We are sure you’ll agree with us when we say:
Finding the best sunglasses for tennis can be really difficult.
Or, is it?
Well it turns out that procuring the optimal sunglasses may not be as tough as you’d first thought. All you have do is apply the right selection process.
In this article, we are going to show you exactly how to find that elusive pair of tennis sunglasses.
If you want to know more, all you have to do is read on…
What to look for in the sunglasses for tennis?
The purpose of this buyer’s guide is to give you the tools to evaluate items mentioned in the best tennis sunglasses review. By exploring these four sunglasses features, you will be reassured to get the best product on the market: (1) UV protection, (2) Frame sizing, (3) Frame materials and (4) Lens type.
Protection
UV Protection
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes problems for both your skin and eyes. You use sunscreen to protect your skin. Most people forget about their eyes. The best glasses for tennis with UV protection provides the necessary safety net for your eyes. There are two types of UV rays that may damage your eyes: UVA and UVB.
UVA Rays: UVA possess longer wave-lengths and can pass through glass. 95 percent of the UV rays that reached the earth’s surface are UVA. Even though studies have shown that UVA contributes to skin cancer, experts disagree to its contribution to eye issues.
UVB Rays: UVB is the most dangerous type of rays to your eyes. It causes skin cancer, sunburns and tans. UVB has a short wave-length, therefore it cannot penetrate glass. Three eye issues UVB can cause are:
- Cataracts – the clouding of the eye’s lens that blur vision (extended UV exposure caused an estimated 20 percent of cataracts)
- Macular Degeneration – damage to the retina that destroys your central vision (leading cause of blindness in the United States)
- Pterygium – tissue growth over the white of the eye that can alter the curve of the eyeball (causes astigmatism)
Optometrist recommend sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays. Chose sunglasses with the label “UV 400” (light rays up to 400 nano-meters).
Protection from Blue Light
Like UV rays, blue light (located at the end of the visible light spectrum) can penetrate the cornea and lens. This penetration gives blue light access to the retina, thus causes vision issues like macular degeneration. Therefore, it is vital that your tennis protective eyewear have the “UV 400” rating to offset the effects of blue light.
Frame Size
The best tennis sunglasses not only protect your eyes, but they allow you to look stylist as well. It is imperative that the sunglasses fit comfortably. To determine the correct frame size, use these factors: lens size, bridge size and temple length.
Lens Size – The lens size is the horizontal width of each lens. Values range from 40 mm to 62 mm.
Bridge Size – The bridge size measures the length of the metal or plastic that connects the lengths. This dimension is determined by your facial shape.
Temple Length – The temple length measures the distance from the hinge connecting the lens to its tip.
If you already have glasses, you can find these measurements on either temple. If not, take a ruler and measure distance from on temple of your head to the other. Use the chart below:
| Suggested Frame Size | Face Size(temple to temple) |
| 49mm | 115mm or 4.5” |
| 52mm | 127mm or 5” |
| 54mm | 130mm or 5.125 |
| 55mm | 135mm or 5.25” |
| 57mm | 140mm or 5.5” |
| 58mm | 146mm or 5.75” |
| 61mm | 152mm or 6” |
Frame Material
Plastics are the most popular material for best sunglasses for tennis players. They are easily adjusted with heat and come in a variety of colors. Polycarbonate is a type of plastic that is associated with sport and safety glasses. It provides optimum impact resistance and eye protection.
Frames are also made from various metals. Nickel, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium are metals used to make the frames. Most name-brand manufacturers use high-strength, lightweight composite. The composite allows the frame to last longer even with frequent handling.
Lens Type
Tennis sunglasses should have lens with the following colors: gold mirror/bronze, blue mirror/bronze and bronze.
Gold Mirror/Bronze – This lens color (includes red element) enhances depth perception and improves contrast. It is adaptable for a variety of sunlight conditions: sunny to partly cloudy. The color is great for outdoor sports.
Blue Mirror/Bronze – This color (includes blue element) enhances depth perception and improves contrast. It adapts to various sunlight conditions: sunny to partly cloudy.
Bronze – This lens color (along with brown or amber) is versatile and can be used in a variety of light scenarios. It is great for days that are sunny, partly cloudy and low light.
Lens can be composed of the following material:
- Optical Glass – provides superior optical clarity and superior scratch-resistance
- Polyurethane – provides superior impact resistance and excellent optical clarity. It is also flexible and lightweight.
- NXT Polycarbonate – provides excellent impact resistance and very good optical clarity. It is lightweight and low-bulk.
- Acrylic – provides less durability and optical clarity. This material is the best suited for casual or occasional-use.
You should also consider these other factors in your selection process:
- Polarized lenses help reduce glare reflected off surfaces.
- Photochromic lenses automatically darken when exposed to sunlight.
- To enhance protection, add anti-reflective and mirror coatings to the lens. They block can block both UV rays and blue light.
| Protection | Frame Material | Type of Lens | |
| Bolle Bolt Sunglasses | UVA | Plastic | Polarized |
| Gearbox Vision Eyewear | UVA/UVB | Plastics | Polycarbonate |
| Maui Jim Maui Hookipa R407-10 | UVA | Grilamid | Polycarbonate |
| Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 | UVA | Grilamid | Polycarbonate |
| Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL Polarized Sunglasses | UVA/UVB/UVC | Composite | Composite |
Top 5 tennis sunglasses review
The best sunglasses for tennis players need to offer more than standard ultraviolet protection. This gear should also allow you to see clearly without masking your view.
