Sport Sunglasses: How They Work and Key Features

Published on October 22nd, 2024

Updated on December 16th, 2024

Sports sunglasses are a type of sunglasses specifically designed to be worn during sports. Sports sunglasses can be of benefit for use in several sports such as running, aquatic sports, cycling, and golfing. Sports sunglasses will generally contain features that other regular sunglasses do not have, such as impact resistant lenses, lightweight material and anti-slip technology. There are different types of coatings that can be applied to sports sunglasses to further assist people when playing sports such as polarisation, which limits glare. Lens colour is another aspect of sports sunglasses that can be changed, with different colour lenses having a potential impact of comfort levels and seeing contrast. At Oscar Wylee, our sports sunglasses have key features such as impact resistant lenses, lightweight material and anti-slip technology. Keep reading to learn more about sports sunglasses.

What Are Sport Sunglasses?

Sport sunglasses refer to a type of sunglasses that are designed to be worn whilst engaging in sports activities such as cycling, running, rowing and hiking. Sports sunglasses are designed to limit glare, improve colour contrast and provide UV protection, in a way that will not interfere with sports performance. Sports shades or sunglasses include features such as impact-resistance lenses, lightweight materials and anti-slip technology, to keep the glasses on the face and prevent them from being damaged if sport includes potential impact. Sports sunglasses work by being designed with extra features that normal sunglasses do not have, allowing them to be worn for sports where normal sunglasses are more likely to break, or be a hindrance to performance.

What are the Benefits of Sports Sunglasses for Different Types of Sports?

There are many benefits sports sunglasses can provide for a range of sports, including reducing glare and protecting the eyes from UV rays. Different sports in which sports sunglasses can be beneficial include running, aquatic sports, cycling, and golfing. The benefits of sports sunglasses for different types of sports are listed below.

Running: Running is a sport in which sports sunglasses can be beneficial as they can help to provide UV protection, cut glare if polarised and help with vision comfort on brighter days.
Aquatic sports: Aquatic sports such as boating, fishing and rowing can involve high levels of glare, as sun rays can reflect off water. Sports sunglasses that have polarisation can be of huge benefit to those who engage in aquatic sports as they can help to cut the glare on the water, assisting with seeing clearer and performing better.
Cycling: Cycling is a sport in which sports sunglasses can be beneficial as they can provide UV protection, cut glare if polarised and help with colour contrast. Certain colour sports lenses may help with colour contrast, helping cyclists to see markings on the road better.
Golfing: Golfing is a sport in which sports glasses may be beneficial in providing UV protection and colour contrast. Sports sunglasses with darker lenses such as brown, may help with discerning shades of green while playing golf.

What Lens Coatings Can Sport Sunglasses Have?

The lens coating that is most commonly applied to sports sunglasses is polarisation. Polarisation refers to a lens coating or filter that is applied to sunglasses lenses that help to cut glare from the sun. Polarised sports sunglasses are hugely beneficial for those who do sports such as rowing, fishing or boating, as polarisation can help cut sun glare from water.

How Important is Lens Colour for Sport Sunglasses?

Lens colour can be an important aspect of sports sunglasses as colour may help improve comfort levels and contrast. Certain colours lenses such as a brown or a grey, may help improve comfort levels in bright light conditions, which can help sports performance. Certain lens colours may also help improve contrast, which can be beneficial for those who cycle or drive, and need to see specific markings on a road.

Four pairs of Oscar Wylee sports glasses with different colour
lenses.

What are the Key Features of Sport Sunglasses?

The key features of sports sunglasses will likely differ depending on the brand. At Oscar Wylee, the key features of our sports sunglasses, which are part of the Oscar Wylee Active Collection, are impact resistant lenses, lightweight material and anti-slip technology. The key features of Oscar Wylee sports sunglasses are listed below.

Impact resistant lenses: Impact resistant lenses are a key feature of Oscar Wylee sports sunglasses. Impact resistant lenses help make sure that if a person is playing a sport in which there is contact, or a likelihood of the glasses being hit or coming off the face, they will be less likely to break under the impact.
Lightweight material: Lightweight material is a key feature of Oscar Wylee sports sunglasses. Lightweight materials mean that sports sunglasses feel lighter on the face and won’t feel like a burden when a person is playing sports.
Anti-slip technology: Anti-slip technology is a key feature of Oscar Wylee sports sunglasses and help make sure that glasses don’t slip off the face during fast paced, potentially contact heavy sports.

A pair of Oscar Wylee sports glasses detailing its key features,
including lightweight materials, impact-resistant lenses, anti-slip
technology, snap hinges, and single lenses.

