15 Best Sunglasses for Beach – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2020)

Spending time at the beach brings lots of joy in the sun. You can relax, play, read, and enjoy time with family and friends. Whether you’re relaxing or engaging in other beach activities, you should always mind the sun. It’s rays and reflective glare can damage your body, especially your eyes. That’s why you should carry a good pair of sunglasses, to block the sunlight for maximum comfort. What makes the best sunglasses for the beach? A pair that delivers premium eye protection and is durable and reliable is ideal. Summertime is around the corner, so you need to prepare for your next beach visit. This article will open your eyes to the top beach sunglasses options available.

Quick Recommendations

Best Beach Sunglasses Reviews – for Men & Women

1. Ray-Ban Clubmaster Square Sunglasses

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 49 mm & 51 mm
Lens Height: 42 mm
Material: Metal

Ray-Ban is one of the best brands of sunglasses on the market, but the Ray-Ban  Clubmaster Sunglasses are, however, on another level. They are extremely stylish and deliver a premium feel with an iconic design. They are mostly associated with big names among cultural intellectuals and famous Hollywood stars. The glasses provide terrific comfort without sacrificing style. What’s more, the lenses give great clarity and are coated for 100% UV protection. The Classic Clubmaster sunglasses are ideal for all your outdoor activities thanks to lightweight, sturdy acetate frames. What’s more, the shape and arc of the glasses allow easy adjustments for a great fit. You can find these sunglasses in a variety of colors and sizes to suit your preferences.

2. PRIVÉ REVAUX Handcrafted Designer Oval Sunglasses

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 53 mm
Lens Height: 38 mm
Material: Metal

Spice up your outdoor look with these PRIVÉ REVAUX Madelaine Collection “Candy” Handcrafted Designer Sunglasses. Kiss goodbye to the boring look that ordinary sunglasses offer and replace it with these stylish eye protectors. They’re designed for both males and females and feature polarized lenses with 100% UV/UVA protection. You can freely walk around in them under the sun and not be affected by the glare. Moreover, scratch-resistant lenses will last a long time. This pair comes with silicone pads, and you can customize the barrel hinges for a perfect, comfortable fit. What’s more, the packaging to die for. They come with a beautiful, collapsible case with highly durable polyurethane material. The interior is extremely soft to protect the sunglasses from marks and scratches.

3. CANYEUX Vintage Round Polarized Sunglasses for Men & Women

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 47 mm
Material: Plastic

Planning your next beach visit? Don’t neglect these CANYEUX Vintage Round Sunglasses. They are designed for men and women, with an excellent, vintage modern, stylish design. What’s more, this pair matches nearly all your clothes and accessories. If you have a small face, it gets quite difficult to find sunglasses that fit. But these fit quite well on narrow faces. The pair exhibits a classic round style that is compatible with different face types. CANYEUX Vintage Round Sunglasses are not only stylish, but they also provide great sun protection. The lenses have outstanding clarity, free of distortion. They are polarized to reduce glare and ultraviolet rays. The frames have an ergonomic design with lightweight comfort.

4. RIVBOS Unisex Polarized Sunglasses for Beach Sports

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 64 mm
Lens Height: 40 mm
Material: Plastic

If you’re a sports enthusiast, these RIVBOS Sports sunglasses are a suitable choice. These are versatile sunglasses that enable you to do various outdoor activities while wearing them. They are designed for boating, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, running, riding, and driving. This premium pair is 100% polarized to ensure clear visibility, remove glare, and provide excellent sun protection from UV rays. With an exceptional sturdy build, these sunglasses can withstand rough and tough situations for long-lasting use. The frames are constructed with a flexible, TR90 material that’s extremely durable and bends without breaking. A wraparound design sits comfortably on the face and doesn’t come out regardless of the activity.

