Bright sun messing with your games? Finding a reliable pair of sunglasses will be one of the essential elements of your tennis game. Lucky for you, we have compiled a list of the best sunglasses for tennis.
First, we will look at how to select the best sunglasses for you and your playing style.
What To Look For in a Pair of Tennis Sunglasses
The most important part of finding the top tennis sunglasses is knowing what to look for. You would be wrong to think that you simply need a pair that looks cool. Given the amount of movement and speed involved in a game of tennis, you need a pair built for such conditions. Below we will explore in more detail each of the things you need to look for when selecting your next pair of sunnies.
Frame
We will start with one of the most important factors, the frame.
A sunglasses frame is made up of several parts:
- Temples: The temples sit on top of your ears and extend down the side of the face. They are what holds the glasses in place.
- Bridge: The bridge rests above the nose and allows the glasses to sit in front of your eyes. It also holds the rims together.
- Rims: The rims enclose the lenses and keep them in place, attached to the rest of the frame.
Most sunglasses frames will be made out of one or multiple materials (usually plastic, nylon or metal).
Tennis players often opt for nylon designs because they are lightweight, comfortable and not easily broken (you will find the glasses fall off at some point whilst playing no matter how sturdy they are). They are also flexible so they are less likely to break if the ball (or even racket) hits them.
Lenses
The lenses are the plastic or glass surfaces which you see through. If you usually wear prescription glasses, your tennis frames might need to be fitted with your prescription frames (with a sunglass tints).
Polarization
You need to think carefully on if you want to get your new glasses polarized. This is to say glare is reduced on the lenses which will mean it doesn’t distort your vision. This subtle feature can be vital when playing on courts which reflect sunlight (clay and hard courts are notorious for this issue).
UV
If you are often playing in a sunny environment, you will want UV resistance. On the court for hours at a time, you are exposed to harsh ultraviolet light/rays. Extended exposure to such rays risks damage to your eyes. The best UV lenses will offer up to 100% protection from UV-A and UV-B rays.
Scratch Resistant
You will also want to ensure that your tennis glasses are protected from scratches. The grounds of most tennis courts can be rough and, without this resistance, scratches and damage is likely.
Shape
The shape of your sunglasses will largely determine how comfortable and secure they are. Seek out a pair that fits your unique head shape and if possible try before you buy.
Price
Tennis sunglasses can be cheap or expensive depending on which you buy. Try to avoid going with the cheapest pair as this is almost always a reflection of quality. However, keep in mind that the more expensive glasses often reflect the brands esteem over their complete quality. If you’re on a budget, look for a pair in the medium price range from a trusted brand who doesn’t position themselves as a luxury designer.
How To Select The Best Pair
Now that you know what to look for, we will explain briefly how to select the best pair (what questions to ask yourself before buying).
The most important question is to ask what conditions (weather and court conditions) do you regularly play tennis. This is where you will be using your sunglasses the most and effect your purchase decision considerably.
What Type of Court Do I Play On?
The court surface you play on will effect how the sunlight reflects off of it. For example, clay and acrylic courts are known to reflect a lot of light. On the other hand, grass courts have considerably less glare.
Keep in mind that if you play mainly on indoor courts, you likely won’t need tennis sunglasses at all (unless of course you want them for style!).
How Often Do You Play?
Whether you are always on the court, or only interested in a match every now and then will influence which glasses you buy.
If you are an avid play, on the court multiple times per week or month, you will want to select the highest performing pair. Tennis sunglasses with a strong and durable frame, polarized lenses and a comfortable fit will serve you will.
If on the other hand you play sparingly, you should focus on a pair of sunglasses that look good off court too. This will allow you to get the most value for money from your purchase.
What is Your Playing Style?
You also need to consider your individual playing style. Are you an aggressive player who dominates the net, or a laid back player who has no problem maintaining your position back at the baseline?
Whatever the kind of player you are, there will be a pair of tennis sunglasses for you! Aggressive, faster players should seek out a sleeker, more tightly fit pair whereas slower, more laid back players will want a comfortable pair which can be worn for hours at a time.
