I was never one for paying more than $20 for sunglasses. Why would I? They break easily, they’re easy to lose, and they are even easier to forget and shatter in your back pocket when you’re ready for a well-deserved seat. 🤷🏽♀️
But as I developed my conscious consumerism habits and forged deeper into a zero-waste lifestyle, I got to thinking: where the heck do all the lost and broken sunglasses go?
I can tell you where I imagine mine ended up over the years: the trash, buried in sand dunes somewhere, or lost at the bottom of a river or the ocean…
As thoughts do, that idea began to ripple. Think about ALL the sunglasses on ALL the shelves across the globe. Where. do. they. ALL. end. up?!
It’s an overwhelming thought experiment.
One that drove me a few years ago to make a promise to myself: it was time to grow up, stop the waste, and get a pair (a pair of sunglasses, that is); ones that would last.
*Enter Sunskis and beams of angelic light and music*
As this review will show, I’m in it for life with Sunski sunglasses. They travel well, bear my abuse, don’t break the bank and, better yet, I know they come from a company that gives a damn (many a damn, actually).
That’s why after my last pair were stolen (yes, they are that good), I decided to document my search to replace them through this complete Sunski sunglasses review and get the good word out to all the sustainable-shades-curious out there.
Sunski's sunglasses are polarized, sustainable, and they offer a lifetime warranty to back them up. They have a variety of glasses that will suit your style and serve your function.
Sunski Sunglasses Review: Key Features
Sunski started as a small Kickstarter with one design. The founders, Tom Stewart and Michael Charley, wanted to shake up the industry not only with their unique vintage designs, but also with their emphasis on sustainability, and the people heard their message.
Since their OG pair and first Kickstarter campaign, they have grown into a six-million-dollar company. Their bread and butter? Polarized vintage-style sunglasses made from recycled plastics.
Sunski sunglasses vary in style, but there are general features you can expect with any pair:
UV Protection. We only have one set of eyes, so we really must do our best to protect them! 👵
These sunglasses will do the job. They provide 100% full-spectrum UV protection, including protection from UVA, UVB and UV400 wavelengths.
Polarized 😎. Yes, a very polarizing issue, for sure.
In my experience, once you go polarized, you don’t go back.
All Sunski styles are polarized, meaning they have a lens layer that filters out horizontal light waves, AKA glares, to allow for a crisper view.
So what’s the big deal? Boy, let me tell you!
When pulling on a pair of polarized sunglasses, it’s like the world lights up with its true colors. Straight away, you see fish and plants appear beneath the water, the greens of trees become more vibrant, and you’ll be offering your glasses to your unpolarized friends to check out the view.
Generally, polarized glasses mean a darker tint. For me, the only drawback to polarization is that when you have ’em on, especially in a bright environment, it can be hard to see your phone screen, or any screen for that matter.
But with views like these, it’d be foolish to let that stop you.
Sustainable. With their 1% For the Planet membership and their Climate Neutral Certification, Sunski has sustainability high on their list.
All sunglasses are made from their own SuperLightTM material sourced from polycarbonate plastic scrap that was otherwise destined for Illinois landfills. Their quest to limit plastic pollution means that they also don’t use any plastic packaging in shipping and instead opt for compostable and recyclable cardboard boxes.
Want to learn more? Read about their sustainability initiatives below!
Durable. Another part of their sustainability mission is to make the pair you have with you last as long as possible. Their SuperLightTM plastic is both strong and flexible, which is great for when you drop them, forget them at the bottom of your computer bag, or try to distract a crying toddler.
I had my first pair for two years! To give you some context, I think my running record up to that point was only two months.
They made it through farming and travel adventures alike and continued looking brand new after spending a couple of weeks among crops and in the elements after falling out of my pocket (there’s been a lot of lessons learned on my way to becoming a responsible sunglasses owner).
What eventually got my OG pair was a grown man’s accidental elbow to my face as we were packing up during one of our camping trips. Even then, I loved them so much that I taped them and attempted to wear them for another month at the beach before returning stateside.
Some reviewers have complained that they have experienced breakage or peeling just after a few months. While this wasn’t my experience, it’s important to always rinse your glasses after a big sweat or day by the beach to minimize wear and tear.
