As much as going to the beach is fun, it comes with some risks ― mainly from the sun. With little shade and possibly a high amount of glare, your eyes are particularly at risk. That's why you need sunglasses. However, they're not all as efficient at protecting you. Therefore, you need to select glasses with the right features. Then, you can pick the sunglasses currently in vogue that have these features.

This article will explore the must-have features of trendy sunglasses and give you a wide selection to choose from.

The Features to Consider When Buying Glasses for the Beach

 

When you choose sunglasses, style isn't the only factor. You need to ensure that your eyes have the right protection for the beach environment. Additionally, they should serve you well in terms of not interfering with your vision or breaking too quickly. Here are some of the important features you should consider when buying sunglasses:

Prescription

Buying a pair of sunglasses shouldn't come at the cost of your vision. If you have the following conditions, you can buy sunglasses with your prescription:

• Myopia
• Astigmatism
• Presbyopia
• Hyperopia

However, some lenses may be more difficult to add a prescription to due to their irregular shape, such as wraparound aviators or goggles. Moreover, curved lenses may distort your vision.

Alternatively, you can use clip-ons. These are sunglasses you attach to your prescription glasses so that you can easily switch between environments.

UV-Protection

Direct sunlight has UVA, B, and C radiation. While UVC isn't particularly harmful because the atmosphere absorbs it, you need protection from UVA and B ― even for your eyes. Therefore, you need your glasses to have a UV protection rating that's as high as possible.

In the American system, the highest UV protection rating is UV400, which blocks 99% of this radiation. However, poly-carbonate lenses protect you from 100% of UV radiation.

Tint

While you could select lens color based on your preferences, different tints will affect your sight in the following ways:

• Red/Pink: Glasses with a red tint increase your depth perception and can help you reduce eye fatigue.
• Gray: When you wear gray-tinted glasses, colors are less distorted than with other types of tints. Additionally, this tint reduces glare from the reflection of sunlight on water.
• Brown: Wearing brown-tinted glasses increases contrast and reduces eye strain.
• Yellow/Orange: Sunglasses with an orange or yellow tint tend to sharpen your vision by increasing contrast.
• Blue: When you wear blue-tinted lenses, you're likely to see colors more clearly and feel energized.

Furthermore, you can choose a gradient so that you can see with and without the tint. Alternatively, you could have two different tints to take advantage of their different benefits. Plus, you can select the intensity of the tint.

Polarization

Polarized lenses only allow vertical wavelengths to pass through them. Since sunlight wavelengths enter your eyes at different angles, polarized lenses reduce the amount of light that enters them. Therefore, they help your eyes feel less strain when you're outdoors and don't distort your vision.

Coverage

Compared to prescription glasses, sunglasses for the beach need to cover your eyes differently. While a prescription only needs to cover your main field of vision, with sunglasses, you need protection from light coming from your peripheral vision.

You can increase your glasses' coverage by getting large lenses that wrap around instead of sitting only straight in front of you. Alternatively, buy a frame that blocks the light from the sides and above, like goggles.

Durability

To keep your glasses as long as possible, you should increase their durability by selecting a pair that has durable materials and features like anti-scratch coating. Here are different frame materials you can select:

• Acetate: Acetate sunglasses are sturdy yet lightweight. This material allows for a variety of finishes on the frame, from glossy to matte.
• Aluminum: Aluminum glasses are fairly strong and lightweight. However, they can have hinge issues when it's cold.
• Stainless Steel: Glasses with a stainless steel frame are strong and lightweight. Moreover, their flexibility allows for a variety of styles. In terms of corrosion, they're one of the best materials. Hence, you can safely use them when you visit the shore.
• Titanium: Titanium frames are just as strong as stainless steel ones. They're resistant to corrosion and lighter than stainless steel frames. This resistance makes it safer to use when you go to the beach.
• Beryllium: Compared to stainless steel and aluminum, beryllium frames are much stronger. Plus, they're lightweight and resist corrosion and tarnishing, which makes them especially suitable for a day at the beach.

