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Best Sunglasses for Summer Travel

Best Sunglasses for Summer Travel

By Jessie Bandy

July 02, 2012

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Credit: Charles Masters

You’ve packed your new swimsuit and tucked that SPF into your carry-on, but before you hit the road, double-check to be sure you’ve got summer’s most important travel accessory: sunglasses.

Whether you’re boarding the Jitney for a weekend in the Hamptons or a plane for an extended European getaway, sunglasses are one item you don’t want to forget. Working double-duty to shield harsh UV rays—and hide any trace of jet lag or a late-night out—sunglasses should be as fashionable as they are functional.

Enter Revo. Last year, the company introduced a new type of lens on its fashionable frames: the Crystal Water. It’s not only effective at deflecting the sun’s rays but is also highly scratch-resistant—perfect for anyone who accidently tosses their keys and sunglasses into the same pocket. And for those prone to water-based accidents, Revo’s Headway model even comes with a leash and floating buoy.

Another company thinking about what might happen to your sunglasses at the beach is Maui Jim: its Breakwall model features saltwater-safe lenses and frames. Bonus: the rimless glasses are also super-light.

But sometimes it’s all about the classics. The wayfarer frame—first introduced by Ray-Ban in 1953—is reported to be the best-selling sunglass style in history. These sunglasses have been spotted on John F. Kennedy, Bob Dylan, and Andy Warhol.

Today, Ray-Ban’s best seller is made with either a plastic or rubberized frame and offered in an array of colors and prints. It’s also been re-created by many brands. Warby Parker’s reimagining of the wayfarer, the Winston frame, features the straight-brimmed brow with a modern twist. It looks good and feels good to sport those Winston frames: with each purchase made, the company donates a pair of glasses to the needy.

Another vintage look that’s back this summer: the glamorously round shades sported by none other than jet-setter Jackie O. Her iconic look—Hermès scarves, multistrand pearls—wouldn’t have been complete without those oversize frames. You won’t have to search far for a pair of sunglasses that looks as if it’s been pulled straight from Jackie’s personal collection. Prada’s white oversize wire-bridged sunglasses are the perfect updated example and worthy of a splurge.

Read on to find the black or white frames that will complement your summer style.

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Straight-Brimmed Frames, $95, Warby Parker

Credit: Courtesy of Warby Parker

Buy a pair, give a pair through Warby Parker’s VisionSpring program. Like the Winston shown here, all are priced at $95.

warbyparker.com

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Headway, $209, Revo

Credit: Courtesy of Revo

A (detachable) leash and buoy mean that if you drop these crystal-clear, highly scratch-resistant lenses in the water, it’s a piece of cake to fish them out.

revo.com