As you may have noticed, cycling sunglasses are getting bigger and bigger each year. It seems that, in the nearest future, the lenses will be big enough to engulf your entire face. Still, it is not all about fashion.
Cycling sunglasses are a vital thing for most cyclists throughout the year. When it comes to cycling protection, you would probably never go without a good helmet, bell, and reflectors.. Nevertheless, many people often neglect eye protection.
If you take your health seriously, get you a pair of one of the best women’s sunglasses for cycling. They keep the summer sun and its harmful UV rays out of your delicate eyes. And through the rest of the year, these sunglasses protect you from wind, rain, dust, and flying bugs.
So what are the best women’s sunglasses for cycling, and what should you look for when choosing cycling glasses?
The Best Women’s Cycling Sunglasses:
RockBros Cycling Sunglasses
RockBros cycling sunglasses are the best option for those who try to stay on a budget. Regardless of the small price tag, these sunglasses deliver excellent viewing experience and absolute protection.
In addition to the low price, RockBros offers you a wide range of eye-catching bright colors. You can choose from Black Red, Blue Green, Purple Blue, and White Red. So you can find a pair of cycling glasses that will fit your cycling outfit.
The company used ultra-lightweight materials in the production of composite frames for their sunglasses. Still, they are strong enough to withstand wear and tear for many years. Moreover, you will not feel even the smallest bit uncomfortable when wearing these RockBros glasses as the weight of these cycling glasses is only 24 grams a pair.
The photochromic technology used in their production allows you to use these sunglasses in any environment, as they work to darken and lighten depending on the lighting conditions.
RockBros glasses are not only shatterproof but also scratch-resistant, so small stones or bugs will not damage it. Furthermore, the UV400 coating provides full protection from UV radiation and other harmful spectrums.
The frameless construction of RockBros glasses offers a wide field of vision, including perfect peripherals. When it comes to design, the entirely clear frames in contrast to the bright composite look pretty cool.
All in all, RockBros is the perfect option for those who need cheap but quality cycling glasses.
Main Features of RockBros Cycling Sunglasses:
- Frame: Composite
- Interchangeable Lenses: No
- Polarized: No
- Lens: n/a
Tifosi Lust Sport Sunglasses
Tifosi Lust Wrap Sunglasses are often touted as the best golf sunglasses in the world, but they are also an exceptional option for cycling.
Tifosi brand is not so famous as Adidas or Nike, but it does not mean they cannot deliver technologically advanced products of top quality. Moreover, Tifosi glasses are not that expensive, and most cyclists can afford it. So let’s learn more about them.
Tifosi Lust sunglasses feature a beautiful wrap-around frame and rather contemporary design instead of sporty, which allows them to gain popularity among women. It allows you to wear them not only when cycling, but also in everyday life.
Adjustable earpieces guarantee the best fit possible. They will never cause headaches or hurt you. The long- lasting frame composed of grilamid nylon will hold up to everyday use. Besides, attractive logos at the temple and arms add these sunglasses some extra trendiness.
The shatterproof lenses made of polycarbonate ensure your sunglasses will last for years and still look and function well. They prevent any kind of undesired magnification and eliminate distortion, providing an excellent field of vision.
Main Features of Tifosi Lust Sport Sunglasses:
- Frame: Grilamid
- Interchangeable Lenses: No
- Polarized: No
- Lens: Polycarbonate
Smith Attack Max Sunglasses
Smith Optics is a famous eyewear manufacturer that specializes in the production of sunglasses and goggles for both athletes and everyday use. The Attack Max, which is the company’s best model, is the blend of the latest technology and futuristic design.
These sunglasses feature frameless lenses, offering you the minimal design that feels great on. Furthermore, the lenses are interchangeable, so your options are almost endless! Besides, they provide full protection from harmful UV radiation, keeping your eyesight in good hands.
The Attack Max sunglasses are treated with a hydrophobic coating, which repels water, grime, and oil, so your path of vision will always be clear. Moreover, the impact-resistant carbonic construction makes these cycling glasses quite resilient.
