Shape

The wraparound frame found in sports sunglasses is what defines them. And while most designs conform to the same basic foundation, there are still a few variations to consider.

First of all, you need to decide whether you want a double or single lens. Single-lens glasses provide an undisrupted panoramic field of vision, but they tend to cost more.

You’ll also need to choose between full-frame or half-frame. In full-frame, the frame is all around the lens, holding it securely in place. Meanwhile, half-frame models feature a band across the brow from which the lens is suspended. Again, the latter option provides a clearer field of vision.

The Best Brands For Sports Sunglasses

Oakley

When Jim Jannard began selling ergonomic handlebar grips to motocross riders from the back of his car, he couldn’t have imagined the future empire for which he was sowing the seeds.

Oakley – named after Jannard’s dog – is now widely regarded as the best when it comes to high-performance sunglasses, goggles and extreme sports apparel. The brand’s shades are known for their wraparound styling and brightly-coloured, polarised lenses. Streetwear hype machine Palace has even worked with Oakley on a collab recently, giving further weight to the argument that sports sunglasses really are back in vogue.

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Ray-Ban

Okay, so admittedly heritage sunglass brand Ray-Ban is hardly known for its sporty aesthetic. However, alongside classic aviators and the Wayfarer, the renowned brand has produced some sleeker silhouettes which have proven themselves to be cult favourites.

Take 1967’s Balorama, for example. This aerodynamic frame couldn’t be further from the typical Ray-Ban look but its streamlined design and curved shape successfully set the tone for what was to come in the world of sports eyewear.

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