Replaceable Lenses. One reason my first pair got me that far is that I was able to switch out the lenses halfway through. All styles, except for those that have been discontinued, have lens replacement kits.
Sunski’s easy-to-follow instructions and easy-to-pop in/out lenses extended the life of my frames another year. Another lesson learned? Use the protective bag Sunski includes with each pair!
Warranty 🙌. Who doesn’t love a LIFETIME warranty?!
All Sunski sunglasses are backed by—you guessed it—a lifetime warranty. Apart from scratched lenses and theft or loss, their warranty pretty much covers everything. Elbow to the face? No problem. Sat on them? They don’t judge.
All I had to do was cover shipping to send my broken pair to their headquarters and, a couple of weeks later, I was given a $75 gift card (more than my original pair cost!) to order my replacement pair. Easy!
Your issue not covered? Write them anyway, they’ve got a small and pretty awesome team that is ready and willing to help out.
Too Comfortable. The flexible plastic also makes them super comfortable. Sometimes I forget I have them on top of my head until it’s time to zip up my sleeping bag.
The company is also very specific about frame measurements in their descriptions, so if you’re in doubt about them fitting your face perfectly, measure the width of your face (that will also some good digits to add to your next password).
Affordable. Priced between $48 and $98, they’re at a mid-range price point in the sunglasses world; designer-brand quality without the exorbitant price tag. Yes, they’re more expensive than the pair you’ll find at the gas station, but they’re sure to last you a lot longer.
Honestly, since I wasn’t buying a $10–$20 pair every few months, I probably saved money in the long run. Between Sunski’s durability and forever warranty, you’ll be investing in a pair that you’ll be wearing for a while.
Versatile and Oh! So Stylish! I was first introduced to Sunskis through a friend who was sporting their Dipseas. And boy, did I covet them! They were polarized and utilitarian but didn’t make you look like your dad on a fishing trip in the 90s.
Quite the opposite, actually. They looked great! (Sorry, dads.)
Their vintage flair and functional approach make them perfect for the outdoors and summer fun in the city.
Another beautiful thing about Sunski is that they’ve got glasses for every face type, occasion, and style sense.
Sunski Sunglasses Styles & Options:
Finding which is right for you will depend a lot on what kind of adventuring you do, your face shape, and your own personal style.
Here, we’ll give a run-through on some of their most popular styles in each collection to give you a better idea of where to start.
Sunski Lifestyle Collection: For Every Occasion
Price: $58–$68
Eye Coverage: Medium
Use: Casual Wear
Probably the most versatile collection, Lifestyle shades are meant to cover all your bases. Wear them to the beach, on a hike, or in the city. You really can’t go wrong.
With moderate eye coverage and a lightweight feel, they’re sure to stay comfortable all day, no matter what you’re up to. Overall, a great pair!
Popular Styles
Yuba
- Unisex
- Medium/large frame size
- Oval or round faces, large heads
Dipsea
- Unisex
- Small/medium frame size
- Rectangle, square, or diamond faces
Seacliff
- Unisex
- Small/medium frame size
- Rectangle, square, or diamond faces
Sunski Sport Collection: For Activewear
Price: $48–$68
Eye Coverage: Full
Use: On the Run, or Whenever Sweating is Involved
This collection is for the waking-up-at-5am-to-exercise, always-making-it-to-the-highest-viewpoint, pain-is-gain type.
Their full coverage will give you better protection during all sorts of outdoor activities, and their lightweight feel and sturdier fit will keep these sunnies right where they’re supposed to be, even when you’re jabbing to the right, jumping to the left–you know, bustin’ out all your best moves.
Popular Styles
Topeka
- Unisex
- Small/medium frame size
- Heart-shaped or triangular faces
Sunski Premium Collection: Stylish & Fashionable
Price: $89–$98
Eye Coverage: Medium
Use: The Runway… or the Beach?
This collection is for the savvy, yet fashionable. Premium Sunskis all sport CR-39 lenses for superior clarity, scratch resistance, and long-term durability. With metal features and added glare protection on the frames, these are, hands down, the coolest shades on the block.
