Sun’s out, shades out. As we say goodbye to winter woollies, you’ll be thankful to make way for warmer weather with the everyday summer essential, sunglasses.
Whenever we hear the word ‘sun’ we automatically think of fun-packed days, fewer layers and blue skies, but don’t forget that, with sun, comes damaging UV rays. According to reports, children’s eyes are more sensitive to retinol as they allow a higher percentage of harmful UV light to enter due to the fact their eyes are still maturing.
As a result, the children’s sunglasses market is growing and there are a multitude of styles available, ranging from high street options offering limited UV protection to versions at a slightly higher price point opting for full eye protection.
You will want to opt for a pair that combines enhanced UVA and UVB protection in order to better protect your children’s eyes. Once you’ve factored this in, the tricky part is choosing a style that combines comfort, durability and flexible hinges, especially if you’re shopping for toddler sunglasses, as little ones frequently bend glasses the wrong way or pull them off.
Another factor to consider is lense size, and making sure these are big enough to cover a large portion of your child’s eyes. Small lensed sunnies might be good enough for the catwalk, but they certainly won’t help your child’s eyesight in the long term.
What is UV protection?
Now for the science bit: UVA rays can pass through the eye’s cornea and reach the lens and retina, while UVB rays can’t pass through glass or plastic, but still cause eye damage. This is why it’s crucial to opt for a pair of sunglasses with strong UV coating to effectively protect your child’s eyes, the same way you would use sunscreen to protect their skin. UV protection is essential to protect little one’s vision that is still developing.
Shop the best below
Leosun Oli Polarized Sunglasses
Sunglasses brand Leosun certainly know a thing or two about protecting children’s eyes. Their wide range of unisex sunglasses, include timeless styles are designed to last beyond the season, ranging from polarized mirrored lenses to rainbow prints.
These sunglasses perform highly in terms of eye protection with category 3 lenses that shield from visible and UV light, and there is even a UV 400 ultraviolet light filter for maximum anti-glare protection.
They also tick all the boxes with serious eco credentials where each pair is made sustainability, they’re lightweight which means they don’t feel heavy rubbing against small ears and feature flexi hinges.
Suitable from ages 3+ but also stock a full baby range and they are constructed to last, perfect for not-so-gentle hands after being dropped one too many times and might we add they are fingerprint-resistant and smudge-proof - a bonus in our eyes.
Buy now £28.00, Leosun
Boden Tortoise Rainbow Heart Sunglasses
Best of British fashion brand Boden gets our vote for the most stylish sunglasses out there, so much so we heart these in adult size too. The heart-shaped lenses are oversized meaning young eyes are well protected and feature a dark tint (filter category 3 protection) to shade from the glaring sun.
The size is ideal for younger children to keep them protected from the sun. We adore the fact they come with their own colourful pouch, to avoid scratches - plus, the added cleaning cloth is a nice added bonus to wipe away any smudges, as many children’s sunglasses don’t have these added extras included in the price.
Buy now £13.00, Boden
Jojo Maman Bébé Baby & Kids’ Sunglasses
A brand designed to protect small eyes, may we introduce you to Jojo Maman Bébé – the baby and toddler brand that in our eyes can do no wrong.
These have been bestsellers for the brand for many years due to the fact they are a classic style that aren’t trend led. Constructed with UV400 protective lenses, the frames are comfortable snug fit securely around the ears to prevent falling down the nose and another major factor is they are durable…no flimsy frames here.
Available in three sizes and five colour options to choose from, you also have the option to team with a strap to ensure the glasses stay put – ideal if you have a young baby who isn’t particularly keen on wearing sunglasses .
Buy now £8.00, Jojo Maman Bébé
Mini Rodini Round Sunglasses
Swedish children’s clothing label Mini Rodini has become one of the most stylish brands out there - so much so that you’ll rarely scroll through Instagram without spotting a Mini Rodini print on the offspring of influencers and celebrities.
Not only do they design beautiful quality clothing, but the brand puts sustainability at the forefront, without compromising with environmental or social aspects. The brand’s range of retro sunglasses, which channels the 70s and features the signature panda Mini Rodini logo on the frame. Aimed at children between 5-10 years, featuring polarised lenses with an anti-scratch coating, combined with 100 per cent UVA/UVB sun protection.
With the environment at the heart of Mini Rodini’s ethos, these sunnies have been constructed from 100 per cent recycled fishing nets and presented inside a bioplastic bag in a box made from certified wood – conscious-minded from start to finish.
