Best Beach Sunglasses
Published on September 15th, 2026
The best beach sunglasses include Hailey, Mesa, Easten, Murphy, Nolan, Steph, Cruz, Arlia, Shae and Loretta. These frames are varied in shape, colour, and features, offering a laid-back, effortless style perfect for a day out at the beach. Whether for men, women or kid’s sunglasses, there is the perfect beach frame for everyone. Read more about these frames, how to pick the perfect sunglasses, and factors you should consider for your eyewear on a beach day out.
1. Hailey
Our Hailey sunglasses are the IT girl frame to wear on the beach. The sleek oval shape in rich, dark colours has become trendy in recent years, making Hailey perfect for those who want a chic addition to their swimwear. They also come as an optical frame.


2. Mesa
You cannot go wrong with our Mesa sunglasses. Their square shape and wide fit provide an oversized look and a timeless option for beachgoers particularly in the brown tortoiseshell colour, best suited to round and oval face shapes.
3. Easten
Easten is your go-to beach frame if you want to make a statement. Its thick-rimmed square shape is a bold frame that pairs perfectly with beachwear such as sundresses and T-shirts and shorts. You can’t go wrong with the timeless frame in a tortoiseshell colour!
4. Murphy
The Murphy, with its aviator frame, is effortlessly cool and comes as optical frames too. The iconic double bridge and teardrop-shaped lenses are made unique with a more angular, thin profile. The unisex frame in midnight tortoise can appeal to any beachgoer!
5. Nolan
Nolan sunglasses offer a lightweight, square shape, making them a no-fuss, wearable option for men at the beach. TR90 is a thermoplastic material renowned for its flexibility and lightweight feel, making them a great option to withstand the elements at the beach.
6. Steph
Steph sunglasses offer a unique twist on typical beach sunglasses, with their metal frame and geometric shape. These offer a novel shape and aesthetic for those who want a thinner yet striking piece.


7. Cruz
Cruz is perfect for those who want to add a luxe touch to their beachwear. The oval shape and metal frame are topped with a metallic logo for a sleek, luxurious aesthetic.
8. Arlia
Arlia is a striking frame - a rectangular shape with a subtle cat eye. Its oversized shape offers extended coverage around the eye area.
9. Shae
Shae exudes femininity with its oversized cat eye frame. Perfect for a sundress or swimwear, these shades will keep you protected from the sun while exuding a classically feminine silhouette.


10. Loretta
The Loretta sunglasses provide a throwback to the 2000’s with a statement rectangular frame. The thick rim is a bold accessory perfect for elevating your beachwear.
Why are Sunglasses Useful on the Beach?
Sunglasses are useful on the beach as they protect the eyes from harsh UV ray exposure. On sunny days at the beach, a pair of sunglasses is invaluable as they protect the eyes from UV exposure, which can be harmful after prolonged exposure. Additionally, they may also protect your eyes from elements such as wind and sand.
How can Sunglasses Reduce Bright Light Near the Water?
Sunglasses can reduce bright light near the water, as the sun can often create a harsh reflection. Sunglasses dull this bright reflection and light and allow for more comfortable eyes and reduced squinting.
Can Polarised Lenses Help With Reflections?
Yes, polarised lenses can help with reflections. Polarised lenses reduce glare from environments where there are high levels of reflection, such as snow or bodies of water. This can make them useful for the beach, where there can be bright reflections off the water.
What Should You Look for in Summer Sunglasses?
The things you should look for in summer sunglasses are UV protection, fit, and style compatibility. Read more about what to look for in summer sunglasses below.
- UV Protection: UV protection is the most important aspect of your summer sunglasses. UV 400 lenses will provide UV protection of up to 400nm sun’s rays to protect your eyes from the harsh UV rays, making them the best option for sunglasses.
- Fit: The fit of your frames is important, as they should be comfortable and cover all of your eyes and surrounding skin. Try on your frames before going to the beach to see if they are a good fit in terms of comfort and protection.
- Style Compatibility: Style compatibility is another factor to consider. See how the frames align with your beachwear. You can’t go wrong with timeless colours such as tortoiseshell and black to complement your summer outfit.


