Whether they’re fashion, prescription, or performance sunglasses, everyone’s got a favorite pair of sunnies—and they’re an important item to pack for a vacation. But when you’re headed to places where you’ll be on the water, on the golf course, or on the snow, choosing a pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses are especially helpful.
While I’m not a golfer, I’m frequently around coastlines and on the water. That’s why I love Costa del Mar sunglasses, because they all have polarized lenses. My current go-to: the Costa Anaa Sunglasses.
Why should you choose polarized lenses? They have a special chemical applied to them to filter light, and that chemical’s molecules block some of the light from passing through the lens. This filter creates vertical openings for light, as if you hung blinds on a window sideways instead of top down. The lenses block all the horizontal light waves bouncing off a smooth pond, shiny car hood, or a snowy field. As a result of the filter, the image you see is a bit darker than usual, but details are easier to see and objects look crisper and clearer.
Costa’s 580 lenses were designed to filter reflective glare and manage light by absorbing harmful high-energy blue light (HEV); enhancing reds, greens, and blues; and filtering out harsh yellows. They also absorb 100% of UV light, and are scratch-resistant and repel water, oil, and sweat for easy cleaning. The polycarbonate lenses are the lightest and most durable lens material options.
The Anaas are a great fit best for those with an “average-sized head,” which is the majority of people. I generally can’t wear large lenses, because they dwarf my face, but the Costa Anaa sunglasses offer me great coverage without dwarfing my features.
The Anaa sunglasses are available on the Costa del Mar site. They have a gray polarized polycarbonate lenses, and come with two choices of frames: shiny olive tortoise on black ($171) or shiny retro tortoise/cream/mint ($191).