How do Polarised Lenses Enhance Sport Sunglasses?

Polarised lenses enhance sports sunglasses by protecting the eyes from glare. Polarisation is a type of coating or filter applied to a lens that is made from a certain chemical that cuts light on the horizontal wavelength. This means the lenses will reduce glare. This is beneficial for many people when they use sunglasses, but particularly beneficial for sports sunglasses used for sports that involve water or snow. Water or snow can produce a lot of glare as the surfaces are very reflective.

What Should You Look for When Choosing Athletic Sunglasses?

When choosing athletic or sports sunglasses, there are a few key things to look out for and consider, to make sure that you get the sunglasses that are best for you. The factors to consider when choosing athletic sunglasses include style, lens colour and key features. The things to look for when choosing athletic sunglasses are listed below.

Style: There are many different styles of sports sunglasses, including shape, colour and size. A person should consider choosing sports sunglasses that best reflect their personal style, as well as meet their eye care and sporting needs.
Lens Colour: Lens colour can be an important thing to consider when choosing athletic or sports sunglasses, as the colour of a lens can impact eye comfort in bright light, as well as contrast.
Key Features: The key features of sports sunglasses may differ between retailers but can include features such as lightweight materials and anti-slip technology. It is important to consider these key features when choosing athletic sunglasses, to ensure you are getting what you need from the frames.

Do Sport Sunglasses Need Prescription?

Sports sunglasses will only need a prescription if the person wearing them has a prescription. The prescription that may be put in sports sunglasses could be a distance prescription, for those who have issues seeing far distances, or a bifocal or multifocal lens, for those who have issues seeing near and far distances. Due to the make of certain sports sunglasses, such as a single lens or very curved lens, it may not be possible for a prescription to be added to the lens. At Oscar Wylee, most of our sports sunglasses will not be able to carry a prescription. It is best to check with your optometrist or retailer if you need a prescription and also want sports sunglasses.

How do Sport Sunglasses Differ from Regular Sunglasses?

Sports sunglasses differ from regular sunglasses in that sports sunglasses are designed to be worn specifically during sports, whereas regular sunglasses are designed to be worn at other times such as driving or when generally outside in the sun. Sports sunglasses may be made with different materials and have different features that regular sunglasses do not have, to make them more impact resistant and less likely to fall off the face. Regular sunglasses will not generally have these features, as they are unnecessary for day to day wear. It is generally recommended that all sunglasses, both regular and sports sunglasses have UV400 protection. UV400 protection is a type of lens filter or coating that protects the eyes from UV rays of up to 400 nanometres.

A man wearing a pair of sports sunglasses next to a man wearing
a pair of regular sunglasses.

What are the Best Sports Sunglasses for Men?

The best sports sunglasses for men are frames that provide optimal protection for a range of outdoor activities, feature increased impact resistance and durability. The best Oscar Wylee sports sunglasses for men are Nolan, Goups and Todd. The best sports sunglasses for men are listed below.

Nolan: Nolan may be one of the best sports sunglasses for men thanks to its timeless square-shaped design and excellent performance features. Nolan comes with the highest level of protection against UV, provides comfort and resistance to impact.
Goups: Goups is an aesthetically pleasing sports frame for men and the perfect companion when participating in outdoor activities. Goups features a unique shape design making them both practical and fashionable.
Todd: Todd is an excellent option for men’s sports sunglasses as they provide adjustable rubber nose pads and lightweight materials, to name a few. Todd ensures proper protection for your eyes and acts as the perfect statement frame for your outdoor ventures.

Which Women's Sport Sunglasses Are Most Recommended?

The most recommended sport sunglasses for women are frames that feature UV 400 protection, are made with a higher resistance to impact and are durable. The most recommended Oscar Wylee sunglasses are Genevieve, Falcon and Todd. While these are ideal options for women, it is important to note that these Oscar Wylee frames are suitable for all individuals. The most recommended sport sunglasses for women are listed below.

Genevieve: Genevieve is a recommended sport sunglasses for women with its perfect oval shape that is both flattering and comfortable. Genevieve is durable, flexible, lightweight and features UV 400 protection.
Falcon: Falcon is an ideal women’s sport sunglasses as it provides the highest level of protection with its UV 400 protection lenses. Falcon prioritises performance with vents in the upper rim for increased airflow and adjustable rubber nose pads.
Todd: Todd is a great go-to frame for women with its distinctive design and colour-enhancing lenses. Todd meets the needs of performance assistance and fashion making them a highly recommended frame.