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Do you spend a lot of time around water? Maybe you’re a surfer, paddleboarder, or kayaker that needs to reduce glare. Or perhaps you’re a beach-lover who wants a pair of sunglasses they can wear all day.
We all love premium sunglasses for their cool look, exceptional protection, and comfy design, but we also don’t want to risk spending hundreds of dollars on something that we could lose. Well, floating sunglasses might be the perfect choice.
This blog explores everything you need to know about floating sunglasses so you can pick the best pair for your needs.
What Are Floating Sunglasses?
The clue is in the name, they’re sunglasses that float on water. Usually designed specifically for watersports use, they feature lightweight materials yet still incorporate the same technology that protects the wearer’s eyes.
Do All Sunglasses Float?
Common Misconceptions
Sunglasses might feel light to pick up but they still have very little buoyancy, and it’s a common misconception that they will float if you drop them in water. In fact, a lot of thought goes into the design of floatable sunglasses to ensure they stay on the surface.
Why Most Sunglasses Sink
Most normal sunglasses don’t float as they have frames and lenses made of solid metal or plastic. While this makes them strong and easy to produce, they sink like a stone. Sunglasses also have a very small surface area so the natural buoyancy of the water does very little. Watersports sunglasses take a different approach.
The Technology Behind Floating Sunglasses
The best floating sunglasses are lightweight and made from buoyant polymers that keep them on the surface of the water. They may be designed with air bubbles within the frames, or from materials such as acetate, polycarbonate, various composites, or even bamboo as a sustainable alternative.
Floating sunglasses also avoid glass lenses and choose lighter, plastic versions. Because they’re designed to be used on or near water, polarized lenses are a must to reduce glare and maximize visibility.
Why Floating Sunglasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures
Choosing sunglasses that float on water eliminates the risk of your favorite pair falling off your head and going straight to the ocean floor to join the lost cell phones and old coins. Not only will your eyes thank you, but so will your bank balance.
Anybody who spends a lot of time on the beach or in the water can understand how hard it can be to see. The surface of the water creates a lot of glare and it also reflects some of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Over time, this can lead to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Lastly, we all want to look good and need something that’s both functional and fashionable. Regardless of whether we’re catching some rays or catching some waves, modern floating sunglasses are available in a huge range of styles to suit everybody.
The days of wraparound watersports sunglasses being the only choice are long gone (although you can still get some great-looking ones if that’s your thing), and now you can find floating sunglasses in every style from classic Wayfarers and other beach sunglasses, to modern sporty designs and everything in between.
What are the best floating sunglasses?
Floating watersports sunglasses can get pretty beat up, so it’s important to choose ones that provide great eye protection and are sturdy. Of course, if your lenses get scratched or broken, that doesn’t mean you have to throw away the frames. You can find a range of replacement lenses for major brands at The Sunglass Fix.
Bollé Floating Sunglasses
Bollé is famous for producing a wide range of eyewear and sunglasses for skiing, sailing, cycling, and running. Based in the foothills of the French Alps, they create a range of floating sunglasses that are as at home on the streets as they are on the water or the ski slope.
We love the HOLMAN model as it combines everyday style with top-of-the-range protection for watersports. Available with polarized polycarbonate lenses in more than 10 colors, as well as multiple frame choices, they only weigh 28g so they’re perfect for all-day wear. Want to switch up your style? Our polarized and non-polarized replacement lenses can be found in over 20 colors to suit your tastes.
Dragon Floating Sunglasses
Dragon has been creating premium sunglasses and ski goggles from their Californian base since the early 90s. Now, their H20 floatable sunglasses range consists of over 15 different models that are perfect for use on the water. According to Dragon themselves, they’re
"constructed from a specially formulated injection molded resin with a density lower than water, allowing them to float. Designed with Hydrophobic and Oleophobic lens coatings, they are resistant to water, dirt, oil, and other elements while maintaining a crystal-clear view."
That sounds good to us! We love the Baile for a timeless, versatile look that works as well on the water as it does on the street, and The Jam because of its statement frame. We offer a wide range of high-quality replacement polarized lenses, with 17 different color options to suit your style.
Alternatives to Floating Sunglasses
Alongside floating sunglasses, many brands such as Oakley and Maui Jim offer watersports-specific sunglasses that are perfect for sailing, surfing, swimming and sunbathing. With polarized lenses and corrosion-resistant parts, as well as iconic styling, they can survive everything the ocean has to throw at them.
What’s more, adding a floating strap or neckband to your watersports sunglasses will make sure you don’t lose them should they come off your head and take a dip in the blue stuff.
Caring for Your Floating Sunglasses
Caring for your floating sunglasses will keep them looking fresh and performing well for years to come. While they’re designed for water, salt water in particular can still corrode and mark them. With that in mind, here are some great floatable sunglasses maintenance tips:
- Rinse them with fresh water after being in the ocean and dry them with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Wash with warm, soapy water regularly. Don’t use hand sanitizer or other harsh chemicals to avoid damaging the lens coatings.
- Store your sunglasses in a waterproof hard case when they’re not in use to prevent knocks and damage.
Remember, if your lenses get damaged or you’d like to refresh them with a new style, we offer a wide range of replacement lenses here at The Sunglass Fix. Why throw away perfectly good frames when you could just swap out the lenses? Most people can do this themselves and breathe new life into their favorite frames.
