Sun, sea and sand—what more could you wish for? Make the most of the final days of summer with a relaxing beach escape this weekend. While we’ve no doubt your beachwear is already planned to perfection, there’s one essential you can’t forget and that’s the perfect pair of sunglasses. In honour of National Beach Day, we’ve carefully curated a selection of our latest and most stylish eyewear, designed to elevate your coastal look and add a modern twist to your getaway wardrobe. Explore the collection and find your perfect beachside accessory!
Oversized sunglasses for the beach
When it comes to beach sunglasses, bigger is better! Oversized frames offer more than just style, they keep your eyes fully covered for maximum sun protection. If you’re planning a full day on the beach spent relaxing in the sun, it’s essential to protect not just your skin with sunscreen, but also your eyes by wearing sunglasses.
The good news is that big sunglasses are having a major fashion moment right now. All of the most fashionable celebrities and style icons are wearing bold, statement-makers, including trendsetting stars like Gigi Hadid, Justin Bieber, Ncuti Gatwa and Jennifer Lopez. We have a whole range of functional and fashionable frame shapes and sizes to match your vibe. Whether you’re into chic cat-eyes or prefer sleek, angular unisex designs, take a look at our favourites below, perfect for turning heads at the beach!
Style tip: If you have a smaller face shape, opt for lightweight frames that deliver the oversized look without overwhelming your features for a more comfortable, flattering fit.
Bright and bold beach sunglasses
If you’ve got a bright and bubbly personality, a pair of bold acetate sunglasses are a great way to express it! Add a splash of colour to your wardrobe and let your unique style shine through.
Fall in love with these vibrant sunglasses designs which radiate summer energy! With a huge range of colours to choose from at Glasses Direct, there’s something for all styles and tastes.
Metal sunglasses to wear at the beach
Combing durability and everyday functionality, metal-framed sunglasses are making waves this season. Whether you’re after a clean, polished finish or a bold statement piece, they’ve got you covered. Go for a retro-style round frame for vintage flair, or stand out like a true Maverick in a classic pair of Aviator sunglasses. Whatever your style, there’s a metal design to match, ideal for getting beach-ready in style!
Sports beach sunglasses
Are you always on the move? If athleisure is your go-to look, then a slick pair of sports sunglasses is the perfect finishing touch! Discover our range of fashionable styles from popular 2-for-1 Designer brands like New Balance, Harrington Sport and more.
For fitness enthusiasts who enjoy joining in with beach or water sports, we highly recommend a pair of sophisticated Oakley sunglasses for maximum eye protection. Known for their cutting-edge craftsmanship, Oakley offers everything from bold wraparound silhouettes to streamlined, modern designs. Their frames strike the ideal balance between style and function, featuring impact-resistant materials, ultra-secure Unobtainium® nose pads and signature design details for ultimate comfort and protection. These frames are designed to keep up with your active lifestyle.
Stylish sustainable sunglasses
Our fashionable selection of eco-friendly sunglasses is crafted with sustainability in mind, which means you can make a responsible choice without sacrificing on style.
Embrace your inner nature lover and find designs you love that speak to your values. Unwind by the beach in these eye-catching sunglasses that feel as good as they look!
The importance of UV protection at the beach
The beach often brings to mind fun-filled memories of sunny days, but it’s important to remember that sunlight also carries ultraviolet (UV) radiation, including both UVA and UVB rays. While we’re used to protecting our skin, many don’t realise that exposure to UV rays can be equally harmful to the eyes. In fact, prolonged exposure can contribute to serious conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is why UV protection is essential.
Prescription sunglasses not only improve visual comfort and clarity in bright conditions, but they also provide crucial protection against UV damage. All of our sunglasses offer 100% UV protection along with excellent colour definition, so you can enjoy every view without compromise. When you’re relaxing by the coast, safeguarding your eyes should be just as much a priority as enjoying the sunshine.
What sunglasses tints are best for the beach?
The type of sunglasses you go for will depend on how you plan to enjoy your time at the beach.
- Dark tints are ideal for exploring in bright sunlight, offering full UV protection.
- Transitions® GEN S™ ultra-dynamic lenses are perfect if you’re moving between indoor and outdoor spaces, like shops and museums. These photochromic lenses shift from clear to tinted, block 100% of UV rays and filter blue light, making them great for on-the-go use.
- Polarised sunglasses are best for long days at the beach, whether you’re hitting the waves or relaxing on sun-soaked sands. They cut glare, reduce eye strain, enhance contrast and are especially helpful for those sensitive to light.
- For road trips, gradient tints block overhead sunlight while allowing clear visibility inside the car. However, if your going longer distance, we would recommend advanced protection with Transitions® Drivewear® lenses, which combine photochromic and polarised technology to reduce glare and prevent impaired vision in all driving conditions.
Top tip: Keep your sunglasses in a hard case and clean them with lens-safe spray and a microfiber cloth to prevent damage.
Which sunglass lens colour should I choose?
Choosing the right sunglass lens colour for the beach depends on your needs and activities, as each tint offers unique benefits.
- Grey tints are darker in colour, making them perfect for everyday use and beach sports in bright conditions. They’re also a great choice for nature enthusiasts, as they preserve true colour accuracy which is ideal for taking in the finer details of your surroundings.
- Grey polarised lenses are ideal for water sports, minimising glare from the surface for clearer, more comfortable vision.
- Green tints enhance contrast in various light conditions, from bright sunshine to overcast and cloudier days. They’re great for water sports and sailing, offering sharp vision and accurate colours, enhancing contrast against green landscapes and blue skies.
- Brown or amber tints boost contrast and depth perception, especially helpful for in-shore fishing where spotting movement below the surface matters.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal style and how you plan to enjoy your beach time.
