It might be August, but it's never too late to get some new shades. Sunglasses are a must for all of us on-water enthusiasts, but what about those times when you're also off the water? We set out to find some styles that fit the "fashion with function" bill. These sunglasses not only look good enough to wear around town, but they have features that make them great performers when you're out on the boat, at the lake, hanging at the cable park, or anywhere else.
costadelmar.com
When you think of Costa you probably think of fishing, and that's cool, it's the bread and butter the company is built around. But you know what's great about a company famous for high-quality fishing sunglasses? They know a thing or two about making shades that work really well on the water. Over the past few years Costa have done a great job adding fresh, fashionable, and cool-looking frames to their line while sticking to what's made them so popular - really good lenses.
Baffin
MSRP: $219
What's Cool: The Baffin, one of four styles in Costa's new Untangled collection, is made completely from recycled fishing nets. Protecting the environment and your eyes, that's a win-win. The Baffins also have a unique look, featuring angular patterns etched into the earpieces. They also have nose and ear pads, provide a more comfortable and secure fit. Of course, the Baffins feature Costa's 580 polarized lenses, and the clarity you get on the water is amazing.
Del Mar
MSRP: $249
What's Cool: The Del Mar is a classic silhouette with some modern twists, and they look equally awesome on guys and gals. The Shiny Ocean Tortoise acetate frame we tested is not only totally unique from anything we've seen, but really comfortable as well. Combined with the 580 lenses you get fashion and the function.
May
MSRP: $249
What's Cool: The May is for the ladies who want to look good out on the boat, around town, or anywhere else, while also getting the protection and performance of high-quality polarized lenses. Costa's 580 lenses feature some cool research and tech that is way beyond our brain capacities, but we know they work!
dragonalliance.com
Founded in Southern California in 1993, Dragon has a rich history in the action sports and outdoor worlds. Always known for a different approach and sometimes edgier styles, that tradition continues today with unique offerings across the board, especially when it comes to mixing fashion with function.
Drac
MSRP: $180
What's Cool: Part of Dragon's signature H2O Floatable line, the Dracs do indeed float, and not only is that cool, but it's also functional, especially if you're around the water all the time (and chances are if you're reading this you are). In order to float, the Drac's are very lightweight, which makes them quite comfortable, even if you're wearing them for hours on end. To top it off the blue tint polarized lenses add a cool touch with performance.
Jake
MSRP: $136
What's Cool: An updated look to a classic sunglass style, ladies or gents can rock these lookers with acetate frame and ear pieces, along with metal arms. The Jakes are lightweight, but don't feel like they're going to fly off your head while underway on the boat.
Liege
MSRP: $180
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What's Cool: Like the Dracs, the Lieges are also part of the H2O Floatable series, and that means if you happen to lose them overboard they are easy to retrieve. The ultra-lightweight frame means the bridge of your nose or tops of your ears don't get those awkward sore spots from wearing sunglasses too long. Polarized lenses ensure your peepers enjoy the on-water life without any unnecessary damage.
smithoptics.com
From ski goggles to endurance cycling, Smith is one of the most recognized names in the performance eyewear game. For decades they have been creating quality, stylish glasses and that has translated into some high-performance shades for us on-water folks. With the ability to create high-end, high-performance sunglasses, as well as stylish around-town ones, we were impressed with the versatile pairs they sent our way.
Founder - Howler Bros. co-op
MSRP: $169
What's Cool: Designed as a co-op with the awesome crew from surf/fish/lifestyle brand Howler Brothers, this pair of Founders has some unique touches. Most noticeable are the orange-accented ear pieces. The bigger frame gives your eyes a little more protection from the sun, but is cut with a stylish silhouette that looks good anywhere. Of course, Smith's ChromaPop polarized lenses have to be looked through to be believed. Colors really do pop, especially around water. Padded nose pieces add a nice, functional touch.
