We all love a nice sunny day to enjoy while playing tennis. However, it is important to protect the eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Having the best sunglasses for tennis is one of the most important items you need during all your time on the tennis court.
Tennis sunglasses are a personal kit, and buying a pair comes down to one’s preferences. Not all sunglasses are suitable for tennis players, though. I am sure you have a pair of stylish sunglasses, which you love, but if you wear those while you are playing tennis, the chances are that they will not be able to perform well, might break the glasses, or even damage your eyes.
For these reasons, making your research on sunglasses for tennis players is just as important as other tennis items, such as rackets or tennis balls. High quality is important since it will directly impact your eyes, and you can’t put a price tag on health, can you?
In this review, we have selected the best sunglasses for playing tennis in different categories to make it easier for a wider range of players to pick the perfect pair.
- Best Overall: Oakley flak 2.0 xl
- Best for Women: Oakley Women’s Unstoppable Glasses
- Best Budget: Nike Skylon Ace
- Best for Men: Bolle Bolt Sunglasses
- Best Polarized: Bolle Bolt 2.0
- Best for Small Faces: Oakley Half Jacket Sunglasses
- Best Nike: Nike Tailwind Sunglasses
Best Sunglasses for Tennis Reviewed
We researched the market to choose the best tennis sunglasses for men and women that will fit any budget. These picks stand out in the way in which they protect your eyes from the sun with polarized lenses.
These sunglasses continuously rank on top amongst many other options, and for all the right reasons. Oakley flak 2.0 xl sunglasses are of great quality, lightweight, and durable. These sunglasses will keep you safe during your games and even help improve your performance.
The lenses offer optimal clarity and are designed to enhance color, increase color and detail contrast. The brown hint of the lenses makes these sunglasses perfect for daily use and can be used in medium to bright sunlight.
Oakley sunglasses also offer great protection from UV- radiation, blue light, and other harmful rays. During the manufacturing process, the brand uses thermoplastic O-matter for more strength and flexibility and to avoid bending and shifting from their original form. These sunglasses are definitely a great investment for your health and tennis performance.
Product Specs
- UV Protection: 100%
- Polarized: Yes
- Lens color: Brown
Pros
- Lightweight
- UV and blue light protection
- Highly durable
- Flexible
Cons
- A bit expensive
Most of the sunglasses are unisex, these in particular are made exclusively for women players. Oakley Women’s unstoppable glasses are continuously rated as the best tennis sunglasses for women, receiving excellent reviews from the ladies.
These sunglasses for tennis are practical and stylish. You can purchase them in a variety of colors. Their frame is made of O-matter molded thermoplastic, making them lightweight, highly durable, and comfortable to wear.
Their lenses offer optimal clarity and a sharp vision from every angle. It also protects the eye from UV and blue light radiation. They come in both polarized and non-polarized versions and are athletically built so they won’t slip off your face. The brand named these sunglasses unstoppable because they can be worn not only on the tennis field but also in your daily routine, all year around.
Product Specs
- UV Protection: 88%
- Polarized: Polarized and non-polarized versions
- Lens color: Blu, brown, black, and pink
Pros
- Offer UV and blue light protection
- Come in polarized and non-polarized lenses
- Multiplay colors
- Stylish
- Can be worn for other reasons than just tennis
Cons
- Pricey
If you are looking for a great pair of sunglasses, within a tight budget then Nike Skylen Ace might be the one for you. These sunglasses are well-suited for outdoor sports activities, with high performance. Their nylon frame makes them very comfortable and lightweight. These Nike sunglasses also feature a secure sport wrap, so they will stay put and won’t slip off during the game.
The lenses have a deeper cut for more coverage and can even be interchangeable with prescriptions. The sunglasses have a ventilated nose bridge to reduce fogging, which is such a great feature for improved performance.
They offer a 100% level of protection from UV radiation, blue light, and other harmful rays. Overall, these tennis sunglasses are a great choice that comes at a very good price.
Product Specs
- UV Protection: 100%
- Polarized: No
- Lens color: Black, blue, and brown
Pros
- UV and blue light protection
- Lightweight and durable
- Interchangeable lenses
- Good price
- Secure wrap
Cons
- Don’t offer a polarized version
We have rated Bolle Bolt Sunglasses as the best tennis sunglasses for men, due to their excellent performance, great design, and protection.
The brand has used new groundbreaking technology to make these sunglasses both practical and comfortable during your practices and games. The lenses are made of polycarbonate and offer 100% protection from UV radiation and blue light.
They also have an outer water-resistance layer to avoid getting dirty and blurring your vision. The anti-fog coating of the lenses will avoid fogging and protect them from scratches.
The lens frame is interchangeable, so you can put your prescription lenses if you have to. The nose pad is adjustable for more comfort and to secure that the sunglasses will stay put in place all the time.
Product Specs
- UV Protection: 100%
- Polarized: Yes
- Lens color: Blue and brown
Pros
- 100% UV and blue light protection
- Intechangeable lenses
- Adjustable nose grip
- Water resistance
- Anti-fog and anti-scratch
Cons
- Can’t be used other than for tennis
These Bolle sunglasses have a classic sports design, with enhanced features to improve performance. Their nylon frame makes the sunglasses lightweight and flexible. The well-known brands have used Thermo grip rubbers to make their grip more secure and comfortable for the players.