5. Maui Jim Rectangular Frame Women’s Sunglasses

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 54 mm
Lens Height: 36 mm
Material: Injected Nylon

If you’re a woman of style, then this Maui Jim Punchbowl for women will match up to your standards at the beach. Like all Maui Jim Sunglasses, these type features Polarizedplus2 lens technology. Not only does it protect your eyes from glare and UV rays, but it also improves the colors of the surroundings for your enjoyment. This pair also features a superb style that combines longevity and best protection technologies.
Neutral grey lenses reduce the bright summer light, so you’ll be free to walk around without damaging your eyes. The lenses use SuperThin Glass material for excellent visuals and are scratch- and solvent-resistant. The frames are durable, comfortable and lightweight for all-day wear.

6. Polarspex 80’s Retro Polarized Sunglasses for Men & Women

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 52 mm
Lens Height: 43 mm
Material: Plastic

Visiting the beach has never been more enjoyable than with this ideal pair of sunglasses that come at an affordable price. Polarspex Polarized 80’s Retro Classic sunglasses are here for you and offer a neutral style for both men and women. These shades are designed with high-quality materials, like designer sunnies, but they cost less. Its plastic frame is lightweight, comfortable, and durable. The 52mm plastic lenses on the sunglasses offer excellent clarity and performance. What’s more, they are polarized to keep glare and the harmful sun’s rays away from your eyes. A 15mm bridge makes these sunglasses a perfect fit for great comfort. The best part about this pair is that they come in various colors to match your style and outfits.

7. WearMe Pro, Unisex Round Sunglasses

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 51 mm
Lens Height: 48 mm
Material: Metal

WearMe Pro sunglasses are perfect for stepping onto the beach to have a good time. They are not only stylish but provide reliable sun protection to keep you healthy. Whether you’re male or female, these sunglasses complement your style and appearance and feature a high-quality metal frame to ensure a perfect fit and maximum comfort A round design matches almost all your outdoor wear, especially for the beach. This design also goes well with different face types. The metal temples are strong and durable. Lenses are made from high-quality polycarbonate material that is lightweight and durable and offers excellent sun protection. Moreover, the lenses are polarized to filter out glare and have a protection rating of 100% UV400.

8. Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Unisex Sunglasses

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 58 mm
Material: Plastic

There’s no better way to spend your time in the sun than with these Ray-Ban New Wayfarer sunglasses. This pair makes you look stylish and well-suited for the beach, with an iconic design and plastic frames for perfect ergonomics. What’s more, the sunglasses offer an updated version with a smaller frame and a softer eye shape. The glass lenses do more than protect your eyes, but they also guard you against harmful UV rays. The sunglasses are built for maximum durability, and the best part is that you can choose from a variety of options to match your style.

9. Michael Kors Chelsea Aviator Sunglasses

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 59 mm
Lens Height: 43 mm
Material: Metal

Are you looking for stylish sunglasses to wear anywhere, especially the beach? These Michael Kors Chelsea Aviators offer excellent flair and exquisite features. A pilot-shaped frame ensures superior comfort, and the frame is lightweight and provides a perfect fit. The rose-gold frame matches with the purple mirror lenses that enhance the way you see your surroundings.
The lenses on this MK Chelsea Aviator are non-polarized to block light that may damage your eyes. They are authentic and make a great gift for your loved ones. With this well-made design, you are sure to use these sunglasses for a very long time.

10. Maui Jim Aviator Frame Polarized Sunglasses

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 59 mm
Lens Height: 42 mm
Material: Metal

Rock your way to the beach with these beautiful Maui Jim Sunglasses, made in the USA. Nothing, not even the sun, will come between you and the good time you’ll have at the beach when you have these on. Maui Jim sunglasses use PolarizedPlus2 lens technology to shield your eyes from glare and harmful UV rays. They also improve the colors of your surroundings to highlight nature’s beauty. They combine an exclusive design that matches your style with any type of beachwear. These metal-frames are lightweight, thanks to SuperThin Glass and polycarbonate. The glass is also durable, as it’s scratch- and impact-resistant. The lenses are neutral grey, which greatly reduces bright light penetration, making this pair of Maui Jim sunglasses the best option for the beach.

