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Sunglass Styles and Lens Options for Travel
Summer may have come and gone, but this doesn’t mean you can’t have your dose of the sea, sand, and sunlight. By traveling to the best sunny island destinations in countries like Sri Lanka and Indonesia, you get to enjoy the stunning views of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the vibrant beaches of Bali. Of course, island travel wouldn’t be complete without your trusty packing list, which includes not only swimsuits and flip-flops but also sunglasses.
A pair of shades ensures your eyes are protected from the sun’s glare and harmful ultraviolet rays while also adding a touch of style and sophistication to your island looks. But with many styles and designs available, you might wonder which type of sunglasses would be perfect for your tropical getaway. Below are a few frame styles and lens options that balance fashion and functionality.
Oversized frames
Whether you’re sunbathing or taking short walks along the coastline, you’d want a pair of sunglasses that maximize coverage for your eyes and the surrounding areas. Fortunately, you can find various oversized sunglasses at online eyewear retailer Sunglass Hut, where you’ll find both household name and designer brands perfect for every budget. There’s the Ray-Ban RB2198 Bill if you want a classic twist on iconic designs like the aviators. Meanwhile, the Medusa Biggie shades from Versace are available if you want something more geometric and contemporary.
Sports-style or wraparounds
Aside from the crowd-favorite oversized frames, sports sunglasses in styles like wraparounds are also increasingly becoming trendy. This kind of eyewear market is expected to grow from $9 billion in 2022 to over $13.7 billion by 2031. This growth is mainly driven by technological advancements that make sports sunglasses better at providing visual acuity and more comfortable. Brands like Oakley, for example, use trademark PRIZM technology to enhance color and contrast. So, if you plan to engage in water sports like jet skiing on your next island vacation, consider getting wraparounds with specialized technologies from top brands like Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour, all of which you can find at stores like Sunglasses for Sport. To ensure the pair you choose is as lightweight and durable as possible for your island adventures, make sure they’re made of polycarbonate or thermoplastic.
Polarized lenses
When it comes to lenses, you may also consider getting polarized sunglasses to better reduce glare from the sun and other reflective surfaces like water. Since polarized lenses are designed to block horizontal wavelengths, you don’t have to compromise visual clarity while wearing sunglasses. This can be especially crucial if you’re navigating the rugged trails of the Samaria Gorge in Greece or driving along the Road to Hana in Hawaii. Most eyewear brands and retailers offer polarized options, so you can easily turn to retailers like Target Optical and pick any pair to put these lenses on. However, keep in mind that you have to pay additional costs for this lens feature.
Tinted lenses
Lastly, you can also customize your sunglasses by getting lenses tinted a certain color instead of simple dark ones. Optical retailer EyeBuyDirect’s guide to lens tints notes the different features and enhancements depending on the one you choose. For example, grey tints are great for both sunny and cloudy days, blue hues are recommended for water sports, and brown tones are best for the sunny days at the beach you’re looking for. Like polarized lenses, expect to pay extra if you’re getting your sunglasses with tinted lenses.
Whichever type of sunglasses you end up bringing on your island trip, ensure that they’re labeled with UV protection to guarantee they effectively serve their original purpose. Wear them all the time whenever you’re outside to prevent vision-related issues like eye strain, fatigue, and dryness. For more travel-related guides, check out the rest of the tips and tricks we have to offer here on GoMad Nomad.
