Sunglasses have been used in the tennis world for many years. In events like the US Open, you’ll often find spectators, from celebrities to civilians, rocking chic shades to protect their eyes from the sun and elevate style.
They’ve also become more common among professional players; Jannik Sinner has even been featured in fashion house Gucci’s eyewear campaigns. Beyond style, they’re crucial accessories for protecting players’ eyes on and off the court. With an array of hazards that can pose a risk to eye health while playing, a pair of shades can keep the eyes safe from long-term damage for more tennis sessions and matches for years to come. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, here’s what you need to look for to find the best sunglasses for tennis.
UV protection
Playing tennis under the sun can pose a threat to your eye health. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause eye conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts, leading causes of vision loss. As such, UV protection is essential for keeping your eyes safe on the court. The first thing you should look for is 100% UVA and UVB protection or a UV400 rating. You can also look for different UV protection categories. Category three sunglasses are the most common type and may be the best option for tennis, as the lens tint isn’t too dark, allowing you to see the ball, court, and your opponent clearly.
Quality
Cheap shades may not be the best choice when you’re playing tennis. These sunglasses may be made with flimsy materials or have insufficient UV protection, putting your eyes at risk for injuries if they break or eye damage from UV rays. Quality ensures durability and longevity, so you can wear them for endless tennis matches and trust their protection. You can consider buying sunglasses from top sports brands to make a worthwhile investment.
Sports eyewear brand Oakley has been a major player in the sports world for this reason, with the brand being known for exceptional quality and excellent craftsmanship tailored to the needs of athletes. Models like the Holbrook and Radar EV Path have been long-time bestsellers, regardless of the sport or activity, thanks to their reliability. The materials help them stay secure on the face, and they won’t easily break if dropped. Top brands typically offer great lens technologies as well, and in Oakley’s case, it has PRIZM lens technology that enhances colour contrast and visibility.
Frame design
Sunglasses come in all shapes and sizes, but some designs may be better than others for tennis. Frames with a larger shape shield more of the eye area, increasing protection. Aside from guarding the eye against UV rays, the delicate skin is also protected sufficiently. You also don’t want to get debris, dirt, dust or other particles in your eyes, which you can kick up when moving from one side of the court to the other.
Wraparound styles are ideal for all-around safety as they cover the eyes from more angles than other sunglasses designs. Sunglasses like the Astral X model from Rudy Project have a large shield design to protect the wearer against sun, dust and wind while offering a wider field of vision. It’s an upgrade from its Astral model, sporting a shield with enhanced depth and width. Choose shades that cover your eye area sufficiently without getting in the way when playing on the court.
Lens tints
Lens tints aren’t just for aesthetics; the right colour can boost your performance by helping you see clearly on the court. Yellow or amber tints are one of the best options for tennis. They provide the best light transmission, allowing you to see clearly in various light conditions, including low lighting. It also boosts colour contrast to help you spot the ball easily. Brown lens tints are also recommended, thanks to the enhanced colour contrast and the ability to block glare. Grey and grey-green lenses are a viable choice for colour perception and protection but don’t offer heightened colour contrast.