These sunglasses are ideal to use in areas with many dangerous obstacles, for example, in the forest. They offer you a distortion-free view and enhance the contrast, so you will see all the barriers in front of you. And a wide variety of facial structures, head sizes, and shapes allows you to find the glasses that fit you perfectly.
The hydrophilic Megol rubber used when making the arms and nose pads will keep your Attack Max on you, even if you are hanging out in the rain or sweating. You can also adjust the nose piece to narrow or widen it, depending on the shape of your nose.
The Attack Max sunglasses are not as lightweight as other models in this list, but you will stop noticing them after an hour of use.
Main Features of Smith Attack Max Sunglasses:
- Frame: n/a
- Interchangeable Lenses: Yes
- Polarized: No
- Lens: ChromaPop
Under Armour Igniter II
You have probably heard about this brand since Under Armour is one of the biggest manufacturers of sports equipment in the world. The company’s products are a top choice for countless sports teams and professional athletes.
The reason for that is that Under Armour always implements the latest technology to improve their products. Their Igniter II model quickly became a favorite among cyclists who were impressed with the quality of these sunglasses.
The ArmourFusion frame, which is made of grilamid and titanium, is both lightweight and extremely durable. You can hardly feel them on your face since the silicone pads make these sunglasses fit perfectly without being too tight.
These cycling glasses are equipped with polarized lenses that help you cope with the bright sunlight and ride with confidence. They will also protect your eyes from UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation.
In addition to the high level of protection, Igniter II glasses allow you to look quite stylish. You can choose from various designs, including Navy frames/Gray lenses, Shiny Black frames/Gun Metal lenses, Shiny Crystal Clear frames/Black lenses, and White frames/ Blue Mirror lenses.
Main Features of Under Armour Igniter II:
- Frame: Titanium, Grilamid
- Interchangeable Lenses: Yes
- Polarized: Yes
- Lens: ArmourSight
Oakley Commit Square Sunglasses
Oakley Commit Square cycling glasses are a good choice for those who are looking for reliable cycling sunglasses that look simple yet do the job right. While being one of the biggest eyewear companies in the world, Oakley is focused on ensuring their products perform their best in any environment.
This brand offers you hundreds of glasses to choose from, but Commit Square is their best model for cyclists. These sunglasses are designed to fit perfectly, so you do not have to worry about them being too loose or tight.
They are bendy enough to fit any head or face shape without limiting your motions. These sunglasses have a unique cat-eye style, not typical for this category of glasses. At the same time, it is quite versatile, so you can combine your Commit Square with any outfit.
The Commit Square glasses feature non-polarized lenses, which are perfect for use in occasional cloudiness or flat light. You will also love these sunglasses for their prescription lenses that help you see properly. Oakley also includes a case that allows you to protect your Commit Square sunglasses and ensure they stay in pristine condition for years.
Main Features of Oakley Commit Squared Sunglasses:
- Frame: Plastic
- Interchangeable Lenses: Yes
- Polarized: No
- Lens: Prizm Polycarbonate
Bolle 5th Element Pro Sunglasses
These Bolle cycling sunglasses are a pretty unique pair when it comes to design and performance. They come in unusual yet fashionable color schemes such as Matte Carbone/Rose Oleo, Matte Yellow/Blue/Modulator Clear Gray, Orica Greenedge/Modulator Brown, and Matte Yellow/Grey.
The exterior of the 5th Element Pro’s lenses is coated with oleophobic and hydrophobic treatment. It means that all that dirt, water, and grease will never hold on the lenses, blocking your vision.
This unique feature makes Bolles’s glasses perfect to use in forests and deserts or poor weather conditions. Besides, thanks to the unique B-Flow venting system, these sunglasses do not fog up, as the increased breathability prevents moisture from building up.