The lenses offer optimal clarity and sharp color contrast of the view. They are polarized to bring down the glare so that it won’t impact whatsoever your play. Bolle has used new technology for superior color enhancement, more depth perception, and high-performance polarization.
Bolle Bolt 2.0 Sunglasses are water and oil-resistant and have an anti-fog coating. They are also highly durable and won’t scratch. Overall, these are the best polarized sunglasses for tennis.
Product Specs
- UV Protection: 88%
- Polarized: Yes
- Lens color: Black, blue, red, and gray
Pros
- High performance polarization
- Color contrast enhancement
- Lightweight
- Water and oil resistant
- Anti-fog coating
Cons
- A bit expensive
For anyone familiar with the best tennis sunglasses brand must not come as a surprise, that we have decided to pick these particular glasses, as the best from Oakley. These sunglasses deliver all the promises of excellent performance and high protection.
Oakley Half Jacket Sunglasses have an O-matter stress resistance frame, making them lightweight, compact, and comfortable to wear. The thermoplastic technology used increases the strength and prevents shifting or bending from the original form.
The lenses are polarized and offer 100% protection from UV radiation and blue light. The lens system can also be interchangeable so that you can adjust your prescription lenses instead. These Oakley sunglasses have a high-definition optic feature, which gives them superior clarity and razor-sharp vision at every angle. They come in a micro bag to keep them safe and clean.
Product Specs
- UV Protection: 100%
- Polarized: Yes
- Lens color: Black, gray and blue
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight
- UV and blue light protection
- Interchangeable lenses system
- High definition optic feature
Cons
- Can be expensive
Nike has some really good tennis sunglasses, but the Tailwind line stands out, for its great design and features. These are lightweight and have a standard fit and a contoured silhouette.
These sunglasses have aerodynamic curves, making them great to play with during windy weather. The frame features rubber channels and a floating nose pad, making them more comfortable, absorbing impact, and increasing the overall airflow.
The lenses offer up to 100% protection from harmful UV radiation and blue light. The sunglasses’ lenses are also interchangeable and have an anti-fogging coating. These glasses are a great investment and can be used for other sports, such as running or cycling.
Product Specs
- UV Protection: 100%
- Polarized: No
- Lens color: Black, blue, and gray
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great ventilation
- UV and blue light protection
- Interchangeable system lenses
- Anti-fogging coating
Cons
- Don’t come in a polarized version
What to Consider When Choosing Tennis Sunglasses
Purchasing sports sunglasses it’s not the same experience as buying a pair for daily use or for purely aesthetics.
While on the field, you will be doing a lot of footwork and moving around. The sun might hit you directly in the face, which might ruin your performance and cause much discomfort if you make the wrong choice. That’s why it’s important that your sunglasses stay in their place, shield your eyes, and keep your vision clear.
So what makes a pair of sunglasses good enough for playing tennis? There are a few features to consider before deciding which to buy, as listed below.
UV Protection
UV protection is on top of our list for a very good reason. Health is wealth, and that expression is not true just for the many benefits players get from playing tennis, but for protecting their eyes.
The harmful solar radiation of ultraviolet rays or blue light can cause serious damage to your eyes if exposed directly and for a long period. Some of the dangerous effects include muscular degeneration, weakened sight, or even types of cancers, in extreme cases.
That’s why you should never neglect the UV protection of your sunglasses.
Even though tennis sunglasses with UV protection might be more expensive, consider this an investment because sun damage can build up throughout time. Kids and junior players should be extra careful, as their eyes and skin are even more sensitive than adults.
Lens Color and Polarization
We all are familiar with tennis athletes wearing colored sunglasses on the court, and some might find it even stylish. But did you know that tennis sunglasses lenses have other purposes rather than just aesthetics?
Different lens colors mean that they reduce different color exposure. Understanding how it works might help you to tailor your sunglasses’ lens based on the environment you are playing at. So which is the best lens color for tennis sunglasses? Lets narrow down to of the most used lens colors:
- Red lenses – tend to increase the contract between objects so that the players have it easier to distinguish what is in front of them. This color is much more suitable for runners or cyclists; however, you will see tennis players using them.
- Green lenses – are the optimal choice for tennis players. This helps preserve your sight’s color balance, making the peripheral vision look more balanced. As a result, you’ll see the ball much more clearly, even if the sun is beating down on your eyes.
Photochromic lenses are an excellent option for tennis coaches or players who spend hours on the court. If you are in court throughout different hours of the day, the solar radiation you’ll be exposed to can also be at different levels.
Photochromic lenses adjust their color based on the natural light of the environment.
For example, these lenses have a light transparent tint in the morning, but they go fully black in midday. Even when the sun is not shining the brightest, your eyes will still be protected.
Many sunglasses also offer UV- protection lenses, which can minimize up to 100% the risk of harmful radiation. Polarization is also an important feature, to take into consideration, especially when during your practices and games, you are highly exposed to the sun’s direct glare.