Which Lens Features Matter Most in Strong Sun?
The lens features that matter most in strong sun include UV 400 protection, polarisation and particular lens colours. Read more about these lens features that matter most in strong sun below.
- UV 400 Protection: UV 400 protection blocks UV wavelengths up to 400nm from reaching the eyes. All Oscar Wylee sunglasses have a UV400 coating.
- Polarisation: Polarised sunglasses are designed to protect the eyes from harsh glare that can occur in environments such as the ocean.
- Particular Lens Colours: Particular lens colours such as brown, grey and green are notable for being good for withstanding strong, sunny weather.
Is Polarisation Important for Beach Use?
Yes, polarisation is important for beach use but not absolutely essential. It is intended to reduce glare from elements such as water, making them helpful for the beach to reduce harsh light that can reflect from the ocean.
How Do You Pick the Best Beach Sunglasses?
To pick the best beach sunglasses, you should consider sun protection, frame shape, style, and fit. Read more about these factors to consider when picking the best beach sunglasses below.
- Sun Protection: Sun protection is the most important factor in selecting beach sunglasses. Ensure your frames have UV400 lenses, which blocks UV wavelengths of up to 400nm. You will also want to check the lens filter category of the sunglasses. Lens categories are a part of the mandatory standards for sunglasses and fashion spectacles in Australia and refer to the different levels of darkness (tint) on sunglass lenses. It should be noted that the darker the lenses (the highest being Category 4) does not equate to greater UV protection.
- Frame Shape: Your frame shape is an important aesthetic factor to consider. Some frame shapes work best with particular face shapes. For example, square faces are best suited to round, oval and cat eye glasses.
- Style: Your sense of style is important in determining your frame. If you like a statement piece, a thick-rimmed multicolour frame might be preferred, or you may prefer a tortoiseshell for a classically stylish look.
- Fit: Make sure the fit of your frame is comfortable. Check the temples and how they fit around the ears, the nose bridge fit, and how the frames cover your eyes and surrounding skin.
Which Frame Materials are Suitable for Beach Conditions?
The frame materials that are suitable for beach conditions include acetate, TR90 and metal. Each has varying properties and appearances to appeal to every sense of style. Read more about these frame materials suitable for beach conditions below.
1. Acetate
Acetate is a bioplastic commonly used for glasses. It is durable, flexible and available in a variety of colourways and patterns. Acetate sunglasses often have a thick rim for those that want more pronounced eyewear. Its durability makes acetate sunglasses suitable for beach conditions.
2. TR90
TR90 is a thermoplastic material noted for its durable, flexible and lightweight nature. Its lightweight feel makes TR90 beach sunglasses a comfortable, barely there accessory.
3. Metal
Metal sunglasses are suitable for beach conditions. Metal is strong and provides a thinner, more minimal profile for those who prefer more subtle eyewear for the beach.
Which Sunglasses Work Best for Beach Vacations?
The types of sunglasses that work best for beach vacations can include polarised sunglasses, Transitions® lenses and lightweight frames. It is ultimately up to the wearer to decide which frames and lenses work best for them.
1. Polarised Sunglasses
Polarised sunglasses are intended to reduce glare. This can be beneficial for beach vacations, as it can protect your eyes from the sun as well as reflective surfaces such as water.
2. Transitions® Lenses
Transitions® lenses are smart lenses that automatically darken when you are in the sun and come back clear quickly when you return indoors. You will not have to switch between optical frames and sunglasses, which can be especially convenient if you split your time on vacation equally indoors and outdoors.
3. Lightweight Frames
Lightweight frames may be preferred on beach vacations if you prefer lighter, less intrusive eyewear. Lightweight frames may be more comfortable for a wearer who doesn’t wear glasses often and is not used to the feeling.
What Styles are Easy to Wear With Summer Outfits?
The styles that are easy to wear with summer outfits are aviators, cat eye frames and round frames. Generally, every frame shape can seamlessly fit with summer attire, though these frames may add a more unique flair than typical frames. Read more about these styles that are easy to wear with summer outfits below.
1. Aviators
Aviator sunglasses are a classic beach accessory. Their double bridge and tear drop shape are reminiscent of Top Gun and exude an effortless cool look.
2. Cat Eye
Cat eye sunglasses provide an extra feminine flair to summer outfits. Paired with a maxi dress, sundress, or skirt, they are the perfect chic addition to your look.
3. Round Frames
Round frames are a timeless look, providing a softened, unifying look to the wearer. Round frames can tie any look together and are perfect for any gender.
What Beach Sunglasses Suit Different Face Shapes?
There are different beach sunglasses that suit different face shapes. Common face shapes include round, square, oval, heart and diamond face shapes. Read below about these face shapes and the frames that best suit them.
- Round: Round faces are characterised by their circular shape and lack of angles. Rectangle, square or geometric beach sunglasses will contrast well by adding angle and definition to the face shape.
- Square: Square faces are angular and generally equal in width and length. They are best suited to round, browline or cat eye frames, as these can soften the pronounced angles of the face shape.
- Oval: Oval faces have more length than width. They are a versatile face shape, suited to beach sunglasses such as cat eye, oval or aviator frames.
- Heart: A heart face shape is characterised by a wider forehead and a smaller chin. Square, aviator and classic beach sunglasses will help balance out the proportions of this face shape.
- Diamond: A diamond-shaped face is characterised by a narrow forehead and prominent cheekbones. Sunglasses shapes that work best will soften the sharp features of the face, such as oval, round and cat eye frames.
How can Frame Size Affect Comfort and Appearance?
Frame size may affect comfort and appearance. Comfort will be affected if the frames don’t cover a large enough surface area of your eye and surrounding skin. Appearance is influenced by frame size; for example, an oversized frame provides a bold statement piece, while smaller frames can give a sleeker, minimal look.
Does Frame Shape Matter When Choosing Beach Glasses?
Yes, frame shape matters when choosing beach glasses. You should choose a frame shape that complements your face. For example, those with round or oval faces will best suit square or rectangle beach glasses, while those with heart, square, and pear faces will pop with a cat eye frame.
How Should You Care for Sunglasses at the Beach?
You should care for sunglasses at the beach by storing them in a protective case, keeping a microfibre cloth handy and handling them carefully. Read more about these tips for caring for your sunglasses at the beach below.
- Storing Them in a Protective Case: Store your sunglasses in a protective case. This will reduce the risk of abrasion when they are carried in your bag and worn throughout the day.
- Keeping a Microfibre Cloth Handy: Keep your microfibre cloth handy, which can be easily stored in your glasses case. You should rub the lenses if they get excess dirt particles from wear during the day.
- Handle Them Carefully: Handle your sunglasses carefully. Take them on and off with both hands, and place them in their case when they are not being worn.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Sand and Salt From Sunglasses?
The best way to clean sand and salt from sunglasses is to rinse them gently with lukewarm water to get rid of loose sand and salt particles. Leave them to air-dry for a bit, shake off excess water, then dry them gently with a microfibre cloth.
Can Saltwater or Sand Damage Sunglass Lenses?
Saltwater or sand may damage sunglass lenses in different ways. Excess saltwater exposure can corrode the frames and potentially damage the lens coatings, while sand contact may cause scratches and leave dusty residue on the lenses.