11. Woodies Zebra Wood Sunglasses with Mirror Polarized Lens (Unisex)

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 50 mm
Material: Plastic

We often want simple glasses that easily match any fashion we wear to the beach. That’s why Woodies Zebra wood sunglasses are a perfect choice. They are affordable and display a superb design that matches your beach outfits. The arms on these sunglasses feature 100% zebra wood material that’s lightweight for lasting comfort. What’s more, the frame is made of plastic material to minimize weight and offer comfort and durability.
With exclusive stainless-steel double hinges, these sunglasses are always in excellent shape even after years of being in use. The lenses feature a special design that ensures complete UVA/UVB protection against intense lighting conditions.

12. Dragon Alliance Dragon Men’s Sunglasses

Lens: Polarized
Material: Plastic

Those who enjoy summertime at the beach should always have the right gear for sun protection. Most important, they should protect their eyes, which are most sensitive to bright sunlight and may suffer serious damage. That’s why you need this pair of Dragon Alliance glasses. Their lenses offer superb polar performance coating, ideal for sun protection and for resisting moisture, dirt, and oil.
Dragon Alliance Dragon sunglasses feature six base polycarbonate lenses to completely cover your eyes. They also are impact resistant. A 5-barrel stainless steel hinge ensures maximum durability.

13. SOJOS Retro Vintage Cat-Eye Sunglasses for Women

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 48 mm
Lens Height: 40 mm
Material: Plastic

When you walk around, you’ll notice that cat-eye sunglasses are in, making the SOJOS Retro Vintage Cateye Sunglasses for Women the perfect choice for your trip to the beach. They’re also quite affordable! This pair sports a plastic frame with plastic lenses, measuring 48 mm wide by 40 mm high, and the bridge measures about 23 mm. Even though the lenses are non-polarized, they are rated UV400, so they filter out bright sunlight that may damage your eyes with long exposure. They also block all UVA and UVB radiation and come in many colors to suit your style.

14. Leckirut Women Classic Oversized Polarized Sunglasses

Lens: Polarized
Lens Width: 55 mm
Material: Composite

Want affordable yet stylish sunglasses? Look for Leckirut Women Shades Classic Protection Eyewear. The frame features terrific rhinestones that display unique fashion and match your beach style. It is also made of high-quality metal material and features a colophony lens that’s lightweight for comfort. The lens material is also unbreakable and comfortable. What’s more, the fashion style suits all types of faces and skin. That’s why they are a top option for rocking the beach. 100% UV400 protection lenses block harmful UVA&UVB rays, shield your eyes from UV rays, and offer a clear vision on sunny days. These glasses are built to last and are easy to clean and care for.

15. Ocean Line Shark Sunglasses for Kids or Beach Parties

Lens: Polarized
Material: Plastic

Lighten the mood at the beach with these Ocean Line Shark sunglasses. They are perfect for your little one and for making your beach excursion worthwhile. Best of all, you can buy them both for you and your kids. They feature an excellent imaginative design that lets you enjoy scenic ocean views. They look superb on whoever wears them and ensures a good laugh with your friends.
The plastic design makes these glasses lightweight and comfortable. The lenses are clear and protect against all UV400 rays. What’s more, one size fits almost all faces, whether adults or kids.

Beach Sunglasses Buying Guide

When you visit the beach, you know you need a suitable bathing suit. But what about your sunglasses for those sunny days. When you pack up all your protective gear, your eyes should be your top priority. You want to see everything and experience nature while making strolls at the beach without missing a thing. Sunglasses also elevate your appearance, helping you look your best. Therefore, you need to get the best sunglasses both for protection and for style.

It’s not easy choosing the right pair since there are so many options available. That’s why we’ve got your back. Read on to find the best way to select a pair of beach sunglasses that meet your needs. This buying guide for beach sunglasses highlights the most important features to consider.

Top 6 Things to Consider When Buying a Sunglasses for Beach

1. UV Protection

   The primary reason for sunglasses at the beach is to protect your eyes from direct sunlight and harmful rays. These rays can damage your eyes either instantly or gradually. Therefore, you need to make it a top priority to ensure maximum protection.

