Expert Advice
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Cricket Sunglasses Guide
What sport is considered to be more Australian than cricket? Enjoyed on warm, sunny days with a schooner in hand whether you're spectating the main event or batting around the backyard, if there's one thing for sure, Aussies love cricket. As we tend to enjoy cricket in the warmer months with main events like The Ashes held close to Christmas, it's important to make sure your eyes are protected in the hottest parts of the day. Whether you're a pro, just starting out, or a backyard cricket enthusiast, everyone can benefit from a pair of good quality sunglasses that will not only keep your eyes safe but will optimise your game.
We’re here to talk about our favourite sunglass brands for Cricket and how to keep your eyes safe while you're on the field.
What colour sunglasses are best for cricket?
The right pair of cricket sunglasses can make all the difference on the field. With the intense Australian sun beating down, sharp focus and high UV protection are necessary when choosing a pair of cricket sunglasses. It's also essential to consider different light conditions when choosing the right pair of shades, or whether to choose styles with polarised lenses that help cut out bothersome surface glare and shield your eyes from harmful rays. For cricket, the best colour lenses start with a brown or amber lens.
Brown lenses help enhance the depth perception and contrast of the field, making it easier to see the ball against various backgrounds. Brown lenses also maintain a natural colour balance that allows the players to see the field and ball in their true colours without distortion. They are versatile and perform well in variable light conditions as well as bright sunlight, perfect for changing weather conditions.
Mirrored lenses are the most popular choice for cricket sunglasses based on several key benefits. Mirror lenses can significantly reduce glare from reflective services that include players' equipment, surrounding stands and the cricket pitch. Most mirror lenses offer 100% UV protection from harmful UVA, UVB and UVC rays which is vital for protecting players' eyes, and most are equipped with polarised technology.
Polarised lenses are designed to filter out scattered light and reduce glare from reflective surfaces including grass, water, sand and stadium lights. This glare reduction allows players to see the ball and field more clearly, improving their overall vision. Polarised sunglasses improve contrast and can significantly improve visibility regardless of changing light conditions, so players can perform at their best whether it's overcast, sunny or the light is changing rapidly.
What is the best sunglass style for cricket?
For cricket players, the superior coverage, glare reduction, and UV protection offered by shield sunglasses make them an essential style. , Shield sunglasses boast a large singular curved lens that extends across the entire width of your face, excellent for cricket players to help with extensive coverage from the sun and effectively blocking glare from overhead and upward glare. With a larger lens area, these sunglasses ensure the players' eyes are shielded from all angles, providing consistent protection throughout the match.
Going back to traditional styles, dual-lens sunglasses are also highly effective for cricket players. Most players typically prefer to go for a wraparound style that allows the frame to sit closely to your head to minimise gaps for sunlight to creep in from above or the sides. The close-fitting design not only enhances protection but also ensures stability, preventing the sunglasses from slipping during intense movements.
Top Brands and Recommendations
From shielding your eyes against the glaring sun to exploring advanced lens technologies, precision and protection are paramount when finding the right pair of cricket sunglasses. We recommend the most effective sunglass brands for cricket enthusiasts, whether you're a seasoned pro or a passionate amateur, discover the perfect brand to elevate your game and protect your eyes with stylish designs that are renowned for their quality and innovation. From best-selling brands to budget brands, there's a pair of cricket sunglasses for everyone.
Oakley
Oakley has earned a reputation as a favoured brand for athletes, including cricket players. Their rimless designs and high-quality lens technology make them reliable for enhancing performance and protecting against surface glare. Oakley’s Prizm™ Lens Technology was engineered to fine-tune individual wavelengths of colour. Prizm™ lenses enhance contrast and visibility making it especially beneficial for cricket players to see the ball more clearly against different backgrounds. Different Prizm™ lenses are optimized for specific environments and activities. For example, Prizm™ Field lenses enhance red and blue hues, making it easier to track a cricket ball against the sky or green field. This technology also helps reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as the cricket pitch or stadium lights. Other features include Oakley’s durable and lightweight O Matter™ frames, which are 25% lighter than normal acetate and are particularly important for all-day comfort and resilience against impacts.
Our top picks from Oakley
Smith Optics
Smith has a strong focus on performance and style and is a well-regarded brand that offers high-quality frames with exceptional lens technology. Smith’s ChromaPop™ lens technology is a significant advancement in sports eyewear by offering vibrant colour perception and enhanced clarity. The ChromaPop™ lenses filter specific wavelengths of light that can cause colour confusion and allow the eyes to perceive true and distinct colours. By enhancing the differentiation of colours, cricket players can distinguish objects and details more clearly and can even improve on reaction times, giving the players some competitive edge. Smith sunglasses often include effective ventilation systems and anti-fog coatings to prevent fogging by allowing airflow and further enhancing visibility.
Our top picks from Smith Optics
Carve
For those new to the sport or uncertain about their specific needs, Carve sunglasses provide the perfect opportunity to try different styles and ranges without a large investment. This budget-friendly brand is ideal for players at all levels, particularly beginners and amateurs to access essential UV protection without a significant financial burden. Carve sunglasses can be more appropriate and practical for younger players and recreational players who may not require advanced features, but are still wanting the benefits of comfort and exceptional UV protection. Carve sunglasses offer UV protection, impact resistance, and anti-glare lenses, making them ideal for Australian cricket players.
Our top picks from Carve
Bollé
Bollé is another exceptional brand for cricket players seeking both top-tier performance and protection. Bollé sunglasses are known for their durable frames and impact-resistant lenses, designed to withstand the rigours of sports activities. Their high-performance lens technologies including Phantom lenses and photochromic lenses offer superior clarity and glare reduction that can help players track the ball more accurately and maintain sharp vision throughout the day. Many of Bollé's designs feature adjustable features including nose pads and temple tips that allow for a more customised and secure fit. With a long history in the eyewear industry, Bollé has proven to be a leading player in sunglass design, consistently delivering high-quality products that meet the needs of athletes across various sports.
Our top picks from Bollé
Cricket sunglasses are essential for players seeking to optimize their performance and protect their eyes on the field. The right pair of sunglasses not only shields your eyes from harmful UV rays but also enhances visual clarity reduces glare, and ensures comfort during long matches. With features like polarized lenses, advanced optical technology, and durable construction, cricket-specific sunglasses play a crucial role in maintaining focus and reducing eye strain.
Smith, Bolle, Carve and Oakley are top brands that excel in providing high-quality cricket sunglasses. Smith stands out with its ChromaPop™ lens technology, offering enhanced colour definition and contrast. Oakley cricket sunglasses fitted with Prizm™ lenses are renowned for their ability to improve clarity and highlight important details on the field. Carve offers affordable, performance-oriented sunglasses with robust UV protection and glare reduction. Bollé combines innovative lens technologies with durable designs to deliver exceptional performance and comfort.
Each of these brands brings unique strengths to the table, ensuring that players can find the perfect pair of sunglasses to meet their specific needs. Whether you’re looking for advanced lens technology, stylish designs, or reliable protection, these brands provide excellent options to enhance your cricket game and safeguard your vision.