Take off those cyborg sunglasses and rock some active sunglasses with some class.
The man of today is an active one, but he must also be prepared to fancy up to attend that wedding or banquet his wife is dragging him to.
For the longest time, I struggled to find a good-looking pair of shades that I could wear for every activity.
Everyone deserves a good pair of shades, but it can get expensive to buy a nice pair to dress up and a sporty pair for working out, fishing, sports, etc.
The problem with most “lifestyle” sunglasses is that they lack the features of sport sunglasses that make the sport sunglasses more comfortable and ideal if we are going to be active. My lifestyle shades would slip down my nose from one drop of sweat, or they would fly off my hat during activities.
Sport sunglasses are designed with activity in mind. They have the rubberized earpieces and nose pads to keep them in place no matter what. They’re shaped to hug your face and not fly off.
But at what cost? Let’s be honest, most sport sunglasses are lacking in the style department. Sure, some look okay, but there’s a reason people stick to the classics like Wayfarers, Aviators, and all of those classic-looking shades for their primary shades. They just look good.
After lots of heartache and money spent, I have narrowed down the sunglasses I prefer to wear every day, no matter the activity.
No longer must you choose between your shades looking good or functioning well.
I typically wear the same shades whether I’m dressing up, going fishing, or engaging in sweat-drenching outdoor activities. They all look good (in my opinion), and they haven’t presented with the common struggles I had with other shades.
Whether you’re chasing waves, bustin’ ass, or getting classy, let’s dive into some of the best sunglasses you can get that can be used for dress and play.. Without spending an arm and a leg.
Zeal Optics Brewer
If you haven’t heard of Zeal Optics, that’s okay. I hadn’t either until I pulled the trigger on these bad boys.
Zeal Optics is based in Boulder, Colorado. They are a part of Maui Jim. Now, surely, you’ve heard of them. Zeal has the same high-quality build you would expect of any pair of Maui Jim shades, but they’re a fraction of the price.
The polarized lenses on these bad boys are superb. I keep them on as much as I can because they’re just that good. They do well in any conditions from overcast to sunny skies.
The Brewer frame has a 6-degree base curve. If you don’t know what a base curve measurement is, it’s how flat or curved the frame is. The higher the degree, the more the shades wrap your face on the sides. The lower the degree, the flatter the frame. 6-degree is the most popular for casual sunglasses. 4 degrees is essentially flat.
Now, why are these good active glasses?
Zeal designs their shades with style and activity in mind.
Most Zeal shades come with discrete rubberized grip on the nose pads and temples. They provide excellent grip, and no one can even tell the rubber is there when you’re wearing them.
Another great thing about these shades is that they are super lightweight. When you put them on, you forget they’re there. I can’t truly explain to you how lightweight and comfortable these shades are.
You’d have to try them to see.
Zeal also makes most of their shades out of Bio-plastic materials, as opposed to petroleum-based plastics. That includes the lens. So, if you did happen to lose these sweet shades in the woods (sucks for you), you’re not harming the Earth.
No matter the activity, my Zeal Brewer shades are up to the task. They don’t just get the job done, they excel. The Brewer is my frame of choice from Zeal, but you can’t go wrong with any of their shades.
ROKA Barton 2.0
ROKA is another somewhat hidden gem sunglass company. They’re based in Austin, Texas.
They make premium lifestyle shades. They design their shades with a similar mindset to Zeal. They make good-looking shades that feel good and won’t fall off your face.
The Barton 2.0 is one of their best-selling frames. You can get these with polarization or not, depending on your preference.
They also have an XL version for you melon-headed men.
The frame has a 6-degree base curve.
ROKA incorporates a rubberized grip into the nose pads and temples, as well. They use their GEKO technology named after the texturing and sticky feet of the gecko. The GEKO technology is said to relieve pressure points and enhance the fit. GEKO grip is hydrophobic, so it’ll stay grippy no matter how sweaty you get.
ROKA sunglasses are lightweight as well, so you can wear them all day, no problem.
If these Barton 2.0 aren’t exactly your style, you can’t go wrong with the many other ROKA options.
Smith Lowdown Collection
The Smith Lowdown collection has a variation of their popular Lowdown frame for everyone. They have a slim, XL, metal, and a couple of other versions.
They also have several different color and lens options.
Smith has built a reputation for stellar lens quality. The Smith shades can be more expensive than the other options here if you choose to go with their Chromapop lens technology.
Chromapop polarized lenses don’t just cut glare. They also enhance color and contrast, making everything “pop”. The Chromapop lens technology is definitely a cool feature, but you could save a decent chunk of change if you opt to go with their other lens options.
The Lowdown frames have a 4-degree base curve, so they’re essentially flat.
Lowdowns come with Megol nose pads to prevent the shades from sliding down your nose.
The Lowdown collection is full of solid choices worth your consideration.
Oakley Holbrook
If you’ve stepped outside at all today, you probably saw a pair of Oakley Holbrooks.
Since their release in 2010, the Holbrooks have been one of Oakley’s most popular frames. You’ll see them on faces everywhere.
They’re simple, but they just look good. Oakley took a hint of classic design and put a subtle modern spin on it.
The color options and combinations seem endless.
You can also get these in an XL version or metal frame.
Holbrook frames have a 6-degree base curve. They’re made of Oakley’s lightweight O-Matter. O-Matter is said to be about 25% lighter than acetate (which is used in a lot of glasses) and 2x stronger. O-Matter is heat and cold-resistant, as well.
The Holbrooks don’t feature any rubberized grip, but the way they shaped the temples to wrap your ear makes them a pretty nice fit.
Would it be nice to have a version with some more grip? Yes, but these shades still rock.
Oakley also has tons of lens options including standard, iridium, polarized, and prizm. They also have some options that combine 2 of the technologies such as Prizm Polarized.
If you haven’t experienced Oakley Prizm lenses, you’re in for a treat. They enhance contrast and color in a way that I just haven’t experienced with any other company’s similar technology.
I’m not sure how Oakley did it, but they knocked it out of the park with Prizm lenses.
Give these instant classics a shot. You won’t regret it.
Goodr OG
If the previous options are just more than you’re willing to pay, or you’re constantly breaking or losing your shades, we’ve got something for you.
Goodr shades are stupid cheap. Coming in at around $25 a pair, there isn’t a more affordable option out there I’d recommend over these.
Goodr shades are a simple and classic design.
In 2015, Goodr set out to solve the problem of expensive and ugly running shades. Then Goodr shades were born.
These super-affordable shades come in several shapes and colors. The OG frame seems to be the most popular.
Goodr shades are made with a grip-coated frame to prevent slippage and bouncing during activites. They’re also super lightweight.
The frame has a 4-degree base curve (flat).
All Goodr shades are polarized.
Whether you’re looking for a pair of backup shades to keep in the truck, a pair of shades to get dirty and scratched up, or even a frontline pair of shades for an unbeatable price, check out Goodr. What have you got to lose? $25?
Shades should be about functionality AND fashion.
The shades we discussed here will get you through any activity without missing a beat. And you’ll look good while doing it.
Let’s face it, our eyes are more sensitive to UV rays than we’d like to admit. Shades are essential to preserving our sight and enhancing the way we perceive the world around us.
Choosing the right pair of shades is critical. They’re going to be a daily companion, protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, and boosting your confidence because, DAMN, you look good in them.
Grab you a pair of any of these shades. They’re more than ready to take on your next trail ride, wave, workout, wedding, banquet, or afternoon stroll.
