Best Sunglasses for Sailing: How to Choose Polarized, Saltwater-Proof Pairs That Stay On
Short answer: The best sunglasses for sailing fit snugly enough that they stay put when you're heeled over and sweaty, and are built to survive salt. They should also be lightweight, do-not-bounce and allow you to see clearly for the water you sail on. Key Takeaways:
- Fit beats brand. If a pair slides when you look up at the sail, it's the wrong pair, no matter what it cost.
- Salt is brutal on cheap frames. Look for TR90 frames and hardware that won't rust.
- Match the lens colour to your water. Copper or amber for open water and variable light, grey or green for bright all-round use.
What Makes a Great Pair of Sailing Sunglasses?
1. A fit that doesn't slip
Sailing sunglasses that don't slip usually share a few traits:
- Rubberized nose pads and temple tips that grip better when wet
- A wraparound or semi-wrap shape that blocks side glare and wind
- Light weight, since heavy frames creep down your nose
- Adjustable nose pads, or a frame shape that actually suits your face
Here's something most guides skip: many mainstream frames are designed for higher nose bridges and narrower cheekbones. If your sunglasses keep sliding down or resting on your cheeks, look for models sold as "Asian fit" or "low bridge fit." On a boat this matters more than ashore. Every time you push your glasses back up, that's a hand off the sheet or the tiller.
4. Durability
Salt is hard on eyewear. For saltwater sailing, sunglasses should have:
- TR90, or polycarbonate frames that flex without cracking and don't corrode
- Impact-resistant lenses, because lines, blocks, and booms don't care about your eyewear
Rinse them in fresh water after every sail, then dry with a microfiber cloth. Wiping dry salt crystals off a lens is a fast way to scratch it.
5. Lens colour
| Lens color | Best for |
|---|---|
| Copper / amber | Open water, overcast days, contrast and depth perception |
| Gray | Bright sun, true color, all-round use |
| Green | Balanced contrast, comfortable all day |
| Blue / green mirror | Intense glare, offshore, tropical sun |
Best Sunglasses for Sailing: Top Picks by Sailing Style
Not every sailor needs the same pair. Here is how Sunday Shades’ Blaze, Volt, Max and Pace series fit different kinds of sailing. All four share the same foundation: lightweight TR90 frames that resist salt and flex without cracking, anti-glare lenses, UV400 protection, and an Asian Fit that also suits European faces. They are unisex, and each one is built with do-not-bounce stability so they stay put when the boat heels.
Best for racing and dinghy sailing: Pace
When you are hiking out, tacking and trimming, the last thing you want is to push your glasses back up. Pace gives you a lightweight TR90 frame with a secure, no slide fit, so your hands stay on the sheet and the tiller.
Best for offshore and long days on the water: Volt
Volt is the pick for long passages and full days at sea. The TR90 frame handles salt spray, the anti-glare lenses ease the brightness coming off the water, and UV400 protection covers you through hours of sun exposure.
Best for all-round cruising: Max
If you want one pair that works for weekend cruises, day sails and time ashore afterwards, Max is the easy all-rounder. It is light enough to wear all day and secure enough for a bit of chop.
Best for bright, open-water conditions: Blaze
For harsh midday sun and open water with nothing to shade you, Blaze gives you anti-glare lenses and UV400 protection in a frame that stays put through spray and sweat.
Whichever series you choose, add a retainer strap. Even a well-fitted pair can go overboard, and a strap is the cheapest insurance in sailing.
Before you buy, make sure your sailing sunglasses have:
- 100% UV protection
- Good coverage without big gaps at the sides
- A lens colour that suits the water you sail on
- Comfort under a cap, and a foul-weather hood
- Clear instrument readability through the lens
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best sunglasses for sailing?
The best sunglasses for sailing are polarized, wraparound, saltwater-resistant, and secure on your face, ideally with a strap or a floating frame. Costa Del Mar, Oakley, Maui Jim, Smith, and Hobie are all widely used by sailors.
What lens colour is best for sailing?
Copper or amber lenses are best for contrast on open water and in changing light. Gray gives the most natural colour in harsh sun. Blue or green mirror coatings help in very bright conditions.
How do I stop sunglasses from slipping while sailing?
If possible, choose frames with rubberized nose pads and temple grips (like those from Sunday Shades Volt, Max, Pace and Blaze series), good coverage, and a size that fits your face.
Can saltwater damage sunglasses?
Yes. Salt can corrode metal hinges and scratches lenses when wiped dry. Rinse with fresh water after sailing, and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Are expensive sailing sunglasses worth it?
Often, for the optical clarity, lens coatings, and durability. That said, a well-fitted mid-range pair will beat an expensive pair that doesn't fit.
What brand of sunglasses do many sailors prefer?
Sailors often choose a pair that is comfortable, lightweight (as they need to wear all day), has UV400 or 100% UV protection and have good fit. Sunday Shades is the natural brand of choice for them.
Final Verdict
For most sailors, the best sunglasses for sailing come down to a few things: lenses that cut through the glare, a comfortable fit that stays put, and a pair that is lightweight. Start with fit, then pick a lens colour for the water you sail on. Whether you race dinghies or cruise offshore, a pair that stays on your face and protects your eyes all day is worth paying for.