Popular Styles
Bernina
- Unisex
- Medium/large frame size
- Oval or round face shape
- Hard case included
Sunski Alpine Collection: On the Mountain or Water
Price: $89
Eye Coverage: Full
Use: Hittin’ the Slopes, Deep-Sea Fishing
Any snow sport enthusiasts out there?! Cuz these are, for sure, the perfect pair for you!
With their removable sunshields, seafarers and mountain people alike will enjoy this line. The Couloir and Treeline styles even sport a rubber nose pad to prevent slippage on the slopes or boat.
Popular Styles
Treeline
- Unisex
- Medium/large frame size
- Heart-shaped or triangular faces
- Hard case included
Sunski Classic Collection: The OG Pair – Simple & Vintage
Price: $48–$58
Eye Coverage: Medium
Use: Casual Wear
The sunglasses that started it all. Inspired by a vintage pair of sunglasses found in Australia by one of the co-founders, the Classic collection was the first released by the brand. Like the Lifestyle collection, these shades are great both around town and for outdoor adventures.
Popular Styles
Headlands
- Unisex
- Medium/large frame size
- Oval or round face shape
Madronas
- Unisex
- Medium/large frame size
- Oval or round face shape
Sunskski Blue Light Glasses: For Screen Time
Price: $89
Eye Coverage: N/A
Use: In the Office, Late Nights on the Computer
Blue light glasses filter out blue light emitted from our electronic devices. Blue light has the shortest wavelength and highest energy on the visible light spectrum, and some studies suggest that prolonged exposure through our digital devices can lead to damaged retinal cells over time.
While more research is needed, blue light glasses are meant to help protect the eyes from strain and damage, and even help you get better sleep!
The best thing I did for myself when I transitioned from the field to the office was investing in a pair of blue light-blocking glasses.
The difference is startling, to be quite honest. I now can’t stand 30 minutes without them before I start feeling eye strain and an oncoming headache.
So, I must implore you: do yourself a favor! Protect your eyes not only from the sun’s rays, but from your device’s harsh waves.
Popular Styles
Classic
- Unisex
- Medium/large frame size
- Oval or round faces
Sunski FAQs
Are Sunski sunglasses good?
Not only are they good sunglasses, they’re also good for the planet.
Their versatile, vintage designs fit perfectly in any wardrobe, but their lightweight, flexible nature also makes them well-suited for rough-and-tough adventuring and long-time wear.
Sunski’s emphasis on sustainability also sets these shades apart—a 1% For the Planet member and certified Climate Neutral company, Sunski makes all their sunglasses from recycled plastic. Between the style, durability, sustainability, AND a lifetime warranty, Sunskis might be the last pair of sunglasses you ever purchase.
What are Sunski sunglasses made from?
All Sunski frames are made from polycarbonate plastic sourced from scraps otherwise destined for Illinois landfills. Their lenses are made of triacetate cellulose (TAC) and have a polarized core layer.
Where are Sunski sunglasses made?
All Sunskis are designed in San Francisco, CA and are manufactured in factories in Wenzhou, China.
Are Sunskis polarized?
Yes-sir-ee! All Sunski shades are polarized, which means they’ll filter out sun glare and keep things clear.
How do you change a Sunski lens?
First, you’ll need to order the right lens replacement kit from their website.
Once they arrive, you’ll first leave your shades in the sun for about 15 or so minutes to warm up the plastic and make them a bit more flexible. Then, muster up your courage and press firmly and evenly on your current lenses from the inside out. Pop! Out they go.
To insert your new lenses, set the corresponding lens into the corner groove first and then from the outside, press firmly in around the lens to set it completely in place. You’ll hear the right kind of click. Again, don’t be afraid to push.
Voila! As good as new!
What sunglasses company has the best warranty?
It’s hard to beat the Sunski Lifetime Warranty. Everything except theft/loss and scratched lenses is covered! Manufacturing defects? Check. Broken frames? You got it!
The small size of their team also makes them pretty good listeners, so even if your problem isn’t directly covered, drop them a line and tell them your sad story. I’m sure they’ll take care of you somehow.
About Sunski: The Sustainable Shades Co.
Sunski was one of the first on the sustainable shades scene and they’ve got a lot to tout about their environmental impact efforts.