10 Best Sunglasses For Tennis
1. Oakley Men’s Half OO9144 Jacket 2.0 Sunglasses
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
Oakley has combined a sleek modern design with ultimate utility in their Half Jacket 2.0 sunglasses for men. The frames are made of O Matter, which is known for being incredibly sturdy, yet lightweight on the face.
With unobtainium nose pads and ear socks, you’ll have a comfortable and snug fit. Even better, with this material technology, the grip improves while in wet conditions.
Aesthetically pleasing to the eye, the rectangular shape adds a masculine touch that looks good on all face shapes. Rectangular lenses add structure to oval or round faces and help to balance out square and heart-shaped faces.
2. Bolle Bolt Sunglasses
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
Bolle released their Bolt sunglasses made with a Thermogrip technology, known for providing all-day comfort for tennis players. All temple tips and nose pieces are made with Thermogrip, which stays put, even when you start to get sweaty mid-game.
The Bolt has a new lens technology that allows you to quickly and easily change your lenses for any weather condition you may need. The Modulator V3 lens is a golf lens and works great for tennis, providing high contrast and clarity in blues and greens.
3. Nike Show X2 Sunglasses
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
Nike is a leader in the sports industry, tennis included. Their Show X2 sunglasses prove to be an excellent choice for tennis players of all skill levels. The X2 has interchangeable Nike Max Lens Technology lenses, which provide views from all angles while also offering 100% UVA and UVB protection.
With semi-rimless, durable nylon frames, you can have a completely unobstructed field of vision of the whole court. There is an adjustable ventilated nose, which adds to the sunglass’s stability while also reducing fogging in all weather conditions.
4. Under Armour Igniter 2.0 Sunglasses
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Under Armour Igniter 2.0 sunglasses are made from the brand famous ArmourFusion titanium and Grilamid frame, which provide optimal strength. These advanced materials are sturdy yet still maintain a high level of flexibility, not to interrupt your game in any way.
The three-point UA AUTOGRIP technology makes sure your sunglasses fit snug without squeezing you too tightly. You can find this grip technology on the nose pads and temples, where it is needed the most.
With interchangeable lenses, you can make sure you have perfect clarity in any weather or lighting conditions.
5. Oakley Men’s Sonnenbrille Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
Oakley sport sunglasses are known for their Unobtanium grip technology. The Flak 2.0 XL is fitted with the Unobtanium, which keeps it aligned and comfortable throughout your game.
With a three-point fitting system, the frames’ pressure is evenly distributed on your nose and behind each ear. This increased comfort allows for a tight fit, without any unnecessary headache-causing pressure.
The Flak 2.0 sunglasses have PRIZM lenses, which are a preference of the top athletes. These special lenses help to increase contrast in tennis environments, improving your reaction times.
6. Duduma Tr8116 Polarized Sports Sunglasses for Men & Women
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Duduma Tr8116 polarized sunglasses offer high definition with impact protection. You can restore colors and eliminate light reflection with the polarized lenses.
Great for tennis with its lightweight polycarbonate frame design that sits comfortably on the face. This high technology material is impact and scratch-resistant, making it highly durable and unbreakable even in high-impact sports.
The legs are made for a snug fit as they sit tightly on your ears. Sporty frames are flattering for any face, men and women.
7. Nike Skylon Ace Rectangular Sunglasses, Shiny Black/White
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Nike Skylon Ace sunglasses have interchangeable lenses, perfect for any varying light condition. These non-polarized lenses are cut more in-depth for more coverage than your average tennis sunglasses.
With sport-wrap frames, these sunglasses have secure-wrap temple arms that have rubber grip areas. The ventilated rubber nose bridge prevents fogging, while the ergonomic design helps keep the frame stable on your face.
The Nike Max Optics technology is known for delivering exceptional visual sight at any angle while offering a shatter-resistant lens, even in high impact sports, like tennis.
8. Maui Jim Men’s Maui Jim Men 419 Haleakala 65 Sunglasses
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
All Maui Jim sunglasses feature a unique polarization known as PolarizedPlus2 lens technology. This PolarizedPlus2 lens technology provides much more than simple protection from glare and UV rays by enhancing natural colors. This feature makes it perfect for a full day of play.
