Sailing is a sport that requires a lot of concentration and focus. The glare from the sun can make it hard for you to see. You need the best sunglasses for sailing to protect your eyes and keep your focus on the water.
In this article, we will talk about the best sunglasses for sailing. We will also give you a few tips on how to pick the right pair of sunglasses for your needs.
There are many factors that need to be taken into account when choosing sunglasses for sailing. You need to make sure that the glasses you buy have polarized lenses, UV protection and glare protection.
Popular Choice
Igniter Sunglasses UNDER ARMOUR
★★★★★
Top PickMost Popular
Brine Oval COSTA DEL MAR
★★★★★
Best Value
Polarized Floating WINDRIDER
★★★★★
ALL THE BEST SUNGLASSES FOR SAILING THAT WE TESTED
COSTA DEL MAR Brine Oval
General Impression
Hand made in the USA, with a resin frame and polycarbonate lenses, these wraparound sunglasses are some of the best sunglasses for sailing. The lens material provides high clarity with impact and scratch resistance, while keeping them lightweight so they remain comfortable during periods of extended wear. They are also available with glass lenses, which offer superior optics. The lenses are 99/9% polarized, so they do a great job of reducing glare. The polycarbonate mirrored lenses repel sweat, oil, and water and are easy to clean, making these our top pick for the best polarized sunglasses for boating.
The nylon frame material is tough and durable while providing a comfortable fit, plus they come in a range of colors. However, some users have reported the frame stretching over time, which could make them less secure on your face. A retaining strap would also be an excellent additional purchase as they don’t float, thus keeping them safely attached to you rather than in the water.
Specifications
BRIDGE WIDTH: 18mm
FRAMES: Resin
LENS: Various colors, polarized, polycarbonate/glass
FLOATING: No
POLARIZATION: Yes
UVA/UVB PROTECTION: Yes
FEATURES: HD Optics, durable frame, choice of lens material, oil and water repellent
ALSO SUITABLE FOR: Fishing, watersports, snowsports, outdoor work & leisure
PROS
- Comes with a zipper case
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Choice of glass or polycarbonate lenses
- Very durable and shock-resistant
CONS
- Non-floating
- Frames may stretch over time
- A lifetime warranty doesn’t cover all damages
WINDRIDER Polarized Floating
General Impression
These are some of the best sunglasses for sailing at a very affordable price. The polycarbonate lenses block 100% of UV rays, and as they are of single-piece construction, they provide high-quality optics. They have a water and oil repellent coating and effective polarization to block out glare, not to mention that they are styled to look great on both men and women.
The wraparound frames are very lightweight and comfortable with a great fit, with soft rubber ear and nose pieces to ensure they stay in place. They are also capable of floating, so you should be able to retrieve them if they fall into the water. Additionally, the holes make attaching a strap easy if you want to have added security, the vents in the frame will stop fogging, and they also come with a lifetime warranty.
Specifications
BRIDGE WIDTH: 18mm
FRAMES: Plastic
LENS: Smoke/grey/green, polarized, polycarbonate
FLOATING: Yes
POLARIZATION: Yes
UVA/UVB PROTECTION: Yes
FEATURES: Water & oil repellent coating, floating, vented frames
ALSO SUITABLE FOR: Watersports, fishing, snowsports, leisure
PROS
- Water and oil repellant coating
- Lifetime warranty
- Excellent value for money
CONS
- The frame may be too small for larger faces
- Nose pad can feel sticky
UNDER ARMOUR Igniter Sunglasses
General Impression
Under Armor’s Igniter sunglasses block 100% of UV rays with polarizing polycarbonate lenses available in various colors. They provide excellent optical clarity and are impact resistant. The lenses are coated to repel water and resist scratches, smudging, and stains.
These ultralight frames are made from impact-resistant grilamid and titanium. Coming in a variety of colors to suit your style, they are also strong and durable with shock-absorbing hinges. The adjustable rubber nose pad and temple arms provide a no-slip comfortable fit, which will keep them in place despite any sweat or water. They are sturdy, durable, well made, and provide excellent coverage.
