With summer in Australia just around the corner, it’s time for those who spend a lot of time outdoors – perhaps in the forest – to consider eye protection as well as skin protection. Keeping forestry in mind, then maybe a pair of wooden framed sunglasses are the way to go. These ones are no gimmick they are the real deal. Sources: Chicago Tribune, Timberbiz
This guide contains the information you need to find your perfect shades. At the end, there’s a few reviews of favourites such as the attractive Cloudfield Wooden Sunglasses.
Some wooden sunglasses are made entirely from wood (excluding the lenses, of course), whereas others are made from a blend of wood and other materials. This usually means that the arms are wooden while the frames (around the lenses) are made from either metal or plastic.
If you choose a pair of wooden sunglasses that aren’t made entirely from wood, metal is the better frame option from an environmental perspective, since it’s at least a natural material that will degrade over time.
Wooden sunglasses can be made from a wide range of woods. One of the most popular choices is bamboo, which is a great choice in terms of sustainability, because it’s extremely plentiful and grows at tremendous speed.
Ebony is another popular wood due to its strength and attractive dark hue, while zebrawood is prized for being lightweight with an interesting striped grain.
When you shop for wooden sunglasses, you may notice the wayfarer shape is one of the most popular options. This is in part because it’s a classic style, but also because the simple shape is easy to make from wood.
If you shop around a little, you can some other choices of frame shapes, such as the classic aviator style, and round or rounded frames that give you a slightly softer look compared with squarer frame shapes. More complex frame shapes are likely to be made from wood and metal around the lenses with wooden arms.
In addition to standard black or grey, you can find wooden sunglasses with a range of coloured lens tints and with polarised lenses. Some coloured lenses are simply coloured that way for aesthetic reasons, but others have particular properties. Green lenses, for example, provide optimum contrast in poor lighting.
Most wooden sunglasses cost somewhere between US$20 and US$50, but options from designer brands can cost US$300 or more.
Wooden sunglasses have their benefits, but pure durability isn’t one of them. Because they’re made of relatively thin pieces of wood, they can snap if you sit on them or drop them. Of course, you could say the same for plastic sunglasses.
Three of the best in wooden sunglasses.
Cloudfield’s Wood Sunglasses
Lightweight, attractive sunglasses with frames m made entirely of sustainable bamboo.
The nine-layer polarized lenses effectively protect eyes from UV rays. Handy carry case included. Stylish wayfarer frame shape. Range of lens tint options.
4EST’s Shades Bamboo Wood Sunglasses
Stylish bamboo shades available in black or brown. The engraving on the arms is a nice touch.
The anti-reflective polarized lenses are great for driving and UV protection. Includes a hard case, soft pouch, and cleaning cloth.
Tree Tribe’s Bamboo Sunglasses
These gorgeous sunglasses come in light or dark wood with several tint options.
The quality polarized lenses have a scratch-resistant coating. Frames are carbonized for strength. UV400 protection.
