Best Sunglasses for Traveling the World!

[PrincessCastMember]

I admit, I am a constant victim of buying cheap-o pairs of sunglasses at random gas stations and state welcome centers when I travel. This year I would like to own an actual DECENT pair of sunglasses that would be ideal for traveling WDW.

Any recommendations on the best pair of (female) sunglasses? Brands or specifics are good! Pictures are great too!

I’m looking for something that is fashionable, but doesn’t cost something in the triple digits and also provides good protection from the sun and is comfortable to wear all day.

 

[JeRmS]

I know you said something that doesn't cost in the triple digits BUT I have to tell you, when it comes to sunglasses you get what you pay for and the best that I have ever found ... hands down, no questions asked without a doubt ...

Costa Del Mar
https://www.costadelmar.com/shop/sunglasses#bomba

They are pricey, but like I said, they are the best of the best! They also come with a lifetime warranty!

You may be able to find them cheaper by doing some online shopping and finding a coupon BUT if your like me I like to try them on first at a store and then buy them online!

Honestly there are other brands, that are decent glasses but in the end you will spend much more replacing those "decent" brands over time than you would if you just bought a pair of Costas.

In the past, before I bought my Costas, I had pairs of Arnette's, Oakleys and RayBans ... I spent 3 times the amount on those 3 pairs than I would have on a pair of Costas ... and they didn't last nearly as long!

Just my opinion!

 

[Rosemerta]

I got some great sunglasses at Del Sol. They're 100% UVA/UVB blocking and polarized and cost only $45.00. AND they have a life time guarantee - if you damage or even lose the glasses, they will replace them! If all that is not enough, they also change colors in the sun. How cool is that?

 

[whamma]

Revo's are my favorites but they are out of your price range. I got mine at Sunglass Hut and they have been extremely durable. You could always go to Sunglass Hut and look at several brands. Sometimes they have more expensive brands on clearance. You might find something on sale in your price range.

For a decent pair, but less expensive ($49-$59), Eddie Bauer sells many styles of polarized sunglasses in store. Both my husband and I have been very happy with the ones we've had from Eddie Bauer.

 

[disney_girl125]

I buy cheap sunglasses too. Last time I was at disney I "splurged" and bought $20 sunglasses from them! lol. They're cute, comfy, and priced just right..lol. I plan to get another pair when i'm there again.

 

[dalefo99]

I was reading "The Complete Walt Disney World 2012" book in preparation for our trip at the end of the month... and sunglasses where covered! An average of 210 pairs of sunglasses are lost each day. Sunglasses are the number 1 lost item, followed by hats.

I just picked up a pair of $25 glasses for the trip... If I lose them I won't be heartbroken, but they are nice enough to wear all day.

 

[ktlm]

I was reading "The Complete Walt Disney World 2012" book in preparation for our trip at the end of the month... and sunglasses where covered! An average of 210 pairs of sunglasses are lost each day. Sunglasses are the number 1 lost item, followed by hats.

I just picked up a pair of $25 glasses for the trip... If I lose them I won't be heartbroken, but they are nice enough to wear all day.

Exactly. I have to admit that I am a fan of the triple digit sunglasses- the lenses are so much better than the cheap ones that once you have started with a pair, you can get hooked and not want to go back. However, I also don't use the triple digits at WDW. I stick to the cheap ones. At WDW, not only do they get lost, but they also get dropped, scratched and broken. You are going in and out so much, that they are on and off, on and off, on and off. I've dropped mine at WDW and when I picked them up they were completely scratched. DH actually did bring his triple digit pair to WDW, and he promptly dropped them on Main Street and popped a lense out, and also put a scratch on that lense.

I would suggest you continue your cheapo trend for WDW, and worry about breaking it at home. Otherwise I fear you will be mad at yourself when something happens to your new shades at WDW. For the under triple digit, but not cheepo, I'm a fan of Brighton. If you have a store around you, I have found some pretty good buys on the sale rack in the past.

 

[MissDisney121]

If you have a Gordmans or Ross or some place like that near you you can find some pretty good sunglasses for much cheaper. I bought a pair or Fossil sunglasses that the tag said were supposed to be $65, and are very comfortable, for less than $20.

 

[DisneyKim68]

I love Maui Jim's (I have 3 pairs!) I have the ones that are "springy" on the sides. I love how they grip my head and stay put without being tight or uncomfortable.