The Haleakala sunglasses have the HCL Bronze lens, which provides a warm tint for versatility in ever-changing light conditions, perfect for on the court. These lenses are made from MauiPure materials, which give clarity while providing shatter and scratch resistance.
All of the Haleakala frames are lightweight and made from an injected nylon, which is excellent for long-time wear comfort.
9. Tifosi Sunglasses – Tyrant 2.0
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Tifosi Tyrant 2.0 offers a Polarized Fototec photochromic lens that automatically adjusts the lens’s tint based on your current environment’s lighting. The lenses will naturally darken in brighter light and lighten in a darker light.
The Tyrant 2.0 has Light Grilamid TR90 nylon frames, giving you the ultimate flexibility while maintaining a snug fit. Regardless of temperature, you will have a secure fit on your head with the adjustable arms.
Hydrophilic rubber on the nose pieces and temples become tackier when they get wet to ensure a reliable grip when you need it the most.
10. JOJEN Polarized Sports Sunglasses
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
As an inexpensive option for polarized tennis sunglasses, the JOJEN polarized sports sunglasses are a great option to consider. The HD polarized lenses help filter out reflective glare from sunlight and block 100% UVA and UVB rays.
The TR90 frames are unbreakable and ultra-light, making them a great option on the court. Furthermore, Jojen backs these sunglasses with a 100% money-back guarantee and a Lifetime Breakage Warranty.
Conclusion
These are some of the best tennis sunglasses we found and you should be able to find a pair that fits your playing style and preferences. Keep all of the above in mind when shopping and don’t be afraid to try the glasses on before returning them.
Tennis Sunglasses Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will I strain or injure my eyes playing and serving whilst facing the sun?
It is unlikely but extended staring at any bright light is not a good idea. It is possible you will be out on the court hours at a time, only switching sides away from the sun half the time. Sunglasses are important for maximum comfort and performance, wearing them can help prevent injuries and conditions such as photokeratitis or photic retinopathy.
Why don’t all tennis players wear sunglasses?
Simply because they can, at times, be uncomfortable and even move around (potentially disturbing your play). Professional players and higher performance ones on the APT, USTA or ITF circuit will need every advantage they can get to secure a victory. Most players won’t need to consider this though and should put comfort first.
Which well-known tennis players sport sunglasses?
A few actually! Popular players such as Sam Stosur, Janko Tipsarevic, Denis Isotim, Chung Heyon and more. We are sure many other pros wear tennis sunglasses throughout their training sessions and we know for sure that some of the best in the world (e.g. Federer and Nadal) wear them off court!
Should I wear a hat also?
Ideally yes, when the sun is out you should wear tennis sunglasses and a cap or hat. The glasses will protect your eyes and the hat will keep you cool whilst offering protection from sunburn and even sunstroke.
Do I need polarized lenses?
This will depend in part on which type of court you are playing on which we have touched on above. Clay and acrylic courts often reflect the sun more which is where polarized lenses will really beneift.
Do I need my prescription lenses in my sunglasses?
You do not need prescription lenses however, depending on how bad your vision is, you will want them! This can cost more so consult with a licensed optician first to see if it is really necessary. If budget is an issue, you can always consider contact lenses to wear under your standard sunglasses.
Which is better UV or polarized lenses?
This will depend on your specific needs and what type of court you are playing on. Hard courts will often glare and reflect sunlight more so in this case polarized lenses will be effective. UV rays will protect your eyes from potentially harmful UV rays which makes them important also. Consider your specific needs and preferences whilst deciding.
Will sunglasses negatively effect my strokes or tennis game?
They certainly should not effect your strokes however any glasses can effect the sharpness of your vision and/or your depth perception. These things (or a combination of them) can negatively effect your game and accuracy. We recommend testing them! Wear them for a few matches or sets and then decide on if they are right for you or not.
Where else can I buy tennis sunglasses from?
We have linked to several quality tennis sunglasses available from Amazon above, but there are many other places you can shop for tennis sunglasses online also!
Try checking for the products mentioned above (and others!) on other online shops also like:
USA
United Kingdom
If possible, ask your local tennis club for recommendations on where to buy the best gear for the fairest prices.
Sources
WTA, Physically Speaking: Eye on the ball, Accessed on 18th March 2021.
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