Each of the five products reviewed below includes features that will protect your eyes from the sun and its glare. Their designs also offer other benefits ranging from color enhancement to added comfort during wear.
Bolle Bolt Sunglasses – best sunglasses for tennis 2018
If you’re into summer activities, including tennis, then this bolle tennis sunglasses review is for you.
Bolle produced their first sunglasses in 1936. Since the 1950s, they have specialized in outdoor eyewear.
The Bolt would be good for golfers and runners who spend hours outdoors.
Key Features
- Their UV protection is further enhanced with anti-fog and flash mirror coatings.
- It employs B-88 nylon plastics for frame construction that offers flexibility.
- Bolle uses HD Polarized lenses for their products.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable nose piece
- Fog and mirror coating
Cons
- Plastic frame less durable
- Interchangeable parts can work loose
- No protection for bottom of lens
Verdict: Active users looking for lightweight eye protection should appreciate this product.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007OXQHJE
Gearbox Vision Eyewear – best sunglasses for tennis players
With ratings that exceed ASTM F803-11 Ball Impact Standards, these are built for the court.
Gearbox are California based and have been producing sports-oriented eyewear for a decade.
This product was made with the racketball and tennis player in mind.
Key Features
- Lens provide strong UVA and UVB sunlight protection
- Their frame is made from durable plastics with some give.
- It uses polycarbonate lenses that can withstand direct hits.
Pros
- Total UVA and UVB protection
- Impact and shatter resistance
- Includes carry case
Cons
- Lacks ventilation around edges
- Hinges are weak point of design
- Must be cleaned during use
Verdict: With UV 400 and impact resistance, these are a good choice for outdoor sunglasses for tennis.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DFJA3G
Maui Jim Maui Hookipa R407-10 – best polarized glasses for tennis
Maui Jim tennis sunglasses help to maintain true colors while protecting from sunlight.
Maui Jim started on the beach at Ka’anapali and continues to design and test their products in Hawaii.
This product may be ideal for those looking to see true colors while protecting themselves from the sun.
Key Features
- Tinted lenses provide protection from UVA and glare.
- The Grilamid frames won’t break down from daylight exposure.
- Polycarbonate lenses are impact resistive.
Pros
- True colors seen through colored lenses
- Comfortable to wear
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Warranty valid through authorized dealers only
- Higher price point
- Won’t protect from electronic screen glare
Verdict: Color enhancement makes Maui Jim tennis player’s outdoor choice for style and protection.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002FU6UES
Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 – best tennis prescription glasses
As in other tennis prescription glasses reviews, the Tyrant 2.0 makes our list.
TIFOSI is an Italian brand who have specialized in active wear for those requiring corrective lenses since 2003.
Tennis players looking to transfer their prescription to their sunglasses might consider this product.
Key Features
- Lenses provide complete UVA protection.
- The nylon plastics frames are bend and impact resistant.
- Polycarbonate is used to provide strong lenses.
Pros
- Can incorporate prescription into build
- Grip increases as you sweat
- High bending strength
Cons
- Non-polarized lenses
- Adjustable parts can come loose
- Cheaper price point for non-prescription only
Verdict: These would be a good choice for users looking to add their prescriptions to these stylish frames.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EKEQKNI
Oakley Half Jacket – best eye impact tennis sunglasses
High-impact resistance is provided by the composite materials used throughout this product’s design.
For decades, Oakley has been known for their sportswear glasses that can swap components.
Its arm design eliminates vibrations, making it the best Oakley lenses for tennis or racket ball enthusiasts.
Key Features
- Half Jackets offer complete UV protection.
- These frames offer high tensile strength through composites.
- Its lenses are also composite in nature and do not distort.
Pros
- Lenses are interchangeable
- Clear throughout field of view
- Curve improves protection on side of face
Cons
- Polarization not the best
- Can cause some pressure behind ears
- Compact size tight on larger faces
Verdict: Their durable composite materials make them one of the best Oakley sunglasses for tennis players.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007EN0G9Q
FAQ about best sunglasses for tennis
With manufacturers flooding the market with so many designs, it can be frustrating when you are ready to buy some sunglasses to protect your vision while you’re playing.
We understand how you feel.
During our research, we came across two questions that potential customers would bring up consistently. Both of those questions are answered below in order to save you some time.
Why you should always wear sunglasses when you play racket sports outdoors?
Optometrists have stated that you should always protect your eyes while your activities take you outside.
A good pair of tennis glasses will protect your eyes and surrounding skin from ultraviolet light. The lower blue and violets on the light spectrum can also increase your chances of developing age-related eye problems.
Wearing them decreases squinting and watering eyes as well.
Why pro tennis players wear sunglasses?
Vision is critical with racket sports and proper hand-eye coordination makes all of the difference between successful matches and defeat. This is why pros wear glasses for tennis games as well as during their practice sessions.
Today’s designs not only protect from the sun, but they also eliminate glare. This also helps to prevent them from losing sight on the tennis ball.
The best sunglasses for tennis in this year is…
While all of the items reviewed above are good designs, we feel that the Bolle Bolt Sunglasses stand-out above the rest. With a flexible frame and adjustable components, these could be the best sunglasses for tennis players of all face sizes.
Their polarized lenses have a flash mirror coating that provides contrast. You will also appreciate the fog coating that should help keep the surface clear.
Comfort over time is key, and this design is lightweight and adjusts to your face.