Specifications
BRIDGE WIDTH: 20mm
FRAMES: Plastic & Titanium
LENS: Various colors, polarized, polycarbonate
FLOATING: No
POLARIZATION: Yes
UVA/UVB PROTECTION: Yes
FEATURES: Ultra lightweight, scratch and impact resistant
ALSO SUITABLE FOR: Cycling, Watersports, General Sports, Fishing, Driving
PROS
- Very comfortable, lightweight, and good grip
- Fantastic value for money
- Stylish and well made
CONS
- Does not come with a hard case
- Polarization is not as strong as some other sunglasses
- Non-floating
OAKLEY Holbrook Polarized Sunglasses
General Impression
Oakley’s Holbrook are some of the best sailing sunglasses. They come in a huge variety of lens and frame combinations with a choice of colors. There is also the option for non-polarized lenses if you prefer them, and it’s possible to buy a replacement or alternative lenses should you wish to change them. The lenses offer 100% UV protection, impact protection, and outstanding clarity and visual comfort, with the polarized lenses blocking 99% of reflected glare. The iridium coating protects against damage and scratches.
The frames are lightweight, comfortable, and durable. They have a secure fit to make sure they stay in place, but as they don’t float, it would be worth buying a retaining or floating strap to keep them safe. These sunglasses are well designed, durable, and very popular with buyers. Their timeless, classic design makes these one of the best polarized sunglasses for boating without compromising style.
Specifications
BRIDGE WIDTH: 18mm
FRAMES: Plastic
LENS: Various colors, polarized, polycarbonate
FLOATING: No
POLARIZATION: Yes
UVA/UVB PROTECTION: Yes
FEATURES: HD Optics, Stress resistant frame, Iridium lens coating
ALSO SUITABLE FOR: Snowsports, Watersports, Driving, Fishing, Leisure
PROS
- Wide choice of lens and frame combinations
- Available with prescription lenses
- Very comfortable to wear
- Two-year guarantee
- Lightweight and durabl
CONS
- Not supplied with a hard case
- Lots of knock off versions on the market
- Expensive
BNUS Polarized Sunglasses for Men & Women
General Impression
One of the few products in our sailing sunglasses review with glass lenses, these are great value for money as they have outstanding optical quality, contrast, and clarity. The lenses are scratch-resistant, repel oil, water, and sweat, and are 100% polarized for top-end glare reduction. Available in a blue, grey, green, and brown mirror, all the lenses are polarized. Glass lenses are heavier than alternatives, but these sunglasses are still relatively lightweight at 44g.
The durable nylon frame can handle the heat and cold well and is comfortable and flexible. They suit both men and women with a great fit, and the wraparound design stops light from getting in from the sides. Rubber nose and temple grips ensure they stay put, and buyers say they are comfortable to wear for long periods. While they are very durable, it’s worth noting that glass is less resistant to impact than alternative lens materials.
Specifications
BRIDGE WIDTH: 17mm
FRAMES: Nylon
LENS: Various colors, polarized, glass
FLOATING: No
POLARIZATION: Yes
UVA/UVB PROTECTION: Yes
FEATURES: Oil and water repellent glass lenses, scratch resistant
ALSO SUITABLE FOR: Cycling, Watersports, Fishing, Driving
PROS
- Glass lenses have excellent scratch resistance
- Fantastic value for money
- Very comfortable
- Lenses repel oil, water, and sweat
CONS
- Heavier than non-glass sunglasses
- Glass lenses are less impact resistant then alternatives
- Non-floating
BOLLE Python Sunglasses
General Impression
As one of the mid-priced options in our sailing sunglasses review, Bolle’s Python sunglasses offer good value for money with high-quality optics, 100% UV protection, HD polarized polycarbonate lenses that repel oil and water, and a wide field of vision. They have non-slip ‘Thermogrip’ rubber on the nose pads and temples to ensure a firm fit and are also available with prescription lenses if you need them. Weighing just 33g, they will be comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Not only will they look great on the street, but they are also awesome to have onboard a boat. They are suitable for any other activity that requires adequate UV protection and polarization, but there are also non-polarized versions available if you would prefer. Lenses are available in blue, grey, and amber/brown to suit various lighting conditions. Unfortunately, they don’t float, so we recommend getting a retaining strap or floating strap to ensure you don’t lose them in the water. They come with a semi-rigid case which you should be sure to use to keep them safe, although they do have excellent scratch resistance.