Let’s start where they did. Sunski has been a 1% For the Planet member since their inception. This means they donate 1% of their profits to environmental organizations. They’ve focused their support around elevating environmental conservation efforts such as the Save the Waves Coalition, The Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics, and the Adventurer Scientists for Conservation, just to name a few.
They also sport a Climate Neutral certification. Sunski offsets the entire carbon footprint of their operation, from shipping to electricity to manufacturing, by purchasing carbon offsetting credits. The initiatives they’re buying into help capture and sequester carbon from the atmosphere and curtail the company’s total emissions to net-zero.
But their path to sustainability doesn’t end there. When Sunski first got their start, they saw a huge opportunity for improvement within the industry. There wasn’t yet sustainable frame material on the market that didn’t sacrifice the flexibility, comfort, or durability of the final product.
So, after many years of research and tinkering, the company finally created a material that checked all the boxes. They created a polycarbonate resin from upcycled plastic scraps that they then molded into the SuperLightTM frames we know today.
Recycled frames, Carbon Neutral Certification, and 1% For the Planet Member? Pretty impressive if you ask me! My only hope is that they one day go for gold and get their B Corp certification. *nudge* *nudge* 🙃
Other Online Reviews for Sunski Sunglasses
I loved my Sunskis so much that I was curious to see why anyone could knock them. Not surprisingly, bad reviews were few and far between and the vast majority of users echoed my BFF-status sentiment.
Takeaways from the negative Sunski sunglasses reviews? Tales of peeling lenses and worn frames were common among the naysayers. Maybe don’t go for the mirrored or aqua lenses. And definitely shop directly from the Sunski site or an official retail store so that you get the full extent of the warranty.
Alternatives to Sunski Sunglasses
Sunskis didn’t make the cut? No big deal! There are still plenty of shades worth rallying behind. Here are some great alternatives to Sunski sunglasses.
Pela
Price: ~$64.95
Pela, a B Corp, 1% For the Planet member, and Climate Neutral certified company, is on a mission to make a circular economy where little is wasted and a lot is cared for.
And yes, the famed compostable phone case maker does indeed dabble in sunglasses.
While they are not polarized, they are biodegradable, meaning that they will break down, even in a landfill environment. Even this polarized convert would say that’s a pretty good trade-off.
Better yet, you can send your old sunnies back to them through their Pela 360 Program and they’ll upcycle or recycle them to keep them out of the landfill entirely!
Warby Parker
Price: ~$95–$225
There’s a reason Warby Parker made it on our top 10 socially responsible companies list. This certified B Corp is known for transparent and ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices.
Better yet, for every pair you buy, they partner with VisionSpring to donate a pair to someone in need. They also donate a ton of money to organizations that provide free vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses to school children.
Through their Home Try On program, you can try on five frames FO FREE! Select five styles you like, and they’ll send you the frames to try on for five days. It’s easier to pick a pair when you can see firsthand whether a style makes you look like a bug or not.
More than that? They’ve got anti-scratch lenses and have polarized and prescription options!
TOMS
Price: ~$68–$$228.95
Another B Corp and star on our socially responsible companies list, TOMS made waves with their ethical shoes and has since branched out to other wearables, including sunglasses. They invest ⅓ of their profits in grassroots efforts and nonprofit organizations targeting poverty.
TOMS really likes to mix it up. There’s no shortage of styles, materials, and color options. And you can go polarized!
Conclusion: Lifelong Sunglasses
No matter the product or industry, everyone’s got their go-to, in-it-for-life, this-one-or-break brand. These products are not only tried and true; they’re the very epitome of that expression—the one that shines out among the rest.
Whether it’s Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky (I see you, Ron) or Sunskis sunglasses, over and over, for quality, taste, ethos, customer service, you name it; you’ll return month to month, year to year, for a lifetime.
That’s the kind of relationship we’re talking about with Sunski Sunglasses. It’s not just a pair of sunglasses, it’s THE pair of sunglasses. For life.
Alma Rominger
Grow Ensemble Contributor
Alma Rominger is an educator and farmer passionate about regenerative agriculture, composting, gardening for mental health, and outdoor education.
Alma believes that the health of the earth and the health of its people are intrinsically connected and has spent her entire career advocating for both. She currently specializes in Bokashi composting systems and soil ecology through her work with Compost Queens, a women-owned community composting company based in the San Antonio area.
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