When you’re playing a competitive game of tennis, the last thing you want is to have your vision perturbed by the glare of the sun. The best sunglasses for tennis help protect your eyesight from many variables and allow you to focus on the action when you’re in the heat of the game.
Despite the sunglasses market being saturated with numerous products, we’ve selected five quality models with some unique features. The Oakley Half Jacket is our top choice in this category, but the other models are worth eyeing as well.
The best sunglasses for tennis include:
- Oakley Half Jacket
- Under Armour Igniter
- RIVBOS Polarized Sports Sunglasses
- Maui Jim Stingray
- Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses
The Best Sunglasses For Tennis
Oakley is a brand that is synonymous with quality sports accessories, and their sunglasses are some of the best in the world. We picked the Oakley Half Jacket as the best Oakley sunglasses for tennis overall due to their incredible design and overall quality.
This model features the Oakley Plutonite lenses that offer the highest quality of UV protection, capable of filtering 100% of UVC, UVA, and UVB up to a distance of 400 mm. The use of Plutonite doubles up as a lightweight lens that is known for its superior comfort and clarity.
Designed using the patented high-definition optics system, this model ensures that the quality of your optics is maintained at every possible viewing angle to improve your peripheral vision during your tennis games.
The O matter frame is stress-resistant and lightweight. It’s also accentuated with ellipse metal icon accents to maximize your comfort levels. Even the earsocks are provided with a no-slip grip to ensure that the glasses stay firmly planted on your head during sudden or rapid movements.
PROS
- Flexible, polycarbonate frames.
- 100% UV protection filtering.
- Patented high-definition optics.
- O matter stress-resistant frames.
- Microbag included.
- Optional interchangeable lenses.
CONS
- Narrow for certain face types.
Under Armour has been making waves in the sports market of-late thanks to their quality products. It comes as no surprise that the Under Armour Igniter managed to overtake many other famous brands to claim the runners-up spot on our list.
The Igniter features an engineered polycarbonate lens with a design that optimizes your viewing angle and increases the image definition. This is powered by the patented ArmourSight lens technology, created specifically to maximize your clarity while providing 100% protection from UV rays.
An exterior hydro/oleophobic coating repels dirt, water, oil and grime, which should make keeping the lenses clean a whole lot easier. These glasses are perfect for playing tennis, they eliminate glare, reduce eye fatigue, and prevent color distortion.
In order to amplify the build quality of these frames, Under Armour has opted for the ANSI Z87+ rating. This is one of the highest safety ratings in this segment, offering ample protection from high-mass and high-velocity impacts.
The ultra-light frame incorporates ArmourFusion frames technology. This allows the tapered design to conform to the shape of your head, helping to give you the perfect customized fit. A multi-positional nose pad also adds to the comfort factor.
PROS
- Meets standards for eye protection.
- UA storm repellant coated.
- Includes patented ArmourSight lens technology.
- Ultra-light ArmourFusion frames.
- Maximum glare reduction.
- Built using polycarbonate and titanium.
CONS
- Lenses tend to chip easily.
If you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable pair of sunglasses that are also polarized for protection, the RIVBOS Polarized Sports Sunglasses could appeal. They’re also our top choice for the best polarized sunglasses for tennis.
These frames are built using high-grade TR 90 materials, which helps to maintain the durability of the glasses while ensuring that it remains lightweight as well. This allows you to apply tremendous amounts of pressure without the threat of cracks or other damages.
The lenses are made from TAC (triacetate cellulose), polarized and mirror coated to provide 100% protection from UVA and UVB. It also filters out blue light and UVC up to a distance of 400 mm.
RIVBOS has specially designed this pair for the benefit of athletes around the world. The wraparound design should fit snugly on your face even when you’re in the midst of some adrenaline-fueled activities.
In the box, you’ll find a hard case, belt buckle attachment, cleaning cloth, safety pouch, a polarized test card, sunglasses strap, and an instruction booklet. You also receive a lifetime breakage warranty on both the lenses and the frame.
These stylish glasses are suitable for men, women, and children.
PROS
- High-grade TR 90 (thermoplastic) material.
- Lightweight frame.
- Polarized.
- 100% UV protection.
- Lifetime breakage warranty.
- Includes a wide set of accessories.
CONS
- Glare management could be better.
The Maui Jim brand has been a leading manufacturer of quality sunglasses for four decades, the Stingray is widely recognized as a top choice for athletes around the world. This model is made out of SuperThin glass material and is our pick for best lightweight sunglasses. It’s also the best Maui Jim sunglasses for tennis.
All frames produced by Maui Jim feature their exclusive PolarizedPlus2 lens technology that should protect your eyes from glare and harmful UV rays. The design of the lens aims to enhance the colors around you and add a greater aesthetic sense to your vision.
This particular model includes blue Hawaii lenses. These are created by applying a cool blue mirror in front of a pair of neutral grey lenses. The effect produced by this unique production method is that of greater color enhancement and improved clarity.
The SuperThin Glass material is also scratch and solvent resistant, thereby allowing you to play in a carefree manner without the worry of damaging your sunglasses. A strong and lightweight injected cellulose makes up the frame construction. This should enable you to wear the glasses without feeling any strain on your facial muscles.
All glasses made by Maui Jim are tested thoroughly in Hawaii and this model includes a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. You’re also provided with a large brown sports case to store your new glasses safely in a tennis bag.