Specifications
BRIDGE WIDTH: 15mm
FRAMES: Plastic
LENS: Grey/brown/blue, polarized, polycarbonte
FLOATING: No
POLARIZATION: Yes
UVA/UVB PROTECTION: Yes
FEATURES: Anti-fog, Oil and water repellant
ALSO SUITABLE FOR: Cycling, Watersports, Driving, General Use
PROS
- Hard to beat for the price
- Excellent glare reduction
- Available with prescription lenses
- Lens coatings repel water, sweat, and oil
CONS
- Non-floating
- Some buyers have reported issues with coating peeling off
KASTKING Skidaway Polarized Sport Sunglasses
General Impression
Blocking 100% of UV rays, the TAC lenses are impact-resistant and polarized to reduce glare while remaining thin and lightweight. They have a saltwater resistant coating to protect them from damage, and they provide outstanding visual clarity and comfort.
The frames are flexible, heat resistant, lightweight, and resilient with nose pads to keep them in place and provide a comfortable fit for extended wear. These glasses come with a hard case and pouch to keep them safe when not in use. They have a stylish unisex square-lens wraparound design providing full coverage for outdoor activities. And with a style that will keep you looking good while relaxing, they come highly recommended by buyers and are great value for money.
Specifications
BRIDGE WIDTH: 15mm
FRAMES: Plastic
LENS: Various colors, polarized, triacetate
FLOATING: No
POLARIZATION: Yes
UVA/UVB PROTECTION: Yes
FEATURES: Scratch resistant coating, Saltwater resistant coating
ALSO SUITABLE FOR: Biking, Running, Fishing, Golf
PROS
- Comes with a hard case
- Great value for money
- Comfortable for extended periods of wear
CONS
- Some buyers report coatings coming off the lenses
- Not floating
SUNGAIT Polarized Sports Sunglasses
General Impression
Blocking 100% of UV rays, the grey polarized triacetate lenses on these Sungait glasses will reduce glare without distorting colors. They are impact-resistant, will withstand minor scratches, and are lightweight and durable. The lenses are not as dark as some of the others in our sailing sunglasses review, so they may not be as effective in very bright conditions.
The ultralight frame is flexible and sturdy with a stylish, sporty, unisex design introduced in 2020. The soft silicone nose pads will help to keep them in place, and spring hinges ensure they are comfortable to wear. They don’t float, so it would be best to have a retaining or floating strap if you are likely to be in the water or are prone to dropping things.
Specifications
BRIDGE WIDTH: 20mm
FRAMES: Composite
LENS: Grey, polarized, triacetate
FLOATING: No
POLARIZATION: Yes
UVA/UVB PROTECTION: Yes
FEATURES: 9 layers of lens filter, Anti fogging, ultralight design
ALSO SUITABLE FOR: Riding, Driving, Running, Fishing, Racing, Skiing
PROS
- Lifetime breakage warranty
- Comes with a soft cloth and cleaning pouch
- Good value for money
- Adjustable nose pads for a great fit
CONS
- Lenses may not be dark enough
- Not as durable as pricier sunglasses
SEASPECS Classic Floating Polarized Sunglasses
General Impression
These are one of the lower budget best sunglasses for boating as they offer polarization, 100% UV protection, straps to keep them in place, great comfort, clarity, and they even float. Specifically designed for watersports, these goggle style sunglasses are great value for full protection from the sun and wind.
The strap (which cannot be removed) will keep these firmly where they need to be through any activity, and most buyers say they are very comfortable. They have a face-hugging design to keep light and water out and are ideal for more active sailing and other watersports such as surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. While some users have said the lenses can pop out, they are a great buy at this price point.
