Buying guide for best wooden sunglasses
Sick and tired of the same old shades that look just like everyone else's? Why not break the mold with a pair of wooden sunglasses? Not only are wooden sunglasses stylish and interesting, they're also more environmentally friendly than those made entirely from plastic, so they're great for the eco-conscious consumer.
When picking out wooden sunglasses, there's a lot to consider. You want your shades to look great on you, so frame shape is important. You might already have a preferred frame shape, or you might be looking to try something new. We recommend thinking carefully about the type of wood your frames are made from, both for aesthetic reasons and due to the differing physical properties of various wood types. Also, note that some wooden sunglasses are made entirely from wood whereas others are part wood and part plastic. Frames aside, lens tint and polarization also make a big difference in how sunglasses look and what you see through them.
Not sure where to start picking your new shades? You're in the right place. We collected the information you need to find your ideal pair of wooden sunglasses.
Key considerations
Wood type
The type of wood used to make a pair of sunglasses makes a difference not only in the way they look but also in their weight and strength.
Ebony: Ebony is heavier than many woods used for making sunglasses, but it's nicely durable. What’s more, it has a lovely dark finish and a gorgeous grain.
Zebrawood: Zebrawood is lightweight with a gorgeous stripe to the grain, making it a highly attractive choice for sunglasses.
Rosewood: Strong and tough, rosewood has a pleasant natural fragrance and a beautiful hue.
Bamboo: Though technically a grass, bamboo looks just like wood and is commonly used in "wooden" sunglasses. Bamboo is highly sustainable and exceptionally light.
Other popular woods used to make sunglasses include black walnut, maple, birch, and bloodwood.
Frame shape
Some people believe that certain frames only suit certain face shapes. We don't believe this to be true, but most people have some frame shapes they love and others they'd rather avoid. Here’s a look at some of the most popular frame shapes for wooden sunglasses.
Wayfarer: This classic retro shape is by far the most common shape for wooden sunglasses, in part due to its timeless popularity. The vast majority of people look great in a Wayfarer shape, so it's a good option to start with if you're unsure.
Aviator: Based on the shape of the glasses worn by pilots in the 1930s and 1940s, aviator sunglasses are a classic choice, and wooden versions look gorgeous. In some cases, the entire frame is wooden; in others, the arms are wooden and the rim is metal.
Semi-rimless: Semi-rimless wooden sunglasses have a wooden rim at the top of the lenses and a thin metal rim around the rest to keep the lenses in place. They're ideal if you prefer not to have a thick frame all the way around your eyes.
Round: Round sunglasses aren't necessarily completely round; they are just more rounded in shape than models with boxy corners. Though all genders can wear them, round shades are often listed as women's sunglasses.
Fully wooden vs. partially wooden
You might expect wooden sunglasses to have frames made entirely of wood, but this isn't always the case. Some models listed as wooden sunglasses are only partially wooden. The glasses may feature wooden arms and a plastic or metal rim around the frame, or they may have a wooden rim with plastic or metal arms.
Did you know?
Many wooden sunglasses float in water. This makes them easier to retrieve if you accidentally drop them while boating or wading.
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Features
Lens Tint
You can find wooden sunglasses with a range of lens tints, both in terms of color and darkness. For the most part, different color tints are simply for aesthetics. However, some colors are better under certain conditions than others.
For instance, green lenses provide excellent contrast in low-light conditions, whereas pink lenses reduce eye strain and improve visual depth. In general, darker tints are best for the brightest, sunniest conditions, whereas lighter tints are best for low-light or hazy conditions.
Polarization
Polarized lenses have a special type of filter that blocks glare. Not only is this easier on your eyes, a side-effect is that colors look how they normally do, plus objects look crisp and clear with all their details preserved.
UV protection
Sunglasses shouldn't just shade your eyes. They should also protect them from damaging UV rays. Ideally, opt for wooden sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection.
Accessories
Glasses case: OptiPlix Hard Shell Glasses Case
It's ridiculously easy for sunglasses to get scratched or otherwise damaged when they’re loose in your bag, but a case will keep them safe. We like the sturdy hardshell design of the OpiiPlix, which comes at an affordable price. Plus, you can pick from a range of colors.
Microfiber glasses cloths: MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Smudged, dirty sunglasses are no fun to look through, but cleaning them with the edge of your shirt just doesn't cut it. These microfiber cleaning cloths cut through the grime so you can see clearly.
Glasses cleaning solution: Koala Kleaner Eyeglass Lens Cleaner Spray
Sometimes, even a dedicated glasses cleaning cloth won't get your lenses completely clear. In such a case, a glasses cleaning solution is what you need. Koala Kleaner Eyeglass Lens Cleaner Spray is alcohol-free and made from gentle ingredients, and it doesn't leave streaks.
Did you know?
Most wooden sunglasses have a full frame around the lens, but partial-rim options do exist for those who prefer that style.
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Wooden sunglasses prices
Inexpensive: You can find some basic wooden sunglasses for $15 to $25, though they're not always of the best quality and may have some plastic parts.
Mid-range: Mid-range wooden sunglasses cost roughly $25 to $75. You can find some excellent sunglasses in this price range that are well-made, stylish, and comfortable.
Expensive: High-end wooden sunglasses cost from $75 to $300. This includes wooden sunglasses from designer brands. They aren't necessarily of better quality than the best mid-range options, but they have brand recognition behind them and are usually exceptionally stylish.
Tips
- Think about how you'll be using your chosen sunglasses. For example, some have polarized lenses that reduce glare, which is ideal for driving. Some wooden sunglasses should not get wet, so going to the beach with them is probably a poor idea.
- Check the frame size. Although many wooden sunglasses are listed as unisex, they can easily be too wide or too narrow to fit comfortably. Find out the details about frame size before buying.
- Note whether your chosen shades come with accessories. It's common for sunglasses to be sold with a case and cleaning cloth, but you shouldn't assume these accessories are included.
- Decide if you want wooden sunglasses made from sustainably sourced wood. If in doubt, bamboo is always a great option, as it grows extremely quickly and therefore is never in short supply.
FAQ
Q. How durable are wooden sunglasses?
A. Wooden sunglasses aren't exactly going to fall apart on your face, but they are more likely than plastic models to break if you drop them or sit on them. We highly recommend storing your shades in a hardshell case when not in use.
Q. I'm looking to reduce plastic use. Are wooden sunglasses right for me?
A. Buying wooden sunglasses is a simple way of reducing the amount of plastic you use. Even if your chosen sunglasses have plastic lenses, they're still made with significantly less plastic than standard options. However, if you're determined to buy completely plastic-free sunglasses, you can occasionally find pairs that have lenses made of glass.
Q. This pair of sunglasses looks like it’s made of wood, but I'm not sure it really is. What's up with that?
A. It’s true that some wood-effect sunglasses exist on the market. At first glance, they look like real wood, but they are actually made of plastic with a woodgrain effect. This can catch consumers off guard, so be sure to read the product description carefully when buying online.
