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One of the most important pieces of equipment you can buy for playing tennis is a reliable pair of sunglasses. You need to see the tennis ball well while also protecting your eyes.
There are a lot of features to consider when it comes to purchasing new tennis sunglasses: comfort, affordability, quality, durability, and clarity are just a few.
Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the 12 best sunglasses for tennis, with reviews and a buyer’s guide to help you find the perfect sunglasses for you!
Detailed reviews of these sunglasses are below, but here is our list of the 12 best sunglasses for tennis.
- RIA Reflex Sunglasses – Best Overall
- Bolle Bolt Sunglasses – Best in the Mid-Range
- Nike Gale Force Sunglasses – Best Affordable Athletic
- RIA Model One Sunglasses – Best High-End Athletic
- Rudy Project Sunglasses – Best Photochromic Sunglasses
- Oakley Men’s Half Jacket 2.0 – Best Polarized Sunglasses
- Under Armour Playmaker Wrap Sunglasses
- Oakley Women’s Unstoppable – Best Overall Women’s
- Tifosi Jet Sunglasses – Best Cheap Sunglasses
- Oakley Men’s EVZero Pitch Asian Fit
- Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses
- Goodr Sunglasses – Best for Recreational Players
Reviews of the 12 Best Sunglasses for Tennis Players
Below is our list of the top 12 best sunglasses for tennis. Here, we will review these 12 best sunglasses in detail, and describe the pros, cons, and best features of each pair.
#1 – RIA Reflex Sunglasses
RIA is a relatively new sunglasses company but their products have quickly become one of the most popular, high-quality sunglasses for all racquet sports. They even have endorsements from tennis legends like Gigi Fernandez and the Bryan Brothers.
I’ve owned two pairs of RIA sunglasses including these Reflex lenses, and they are the best sunglasses I’ve ever played in. They come in a premium sunglasses case with a lens cloth. When you first open them, you’ll immediately realize that these are top-of-the-line quality. Made in Italy with polycarbonate, shatterproof lenses, they are engineered specifically for tennis so you can see the ball more clearly.
These are my go-to sunglasses when I’m playing tennis outdoors on a sunny day. They do come at a premium price, but are 100% worth it if you can afford it. I also don’t wear them off the court as they have an athletic look.
Price | $$$
Styles Available | 6
Pros
- HD+ lenses engineered to see the tennis ball more clearly
- Replaceable lenses
- Secure fit for high-level tennis
- Available in prescription
- 100% UVA/B protection
- Lightweight yet durable
- Protective carrying case included
- Six styles available
Cons
- Premium price
#2 – Bolle Bolt Sunglasses
We have chosen these Bolle sunglasses as the best mid-range sunglasses for their design and affordability. Bolle is one of the top leading manufacturers of athletic sunglasses as they specialize in tennis and other sports.
Bolle incorporates a variety of groundbreaking technologies into each pair of sunglasses. The lenses are designed with an outer layer of water repellent that allows water to run off the lenses and not attach. Their lenses are also designed with an anti-fog coating to prevent the lenses from fogging over. This anti-fog coating also acts as a scratch-resistant.
The last feature worth mentioning on these Bolle sunglasses is the multiple Thermogrip pieces. There are three areas of the sunglass frame that are designed with Thermogrip pieces: the temple tips, nose pad, and adjustable nose piece. When mixed with water or sweat, these Thermogrip pieces become activated with additional grip.
Price | $$
Styles Available | 2
Pros
- Complete UV protection
- Anti-fog and scratch-resistant
- Interchangeable lens system
- Nylon frames
- Adjustable nose pads
- Thermogrip technology
Cons
- Not great for off-court
#3 – Nike Gale Force Sunglasses
While Nike doesn’t make racquets, they do make some of the best shoes for tennis, tennis skirts, sunglasses, and other gear. These Nike sunglasses have a sporty look and are the best affordable athletic sunglasses on our list.
The frames are made of lightweight, yet durable plastic. They wrap around your eyes and face for a contoured fit. Nike made these with a small gap at the top between the frame and lens which helps improve ventilation and prevent fogging. They also offer 100% UV protection. The flexible temple arms and ventilated nose pad help to keep the glasses in place as you wear them. They also come with Nike’s shatter-resistant MAX Optics lenses which enhance clarity, making it easier to see the tennis ball.