Specifications
BRIDGE WIDTH: 18mm
FRAMES: Plastic
LENS: Grey/Amber, Polarized, Plastic
FLOATING: Yes
POLARIZATION: Yes
UVA/UVB PROTECTION: Yes
FEATURES: Floating, Impact resistant, Water repellant
ALSO SUITABLE FOR: Watersports, Snowsports, Extreme Sports, Cycling
PROS
- Floating so they will not sink
- Straps keep them firmly in place
- Good choice of colors
- Ideal for aggressive sailing
- Great value for money
CONS
- Style is very watersports specific so not great for leisure
- The strap may be too small for larger heads
- Some issues with lenses popping out reported
RIVBOS Polarized Sports Sunglasses
General Impression
These sunglasses block 100% of UV rays giving excellent protection. The triacetate lenses are available with or without polarization, and you can choose mirrored lenses if you prefer them. They have a range of lens and frame color combinations to choose from thus suiting your technical and aesthetic needs. The lenses are impact-resistant, and the frame is made from a flexible material that will bend rather than breaking under pressure.
The full coverage, wraparound design helps block light from the sides and looks great for casual wear or when you are on the water. Buyers say they are comfortable and stay in place well. The optical quality is not the best on the market but is decent for the price. Some buyers have reported issues with the lenses fogging, but generally, owners are happy with these sunglasses.
Specifications
BRIDGE WIDTH: 30mm
FRAMES: Rubber
LENS: Various colors, polarized, triacetate
FLOATING: No
POLARIZATION: Yes
UVA/UVB PROTECTION: Yes
FEATURES: Flexible rubber frame, 100% UV protection, Choice of finishes
ALSO SUITABLE FOR: Driving, Fishing, Watersports, Leisure
PROS
- Good value for money
- Choice of lens and frame colors
- Very comfortable to wear
CONS
- Some buyers report issues with fogging
- Lens coating may wear off over time
- Clarity is not as good as more expensive glasses
BEST SUNGLASSES FOR SAILING
Buyer's Guide
As you’ll know if you’ve spent any time on the water, the right eye protection is essential for sailing. Sailing and boating can put a strain on your eyes as you’re exposed to sun, wind, and salt spray. Reflections and glare add to the burden, so without appropriate sunglasses, a great day on the water can be easily spoiled.
Sunglasses designed for watersports are much more suitable than standard street sunglasses as they are designed to stay on and cope with harsh conditions. The best sunglasses for sailing will take all of this into account while improving visibility and comfort. Let’s take a look at what features you should be considering when searching for the best sunglasses for boating activities, be that sunglasses for kayaking, ocean racing sunglasses, motorboating, or yachting.
UV Protection
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can cause damage as UVB can damage both the lenses and retinas of your eyes. So adequate UV protection is essential, and polarized lenses are preferable. Protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun should be a priority, along with making sure you have the right sunscreen. The best boating sunglasses will not only protect the skin around your eyes from UVA rays, which cause aging, wrinkles, and sunburn, but will also protect you from skin cancer-causing UVB rays.
UV light can penetrate clouds, so sunglasses are essential on the water even if it is overcast. As light bounces off the water, there’s an increase in exposure as well as glare. UV filters on sunglasses are transparent films, so don’t make the mistake of thinking colored or mirrored lenses automatically provide adequate protection.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses filter out glare, which can be harmful to your eyes. The glare coming from the water, sails, bright hulls, and decks can be uncomfortable and impair your vision. A good pair of polarized boating sunglasses will reduce discomfort, fatigue, headaches, and squinting. They also provide clearer contrast, helping you pick out detail in and below the water, which is essential for navigation and safety. Polarized sailing sunglasses will improve your vision when facing rain, mist, spray, or fog, and the only downside to them is that they may make reading digital screens more difficult. This only means that you might need to remove them to check your cell phone or chart plotter.
Lens Color
Different color sunglass lenses are suited to different lighting conditions and offer various benefits. Gray is the most popular choice for marine sunglasses as it sharpens visibility on sunny days by dulling light. Gray also helps reduce fatigue, color distortion, and performs well in overcast conditions.
