The 8 Best Sunglasses for Tennis, According to Tennis Players and Eye Experts
Tennis season is in full swing—and if you plan to play outside, a pair of sunglasses, in addition to sunscreen, is a must. The best sunglasses for tennis will not only feature 100 percent ultraviolet (UV protection) to protect from both UV and UVB rays, but also prevent the sun from impeding your vision so you can keep your eyes on the ball without strain. Tinted sunglasses are worth consideration too, and some lens color options (such as brown and green) better allow you to see details, even in the glare of the sun. As you shop, you’ll also want to think about whether you want polarized sunglasses and the style of your frames.
- Anthony Evrard, CEO and founder of Court 16 in New York City
- Arian Fartash, OD, optometrist and founder of Corona Vision Center and GlamBaby
- Brad Brocwell, OD, optometrist and vice president of clinical operations at Now Optics
- Brian Boxer Wachler, MD, board-certified ophthalmologist
- Christo Schultz, head tennis coach at Brandeis University
To further narrow down your choices, I consulted with four experts for their tips on choosing an ideal pair of shades for tennis: Brandeis University head tennis coach Christo Schultz, Court 16 CEO and founder Anthony Evrard, optometrist and founder of Corona Vision Center and GlamBaby Arian Fartash, OD, and ophthalmologist Brian Boxer Wachler, MD. From wraparound sports sunglasses to versatile frames that you can wear on and off the court, find eight of the best sunglasses for tennis with specs determined by experts below.
Best sunglasses for tennis, at a glance
- Best wraparound sunglasses: Bollé Bolt 2.0 Sunglasses, $98
- Best budget: Goodr Au Revoir, Gopher Sunglasses, $25
- A pair of lightweight shades: Maui Jim Hikina Polarized Sunglasses, $199
- Best splurge: Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep, $162
What to consider when choosing sunglasses for tennis
100% UV protection
Whether for sports or everyday wear, the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends sunglasses that block out 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays—and typically, frames with a UV400 label will indicate whether you’re getting that full protection.
Lens tint
As you shop, you may also want to consider looking for tinted sunglasses made from lightweight yet durable materials (such as polycarbonate). Lens color is largely a matter of preference, but different lens colors have different advantages, optometrist Brad Brocwell, OD, told Well+Good in a previous interview. For example, gray- and green-base tints offer an accurate view of the colors of your surroundings and help to reduce eye strain, whereas amber or brown-tinted lenses enhance color and contrast, so wearers can maintain a clear sight of details they might otherwise miss due to the sun’s glare.
Dr. Boxer Wachler adds that you may also want to opt for sunglasses with light-tinted lenses, as opposed to dark-tinted lenses. “Some people find that dark tints make it harder to track the tennis ball,” he says. “Lighter-tinted sunglasses can help improve contrast and allow them to better track the ball.”
Polarized lenses versus non-polarized lenses
Additionally, you’ll want to think about whether you prefer sunglasses with polarized or non-polarized lenses. While polarized lenses are useful for minimizing the glare of shiny or light-reflecting surfaces, says Dr. Boxer Wachler, it isn’t necessary for tennis. However, this isn’t to say that polarized lenses don’t have their place on the court. “There’s definitely value in a polarized lens as it allows you to best see the ball on the court,” says Evrard.
All to say, deciding between sunglasses with polarized or non-polarized lenses is largely a matter of personal preference—and in the list ahead are a selection of both types of lenses.
Style
Comfort and stylishness are important factors in selecting sunglasses for tennis. Comfort may include finding sunglasses that fit your face properly, and better yet, have the ability to stay in place and adjust to ensure they stay where you want them—on your face and not on the floor. “You want to make sure the sunglasses snugly fit on your nose bridge as well as behind the ears,” says Fartash. As for style, Fartash says, “You want to make sure that your lenses cover both the eyes and the delicate skin around the eyes.” Dr. Boxer Wachler adds, “I recommend sunglasses with a wraparound style that cover the outer corners around the eyes.” Plus, wraparound shades can also protect the eyes from wind and stray debris. Conversely, he says, “Avoid small frames since they let in more sunlight.”
With all this in mind, scroll on to see eight of the best sunglasses for tennis—many of which are recommended (and used) by experts.
Shop the best sunglasses for tennis
Originally $140, now $98
The Bollé Bolt 2.0 Sunglasses provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. The option picture above features gray-tinted lenses to make them well-suited for various lighting conditions, but it also comes in several options with brown-tinted lenses, and in polarized and non-polarized variations. The shades also feature rubber nose and ear pads to offer a secure fit. “There’s lots of jostling and changing of direction in tennis, and these frames are effective because of their stability,” says Schultz.
UV protection: 100%
Lens color: Gray (also available in brown)
Lens type: Polarized (non-polarized options also available)
Styles: 8
Pros:
- Recommended by Schultz
- Feature non-slip rubber nose and ear pads
- Available in gray- and brown-tinted lens colors for various lighting conditions
- Comes in polarized and non-polarized variations
Cons:
- Only two options for lens tint colors
- Limited retailer availability
You don’t have to dig deep into your savings account for a quality pair of shades, and The Goodr Au Revoir, Gopher Sunglasses are proof of that. The polarized lenses deliver 100 percent protection from the sun’s rays and enhance the view of your surroundings, while the grip-coated frame keeps the shades in place—no matter how heated things get. “I use these allthe time,” says Schultz. “These do the trick, particularly onhot days when it’s easy to sweat, theystay on.” What’s more? “They’re super reasonably priced, so I don’t feel like a total idiot when I inevitably lose two pairs every summer,” he adds.
