Woman wearing sunglasses at the beach

The Best Sunglasses for the Beach

There is nothing quite like a beautiful day at the beach with the warm sun and relaxing ocean waves. Spending a day on the surf can help rejuvenate your mind and your body as you enjoy a book on the sand or take to the ocean for a swim. Yet, if you arrive at the shore unprepared, you can be uncomfortable at best and unsafe at worst. 

Sun protection is essential when you’re out there in the natural beauty of the beach: your skin and eyes need to be kept safe from the potential damage of UV rays. You don’t want to be caught without sunglasses, and that cheap pair from the boardwalk surf shop won’t do. Before you hit the surf, you need to discover the best sunglasses for the beach to make each trip ideal.

Must-Haves for Your Beach Sunglasses

From scratch-resistant polarized sunglasses to sunnies with high UV protection, there are a few essential elements to look for in the best sunglasses for the beach.

Start your search for the best sunglasses for the beach with the Athene in black gold 

High UV Protection

By high, we mean the highest UV protection you can get. People go to the beach for the warmth of the sun, and its rays are potent. Even on a cloudy day, you must ensure you have the best UV protection at the beach. UV rays easily break through clouds and reflect off the sand and water directly into your sensitive retinas. Opt for lenses with UV 400 protection, blocking 99 to 100 percent of all UVA and UVB rays. 

Correct Lens Color

The coloring on your sunglass lenses isn’t for aesthetics. Each lens color serves a purpose in how it blocks UV rays. Look for red or pink, grey or black, or brown lenses for the best beach experience. Pink/red lenses help sharpen your vision, while grey/black lenses help you see natural colors better. Brown lenses increase contrast so you can see far-away items better in the surf. Whichever you choose, keep in mind that staying UV protected is of the utmost importance.

Try our Noctua in matte brown for comfortable, stylish, high UV protection

Polarized Lenses

The best sunglasses for the beach are frames with polarized lenses. Polarization adds an extra layer of glare reduction so your eyes are less strained. You’ll be able to see objects clearer and reduce the risk of getting a headache from squinting in the sun. But, be careful when you decide to take a dip: saltwater can damage the polarized coating. If you happen to get some saltiness on the lenses, be sure to clean them with warm water and a lens-cleaning solution to prevent damage.

Scratch-Resistant Lenses

Scratch-resistant, polarized sunglasses are an absolute must for your beach trips. It’s likely your sunglasses will be dropped in a big beach bag, get lost in the sand, or come into contact with any number of other surfaces that could scratch delicate lenses. Ensure your beach sunnies have scratch resistance so you aren’t worrying about your lenses while trying to relax. 

Shop our bold Pygmy frames to score a one-of-a-kind look that’s designed to stand up to everyday wear and tear

 

 

Durable, Flexible Materials

You’re likely to be throwing your sunglasses in with dozens of other items when you’re packing for your beach trip, and who can blame you? There’s a lot of gear you need to stay comfortable and relaxed. The best sunglasses for the beach are ones that can stand up to being jostled around a bit. Opt for flexible materials like plastic or acetate that can take the heat and tolerate a little ocean air, too.  

Hypoallergenic and Comfortable

The best sunglasses for the beach will stay on your face as you move around, but not be so snug that they’re giving you a headache. Look for frames that are comfy to wear and made from hypoallergenic materials to ensure they don’t irritate your skin. You’re planning to wear these scratch-resistant polarized sunglasses all day out in the sun, so it’s important you feel good with them on your face. 

Get a classic, comfortable look with the Cyprus in black acetate

Stylish and “So You”

Whether you like a classic look or prefer to try something bold, take the time to find stylish sunglasses that fit your fashion sense. Your eye health is important, but so is your style - get both in your search for the best sunglasses for the beach.

Find Your Unique Beach Look with Privado

Our collection of sunglasses has all you need with a wide collection of stylish, durable, and affordable sunglasses. Each unique design is scratch-resistant with UV 400 protection, keeping your eyes safe from 99 percent of all UVA and UVB rays. Plus, our durable frames are all prescription-ready and ship for free in the United States. Browse our frames to find the best fit for your face and your lifestyle. Shop today and tag us in your beach-day pics!

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Author Bio

Laura spent nine years as a police detective before she decided to leave the force and follow her dreams of starting her own eyewear business. Privado Eyewear was founded in 2020 and specializes in providing masterfully crafted luxury eyewear designs at affordable prices. Laura’s commitment to gender-neutral styles and quality craftsmanship ensures that Privado consistently delivers top-quality products everyone will love.