PROS
- Best Maui Jim sunglasses for tennis.
- Protected by PolarizedPlus2 lens technology.
- Offers superior UV protection.
- Ultra-light model weighing only 2.08 ounces.
- Lens made using SuperThin Glass.
- Sturdy frames made with injected cellulose.
- Two-year warranty.
CONS
- Case durability is disappointing.
Those who are seeking the best sunglasses for tennis without burning a hole in their pocket might be pleased by the performance of the Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses.
Despite being priced economically, this is a quality offering by a quality brand that is brimming with high-end features. The use of a polarized high-definition impact protection lens allows the user to protect their eyes while also viewing the world around with incredible clarity.
The aesthetically pleasing frame is of a polycarbonate construction, which protects it from scratches and sudden impacts.
Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses are specifically designed for improved mobility, allowing the user to move freely and see clearly without being hindered by the sun or their eyewear. The leg frame design holds the glasses firmly in place, offering you the freedom to take on a wide range of sports and adventure activities.
This model includes a soft cleaning cloth and a fabric sunglasses pouch.
PROS
- Aesthetically-pleasing frames.
- Polarized for maximum protection.
- Perfect for sportswear.
- 100% UV protection.
- Super light frame.
CONS
- Some may feel the tint is slightly weak.
How To Pick The Best Sunglasses For Tennis
There are a few factors that you should keep in mind when picking the best sunglasses for tennis.
UV Protection
If you intend to play most of your games during the day, protecting yourself from the harmful effects of sunlight should be your top priority.
It’s well-established that ultraviolet (UV) rays can be highly damaging to your eyes, not to mention your skin and even your immune system. If the sunglasses you’re seeking do not offer 100% protection from UV rays, then you should consider other models.
Protecting yourself from UV A, B, and C is hugely vital in the long run as they can gradually affect your eyesight over time. This is why all the sunglasses featured on this list offer 100% protection from UV rays.
Anti-scratch Lenses
Sportswear, as a rule of thumb, should have a tough build to cover for any eventualities. Sunglasses are one of those products that tend to take numerous falls throughout their lifespan, especially in a high-mobility sport such as tennis.
Select eyewear that offers anti-scratch lenses, as one misplaced scratch can severely affect your vision through the lenses. You do not want to find yourself in a situation where you have to replace your brand new pair of expensive sunglasses just because of one mishap.
Polarized Lenses
Opting for polarized lenses should not be a polarizing decision because the benefits of this feature are immense. A near-invisible filter is built into the lens to help reduce the amount of reflection that enters the frame. This helps reduce the glare experienced by the wearer and also dramatically enhances the clarity and comfort of the frames.
Many of the international brands tend to use their own particular processes to improve the efficiency of the eyewear. If you’re opting for the best sunglasses for tennis, make sure you pick a polarized lens as this is a vital element in enhancing your tennis games.
With a polarized pair, you eliminate the chance of catching any unexpected glare, thereby greatly improving your chances of playing a natural game even during sunny days. Children, in particular, should begin wearing polarized glasses at an early age as their eyes are most vulnerable to the rays of the sun.
Frame Style
With a high-impact sport such as tennis, you need something that can retain its grip even in the face of some major turbulence.
A wrap style is perhaps the best variant of sunglasses you can choose when you’re playing tennis. This particular style is extremely flexible and it allows the frame to stick to your face naturally.
By opting for this type, you ensure a high level of stability with your vision, which will allow you to focus on your game with greater intent.
Frame Material
What kind of material you consider can make a big difference to your overall comfort level. You’re going to be highly mobile while playing tennis and you wouldn’t want your frames to put you off your game.
Here are some common materials you’ll find:
Metal
This is one of the most commonly used materials in sunglasses. Models made out of metal tend to be corrosion resistant and can be adjusted quite easily.
Nylon
Nylon glasses tend to be reasonably light and have a few other advantages. Apart from being resistant to temperature fluctuations, these glasses tend to be quite flexible and are also quite easy to wear while being active.
Titanium
This is a material typically found in premium models. Titanium shades can be extremely tough, durable, and scratch-resistant. If you have the budget for it, opt for a make that utilizes this metal.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a variation of plastic and thought to be it’s tougher cousin. Not only can this be used for making frames, but the lenses as well. Models that use polycarbonate tend to be durable but rigid.
Acetate
This is also another form of plastic and a slightly stronger version of standard plastic frames. They’re relatively inexpensive, but can be quite sturdy, malleable, and light-weight.
Final Thoughts
When you’re prepping for an important match of tennis, every decision counts, right down to your choice of accessories. Prioritizing the quality of your vision should be high up on your list, as this is a sport that relies heavily on hand-eye coordination. Picking the best sunglasses for tennis, therefore, becomes a crucial decision come game time.
In our opinion, you cannot go wrong with any one of the five choices on our list, especially with our top pick — the Oakley Halfjacket.
This model offers superior UV protection, crystal clear lenses with a dense tint, and a strong yet lightweight frame for increased comfort and durability.
The Under Armour Igniter is our runner-up choice and is a worthy competitor to our best pick. It has a high safety rating, is dust and water-proof, and offers an incredible viewing angle coupled with immense clarity through the lenses.
However, all of these sunglasses should help you keep your eye on the prize and off the sun while you enjoy your favorite sport.