Price | $$
Styles Available | 2
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight & durable
- Flexible temple arms & ventilated nose pads
- Flying lenses help improve ventilation & prevent fogging
- MAX Optics technology enhances clarity
- 100% UV protection
Cons
- Sporty design, not great for off the court
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#4 – RIA Model One Sunglasses
RIA makes our list for the second time with their original Model One sunglasses. This is RIA’s one-piece lens option.
These sunglasses have HD+ lenses that create more contrast between the court and the ball, helping you to more easily see the ball. The lightweight frames still have a secure fit and won’t slip on hot days when you’re sweating. You’ll actually barely notice that you’re wearing these sunglasses.
The nosepiece has ridges to help further prevent slipping as well. The nosepiece and fit may feel a little big for smaller faces, however. These sunglasses also have anti-fog technology, 100% UV protection, and come with a hard protective carrying case.
Read our full RIA sunglasses review.
Price | $$$
Styles Available | 6
Pros
- Lightweight frame (< 1 oz.)
- HD+ lenses make it easier to see the tennis ball
- Anti-fog technology
- 100% UV Protection
- Protective carrying case
- Secure fit that won’t slip
Cons
- Athletic look is not great for social events
- May not fit small faces well
#5 – Rudy Project Sunglasses
Rudy Project might be better known for their cycling sunglasses, but they also make the best photochromic sunglasses for tennis. They have also become one of my personal favorite pairs to wear on the court.
The photochromic lenses you can order with your Rudy Project frames automatically change how much light they let through, and thus how dark the lenses are, depending on how much sunlight they are getting. This makes them perfect for partly cloudy days because as soon as the sun goes behind the clouds, the lenses seamlessly transition to let more light through, so you don’t have to worry about the change in lighting on court. I particularly recommend the ImpactX Photochromic 2 Laser Purple Golf lenses, as the purple tint creates a great contrast with the tennis ball on court.
The Rydon sunglasses also include many features of other premium sunglasses such as 100% protection from UVA/UVB rays, an adjustable nose piece, and adjustable temple tips, so you won’t have to deal with any slipping or movement when making quick cuts on the tennis court. Your eyes will be safe and your sunglasses will stay in place.
You can also order different lenses because these sunglasses feature an easy interchangeable lens system. You can even order them with your desired prescription if needed. The only downside is the premium price that is attached to these sunglasses, but if they are in your price range, I highly recommend them. The features, particularly the available photochromic lenses, make these worth the cost.
Price | $$$
Styles Available | 12
Pros
- Photochromic lenses adjust to amount of sunlight
- Interchangeable lenses
- Secure fit for high-level tennis
- Available in prescription
- 100% UVA/B protection
- Lightweight yet durable
- Adjustable nosepiece and temple pieces
- Twelve styles available
Cons
- Athletic look is not great for social events
- Premium price
#6 – Oakley Men’s Half Jacket 2.0 Sunglasses
When it comes to sunglasses, Oakley is one of the best, and these are no exception. These Oakley sunglasses are filled with a variety of features and are our top polarized sunglasses on this list.
The frames of these Oakley’s are made of a polycarbonate flexible, yet durable design described as an O-Matter frame. O-Matter frames are stress-resistant frames made from injection-molded thermoplastic. O-Matter frames provide durability, flexibility, and longevity. O-Matter frames are designed to withstand years of physical endurance. The frames are also designed with ear socks and nose pads that increase their grip when you sweat on the tennis court.
The lenses offer 100% UV protection for UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. They have a patented HDO design (high-definition optics), which gives superior optical clarity when looking through all angles of the lenses.
Price | $$
Styles Available | 8
Pros
- Interchangeable lenses
- Available in polarized & non-polarized
- O-Matter frame design is strong yet lightweight
- 100% UVA, UVB, & UVC protection
- High definition optics design for increased clarity & peripheral range
Cons
- Athletic design for playing sports only
#7 – Under Armour Playmaker Wrap Sunglasses
Under Armour is known for its wide range of activewear and sporting equipment. They aren’t a big tennis brand, but they do make some of the best tennis socks and sunglasses.
These Under Armour sunglasses are athletically designed with durable plastic frames. The lenses are water and sweat-resistant which helps keep them clean. The nose pad and temples help the sunglasses fit comfortably and securely while you move around the tennis court. You can also adjust the nose pad if needed.