   Sunglasses are essential for beach people who get exposed to high levels of ultraviolet rays. Since you are visiting the beach when the sun is out, then you are in this category of people. That is why you must check whether the beach sunglasses are 100% ultraviolet protection. The sun emits ultraviolet rays that can cause growths, cataracts, or even cancer in your eyes. You especially need to guard against UVA and UVB rays.

   UVAs comprise about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches Earth’s surface. They have differing intensity throughout the year and contribute to the growth of skin cancer and photoaging, which may cause various types of cataracts. UVB rays, on the other hand, are extremely intense and hazardous and are a major cause of sunburn and skin cancer. The rays also vary in intensity throughout the year, getting more intense at summertime when the axial tilt of the earth angles towards the sun, so more UVBs are absorbed. Since these rays can be destructive to your eyes, you need to choose sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.

   

2. Frame Size

   Also, consider the size of your face to ensure that your sunglasses fit well. That’s why frame size is important. Don’t pick sunglasses because they look good, then end up not wearing them. That will be a waste of money. The frame size should match the type of face you have. If you have a broader face, select a pair with a larger frame. That will give you a perfect fit that’s comfortable for all your activities. For narrower faces, smaller frames are ideal.

   Many people confuse frame size with coverage, which is wrong. Coverage is different and there are oversized sunglasses for smaller faces. Always look at the frame dimensions to learn whether they fit or not. These are usually written as three sequential numbers, like eye size, bridge size, and temple size. Not all manufacturers indicate these dimensions, though, so it’s important to find out.

   Let’s make it clear for you. Eye size is the straight measurement from the outer edge to the inner edge of a lens. Widths range from 40 mm – 62 mm. The distance between lenses is called the bridge size, and widths range from 14-24 mm. Temple size is the length of the temple piece, also referred to as arm or earpiece. The lengths range between 120-150 mm. Now that you’re familiar with these dimensions, it becomes easy to select a pair of sunnies to match your face.

3. Frame Material

   Materials used to make a pair of beach sunglasses are also an important factor to consider. They determine the comfort, safety, and functionality you’ll enjoy, so you need to be careful when choosing sunglasses for the beach. The material on the frame may be the first thing you see on sunglasses. Various materials result in varying prices, functions, styles, and more.

   • Metal:

     Most sunglasses feature metal material, which is easy to adjust and suits various faces. Metals don’t break easily and resist corrosive effects. However, if uncoated, metal can get hot and uncomfortable for your skin. Metal frames are quite expensive and yet less durable.

   • Polycarbonate:

     If you want a more versatile, sturdy plastic frame, choose polycarbonate. It resists impact and is mostly found on beach sunglasses. Best of all, these frames are ultra-lightweight for maximum comfort. This durable material is rigid and withstands rough play.

   • Titanium:

     Most high-end beach sunglasses have titanium frames because they’re highly durable and scratch-resistant, yet they’re pricey compared to others.

   • Nylon:

     Nylon is ideal for beach sports. Temperature changes don’t affect this material and it retains flexibility and stiffness for safety. It is lightweight, affordable and durable.

   • Plastic:

     Plastic frames make the cheapest beach sunglasses. Most affordable sunglasses have a plastic, lightweight frame. They also have a wide range from acrylic to polyurethane.

   

4. Coverage

   Sunglasses come in various shapes and designs. Some provide narrow coverage while others offer broader coverage. The bigger the lenses, the better protection you receive from UV rays. Oversized glasses or those with a wraparound design are perfect for providing maximum coverage. These aid in preventing harmful rays from penetrating through the side.

5. Lens Material

   Lenses are responsible for the vision you get with sunglasses on. That’s why you should also pay attention to the lens material. While there are many options, you can only choose one type to match your needs.

   • Optical Glass:

     Lenses made from optical glass deliver clear vision free from distortion. It is highly durable and exhibits great levels of scratch resistance. However, this type is expensive and breaks upon impact.

   • Polycarbonate:

     Since beach excursions involve moving around for various activities, polycarbonate plastic lenses are handy. This type of material is durable, lightweight, and scratch-resistant. What’s more, it delivers excellent optical clarity and is distortion-free.