Polarized sunglasses will significantly reduce the glare, making your vision clear and crispy and reducing the damage.
Frame Type
When shopping for sunglasses for tennis players, a high tapered wrap frame is the best option. This type of frame is more flexible, and they will not move place as your run and spin around the court. It also offers the most protection for the area around your eyes and allows lenses that will preserve your vision.
Depending on the environment or the climate you are playing, a high wrap frame will also protect your eyes from the wind and dust.
The way sunglasses fit on your nose is also important to avoid an unpleasing incident of them falling off. You should consider a pair with an adjustable nose piece to make sure that the sunglasses will fit your nose bridge just right.
Sunglasses frames can be made of different materials, but the most popular is nylon since it is the most flexible and durable of all.
Budget
Tennis sunglasses come in a wide range of prices, fit for every budget. Before deciding how much you should spend on a pair of sunglasses, you should first be clear about what features you are looking for and how long you will keep them? If you are one of those who lose or break them quite often, then it’s better not to go too crazy with the price.
Decide your budget, and stick to it. Even though it is true that quality is expensive, you can still find some of the best tennis sunglasses at great prices. That’s why we are here to help!
How Often Do You Play Tennis?
If you are a casual player who hits the court just a few times a month for entertaining, you might go for a pair of tennis sunglasses to make a fashion statement. You can bring your own favorite sunglasses on the court, as long as you make sure that they fit and have a tight grip on your nose bridge.
On the other hand, if you are a regular on the tennis courts, then you want to invest in a pair of good tennis sunglasses.
Before purchasing, the main qualities you should consider are the polarized colored lenses, high wrapped frame, and a comfortable fit. Your sunglasses should make your game easier and fun, not a struggle with a short lifespan, scratches, or sun glares.
Prescription Sunglasses for Tennis: Can You Play Wearing Them?
What if you wear prescription sunglasses, because the doctor ordered so, and you need it for a clearer vision? Can you still play tennis? The answer is yes, absolutely! Many professional athletes wear prescription glasses, which hasn’t been an obstacle in their path to success. It shouldn’t be for you either.
Here is what you need to know about playing with prescription glasses while in the court:
- Lenses – most sports glasses have polycarbonate lenses, which are scratch-resistant, durable, and offer UV protection.
- Grip – it’s important that glasses are centered in the center of your face and stay put while you are moving around in the court. Make sure to pick a pair of glasses that won’t slip down your face constantly as you run after the ball.
- Frames – a high wrap design in prescription glasses can be problematic, as the extended frame can warp the optical lenses and cause more harm than good in your vision. You will need a very skilled specialist to adjust your prescript lenses into high wrap sunglasses, and it’s better to consult your doctor as well, just in case. Semi-rimless frame design can also be a good option, especially if they come with a rubber pad on the forehead and nose bridge, providing cushioning for more comfort. “Wrap-around” frames are also an option to consider. It provides a lot of protection from all angles, including your peripheral vision.
Our Verdict
We rate as the best overall tennis sunglasses Oakley flak 2.0 XL, for their amazing features and great design. They are suitable for both women and men players and can also be enjoyed for daily use. These Oakley sunglasses are flexible, lightweight, and offer optimal protection from UV and blue light radiation.
Another honorable mention is Belle Bolt 2.0, which we rate as the best polarized glasses. These glasses have superior color and contrast enhancement and high polar performance.
How We Choose the Best Sunglasses for Tennis
Purchasing a pair of sunglasses for tennis is a personal experience based on one’s taste. But please keep in mind that sunglasses for tennis should be much more than stylish. Their features can and will greatly impact your eye’s health and vision clarity in the long run.
To curate this list, we went through a long process of tests and research to pick up the best option that can cater to a wide range of players. We based our ratings on important elements like design, flexibility, durability, and protection from harmful sun radiation. This list includes some of the best tennis sunglasses available in today’s market, which are produced with special sports features that enhance optic clarity, color contrast, and polarization to bring down the glare.
We also considered the right fit and comfort for players who can use these sunglasses to play tennis in different environments. Surely, you will find something to fit your taste and needs with many great recommendations.
FAQs
The best sunglasses for tennis are essential accessories when playing on outdoor courts. The importance of this purchase may leave you with a few more questions. We’ve answered some of the more common queries concerning tennis sunglasses to help you determine if one of these models is right for you.
Q: What color lens is best for tennis sunglasses?
There is no definitive answer when it comes to the best lens color for tennis sunglasses. This decision is left up to personal preference. Some players prefer darker lenses, while others feel more comfortable with lighter-tinted options.
Q: Is polarized good for tennis?
Polarized lenses are beneficial for reducing the glare from the sun. This can be helpful when playing tennis, as it can make it easier to see the ball. Polarized lenses are also effective at reducing UV rays and blue light.
The best polarized sunglasses for tennis are Bolle Bolt 2.0. They offer superior color and contrast enhancement, as well as high polar performance.
Q: Can tennis players wear sunglasses?
Yes, tennis players can wear sunglasses as long as they don’t interfere with their vision. It’s important to choose the right type of sunglasses so that they don’t fall off during a match and provide the right level of protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
