floating sunglasses a practical choice for water sports enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after considering various options, I must say that my personal favorite among the discussed sunglasses is the KastKing Skidaway sunglasses. With their polarized lenses, comfortable fit, and impact resistance, they provide exceptional performance for sailing and watersports. I wholeheartedly recommend them based on their quality, functionality, and value.
However, it’s important to note that choosing the right sunglasses ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. Each person may have different priorities when it comes to features such as lens color, frame material, or style. It’s essential to consider these factors and select sunglasses that align with your specific requirements and personal taste.
Additionally, when investing in expensive sunglasses, it’s crucial to be cautious of counterfeit products. Always purchase from reputable sources to ensure authenticity and quality.
Respect the water, be aware of weather conditions, and follow proper boating guidelines to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Happy Journey!