They are great for tennis players who need quality sunglasses that aren’t too pricey. They also come in several different styles so you’re likely to find one that fits with your tennis gear.
Price | $$
Styles Available | 5
Pros
- Durable plastic frames
- Sweat-resistant lenses
- Comfortable & secure fit
- Adjustable nose pad
- Athletic look
- Multiple styles
Cons
- Not great design for off-court
#8 – Oakley Women’s Unstoppable Rectangular Glasses
While women can enjoy any of these sunglasses for tennis, this one is designed specifically for the ladies. These are the best tennis sunglasses for women.
The Oakley Unstoppable rectangular glasses for women are stylish, practical, and effective, and come in a wide variety of colors. These are the best overall women’s sunglasses for tennis.
Oakley appropriately named these sunglasses unstoppable because they are designed for women to wear for any application in life. Sports, leisure, and style are all reasons to wear these sunglasses. You are not limited to just one reason for wearing these tennis sunglasses. They can be worn year-round for any application in life.
Lenses are available in polarized or unpolarized options, and there are five different frames and lens colors to choose from. These high-end women’s sunglasses look great with the best tennis dresses or best women’s tennis shorts for players who prioritize performance and style.
Price | $$$
Styles Available | 5
Pros
- Stylish; more than one use
- Athletically built to stay in place when worn
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Includes carrying case
- Polarized & unpolarized lenses available
Cons
- More expensive than other options
#9 – Tifosi Jet Sunglasses
If you are looking for a good pair of sunglasses for under $30, look no further than the Tifosi Jet sunglasses. These simple polycarbonate sunglasses are shatterproof and made of nylon for a lightweight and durable design. The nose pieces included are soft and waterproof rubber that will help grip your face when exposed to sweat or water.
Each pair of Tifosi sunglasses comes with a protective case to keep them protected in your tennis bag, along with instructions for care and use. These Tifosi Jet sunglasses are a great option for players on a budget.
Price | $
Styles Available | 5
Pros
- Very affordable
- Simple athletic design
- Lightweight and durable
- Included carrying case
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
Cons
- Athletic design only
#10 – Oakley Men’s EVZero Pitch Asian Fit Shield Sunglasses
These men’s Oakley sunglasses are perfect for tennis because of their athletic design and rimless lenses. They come in three different stylish designs to choose from. They are Oakley’s lightest version of the O-Matter frame.
They are described as “Asian Fit” because they are specifically designed to give the best fit for customers who have high cheekbones. The nose bridge of these Oakley sunglasses is also wider in this design. The lenses of these Oakley sunglasses provide 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC protection.
Price | $$$
Styles Available | 3
Pros
- Unique design for customers with high cheekbones & a wider nose
- Three different styles & colors
- O-Matter frame
- 100% UVA, UVB, & UVC protection
- Carrying case included
Cons
- The Asian-Fit design may not fit your face frame
#11 – Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses
The Oakley Holbrook sunglasses are a classic design that is great for tennis and really any outdoor activity. The frame is made of durable and lightweight O-Matter material, which provides a comfortable and secure fit.
I have a pair that I use for tennis and wear off the court on sunny days as well. They fit well on the court and I never worry about them slipping off my face while playing tennis.
The lenses are made of high-quality Plutonite material, which filters out 100% of all UVA, UVB, and UVC rays as well as harmful blue light up to 400nm.
There are 28 styles and colors to choose from.
Price | $$
Styles Available | 28
Pros
- High-quality lenses with UV protection & clarity
- Durable & lightweight frame
- Comfortable, secure fit that will stay on your head, even for competitive players
- Look great off-court
- Protective carrying case
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other sunglasses on the market
#12 – Goodr Sunglasses
The Goodr Sunglasses are better for beginner or recreational tennis players who want something for on or off the court. These sunglasses have a lightweight and durable frame that provides a comfortable fit for long hours of wear.
I’ve had my pair for several years and they’re still in great shape. I wear them for casual tennis matches and even some pickleball. The sunglasses feature a no-slip grip that keeps the glasses in place during moderate physical activity.
However, I wouldn’t recommend them for high-level players who move fast around the court. They can slip off your face if you turn or cut really fast.
The lenses are polarized, which reduces glare and enhances visibility in bright sunlight. The lenses are made of shatterproof polycarbonate material, which provides added protection against impact. I drop mine often and they are still like-new. The sunglasses come with a microfiber bag for easy storage and cleaning.