Buy now £42.00, Alex and Alexa
Polarn O. Pyret Kids UV Polarized Sunglasses
Sustainable brand Polarn O. Pyret is our go-to brand for planet-friendly kidswear and the UV polarized sunglasses are a sunny day essential.
If you are shopping for a pair of sunglasses for a child that is super active and a serious sports fan, then these classic shades will last season after season. Not just in terms of style but they’re durable too, with a comfortable snug fit that will stay put no matter how much running around goes on,
A unisex design aimed at little ones between 2-6 years, featuring high UV protection and also boast polarized lenses for enhanced anti-glare protection, so perfect for when the sun reaches its highest point.
Buy now £20.00, Polarn O. Pyret
Izipizi Lemonade Baby Sunglasses
For style conscious kids who enjoy cool shades, these stylish sunglasses come in every colour imaginable to match outfits perfectly. Not only do Izipizi Sun Kids Sunglasses come in a wide range of sizes from newborn right up to teenage years, but you can choose from a multitude of styles available too.
We know how tricky it can be to keep sunglasses on your baby’s eyes, this is when Izipizi baby sunglasses have the added bonus of a built-in silicone strap, which comes in handy for added support and stay put power. Providing 100 per cent UV protection and BPA-free which is one factor we are mindful about right now.
Plus, they’re strong. Basically indestructable and toddler-proof - a must when it comes to shopping for sunglasses for little ones.
Buy now £30.00, Mori
Kidly Flower Sustainable Sunglasses
Kidly’s latest range of sunglasses are definitely something to get excited about, the flower-shaped design alone will automatically put a smile on any child’s face.
Made from sustainable recycled materials that are built to last, being scratch and shatter resistant, so you can breathe a sigh of relief if they’re accidently dropped on the floor. The lenses are made from the highest category 3 sun protection to shield from harmful rays on sunny days.
Aside from its style factor, we were super impressed that you can team the shades with Kidly’s swimwear label too – there’s three shades available in total and there is an added drawstring bag to keep them clean and safe.
Buy now £12.00, Kidly
Suneez Vedra Sunglasses
Polarized Lenses? Check. Flexible frames? Check. UVA/UVB/UV400 protection? Triple Check.
Suneez sunglasses have it all going for them - we were hugely impressed at how flexible the frames are too, so much so that when you bend them they won’t break, ideal when little ones aren’t so light handed when it comes to taking care of sunglasses.
Available in two sizes; 3-8 years and 8-12 years, choose from a range of colour options, including this zesty orange and green colour combo that adds a vibrant pop of colour no matter what time of year your child might be wearing them.
They even have a handy strap that can be worn round children’s necks and a carry pouch that also doubles up as a lens cleaner.
Buy now £25.00, Amazon
Blade & Rose Polarized Sunglasses
Suns out, shades on. Children will love these brightly coloured sunglasses to keep eyes undercover from the sun. Available in five different colours and a magnetic closing case for extra protection when not in use.
Coming in at £12, you certainly get more bang for your buck with a pair of Blade & Rose sunglasses, including high UVA and UVB protection against sun glare with polarized lenses, they’re also BPA free, constructed with UV 400 protection, and they’re durable, so you’re not having to replace them after summer season. We challenge you to resist adding a pair of the brand’s adorable trademark leggings to your shopping basket to team with the new shades.
Buy now £12.00, Blade & Rose
Ray-Ban Junior Square Frame RJ9069S Sunglasses
You can’t beat a classic pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses to protect young eyes from the harmful UV rays, as well as looking stylish at the same time. Expect the same high-quality design, protection, and spec that you would see in the adult collections.
Made with polycarbonate lenses that are impact-resistant, high clarity and most importantly comfortable to wear - they’re made with safety in mind with the highest 3N protection filter, along with a leather carry case and dust cloth to erase any fingerprints and water marks.
A little bit more of an investment, but the quality design and signature style that won’t date. They’re also ideal for twining with your little one with the matching adult pair.
Buy now £60.00, John Lewis
Verdict
Though it very much depends on the UV protection you are after and the age of your child whether you want to splash out on an expensive pair, for us, Leosun combines style and functionality with a wide range of frames available and the highest protection to shield children’s developing eyes.
We also love the fact that they are made sustainably too, and at the same time being durable, so they don’t end up breaking after dropping. The packaging is also very pleasing to the eye, making them ideal for gifting.