   • NXT Polyurethane:

     This type of material combines high levels of optical vision with extreme durability. The material features Trivex, an unconventional polymer material known for high levels of impact resistance and excellent optical clarity. What’s more, it is lightweight and comfortable. However, you will have to pay a lot to get sunglasses with lenses like this.

   • Acrylic:

     This may be the best lens option for the beach because it looks good on you and gives excellent clarity. However, there is one major downside to the acrylic lenses; they are not durable and they break down with the slightest impact.

   These materials are popular and you’ll find them when looking for your beach sunglasses. Choose the material that suits you and fits your budget. Also, be sure to select one that’s lightweight, comfortable, clear, and durable.

6. Tints and Coatings on Lenses

   There are plenty of sunglasses on the market that come in various colors. These colors extend to the lenses and may affect the performance in altered lighting conditions. Sometimes you may not want clear lenses and prefer a tinted or coated pair. That is why it is important to learn about the coatings and tints found in sunglasses for the beach. This will enable you to choose the best that matches your needs. Various lens colors enable you to view things differently as they have a dissimilar reaction upon encounter with different light. Therefore, you should know which is ideal for the sunny outdoors while site seeing at the beach.

   Grey or green tints display color neutrality and greatly reduce the intensity of light without shifting its color. This then ensures you get crispier contrast as they minimize glare that may cause your eyes to strain. Brown tints, on the other hand, show an array of brown tones which increases contrast and deep view. Lenses that have rose tints offer streak image resolution while enhancing contrast. Rose tints block out blue hazy and are suitable for long-period wearing.

   Mirrored or sometimes referred to as flash coating lenses exhibit a beautiful appearance because of the reflective film on the exterior. This is great for people who are highly sensitive to bright light and also those that don’t want to expose their eyeballs. The light hitting the surface bounces back hence reducing glare. However, you see objects way darker than they are. No matter what type of lens you are going for, make sure you are seeing clearly and that your eyes are not straining.

Why Should I use Sunglasses on the Beach?

Sunglasses are important especially at the beach during the summer period. During this period, the sun shines brighter making it impossible to walk around without some type of protection for the eyes. While sunglasses may be a stylish accessory, it is a crucial element for eye protection.

The sun’s elements can be damaging when you get exposed for quite too long. That is where sunglasses come into play. When you have them on, you are guaranteed that the harmful rays are not in contact with your eyes. What’s more, you wouldn’t want the beach sand or water to get into your eyes. They may cause irritable reactions that may ruin your stay. With sunglasses, you are sure they will block a great number of such elements from getting into your eyes. The dust blown into your eyes can damage your eyesight temporarily and some people, for a long time.

When you sit in the sun for too long, the bright light can cause terrible migraines that may also ruin your stay at the beach. What’s more, you may end up straining your eyes when looking directly in the sunlight. Since you don’t want to be uncomfortable and partially blind, then don’t forget to pack yourself a pair of beach sunglasses. Beach sunglasses also enable you to see everything much better than with your naked eyes. This way, you are well aware of your surroundings and won’t miss a thing during your strolls on the beach. Make sure you get a nice pair of sunglasses to use at the beach given the plenty of benefits they offer especially to the health of our eyes.

How do Polarized Lenses Work?

You have come across the term polarized and non-polarized lenses throughout your search for a pair of sunglasses. Ever wondered what polarized lens means what polarized lens means? When the sun shines, it releases a bundle of light that reflects horizontally. Looking at this light with the naked eye is quite discomforting and can cause partial blindness. These reflections are collectively called glare. Since it is uncomfortable looking at the sun’s glare, manufacturers of most outdoor sunglasses polarize the lenses. Polarized lenses are those that feature a special chemical on the surface which aids in blocking glare. This chemical forms a lamination pattern vertically. The pattern recognizes the light coming towards the eye and locks it out to ensure a clear vision.