As for the lenses, you can consider the following:

• Plastic: Plastic lenses are lightweight and inexpensive. Plus, they don't distort your vision. However, they can be thick and scratch easily.
• Poly-Carbonate: Poly-carbonate lenses are lightweight, thin, and impact-resistant. Yet they scratch easily, cost more than plastic lenses, and can distort your sight.
• Glass: Glass lenses offer the best-undistorted sight and are scratch-resistant. However, these types of sunglasses break easily.

6 Trendy Glasses for the Beach in 2024

Now that you know what to look for in your sunglasses so your eyes can benefit as much as possible from them, let's go over the styles that are the most popular in 2024.

1. Square Aviators Sunglasses

Aviators have been popular since they entered American culture through films like the 1986 Top Gun. In 2024, they're back in vogue – but with some alterations. Traditionally, aviator glasses have large, teardrop lenses. However, you can currently find them in a variety of lens shapes and sizes. In particular, the square aviators are popular at the moment.

 

Square aviators will suit you if you have a more round or oblong face since they will help give your face more structure. Plus, due to their straight top rim and history with the American military, they can help you project confidence.

2. Polygonal One-Lens Sunglasses

Going to the beach is the perfect time to go bold and show off your style, and there's no better way to do so than with polygonal one-lens sunglasses. As the name suggests, these glasses have only one lens. Their unique shape gives a futuristic aesthetic. In addition, you can appreciate the ocean or sea view with no interruption from the rim in the middle.

 

Since they're polygonal, they complement multiple face shapes:

• Round
• Oblong
• Triangular
• Long

3. Thick Square Sunglasses

This year, the thick square frames are one of the most popular types of sunglasses. They're a classic style that gives you a chance to express your personality with the frame's colors. Plus, these glasses are easy to pair with any face with round features. In fact, the straight angles of the frame will contrast your round face.

4. Glossy Sunglasses

Glossy glasses have a very smooth frame that shines in the sunlight. This polish gives your sunglasses a more dynamic color than if they were matte, which makes them perfect while you're in the sun.

This feature is perfect for everyone who likes to make a statement with their glasses. Plus, you can pair it with a different type of frame, such as aviators. This will allow you to not only keep the polished aesthetic but also express your style.

5. Square Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Cat-Eye glasses first appeared in the 1920s. They have cycled through multiple popularity phases such as in the 1930s, 1950s, 1960s, 1990s, 2010s – and they're back again. However, the most popular version at the moment is the more blocky square cat-eye frame. 

Originally, Altina Schinasi created the cat-eye glasses to compliment female features. These glasses have pointed ends on either edge of the frame at the top of the rim. Additionally, the lower rim swoops up to the arm, giving the 'cat-eye' shape.

However, the square version makes them more androgynous without losing their coquettish appeal. Therefore, you can wear these glasses so long as you're looking for a whimsical frame.

6. Wayfarers Sunglasses

Wayfarers have been coming back in popularity since their release in 1952. When Ray-Ban first created them, they had a square shape with details at the upper corners near the joint.

Due to their shape, these glasses suit oval and round faces. Plus, you can use them to show off your nonchalant, cool side. These glasses give off this sensation because the 1995 film Rebel without a Cause cemented wayfarers as a 'rebel' style.

Conclusion

 

Sunglasses trends from the past are coming back, such as those of wayfarers. Meanwhile, old trends have entered the 2024 culture with a few changes. For instance, the cat-eye and aviators are now popular when they have a square shape. Angular shapes seem to be an overarching theme, as thick square frames and polygonal sunglasses are also popular now.

Whichever style you choose, you should buy sunglasses that will serve you well on your beach trips. For instance, ensure your frame is sturdy and your lenses have a tint and UV protection. Moreover, if you're looking for a pair of trendy frames for your trip to the beach, brands like Dollger have a selection of stylish sunglasses that meet these requirements.