UV protection: 100%
Lens color: Pink
Lens type: Polarized
Styles: 1
Pros:
- Recommended by Schultz
- Budget-friendly
- Grip-coated frames prevent shades from slipping and sliding
Cons:
- Only one lens type and color available
- Frames do not over full-coverage protection
A pair of lightweight sunglasses
The Maui Jim Hikina Polarized Sunglasses won’t weigh you down as you smash serves and balls—something to which Schultz can attest to after wearing multiple frames from the brand. “They’re the lightest,” he says of all the options he’s tried, making them an ideal option for the sport. In addition to being lightweight, the lenses are made with PolarizedPlus2 technology, which block 100 percent of harsh UV rays. The mirrored lenses promise to shield sensitive eyes from bright sunlight without dimming your view, while the non-slip nose and ear pads secure the shades in place.
UV protection: 100%
Lens color: Blue (also available in other colors)
Lens type: Polarized
Styles: 1
Pros:
- Recommended by Schultz
- Lightweight yet durable frame
- Lenses are scratch-resistant
Cons:
- No option with non-polarized lenses
- Frames do not over full coverage protection
Best splurge
Originally $202, now $162
The Oakley Sutro Lite Sweeps are pricey, but well worth the splurge. “Oakey has been the gold standard in the sports sunglasses space for quite some time,” says Evrard, and this pair is no exception. It comes in an oversized wraparound style to offer optimal protection from the sun at every angle, and they feature the brand’s patented Prizm lens technology, which is purported to enhance color, contrast and detail, giving you a clear view on and off the court. Plus, the non-polarized lenses come in variations with mirrored coating, too. All such options have a lightweight frame and non-slip nose and ears pads to keep the sunglasses in place. In short, these sunglasses are a smash.
UV protection: 100%
Lens color: Gray (also available in other colors)
Lens type: Non-polarized(also available with mirrored coating)
Styles: 13
Pros:
- Wraparound style features protection from the sun at every angle
- Patented lens technology enhance color, contrast, and detail
- Option to fully customize lens and frame
Cons:
- Not ideal for those with smaller faces
- No polarized lens option available
Best mid-range
You’ll barely feel these eco-friendly shades on your face, thanks to the lightweight, bio-based frame. The polarized lenses give a clear shot of the court, and you won’t have to worry about the glasses bouncing around or slipping down thanks to the grip inserts on the nose and temples. “This is super important as you don’t want to feel like you may lose the glasses if you have to change direction quickly,” says Evrard.
UV protection: 100%
Lens color: Brown (also available in other colors)
Lens type: Polarized (also available with mirrored coating)
Styles: 4
Pros:
- Made with a lightweight, bio-based frame
- No-slip grip inserts on nose and temples
- Comes in various lens color tints
Cons:
- Limited style choices
- No non-polarized lens option available
A pair of sunglasses with interchangeable lenses
The Ria Eyewear’s wraparound Model One sunglasses have a one-piece seamless lens so you have a clear vision of the entire court, and you can swap out the lenses based on the sunlight that day. Plus the lenses are treated with several different coatings to make them optimal for all-day play: the lenses are anti-moisture, anti-fog, anti-scratch, and anti-smudge. The frames are lightweight, with soft rubber grips on the nose and temple pads to keep them in place as you’re running from baseline to the net.
UV protection: 100%
Lens color: Amber-brown
Len type: Non-polarized with mirror coating
Styles: 6
Pros:
- Interchangeable lenses for various lighting conditions
- Lens are moisture-, fog, scratch-, and smudge-resistant
- Features non-slip rubber grips on nose and ear pads
Cons:
- Expensive
- No polarized lens option available
A pair of oversized wraparound sunglasses
If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that offers full coverage from the sun, consider the Smith Boomtown Sunglasses. The oversize design protects the sides of your eyes from the sun, wind, and debris. Measuring 135 millimeters wide, the manufacturer indicates that the sunglasses have a medium-to-large size fit, which might be a tradeoff for people with smaller faces. However, they feature non-slip nose and ear pads, which help to prevent them from sliding down your face while you sprint, jump, and slide across the tennis court. The lenses provide 100 percent UV protection to effectively block UVA and UVB rays, and the shades themselves come in different lens-frame styles, including a few with mirror-coated lenses.
UV protection: 100%
Lens color: Green (also available in other colors)
Lens type: Polarized (also available with mirrored coating)
Styles: 8
Pros:
- Oversized wraparound style protects from sun, wind, and stay debris
- Features non-slip nose and ear pads
- Available in various lens-frame styles
Cons:
- Not ideal for those with smaller faces
- No non-polarized lens option available
A pair of shades with removable eye shields
Using AI technology, Spy+ created the Helm Tech sunglasses with a lens that enhances color by 30 percent more than you’re able to see with the naked eye alone, creating the most amount of color contrast you’d ever be able to see on a tennis court. While the frames do have side shields, they’re removable in case you don’t feel like you need to wear them during your match. No-grip nose grip pads and sweat channels in the temples keep them in place for hours of play.
UV protection: 100%
Lens color: Green (also available in other colors)
Lens type: Non-polarized (also available in polarized, with or without mirrored coating)
Styles: 11
Pros:
- Lenses enhance color by 30 percent
- Removable side shields for increased sun protection
- Sweat channels in non-slip nose and ear pads
Cons:
- Limited retailer availability
- Expensive
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