Roam
MSRP: $169
What's Cool: Upon first glance the Roams look like all fashion, but looks can be deceiving. With flexible metal temples, padded nose rests, and ChromaPop polarizes lenses, the Roams are equally comfortable in long days on the boat or walking around town. We're not sure if this was intentional, but here's an added bonus: if you're the type of sunglass-wearer who regularly hangs your shades from your shirt collar or pocket when walking indoors, the bend in the metal arms helps hold them in place. How many times have you bent over and had your glasses crash to the ground because you forgot they were hanging in your shirt? This isn't a full-proof fix, but it helps.
Snare
MSRP: $129
What's Cool: These retro-inspired round shades have some modern twists that make them extra cool. First, the colors are sweet, with the accent blue on the inside and bright green lenses. They are also lightweight, featuring Smith's Evolve eco-material construction. The no-slip nose pads provide extra comfort and polarized lenses bring clarity and protection, especially when you're on the water.
spyoptic.com
One of the most synonymous names in action/adventure sports, Spy is a staple at board shops around the globe. With innovative styles and the now ubiquitous Happy lenses, Spy continues to be at the forefront of the sunglasses game, both in terms of fashion and function.
Helm 2
MSRP: $100
What's Cool: An update to the popular Helm frame, the Helm 2 features a soft rubber frame that is comfortable and strong. The Happy lenses do just that and keep your eyes happy, and most importantly, protected. Rubber pads at the end of the arms help lock the Helm 2's to your head. Plus, who doesn't like rocking some matte white shades?!
Rocky
MSRP: $150
What's Cool: The Rocky have a more wrapped style, which provides extra sun/wind protection, but they also have enough style to go anywhere you want. The frame features a soft rubber material that isn't just cool, but really comfortable and durable. The polarized Trident Happy lenses make everything pop - you've got to try them out. Bonus touch: At the end of each arm is a connector point for an included lanyard, so you never have to worry about them falling off.
zealoptics.com
Based out of Boulder, Colorado, Zeal has quickly become known as a premier eyewear brand while simultaneously serving as a steward for the outdoors and environmental protection. For example, their Z-Resin frames are derived from the castor plant and replaces the use of traditional plastics, significantly reducing the amount of C02 produced during manufacturing. This technique is also used in Zeal's Ellume polarized lenses.
Crowley
MSRP: $150
What's Cool: A classic, round look with some modern twists, the Crowley is a killer combo with lots of fashion and function. The frames are lightweight and comfortable, and are held in place with rubber pads on the arms and nose. The Ellume polarized lenses provide pop and clarity to whatever you're looking at. Angular cuts in the frame over the eyes and along the arms help bring a unique, updated look to the vintage style.
Morrison
MSRP: $220
What's Cool: All-new for Zeal, the Morrisons feature AutoSun tech, which combines polarized and photochromatic qualities into the Ellume lenses. Basically, you can wear these things from dawn to dusk and you'll have clear vision and protection. Trust us, we did it during a photo shoot that went zero-dark-thirty to well past high noon. The frames wrap more, for a sportier look and better all around sun protection. Ear and nose pads help keep the lightweight frame in place.
fuselenses.com
Fuse doesn't make sunglasses. So what are they doing in a sunglasses roundup, you ask? Well sometimes we don't always need new glasses. You know you've got your favorite frames laying around in a drawer, but the lenses are too scratched up to be useful anymore. That's where Fuse comes into play in a big way. If they don't already have your specific pair on file for cutting new lenses, you can order a custom set and Fuse will email you a shipping label to send yours in for the replacements.
MSRP: $10-$54
What's Cool: Replacement lenses are not only cheaper than buying a brand new pair of sunglasses, but they can allow you to mix up the look of some pairs you already own. Want to go a little more wild? Get some bright red/orange lenses. Want to tone down a pair for a more subtle look? You can do that too. Prices vary based on lens quality, polarization, mirror effects, etc. I had an old pair of Electric Hoodlums that I couldn't wear anymore because the lenses were too beat up. Fuse had the frame specs on file, cut some different lenses, and had them at my door in a few days. The replacement lenses are easy to pop in and out of your frames, too. The Fuse website has great instructions for doing this yourself.
