Clip-on sunglasses have been around for decades and are available in more styles and colors than ever before. If you want some clip-on sunglasses for your outdoor excursions, here are some that we recommend.
Buying Guide for Clip-On Sunglasses
Why purchase clip-on sunglasses?
Clip-on sunglasses are ideal for folks who wear prescription glasses but don’t want to pay for them, wear a pair of sunglasses that they can’t see out of, or tote around multiple pairs of glasses just to enjoy a day in the sunshine. Clip-on sunglasses provide the same level of protection as typical sunglasses and come in almost as many sizes and shapes, so they can be fantastic accessories for time spent outside.
What should you look for in clip-on sunglasses?
There are a few important things that you can consider:
- Anti-Reflective Lenses: Obviously, a glare while doing anything is annoying, so opt for a pair of sunglasses that offers anti-reflective lenses to provide clear vision while you’re driving or playing at the beach.
- Design: There are many styles available out there. The most important thing to consider is that it fits over your existing glasses properly, meaning that the lenses should fully cover your glasses lenses and fasten securely to the frame.
- Coating: A scratch-resistant coating can be a great addition to almost any pair of glasses, even your sunglasses, to help further protect them from any lasting damage. Scratch-resistant coatings can help your sunglasses withstand anything from puppy paws to sand to contact with the contents of your purse. It will help you avoid scratches that could render the sunglasses useless, or at the very least, annoying to wear.
- Durability: A quality pair of clip-on sunglasses will securely fit onto your existing glasses without falling or slipping off. They should also be made of hard-quality material, such as thick plastic or even metal, to ensure that they can withstand use.
Are there any drawbacks to owning a pair of clip-on sunglasses?
As with most purchases, there can be a few drawbacks. If you prefer to wear contacts, a pair of clip-on sunglasses won’t be of much use, and you’ll need to purchase a complete pair of sunglasses instead of clip-on ones. Another drawback can be not knowing what to do with your clip-ons when you aren’t wearing them, especially if you’re still out and about and want to remove them. Some will offer a flip-up design that allows for them to simply pivot above your lenses while still staying attached, but not everyone likes this look.
Our Picks for the Best Clip-On Sunglasses
Pros: These sunglasses are great for almost any outdoor activity, from hunting to fishing to hiking to lounging at the beach. The set includes both day and night lenses with nine layers, including a polarized and scratch-resistant coating. The lenses are shatterproof and offer a flip-up design. The package also includes a premium PU leather case, a plastic transparent hard case, and a quality cleaning cloth.
Cons: The large, rubberized clip might annoy some wearers and block points of vision. The black lens could be a little too dark and difficult to see through.
Bottom Line: These are quality clip-on sunglasses that will fit onto most glasses with a non-damaging rubber clip. They can protect from glare in both day and night outdoor settings, and they’re great for driving.
Pros: The lenses are HD polarized to help eliminate both reflections and glares and also to help relieve eyestrain. The lenses even help protect against blue light from devices and are great for almost all outdoor activities, from skiing and golfing to fishing and driving. They easily fit over many glasses shapes and flip up and out of the way when not in use.
Cons: These lenses are only suitable for medium-sized glasses. They tend to be too heavy on lighter frames and are sometimes difficult to install on thicker frames.
Bottom Line: These clip-on lenses are a fashionable choice for someone with the right style of prescriptions lenses. They easily flip up and out of the way when not in use and are great at blocking all sorts of UV rays as well as blue light.
Pros: These lenses are lightweight and great for outdoor activities since they won’t slide down your nose. The lenses are polarized for extra protection, with a clip designed to not scratch or harm your original lenses. The sunglasses flip up when not in use, come in various colors, and include transparent bags for easy storage.
Cons: There’s no anti-scratch or anti-glare coating, so these lenses could be damaged easier than some others on the market. The lenses aren’t shatterproof, so if you happen to drop them, there’s a chance that they could break.
Bottom Line: These lenses are a great budget option if you’re looking for multiple colors. The flip-up design is great, and they will fit a wide range of glasses without damaging the lenses thanks to the silicone material. However, the lenses aren’t the best quality ones out there.
Pros: The mirror coating on these sunglasses gives them additional style while preventing glare, so they’re great for driving. The polarized lenses are lighter than original glass, so they’re comfortable to wear in addition to your glasses, and you can easily flip them up and out of the way. One pair is great for UV protection during the day, while the other is great for nighttime glares from street lamps and headlights.
Cons: Only one pair of these sunglasses can be used at night or on rainy/cloudy days. The polarized coating isn’t as strong as other sunglasses and will only fit certain styles and sizes of prescription glasses.
Bottom Line: These sunglasses are great for someone who’s looking for both daytime and nighttime glares to be relieved. They also work best for those with smaller, thinner-framed glasses.
Pros: These aviator-style clip-on sunglasses fit over most frame shapes and sizes. The lenses have seven layers of polarization to protect against glares and reflections. Plus, they’re rated to keep out 100% of all UVA, UVB, and UVC light.
Cons: The clip can be difficult to operate with one hand. The flat lens might distort vision when paired with larger curved prescription frames.
Bottom Line: These stylish sunglasses are great for various glasses sizes and will help protect against UV light and glare. If you’re looking for a more sleek and stylish pair of clip-ons, these are great.
Final Thoughts
Clip-on sunglasses can be a great choice for anyone who wears prescription glasses but doesn’t want to have to pay for expensive prescription sunglasses as well. The flip-up design of many clip-ons also makes switching much easier than carrying two pairs of glasses with you all the time. A quality pair should never damage your original glasses and should offer some durability, such as a scratch-proof coating or an anti-shatter build. Protecting your eyes while outside is always incredibly important, and clip-ons, especially polarized and anti-glare pairs, are a great way for glasses-wearers to do so easily and effectively.
