Sunglasses for wild swimmers
Floating sunglasses, polarised lenses with crystal clear clarity or robust frames made from abandoned fishing gear: we test the best sunglasses for wild swimmers
KYLOE IN THE WILD Flounder
£68.99
They say: Whether hitting the pool, the beach, or trying out some extreme water sports, do them in style with our NEW Floating Frames. Their cutting edge design and advanced ULTRA+ lens technology will give you crystal-clear clarity, in a frame that is built to float. With our unique non-slip material and durable super-flex frames, you can be sure that your Fins will stay put. Even if you take a dip, they will stay afloat, so no worries about losing them in the depths!
We say: Having lost a fair few pairs of sunglasses on swimming and SUP adventures over the years, these floating sunglasses are a godsend. We wore the Flounder glasses while doing head-up breaststroke in a lake on a sunny day, and the polarised lenses performed well at shading our eyes from the late afternoon sun and reflections on the water. Tentatively, we cast them into the water and they did indeed float. Our tester also tried them out during out during a game of pickleball and the non-slip coating ensured they stayed put, no matter how sweaty their nose got!
GILL Verso
£84
They say: Tested to perform, our Verso Sunglasses feature FFT (Floating Frame Technology), so if you drop them all hope is not lost! The removable headband also ensures additional on the water protection. With impact-resistant Polycarbonate Polarised lenses, you’ll have superior optical clarity and glare-free vision. 100% UV 400 protection and removable anti-glare side-shields, make this perfect for wear in even the sunniest conditions. The saltwater-resistant coating helps to shed water and reduce salt residue, so you can focus on what you do best.
We say: The first thing we did was throw them into the water to see if they did, in fact, float and we are pleased to say they passed the test! Although it might be hard to spot them in darker water. These are comfortable, stylish and we loved the polarised lenses which gave a super view in sunshine and cloudy conditions. The side shields are a great idea, but we also liked the fact they are removeable, so when in less sporty conditions they are a classic style. Really loved that they came with a headband, which easily clipped on. With the band on we did a jump test and they stayed on as we plunged in.
ALPKIT Raft
£29.99
They say: Raft are lightweight, water sports sunglasses with a floating frame design that means they won’t sink if they come off while in the water. They’re performance sports sunglasses with great visibility in and out of water. Being lightweight they’re comfortable to wear and a durable polyamide frame means they’re rugged, too. Raft come in two colours with the grey colour having a slightly smaller fit for slightly smaller heads. Mirrored lenses seal the deal.
We say: These inexpensive floating sunglasses feel so lightweight when you first pick them up, but once on they’re surprisingly secure and stable, with a barely-there comfort. The durable polyamide frames are robust and feel like they should last. Combined with the reasonable price, we don’t feel precious about chucking them in our kit bag. The mirrored grey lenses take the glare off water, keep colours looking natural and aren’t too dark for driving. We can confirm, they float!
ALPKIT Flux
£16.99
They say: Flux are designed for sunny days when activity isn’t necessarily the priority for the day, but will probably feature nonetheless (we just can’t help it!). Designed to protect your eyes and look great, the lenses give both great clarity category 3 UV protection, making Flux ideal for anything from mountain hiking to relaxing on the valley floor. Adventure is always on the cards, so Flux are designed to meet the demands of an active, adventurous lifestyle. The frame itself is made from TR90 – incredibly durable, comfortable and lightweight.
We say: We wanted to include a pair of sunglasses in a less sporty style and the ALPKIT Flux fit the bill beautifully. Despite being lightweight, the wood effect frames have a level of durability suited to an active, outdoor lifestyle and the lenses are coated to prevent scratches. We also liked the amber lenses, which made the greenery around our local swimming lake all the more vibrant. Although not a floating style, they felt secure enough to wear in and around the water at the beach, if not for actually swimming. Both Alpkit styles came with a soft cloth bag.
VALLON Waylons
£108
They say: The Waylons are an unrivalled combination of style and performance. Handcrafted from acetate, the frame is durable yet lightweight (32g) and delivers a truly premium feel. The polarised V52® performance optics (Cat. 3) and optional headstrap ensure this is the ultimate hybrid of sports and lifestyle sunglasses. Wherever you end up, you’ll never go wrong with the Waylons.
We say: Although not specially made for swimmers, we really rated the Waylons, with their stylish rounded style and technical specs that suit people who love to be in or around the water. The lens clarity is exception, perceivably better than the more inexpensive sunglasses on test, with polarised lenses that reduce the glare on water with a warm brown tint for enhanced contrast. While they don’t float, they come with a detachable dark green elastic strap to guarantee your sunglasses stay on in the water, plus a faux-leather case and cleaning cloth.
WATERHAUL Fitzroy Navy Blue
£95
They say: Our bestselling sunglasses, suiting a broad range of face shapes ready for both adventure performance and all day wear. Navy-coloured rectangular unisex sunglasses frames that suit a broad range of face sizes, making it our best-selling model. Made from recycled fishing nets and lines, and paired with our Polarised Mineral Glass lenses, offering complete sustainability and ultimate UVA/UVB 400 protection.
We say: Waterhaul repurposes ‘ghost gear’ into rugged sunglasses, transforming the strength and durability that make these abandoned fishing nets such a treat for marine wildlife into super-strong frames. Specifically designed for ocean adventures, the Fitzroy features polarised lenses and saltwater-resistant components, while the mineral glass gives exceptional clarity. While not a floating style, they felt secure enough to take a knock from a wave. All Waterhaul sunglasses come with a lifetime warranty. Prescription (£110) and non-polarised (£65) versions available in the same style.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