Another reason that makes these glasses so cool is interchangeable lenses. There is no need to worry if one pair of lenses is not enough since you can buy an extra pair and change it according to your needs. Moreover, you can use Photochromic lenses, which darken and lighten automatically, depending on the environment.
Bendable wire core temples, an adjustable nose piece, nose pads, Thermogrip temple tips, B-shape temples – they are all there to help you customize and secure your glasses, giving a comfy fit.
You can be sure your Bolle sunglasses will stay on properly even when you are looking down or riding on a bumpy road. Moreover, 5th Element Pro cycling glasses offer 100% protection from debris and wind, excellent aerodynamics, and an outstanding field of vision.
Main Features of Bolle 5th Element Pro Sunglasses:
- Frame: B-Shape Material
- Interchangeable Lenses: Yes
- Polarized: No
- Lens: Trivex
Nike Skylon Ace E Sunglasses
As you may know, Nike is the biggest sports brand in the USA and one of the biggest in the world. The company has achieved this spot by producing high-quality products designed to last countless years of regular use.
Nike produces various sunglasses for cycling, but the Skylon Ace E model is the best one. You can use them in any outdoor situation, but they work particularly well when it comes to cycling.
Although their design and colorway are not that unusual or unique, these sunglasses still look quite sporty and stylish. The interchange microfiber pouch ensures your glasses will not get scratched during transportation.
These sunglasses may be quite tough, as the manufacturer wanted them to be reliable and stable even in rougher environments or at high speeds. The secure-wrap temple arms combined with lightweight sport- wrap frame will keep your Skylon Ace E on your face, offering a natural feel and full comfort.
A ventilated nose bridge prevents your sunglasses from fogging up or feeling slippery, making your experience even more enjoyable. Besides, the interchangeable lenses provide full UVA and UVB protection, ensuring the best eye protection possible.
Main Features of Nike Skylon Ace E Sunglasses:
- Frame: n/a
- Interchangeable Lenses: Yes
- Polarized: No
- Lens: Polycarbonate
How to Choose the Best Women’s Sunglasses for Cycling – Buying Guide
It is not the easiest task to choose the right cycling sunglasses for you, especially when you have hundreds of options to choose from. If you are still undecided, read the buying guide below.
This guide will take you through every step of the selection process, helping you to narrow down your options. Whether you are searching for sunglasses for eating up miles on your road bike, ripping up the trails, or for your daily commute, here is what you need to look out for.
Frames
There is a reason you do not see many trail riders or road racers in fashionable aviators with metal frames. Metal is not a suitable material for cycling sunglasses. You will not get a perfectly-fitting shape, and metal frames can be dangerous in case of a crash since spiky metal can hurt your eyes.
To solve this problem, eyewear manufacturers started to use polycarbonate plastic. This material is strong, lightweight, and durable, and it does not shatter on impact. Moreover, the use of plastic allows for making the frames with a wrap-around fit. As a result, such sunglasses sit more securely on the face.
It will be a good idea to choose frames with increased ventilation or airflow, especially if you often get hot when riding. It prevents your lenses from fogging up and keeps you cooler. Besides, make sure there are soft rubber nose pads and pads on the temples, as they help keep the sunglasses on the face more comfortably.
Lenses
The large, curved lenses are the most common lenses used in cycling glasses. They protect your eyes from dust, wind, or bugs and give you a big field of vision.
Make sure your sunglasses have both UVA and UVB protection, especially when you are going to spend many hours outside. The direct sunlight is pretty harmful, and it can cause premature aging of the sensitive skin around your eyes, painful sunburns, and can hurt the eyes themselves. Avoid glasses without these filters!
You need to look for shatter or impact-resistant lenses. These lenses will stay intact in case you get a stone in your face, and you will not have to buy a new pair if you accidentally drop them. Therefore, it will be better to choose the lenses made of NXT or polycarbonate.
Another thing you need to pay attention to is the ability to change lenses. Interchangeable lenses allow you to choose the most suitable lens color for a particular sporting occasion. You can swap between them depending on the lighting conditions.
