These are the best sunglasses for sailing
When stepping aboard this summer, you should be slipping on a pair of frames with polarised lenses. We’ve rounded up the best to buy…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Photography: Adam Fussell
Your sunglasses should be polarising. They should be divisive, diverting and make enough of a style statement to provoke conversation. They should turn heads, raise eyebrows and split opinion. They should make a splash — especially if you’re stepping aboard a yacht this summer.
If this is the case, and you’re soon to jet-setting down to the Riviera, your eyewear should not only be fashion-forward and polarising — but also polarised. Designed specifically to reduce glare from surfaces such as snow, glass or water, polarised sunglasses can help you see more clearly and are key to avoiding hazards when sailing.
So, before you weigh anchor, take a look at our list of the best sailing sunglasses. Big-name frames, these options will invoke eyewear envy and keep you safe on the waves in equal measure.
A pair of Clubmasters will bring sophistication to your seafaring
There’s something timeless about Ray-Ban’s Clubmaster sunglasses. First launched in the 1980s, this brownline design is classically cool — and it’s the ideal style to take on board this summer.
From Ray-Ban themselves, the original round-frame pair has polished black acetate and gold-tone metal rims — with those all-important polarised green lenses. Tom Ford, too, have their own take on the browline style, with blue glare-reducing lenses. Or opt for these retro frames from Cutler and Gross, detailed with palladium metal.
Round frames are an iconic yachting look
If you’re looking for the best blend of function and fashion, you can’t go wrong with a pair of well-made, round-framed sunglasses. Just ask JFK, who established the gold standard of sailing style during days at the helm of his own yacht, Manitou.
So, to follow in the wake of the former president, look to Persol — with their polarised tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses. Or chart a course to Oliver Peoples, whose classic round-shape frames are fitted with anti-reflective polarised lenses and inspired by Andy Warhol. Of course, we can’t talk hard-wearing polarised sunglasses without mentioning Moncler, whose frames may be more suited to the slopes — but also bring their brand of matte-black cool to the waves.
For angry seas and evening soirees, slip on chunky frames
Sailing can be a mixed bag. One evening, you’re sitting on the sundeck in your finery, sipping from a flute of Bollinger — the next day, you’re being thrown from side to side on storm-tossed seas. Thankfully, opt for a chunky pair of polarised sunglasses, and you’ll be protected from glares, knocks and dress codes alike.
The Italians know what they’re doing in this department. Ermenegildo Zegna’s polarised pair are glossy black for versatility. Berluti’s brown offering have a touch of retro with their green polarised lenses. And British Cubitts have the Wharfdale frames; an angular option in olive acetate.
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