Going to the beach on a summer’s day is an absolute must. It’s one of the most pleasurable summertime activities. The trifecta of cool water, warm sand and the blazing sun create a relaxing atmosphere that makes the beach hard to leave.
One thing you can’t forget when visiting (save for your towel) is a solid pair of sunglasses on the beach. A great pair of sunglasses can make you look stylish, but more importantly, act as barriers from the sun and heat. It can be easy to overlook the necessary qualities for your next pair of specs with so many options.
Fear not, because we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the best sunglasses for the beach.
See also: The Best Sunglasses for Hiking & Outdoor Activities
At a glance, here’s our best sunglasses for the beach:
The first things you may consider are style and fit. More importantly, however, you should look at the protective coatings for sunglasses on the beach.
Having protective layers is essential for the beach. Your sunglasses should protect your eyes from sand, UV rays, salt water, and other outdoor elements.
Frequently asked questions about buying sunglasses for the beach
Do I need sunglasses on the beach?
The short answer is yes. The best sunglasses provide superior UV protection, which could cause damage to your eyes if you do not wear sunglasses. Add the potential for eye strain from harsh glare; you do not want to visit the beach without your sunglasses.
Are polarized sunglasses needed for the beach?
Yes, since polarized lenses can help offset a glare. Polarized types are the best sunglasses for watersports, as they can help you with a harsh water glare. Regardless of doing beach activities, glare can cause eye strain, so it is helpful to have a pair of polarized glasses handy.
What makes the best beach sunglasses?
Some of the top criteria for the best sunglasses on the beach are UV protection, non-scratch or anti-reflective coatings on lenses, and comfort while being worn. Good quality sunglasses will come with a storage solution for your sunglasses, such as a case or cover, that will prevent damage.
In general, here is what you should look out for when choosing the best sunglasses for the beach.
- Style and comfort. You’ll want to feel good while wearing your sunglasses at the beach, and they should fit comfortably on your face, too.
- UV protection. It’s advisable to skip any pairs that can’t offer any protection from the sun.
- Polarized lenses. You may choose these, especially if you are looking for the best sunglasses for watersports, as they can help while you’re in the water.
- Protective coatings. Some sunglasses offer multiple layers of UV protection, while non-scratch coatings can help improve the longevity of your sunglasses.
- Storage. Most good brands provide storage with their sunglasses to keep them looking new year-round.
The best sunglasses for the beach: our top picks
Now, we’ll get to the most exciting part. Here are some of the best beach sunglasses for different purposes!
Best sunglasses for watersports
Name: Cruiser II by Abaco
Specs: Matte black polycarbonate frame with metal hinges, square lens shape. This pair of sunglasses is available in a medium size. This pair has a modern design and is one of the best sunglasses for watersports.
Lens material: Polarized mirror lenses, with HDR and UV400 protection.
Price: $60
Name: ForceFlex FF500
Specs: Highly flexible and unbreakable frame made of out memory elastomer. These are truly flexible for most water sports and outdoor activities.
Lens material: Polycarbonate with 100% UV400 Protection coating but is non-polarized.
Price: $29.99
Name: JACO Polarized Sunglasses
Specs: Highly flexible and unbreakable frame made of out memory elastomer. This is a more stylish approach to typical sports sunglasses.
Lens material: Polarized plastic, with full UVA and UVB protection.
Price: $70
Name: SeaSpecs Classic Floating Polarized Sunglasses with Strap
Specs: Straps securely to the wearer’s head for extreme water sports. Ventilation built in for improved clarity while active. Many colors to choose from. These are one of the best sunglasses for watersports in terms of never losing a pair of sunglasses again!
Lens material: Polarized plastic, with UV400 protective layers. Impact resistance included.
Price: $32.95 – $50
Best polarized sunglasses for beach
Name: Foster Grant TP12
Specs: Blue light filtering for lenses on plastic tortoiseshell frame. Great for casual wear when at the beach. These are one of the best polarized sunglasses for beach activity.
Lens material: Scratch resistant coating, unmagnified lenses. Fully polarized lenses with full UVA and UVB protection.These are one of the best polarized sunglasses for beach wear.
Price: $30.95
Name: IRIE Red Mirror Crystal
Specs: 2-Tone Crystal Smoke Square Black Frame. Black for the viewer, but the red mirror lens is visible on the front of the lenses. It includes red foam padding on the frame. These sunglasses are great for both casual and sports activities.
Lens material: Full UVA and UVB protection.
Price: $30.95
Name: Ray-Ban Rb2140 Original Wayfarer
Specs: Classic design, acetate (plastic) frame, multiple size options available. These are one of the best polarized sunglasses for beach goers.
Lens material: Polarized crystal lens, UV protective coating.
Price: $161-$211
Name: Foster Grant Nemi
Specs: Pretty design, bronze metal frame, adjustable nose pads. These are one of the best casual sunglasses on the beach.
Lens material: Impact and scratch resistant lenses, blue light filtering, 100% UVA-UVB
Lens Protection on unmagnified lenses.
Price: $20.95
Best beach volleyball sunglasses
Name: Qool Times Polarized Fish Sunglasses
Specs: Plastic frame, lightweight and flexible, adjustable nose pads,
Lens material: Smoke lens options for bright sunlight protection. Mirror-coated TAC lenses that are HD polarized with added UV protection. These are the classic designs you might expect to see sports professionals wearing.
Price: $24.50
Name: Abaco Octane
Specs: Impact resistance, saltwater resistance, lifetime warranty. Charcoal coloured frame and lenses. These are one of the more modern styles for the best beach volleyball sunglasses.
Lens material: HDX sport lenses, with full UV400 supports and polarization.
Price: $70
Name: Foster Grant Strong
Specs: Designed for strength. Scratch-resistant and polarized lenses, with blue light filtering and full UVA and UVB protection. Semi-rimless design with rubber nose pads. These are one of the more modern styles for the best beach volleyball sunglasses.
Lens material: Unmagnified, polarized lenses.
Price: $30.95
Name: Tifosi Intense Sunglasses
Specs: Grilamid TR-90 frame. Non-slip rubber included in the frame. These are one of the classic designs you might expect to see sports professionals wearing.
Lens material: Shatterproof material, polycarbonate, non-polarized, clear lenses. 100% UVA
Price: $25
Conclusion
There are so many different sunglasses to choose from, regardless of whether you’re a big fan of water sports or if you enjoy relaxing by the sea. Most of the best sunglasses for the beach are typically polarized, have UV coatings on the lenses, and are lightweight. You can find them in various styles and shapes, so you can find something that will suit your style!
We cannot stress the importance of having adequate protection for your eyes while on the beach. So in our view, the best sunglasses for the beach are a mixture of a lightweight, durable frame, scratch-resistant and UV-coated lenses and, of course, polarized lenses
We hope this helped decide the next pair of your best sunglasses for the beach in the future!
Travel DudesI’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