Several eyewear manufacturers offer you a rainbow of lenses for every environment.
- Yellow or orange – These lenses are excellent for the low- or flat-light environment. The lens color increases contrast, making it easier to spot bumps, hollows, and dips.
- Clear Lenses – Helpful to have when riding on an overcast day or at night.
- Copper or Brown – A great all-purpose option. These colors increase the contrast, so the trail or road surface shows up better.
- Dark, smoky, or gray – The most popular lens colors. They block out light but do not change the colors you perceive.
- Polarizing – Polarized lenses cut reflection and glare, for example, from sunshine reflecting off melting snow.
- Mirror Coating – It reduces the brilliance of the light passing through the lens, making mirror coated lenses the best choice for riding on bright, shiny days.
- Photochromic – Photochromic lenses adapt to lighting conditions, shifting between dark and light. Perfect for changeable conditions, but not so good for environments like sun-dappled woodland, as they can’t adapt fast enough.
Prescriptions
There are several additional things to know for those who need to wear contacts or glasses.
For glasses wearers, there is an option of asking your optician to make you a pair of inserts that will sit inside your cycling sunglasses. You may also find some inserts specific to the brand of your sunglasses, but make sure to choose the right ones.
Another good idea is getting the inserts with anti-fog coating. There is no point to pay hundreds of dollars for the professional cycling glasses if your inserts are fogging up every few minutes.
If you like to wear contact lenses, wraparound style with wide lenses is the best choice to keep grit out of the lens and away from the eye. The big advantage of wearing contact lenses is the ability to swap your sunglasses when the environment changes.
Still, the best choice is getting the sunglasses with lenses made up of a prescription. Many eyewear brands like Bolle or Oakley offer such cycling glasses, but they are usually more expensive.
Fit
Wearing the chosen sunglasses is the only way to make sure they fit you. They should rest on your forehead, cheeks, and nose, sitting closely against your face. The arms should not be too tight, but they should grip the sides of your head firmly.
The frame should not obscure your peripheral vision. Besides, make sure your eyelashes do not touch the lenses when you blink, as it can become annoying after a couple of hours.
Try moving, bobbing, and shaking your head around to check if the fit is secure enough. It is essential if you are planning to be riding bumpy trails. Also, do not forget that you have thousands of options to choose from, so there is no need to buy sunglasses you do not like.
Protection
As was mentioned above, the photochromic lenses can adapt to different lighting conditions, getting lighter when you are in the shade, go indoors, or during dusk and darker when you are in a bright environment. They protect your eyes better than any other lenses, but they are way more expensive.
Another thing you need is UV protection, which is pretty much the standard today, regardless of the price of the sunglasses. If you are not cautious enough, UV radiation can damage your eyes and severely deteriorate your vision. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful with it until it is not too late.
To ensure your glasses will last as long as possible without limiting the field of vision, look for scratch- resistant and shatterproof lenses. They should shield your face from potential intruders like stones, dust, wind, debris, and so on.
Adjustability
It will be better to look for sunglasses with adjustable arms and nosepiece, as they allow you to adjust them to better fit your bone structure, nose, and head shape. Some models also let you adjust the earpieces, reducing pain behind the ears and eliminating headaches.
Price
Before you start choosing sunglasses, create a budget for yourself, as it may help you to narrow down your options and not to spend more than you had intended.
There are thousands of sunglasses on the market, so you will quickly find a pair that will suit your budget. However, remember that going up in price is often worth it since high-quality cycling glasses are usually more expensive.
Conclusion
Now you know more about the best women’s sunglasses for cycling. As you can see, there are several points you need to pay attention to when choosing the glasses. Remember that the lenses should be durable, and the frame should fit you perfectly.
When selecting eyewear for you, consider your riding environment, the shape of your face and head, time of the day, and the weather. Whichever pair you select, make sure the glasses fit well and feel comfortable, making your cycling experience more enjoyable.