 

[Disney_Alli]

I have to admit that I'm a huge sunglasses fan and own two pairs of triple digit Oakleys. For touring I LOVE my Juliet's!!! They don't have nose pieces that constantly get stuck in my hair and I can leave them on my head for all rides. I will occasionally take them off if we're in a long inside queue for a dark & bouncy ride (Dinosaur for example) but otherwise I just leave them on my head. I love having them on Splash I put them on as we crest the drop and I don't get blinded by the sun as we go outside. Just about every picture of me from every Disney park has me with my Juliet's on and - bonus! - they look good too!

 

[roxysmum123]

Honestly, for myself I'd stick with the cheapos. I lose my sunglasses almost every trip and it'd be a shame to lose some quality ones.

 

[pooh2001]

I bring down 3 pairs of cheap ($20) sunglasses.
I need them with contacts, or I will be squinting all day.

I like cheap ones - no worries for me

 

[RadioMom]

For me, the best sunglasses to take to Disney are the ones you won't be heartbroken over if you lose! Everywhere I went on my other trips, I would see abandoned sunglasses! On rides, on benches, on busses, on restaurant tables, even on the bathroom floors!
The best sunglasses I own are from a street festival in New York, that I bought last year. They're awesome, look great, work even better and cost me $5. And this year, I found another pair that I have as a backup.
If it were me, I would buy two or three pair that were less than $20 but were really comfy. Hakim Optical usually has some good deals, Lens Crafters too if you have those options where you live.

 

[taymaesmom]

I agree, take the cheapos with you. I personally lose at least one pair each trip. Last christmas I brought 3 pairs and broke one and lost one. And I am really careful with them, they just seem to take a beating at Disney.

 

[pooh2001]

I never put my sun glasses in a case - it would take up too much room in my handbag - with that said - my sunglasses take a beating at home and not just in WDW.

At least at WDW, my sunglasses, if not on my face, are in my fanny pack with less stuff I carry around daily at home in my handbag. So maybe my sunglasses at WDW are safer and happier

 

[bellanotte10]

I was considering buying more expensive sunglasses for just general use until this happened to me....

I used to work at borders until it closed. I was minding my own business until a woman came up to me looking to see if someone returned a pair of 400 dollar designer sunglasses. She had left them in the bathroom and someone had stolen them. Well she was a snowy and screamed and yelled and made all the managers stop what they were doing and look for them. Meanwhile she had called 911 to report the theft. and wanted us all to be witnesses, make statements, etc, when the police came (they never did....). It was TENSE.

after that I realized what a hassle it would be. I just go to marshalls or tj maxx now and buy designer glasses for like 20 bucks. If it can be put down and taken on and off frequently, like other have said, it can break, be stolen, etc. Not worth it in my book.

 

[Kevin108]

I wear sunglasses all the time and keep a primary and backup pair. I work outside and I think living in sunglasses has been instrumental in maintaining my vision.

For me, cheap sunglasses that are comfortable and polarized are the best choice. The hazards of construction work scratch the lenses and break the frames, so sticking with affordable replacements is the only viable option. I've bought them from West Marine, Dick's Sporting Goods and now I'm finding the best choices at Tractor Supply.

 

[LJD2143]

I love Maui Jim's (I have 3 pairs!) I have the ones that are "springy" on the sides. I love how they grip my head and stay put without being tight or uncomfortable.

Another vote for Maui Jims - Definitely not cheap, but worth it!

The lenses are polarized and everything is vibrant and clear when looking through them. The style I just bought are light as a feather, and I can barely feel them when I have them on.

Cheap lenses give me a headache, because although they provide some protection, they are either too dark/foggy or do not filter out the bright, bright Florida sun.

 

[Lori1960]

I would buy cheap ones to take to WDW.Back in 1988 my family and I drove out to Idaho from Georgia and I left a pair of prescription sunglasses at a hotel in SD and on the way back home stopped at the hotel and asked the lady at the desk if she found a pair of prescription sunglasses and she gave me a big box with sunglasses that people had left at the hotel,I was able to find mine.So buy cheap one but make sure that they have UV protection

 

[Shagley]

I love Maui Jim's (I have 3 pairs!) I have the ones that are "springy" on the sides. I love how they grip my head and stay put without being tight or uncomfortable.

Another vote for Maui Jims - Definitely not cheap, but worth it!

The lenses are polarized and everything is vibrant and clear when looking through them.

I agree with Maui Jims. They are expensive, but worth every penny, especially if you have migraines like I do. Plus, my Sister works for Maui Jim, so I am partial to them .