Choosing the Best Sunglasses for
Every Outdoor Activity
Explore tips on choosing outdoor sunglasses for every adventure. From the
best sports sunglasses to beach-ready shades, you can find your perfect pair.
The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses Outdoors
For many people, sunglasses serve as a style statement. For others, it’s all about the features they offer. Regardless of what drives your eyewear choice, one thing is clear: Sunglasses are essential for your eye health. The right pair of shades can even enhance your performance while fishing and during other outdoor activities.
Wearing sunglasses outdoors is important to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and to reduce the risk of eye damage from long-term UV exposure. But whether you’re fishing, hiking or participating in extreme sports, your sunglasses can make or break your outdoor experience.
Costa sunglasses are known for their quality and performance in the fishing world and beyond. Read on as we dive into what you need to know about choosing outdoor sunglasses and how a pair of Costas can be the perfect option for every outdoor adventure.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Sunglasses
When it comes to eyewear selection, style and quality are high on the list of reasons to choose outdoor sunglasses for many people. But there are other important factors to keep in mind when selecting a pair of shades, whether you plan to wear them every day or use them for a specific activity. These factors include:
UV Protection
The primary purpose of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV light. Exposure to UV radiation over time can lead to the development of some serious eye conditions. But by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, you can help safeguard your vision and enjoy your favorite outdoor activities with peace of mind. Every pair of Costa sunglasses provides 100% UV protection.
Polarization
Polarization is another key feature to consider when choosing outdoor sunglasses. Polarized lenses can enhance your visual clarity and reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water, snow and cement. This minimizes the need to squint in bright sunlight, further improving your comfort when spending time outdoors. All Costa sunglasses feature polarized lenses.
Lens Material and Technology
At Costa, our commitment to offering top-quality shades that enhance performance is evident in the lens materials and technology we use. Crafted through innovative techniques, Costa 580 lenses are available in glass (580G) and plastic (580P) options to meet your needs and preferences.
What further sets Costa lenses apart is our range of 10 lens tint options, each designed for different types of light. Whether you’re facing bright sun, overcast skies or shifting light conditions, Costa lenses help ensure optimal clarity and visual comfort.
Most Costa sunglasses can also be fitted with prescription lenses for added convenience.
Frame Design and Fit
Comfort and fit are essential when choosing outdoor sunglasses, especially if you plan to wear your shades for an extended time. Costa sunglasses feature high-quality frames in a variety of designs to suit your style and help enhance your performance.
Costa sunglass frames are made from durable materials, including co-injected nylon, corrosion-resistant metal and hypoallergenic acetate. With options ranging from rimless to combination frames, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your outdoor adventure.
Activity-Specific Features
While some outdoor sunglasses are versatile and perfect for everyday wear, others have certain features that make them better suited for specific outdoor activities. Many Costa sunglass styles offer the following features:
- Slip prevention – Hydrolite rubber is strategically placed on the nose pads and temple tips to prevent slippage during high-action sports and other activities.
- Sweat management – Airflow channels built into the temples guide sweat and moisture away from the lenses before draining from the temple tips.
- Ventilation system – Ventilation ducts are added to the end pieces and nose pads to help prevent lens fogging.
Best Sunglasses for Specific Outdoor Activities
Now that you know some of the key factors to consider when shopping for sunglasses, let’s explore some of our top picks for specific outdoor activities. Whether you’re angling for that trophy catch or conquering rugged landscapes, Costa offers shades for every adventure.
Best Sunglasses for the Beach and Water Sports
There are a few things to consider when choosing sunglasses for water sports and beach activities. Lightweight, durable frames that fit well and won’t slip off your face can help ensure your shades are comfortable when reeling in that big catch. For a day at the beach, it’s important to wear shades that provide good coverage so you can enjoy the sun, sand and surf without worry.
Deep-Sea Fishing and Coastal Explorations
Some of our top picks for deep-sea fishing sunglasses include:
Fantail PRO
Reefton PRO
Blackfin PRO
King Tide 8
The best sunglasses for the beach are those that provide proper eye protection from the sun and other outdoor elements. A few top Costa picks for beach sunglasses are:
Sullivan
Loreto
Brine
South Point
Kayaking, Paddleboarding and Canoeing
Costa sunglasses are designed for maximum comfort and performance on the water. Some of our top choices for cruising calm coastal waters include:
Waterwoman 2
Tuna Alley PRO
Diego
Rincon
Best Sunglasses for Sports and Land Adventures
Hit the trails, fields and variable terrain with confidence when wearing outdoor sunglasses made for extreme environments. Explore our top Costa picks for sports and land adventures:
Mountain Biking and Trekking
From low-impact hiking to rigorous mountain biking, Costas offer the durability needed to excel in your outdoor adventures. The following styles are ideal choices for hiking and mountain-biking sunglasses:
Corbina PRO
Mainsail
Cut
Spearo XL
Sports and High-Intensity Activities
If action sports or other high-octane activities are more your speed, Costa has a pair of shades for you as well. Some of our top picks for the best sports sunglasses include:
Jose PRO
Cat Cay
Whitetip PRO
Grand Catalina
Working Outdoors: Construction, Gardening and More
Sometimes you just need a good pair of quality shades to protect your eyes during everyday activities. Some of the best sunglasses for working outside are:
Ferg
Saltbreak
May
Lido
Caring for Your Outdoor Sunglasses
Taking proper care of your outdoor sunglasses can help prolong their lifespan. Store your shades in a protective case when you’re not wearing them to avoid damage. You should also avoid leaving them in extreme heat, such as in your car, as this can cause them to warp.
Use a microfiber cleaning cloth and lens cleanser that is safe for your shades. Costa’s all-in-one cleaning kit helps make caring for your sunglasses simple and convenient.
Add a sunglass strap to help keep your shades securely on your face during high-octane activities. It can also hold your shades safely around your neck when you’re not actually wearing them. This helps prevent loss or damage to your sunglasses, especially during activities where they might fall off your face or get knocked off accidentally.
Costa's Legacy in Performance Eyewear
With a legacy rooted in performance eyewear, Costa continues to break boundaries and deliver premium, reliable solutions for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. From our cutting-edge 580 lenses to meticulously crafted frames, every aspect of Costa sunglasses reflects our dedication to enhancing your outdoor experience.
Whether you’re angling for the catch of a lifetime, climbing a vertical rock face or searching for that perfect wave, our sunglasses help you thrive in your element. So gear up with a pair of Costas, because your adventure awaits — and we’ve got you covered. Browse our collections today to find your next pair of quality shades.
Sources:
1. Tips for choosing the best sunglasses. EyeSmart. American Academy of Ophthalmology. June 2021.
2. Your guide to high-quality sunglasses. All About Vision. February 2020.
3. What are polarized sunglasses? All About Vision. January 2021.