Overall, these are very affordable, but good quality too. I’ve had my pair for over two years and still wear them.
Price | $
Styles Available | 10
Pros
- Polarized lenses improve visibility in bright sunlight
- Lightweight & durable frame
- Stylish color scheme
- More durable than most sunglasses in this price range
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Not great for competitive players
- Some players may prefer a more secure fit, such as adjustable nose pads, which these sunglasses do not have
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Different Features of Sunglasses
There are different components that make up a single pair of sunglasses. There is the frame, the lenses, the material, the polarization (if any), and the overall shape. All of these components need to be understood so that you can decide which is the most important feature for your new pair of tennis sunglasses.
The Frame
This includes the temples, bridge, and rims.
- The temples are also known as the arms of the sunglasses because they are the two pieces that lay on top of your ears to keep the sunglasses in place.
- The bridge is the piece that goes above the nose that connects the two rims together.
- The rims go around the lenses and help hold them in place.
The frame is usually made up of a type of one or more materials. The most common sunglass frame materials are plastic, nylon, or metal alloy. The most popular material for sports like tennis is nylon because of its lightweight yet durable design. Nylon is able to bend without breaking, allowing forgiveness when the sunglasses come in contact with a surface or an object.
The Lenses
These are the two pieces that you will see through. Lenses come in a variety of colors and are made of plastic or glass.
They can also be polarized. If the sunglasses lens is listed as polarized, this means that glare is significantly reduced, allowing you to see more crisply and clearly. Polarization is important because sometimes the sun can reflect on the tennis court surface, especially clay courts, and cause a glare.
Some lenses provide UV resistance. When playing tennis outside, you are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Without proper protection, your eyes can become damaged from exposure. UV lenses can provide protection up to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays.
Another feature of many sunglasses lenses is scratch resistance. Scratch-resistant lenses are best used for sports like tennis where the lenses are more likely to become damaged. Their composition makes them less likely to become scratched when coming in contact with an object.
The Shape
The shape of the sunglasses describes the overall look of the sunglasses. They may be designed with an athletic fit, or they may be sleeker and more stylish so you can wear them on or off the tennis court.
How to Choose the Best Tennis Sunglasses for You
Now that we have learned the different components and features that go into a pair of sunglasses, it’s time to find the right pair for you!
Let’s get started by asking yourself a few important questions.
In What Conditions Do You Play Tennis?
The conditions in which you play tennis will help determine the type of sunglasses that are best for you.
First, court surface matters. If the tennis court is made out of clay or acrylic, you may want to consider sunglasses that are polarized. Polarization will reduce the glare that would otherwise be seen through lenses without polarization.
Do you play in tennis outdoors or indoors? A court with no overhead protection means that you will be exposed to UV rays as you play. UV rays are present in both sunny and cloudy weather. If you usually play on a court with direct sun exposure, you should consider choosing sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection.
How Often Do You Play Tennis?
If tennis is something you enjoy every once-in-awhile, then you should choose a pair of sunglasses that look good off the tennis court.
These can be affordable sunglasses worn for everyday use that can double as effective sunglasses on the tennis court. The only requirement is that these sunglasses should have a firm fit so that they stay on your head as you serve and move around the court.
If you play tennis regularly as part of a league, club, or just a daily hobby, you will want to invest in a quality pair of sunglasses that will get the job done in all areas.
You should look for sunglasses with:
- Polarized glass lenses.
- Durable nylon frames.
- A comfortable & secure fit.
This will ensure that your sunglasses don’t hinder your ability to play. The last thing you want is sunglasses that break quickly, or have a glare that makes you struggle to see the tennis ball.
Conclusion: Our Pick to the Best Sunglasses for Tennis
The best sunglasses for tennis that both men and women can enjoy are the RIA Reflex Sunglasses. RIA is quickly becoming the premium sunglasses brand for all racquet sports, and for good reason. They engineer their sunglasses with quality materials specifically to help tennis players see the ball more vividly. When I played tennis in mine for the first time, I could immediately tell that these sunglasses were better than any I had used before.
Anita Hunter says
Where can I try on RIA Reflex sunglasses in Manhattan?
Will Boucek says
Hey Anita, I don’t think you can find them in stores but they have a 30-day return policy so you can order them and return or exchange them with no problem.
Thanks!