Performance eyewear brands are bringing cutting-edge technology and materials to their retro and fashion-forward styles.

Writer: Carly Terwilliger

If you have a face, there’s no easier way to make it look cooler than adding a sweet pair of shades.

But for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike, the mother of all laid-back accessories needs to do more than channel their inner Californian. Comfort, durability, lighter weight and the incorporation of innovative materials like cotton or hemp all rank high on the list of must-have capabilities.

“Consumers want to look good, see well and be protected,” said Eric Crane, CEO and creative director at Electric, a sport and lifestyle accessory brand. “I also think that the athleisure trend, which has driven design innovation in activewear, is influencing the eyewear market.” Crane noted that brands like Electric are “releasing fashion-forward styling with performance features” to ensure that customers will come for the aesthetics and stay for the technical upgrades.

Which brings us to the real reason active people have sunglasses stashed in their packs, cars and gym bags. Every athlete, fitness junky and outdoor enthusiast should own at least one good pair “because sunscreen,” in the pithy words of Hrivnak. “If you love the outdoors as much as we do, you’ll want to protect the window panes to your experiences outside.” In the vivid verbiage of Maurer, sunglasses are the only things standing between you and the “eye-cooking rays” that are the evil side effects of sparkling, sunny weather.

“One should be the bare minimum,” stressed Robinson. “With conditions changing, let alone your activity, there are different lenses and frames that are engineered to enhance your experience, provide the best level of protection and make sure you aren’t ready to rip them off your face when things get tough.”

Lead photo courtesy Zeal Optics, additional photos courtesy Electric, Native and Under Armour