Brown or amber tints will distort color perception. However, they improve contrast (providing a sharper field of vision) and depth perception, both of which can help you spot variations in the water. Using brown or amber lenses can help locate anything from fish to a man overboard. These colors are suitable for situations where judging distance is essential, and they are suited to most light and weather conditions.
Green lenses also add contrast and are suitable for bright conditions, whereas yellow works well in low visibility, haze, and cloudy conditions as it enhances light. Yellow increases contrast and depth perception but is not good for bright sunshine or high glare situations – so not something we’d recommend for most sailing conditions. Reds and oranges are also useful for overcast conditions as they filter out blue light. Mirror finishes are mainly chosen for cosmetic effect, but they help reduce glare and block an extra 10-60% of visible light (great for very intense, bright situations).
Some sunglasses will come with interchangeable lenses. You may be able to buy different color lenses to use with your yachtie sunglasses, allowing you to change them to suit other conditions. This could be particularly handy if you want to use your sunglasses for different sports and activities as you can switch the lenses in your frame rather than buying multiple pairs of sunglasses.
Lens Material
Most buyers of sailboat glasses prefer lightweight models, although this is a matter of personal preference. Glass lenses are one of the heavier options. Still, they are also very scratch-resistant, which is essential in a marine environment, and they offer superior optics as they refract light better than plastic lenses. As glass is prone to cracking and can shatter, it’s not an ideal choice for a harsh environment.
Acrylic lenses are lighter and cheaper but come with less durability and more visual distortion. There are various other plastics available; polycarbonate or polyurethane lenses are durable, lightweight, and not too costly, with the latter offering additional optical clarity. Polycarbonate is great as it’s easy to clean and is shatterproof, which will keep you safe in case of any collisions. It’s essential to keep these lenses in a case when not in use as they scratch more easily than glass. Triacetate (TAC) is often found in cheaper sunglasses. It is thin and lightweight with a polarizing film but does not provide as much impact protection.
Lens coatings can reduce glare, repel water, oil, or fog (depending on the coatings used). For nautical sunglasses, the ability to repel water is a feature you should be on the lookout for.
Waterproofing, Durability, and Buoyancy
The best boating sunglasses should be able to cope with saltwater’s corrosive effects as they will be exposed to spray. It’s worth considering floating sunglasses in case of any mishaps, especially for those with smaller crafts that may end up in the water. In such cases, floating sunglasses are essential, and you might also want to have a retaining strap to ensure they stay in place. You could also add a floating safety strap to your glasses if they don’t float by themselves.
Impact resistance is another feature to look out for as sailing glasses are likely to take some punishment during their lifetime at sea. As some of them can be quite expensive, you want to be sure your lenses and frames can withstand the rigors they will be exposed to. While we have, of course, covered affordable sailing sunglasses in this guide, you should think of them as an investment to protect your eyes. And remember, you get what you pay for, so if your budget can stretch – it’s worth spending a bit more.
Fit and Comfort
Sunglasses for sailing need to fit you well so that they stay in place even in harsh conditions, particularly if you are looking for ocean racing sunglasses. Look for non-slip, cushioned nose pads to keep your sunglasses in place. Non-bulky, lightweight sunglasses are ideal as they need to be comfortable to wear for long periods while you are out on the water. Trying them on is ideal, but if you are ordering online, choose the best size and shape for your face based on gender and size guides, and if you’re shopping for kids or teens, make sure the sizing is suitable for them. Wraparound sunglasses are closer fitting and so they tend to be unisex.
Oversized and wraparound lenses are great as they will provide more coverage and comfort against glare from different angles. When trying your new sunglasses on, be sure to look outside to see how they handle glare and color. If you’ve bought them online, remember you can usually exchange them for a better fit or a different model if they are not right for you. Another tip when trying them on is to move your head around to check they stay in place; you should also read buyer’s sailing sunglasses reviews for any model you are looking to get.
Style and Design
While your sailor sunglasses have a serious job to do in protecting your eyes, you’ll still want them to suit your style and personality. There’s a huge variety of styles, colors, and designs available to suit different personalities. Be sure that they cover your safety and comfort requirements, but have fun choosing your yachting sunglasses. Choose a pair that makes you look and feel good, as sailing sunglasses don’t have to stay on the boat but can also be worn on land. Next time you are shopping perhaps pick a sun hat to go with your new pair when you are not at sea.
