What are the best sunglasses to wear at the beach?

Sun, sea and sand. What could be better? Make the most of the final days of summer and hit the beach this weekend. Take the time to really unwind. No doubt you have already carefully planned your beach outfit, but the real question is, do you have the perfect pair of sunglasses to match? To celebrate National Beach Day, we have carefully selected some of our newest and most fashionable sunglasses styles to take with you on your next coastal trip. Feast your eyes on these irresistible designs and add a modern edge to your coastal wardrobe.

Oversized sunglasses for the beach

The bigger your beach sunglasses, the better! Large and XL frames have bigger lenses that will keep your eyes fully covered. If you plan to spend a long day on the beach relaxing in the sun, it is vital that you take precautions and protect not only your skin with sunscreen but also your eyes with adequately-sized sunglasses.

Luckily, big sunglasses are very in vogue this year! All of the most fashionable celebrities and style icons are wearing them. This includes trendsetting stars like Gigi Hadid, Justin Bieber, Ncuti Gatwa and Jennifer Lopez. We have a whole range of functional and fashionable designs available to suit your style and mood. Take a look at some of our favourite new-in styles which we think make superb beach sunglasses.

Bright and bold beach sunglasses

If you have a bubbly personality, a pair of bright and bold sunglasses is certainly a great way to show off your unique side and add a splash of colour to your wardrobe!

Take a shine to these vibrant sunglasses designs and bring the summer vibes to the beach! We have a huge range of different colours for you to choose from.

Metal sunglasses to wear at the beach

Sunglasses made of metal are sturdy and reliable. They are also extremely on-trend this year and will provide a neat and stylish finish to your look. Go for a retro-style round metal frame or stand out in a classic pair of Aviator sunglasses. Find a design to suit your overall aesthetic.

Sports beach sunglasses

Are you an active person? If you love your athleisure wear, then you need a sporty pair of sunglasses to match your style! We have a whole range of dynamic designs from popular 2-for-1 Designer brands like New Balance, Tommy Jeans, Harrington Sport and more.

Meanwhile, if you are really into your fitness and enjoy participating in beach or water sports then we would recommend a pair of sophisticated Oakley sunglasses. They are particularly well-known for their innovative premium designs. Each frame is built for an active lifestyle and is designed to fit securely and comfortably when you are on the move.

Stylish sustainable sunglasses

Our fashionable selection of eco-friendly sunglasses are all made responsibly. These designs mean you can make a sensible choice for the planet without having to compromise on style!

Embrace your inner nature lover and find designs you love. Unwind by the beach in these eye-catching sunglasses.

The importance of UV protection at the beach

When we think of the beach, it instantly brings up memories of bright and fun sunny days. However, sunlight emits ultraviolet radiation which includes UVA and UVB rays. What you may not be aware of is that this can be just as harmful to your eyes as it is to your skin. This is why UV protection is essential.

Prescription sunglasses improve visual comfort and shield your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, helping you to avoid serious damage to your vision. Our sunglasses all come with 100% UV protection and have excellent colour definition so you can see clearly. It is very important that you make sure your eyes are fully protected when relaxing by the coast.

What sunglasses tints are best for the beach?

The type of sunglasses you go for will really depend on how you intend to use your new sunglasses at the beach. Dark tints are great for when you are walking around and exploring a scenic coastal location. They safeguard your eyes from bright sunlight and provide 100% UV protection.

Although, if you plan to head inside a few shops and museums during your trip, then we suggest that you try our latest Transitions® GEN S™ ultra-dynamic lenses. They react seamlessly to the light around you, transforming from completely clear glasses inside, to a fashionable pair of sunglasses when you make your way outdoors! It is the perfect solution when you are busy and do not want to keep switching between your prescription glasses and sunglasses.

Polarised sunglasses, meanwhile, are your best bet if you plan to spend a full day at the beach, whether you are hitting the waves with some action-packed water sports or simply relaxing on the beach. They protect your eyes from blinding reflected glare which helps to minimise eye strain. They also provide 100% UV protection and enhance contrast so you can see more clearly. Polarised sunglasses are particularly suited to people with a real sensitivity to light.

If you intend to spend an extended period of time on the road, gradient tints are your go-to. The lenses are dark and fade gradually towards the bottom so you are protected from sunlight overhead whilst still being able to see inside the car clearly. For the optimal driving experience, however, we recommend that you go for Transitions® Drivewear® lenses. They use a combination of light intelligent technology with polarisation, designed to minimise reflective glare and prevent impaired vision in all light scenarios.

Which sunglass lens colour should I choose?

When it comes to deciding on the best sunglass lens colour for the beach, you will want to think about what your needs are as every lens colour has its own specific purpose and design. We have highlighted a few options below.

Grey tints are ideal for daily use as well as outdoor beach sports, especially in very bright weather because they are darker in colour and will therefore reduce the amount of light that reaches your eyes. They also allow you to interpret colours in their most natural form so you can see clearly. This is great for nature lovers who want to be able to explore the little details around them.

Polarised sunglasses with grey tints are especially practical for those who plan to enjoy sports on the water. They will minimise the amount of glare reflected off the surface so you can see clearly without having to strain your eyes.

Meanwhile, green sunglass tints provide improved contrast in all weather conditions from bright sunlight to cloudier days. They make everything in your field of view appear shaper and are especially ideal for water sports. You will be able to see in direct sunlight and also in shadier spots or areas with lots of shadows. They even maintain full colour accuracy so you can see colours as they should be. Green-tinted lenses are also ideal for sailing as they enhance contrast against green landscapes and blue skies.

If you plan to do a spot of fishing in-shore during your beach break, brown or amber tints are a fantastic option for you. They enhance contrast and depth perception so that you can cast your line with complete accuracy and keep an eye on the fish beneath the water.

At the end of the day, it is really up to you which colour sunglass tints you prefer. Our only real suggestion would be to think about your individual needs and consider your own personal style above all else.