Packing for a weekend getaway? You’ve probably ticked off the essentials like comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a water bottle. But have you thought about which sunglasses to pack for the trip? The pair that works for a long drive or a countryside walk might not be the best choice for a beach day.
Different outdoor settings bring different challenges, from bright sunlight to reflections off the water. The good news is that there are sunglasses for almost every adventure, with different lens tints, frame materials and designs to suit your plans. And you don’t have to sacrifice your personal style to find a pair that feels comfortable and offers the protection you need.
Let’s look at a few key features and styles of sunglasses that can help you find the right pair for your plans and personal style.
Sunglasses for Road Trips and Long Drives
Think of Will & Harper, the Netflix documentary featuring a cross-country road trip and changing landscapes. If you’ve pictured your weekend in a similar setting, driving towards a beautiful sunset and enjoying the scenery along the way, a road trip sounds like a good plan. With plenty of views worth an Instagram post, you’ll get some peace away from city life. But glare from the road and changing light conditions can make the journey less comfortable.
To make the drive more comfortable, your sunglasses deserve a place on the packing list, too. Here are a few things to consider before choosing a pair for the trip:
Brown or amber tints: Can enhance contrast in certain lighting conditions, making them worth considering for daytime drives.
Grey tints: Offer more neutral colour perception, making them a practical choice for driving. These tints also work particularly well with classic pilot or square sunglasses.
Transitions® lenses: If you wear prescription glasses, light-adaptive lenses can darken outdoors. However, their performance behind a car windscreen varies. Transitions® XTRActive® New Generation lenses offer greater darkness behind the windscreen than GEN S, making them worth considering for drivers who want light-adaptive lenses. Remember, dedicated prescription sunglasses may still be a better choice if you spend long hours driving.
Beach-Ready Sunglasses for Days by the Sea
Planning a beach day with a little inspiration from The Summer I Turned Pretty? Get ready for salty breezes, sandy toes and sunshine sparkling across the water. To complete your look and enjoy the sunshine without constantly squinting, sunglasses are a must. Here are some styles worth considering:
Cat-eye sunglasses: Add a playful, retro-inspired touch to beach outfits, especially when paired with breezy dresses or linen co-ords.
Oval sunglasses: Offer a softer, understated look that works beautifully with relaxed summer styling.
Oversized sunglasses: Make a statement while offering more coverage around the eyes, depending on their shape and fit.
Pair them with a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade whenever possible. Most importantly, choose sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. Remember, cloudy skies don’t mean you can skip eye protection.
What to Wear on the Trail?
From the rolling hills of the Lake District to woodland trails in the Cotswolds, there are plenty of routes that make for memorable weekends. But when your walk turns into a few hours of exploring, uncomfortable sunglasses can quickly become a nuisance. Here’s what to look for before hitting the trail:
TR90 frames: Lightweight and flexible, these frames can feel comfortable during longer walks without putting unnecessary pressure on your nose.
Wraparound designs: These offer a closer fit around the eyes and help limit light entering from the sides. They can be a practical choice for exposed or windy trails while walking or hiking.
Secure fit: Sunglasses should not slide down on the nose bridge. That is why, before buying one, ensure it has the right grip and can stay in place without pinching or slipping as you move.
Reliable UV protection: Choose lenses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, particularly on exposed routes where shade is limited.
Eyewear for Water Adventures
A peaceful weekend fishing or a day out on a boat sounds peaceful. These windy days out are therapeutic until sunlight starts bouncing off the water. Fishing sunglasses with mirrored lenses are worth considering for bright conditions. The reflective mirrored lens can reduce the amount of visible light entering the eyes.
Look for frames that feel secure and comfortable, too. Wraparound designs offer a closer fit and can help limit light entering from the sides, making them practical for long hours outdoors.
If you are planning to swap fishing for a swim. Wait, swimming goggles are going to accompany you underwater. You can explore brands like Specscart, which offers swimming goggles for those who want suitable eyewear for time in the pool. After all, the right eyewear should help you enjoy the water, not distract you from it.
Make Sunglasses Part of Your Outdoor Preparation
Whatever you’re planning this weekend, whether it’s enjoying coastal views, exploring countryside trails or heading out on a fishing trip, think about your eyewear before you leave. Different activities call for different features, so consider where you’ll wear your sunglasses before choosing a pair. Check the UV protection, lens tint, fit and coverage to make sure they suit your plans. A comfortable pair that offers the right protection can make spending time outdoors that little bit more enjoyable.