BEST SUNGLASSES FOR SAILING
FAQs
1. What is Polarization?
Polarized sunglasses have a special filter film on the front of the lenses or are sandwiched between lens layers. Polarizing filters reduce glare from sunlight reflecting off objects around you, such as other boats, water, and sails. It does not afford extra protection against UV rays but increases your visual comfort, so it’s essential to look for both polarization and adequate UV protection. Polarized lenses also help you see what is below the water, which is great if you are looking for something that’s dropped overboard or are fishing while out on your boat.
By reducing glare, polarized lenses make it easier and more comfortable to see as they improve contrast and reduce eye strain and fatigue.
2. What is the Best Color for Polarized Sunglasses?
Gray is the most popular choice for sailing sunglasses as it is great for dulling light on sunny days without distorting colors. Gray reduces fatigue, sharpens visibility, and performs well in both sunny and overcast conditions. Amber or brown lenses do distort colors, but they offer increased contrast and depth perception. This is good for judging the water’s surface, seeing things on the surface, and judging distances.
Gray, amber, and brown are suitable for most light conditions, so any of these would be a good choice. Other colors available may be ideal for specific conditions. These may be better bought as part of a set of interchangeable lenses as they are not as suitable for bright sunshine. Be sure to choose a color that suits your sailing needs rather than purely for aesthetic reasons.
3. What is Different about Sailing Sunglasses as Opposed to Standard Sunglasses?
The best sunglasses for sailing will be designed to cope with harsh conditions and keep your eyes safe while being comfortable to wear for long periods. Standard sunglasses may not have as good protection against UV rays and glare. They won’t necessarily have important features like shock resistance, venting to deal with mist, polarization, or the ability to float on water. Sailing sunglasses need to fit well to stay in place and should have non-slip, padded grips for your nose. It’s also more important that they are lightweight as you’ll be wearing them for extended periods. While you can probably find a pair of boating sunglasses that will double up as street sunglasses, standard sunglasses are not likely to meet the demands of boating.
1. What is Polarization?
Polarized sunglasses have a special filter film on the front of the lenses or are sandwiched between lens layers. Polarizing filters reduce glare from sunlight reflecting off objects around you, such as other boats, water, and sails. It does not afford extra protection against UV rays but increases your visual comfort, so it’s essential to look for both polarization and adequate UV protection. Polarized lenses also help you see what is below the water, which is great if you are looking for something that’s dropped overboard or are fishing while out on your boat.
By reducing glare, polarized lenses make it easier and more comfortable to see as they improve contrast and reduce eye strain and fatigue.
2. What is the Best Color for Polarized Sunglasses?
Gray is the most popular choice for sailing sunglasses as it is great for dulling light on sunny days without distorting colors. Gray reduces fatigue, sharpens visibility, and performs well in both sunny and overcast conditions. Amber or brown lenses do distort colors, but they offer increased contrast and depth perception. This is good for judging the water’s surface, seeing things on the surface, and judging distances.
Gray, amber, and brown are suitable for most light conditions, so any of these would be a good choice. Other colors available may be ideal for specific conditions. These may be better bought as part of a set of interchangeable lenses as they are not as suitable for bright sunshine. Be sure to choose a color that suits your sailing needs rather than purely for aesthetic reasons.
3. What is Different about Sailing Sunglasses as Opposed to Standard Sunglasses?
The best sunglasses for sailing will be designed to cope with harsh conditions and keep your eyes safe while being comfortable to wear for long periods. Standard sunglasses may not have as good protection against UV rays and glare. They won’t necessarily have important features like shock resistance, venting to deal with mist, polarization, or the ability to float on water. Sailing sunglasses need to fit well to stay in place and should have non-slip, padded grips for your nose. It’s also more important that they are lightweight as you’ll be wearing them for extended periods. While you can probably find a pair of boating sunglasses that will double up as street sunglasses, standard sunglasses are not likely to meet the demands of boating.
REACH OUT
As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!