Advanteges & Disadvanteges of Polarized Glass :

• Advantages of Polarized Sunglasses For the Beach

  You will experience glare mostly when looking at water bodies like the ocean as the waves of light bounce off. With polarized sunglasses, the glare is locked out as the surface filters out light waves that can’t go through the laminate pattern. This causes the images to have a darker appearance which is easier to see without missing a detail. It also greatly minimizes eye strain and also protect your eyes from the harmful UV radiation. You can stay in the sun for extended periods and also ensure you don’t get terrible headaches associated with light sensitivity. Sunglasses with polarized lenses are also ideal for swimming as you will see below the surface of the water. This is important as you can maneuver freely from point to point in the water without having to remove the sunglasses.

• Disadvantages of Polarized Sunglasses for the Beach

  Every good thing must have its limitations. While polarized lenses are ideal for beach visits, they are not so good in other areas. For instance, when you are looking at gadget screens made from liquid crystal displays, you are bound to experience difficulty. When reading messages on your cell phone, you might find it difficult to see all the characters. This is because polarization blocks out light and especially on LCDs. Another downside to the polarized lenses is that you can’t use the sunglasses till nightfall. You will not see anything and end up knocking things or rocks, which is not safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What are the different types of lens technology available?
  A: Sunglasses use various technologies on their lenses each working differently in various lighting conditions. There polarized, photochromic, gradient and double gradient lens technologies. Polarized lenses prevent glare that interferes with your vision at the beach. Photochromic lenses are designed to adjust automatically depending on the intensity of the light you are exposed to. This means that when it gets too bright, the lens will block out more light and becomes clear in darker conditions. Gradient lenses feature a subsequent tint from the top-down whereby the top part of the sunglasses is darker than the bottom. These protect you from overhead sunlight and allow in light through the bottom half of the lens. Double gradient is the exact opposite of the gradient lenses. The lenses are tinted from the bottom upwards. These are ideal for protecting your eyes from overhead sunlight that reflects off sand and the ocean surface.

Best Sunglasses for Beach Comparison Chart

PRODUCT	PRICE	LENS	LENS WIDTH (mm)	LENS HEIGHT (mm)	MATERIAL
Ray-Ban Clubmaster Square Sunglasses	$$$$	Polarized	49 & 51	42	Metal
PRIVÉ REVAUX Handcrafted Designer Oval Sunglasses	$	Polarized	53	38	Metal
CANYEUX Vintage Round Polarized Sunglasses for Men & Women	$	Polarized	47	*	Plastic
RIVBOS Unisex Polarized Sunglasses for Beach Sports	$	Polarized	64	40	Plastic
Maui Jim Rectangular Frame Women's Sunglasses	$$$$$	Polarized	54	36	Injected Nylon
Polarspex 80's Retro Polarized Sunglasses for Men & Women	$	Polarized	52	43	Plastic
WearMe Pro, Unisex Round Sunglasses	$	Polarized	51	48	Metal
Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Unisex Sunglasses	$$$	Non - Polarized	58	*	Plastic
Michael Kors Chelsea Aviator Sunglasses	$$	Non - Polarized	59	43	Metal
Maui Jim Aviator Frame Polarized Sunglasses	$$$$$	Polarized	59	42	Metal
Woodies Zebra Wood Sunglasses with Mirror Polarized Lens (Unisex)	$$	Polarized	50	*	Plastic
Dragon Alliance Dragon Men's Sunglasses	$$$	Polarized	*	*	Plastic
SOJOS Retro Vintage Cat-Eye Sunglasses for Women	$	Non - Polarized	48	40	Plastic
Leckirut Women Classic Oversized Polarized Sunglasses	$	Polarized	55	*	Composite
Ocean Line Shark Sunglasses for Kids or Beach Parties	$	Non - Polarized	*	*	Plastic

Wrap Up

Sunglasses are an important accessory for the beach especially when the sun is glaring. Not only will you look chic and fashionable, but also protect your eyes from potential damage. If you want to spend a great time with your family and friends at the beach, you need to have perfect protective gear. You should also take care of your well-being to achieve uninterrupted fun. The most daunting task when preparing for the beach visit is finding the best sunglasses for the beach. This is mainly because there are a plethora of options available on the market that cause great confusion.

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