Sporty sunglasses aren’t just for improving athletic performance and protecting your eyes during outdoor activities—they’ve also become a trendy fashion accessory. According to Mordor Intelligence, the sports sunglasses market is expected to grow by 3.5% annually over the next five years. This growth is driven by increasing awareness of physical fitness, adventure experiences, and skill development.
You’ll often recognize sporty sunglasses by their oversized lenses, designed to give athletes an unobstructed view. Because of their distinctive design, some people might find them intimidating to wear casually. However, you can definitely incorporate sporty shades into your everyday outfits. Here are four fun ways to style them.
Modern sporty sunglasses are as stylish as they are functional and come in more than just dark or muted colors. Oakley, for instance, offers a variety of bold shapes, designs, and vibrant color options. For example, the Sutro model is available in 14 lens and frame colors, including transition lenses. Choices range from Prizm Black to bright yellow Prizm 24k, with bold options like the Prizm Road lens that blends yellow, red, and purple. Matching the colors of your lenses and frames to your outfits can make them look more cohesive and less distracting.
If mixing colors feels daunting, you can always rely on good old denim. Pairing blue jeans or a denim jacket with colorful sports sunglasses can make your shades the focal point of your outfit. For a more subdued look, stick with black sports sunglasses.
Another way to style sporty sunglasses with denim is by going full retro. The oversized 90s and 2000s designs of most sporty shades pair well with vintage-inspired denim looks. Accessorize with a matching belt or purse to tie the look together.
The resurgence of sporty sunglasses is partly due to nostalgia for the 90s and 00s. Think big, bold silhouettes like baggy jeans, oversized jackets, hoodies, and broad shoulders. Pairing these with your sporty shades can create a dynamic and youthful look, with faux leather and fur jackets adding another layer of 90s flair.
Finally, embrace the neoncore trend if you’re feeling bold. Neon colors, once almost taboo in the mid-2000s, are back in a big way. Celebrities often sport neon from head to toe, making neon sporty sunglasses a perfect fit. Whether you’re going all-out neon or mixing bright colors with solid blacks or grays, sporty shades with colored lenses and black frames can really make your outfit pop.