The best kids' sunglasses aren't just an adorable accessory - they're also vital for protecting young eyes from the dangers of UV exposure.
One recent study found that using cheap sunglasses can increase the risk of blindness and eye cancer, so investing in a decent pair of kids' sunglasses ahead of the summer is a must, especially if you're planning a trip to sunnier climes.
"Children need to protect their eyes just as much if not more than us adults," says Dan McGhee, Director of Clinical Optometry at Vision Express. "Not only do children spend more time outdoors, but a child’s eye is more vulnerable to UV light. And, since their eyes are still developing, they have clearer lenses which can allow more UV light to reach inside the eye and penetrate the sensitive retina. By the time we reach the age of 18, we will have absorbed 50% of all the ultraviolet light we will ever absorb in our lifetime. Since damage from UV is cumulative, the exposure gained as a child can build up and lead to further problems in the future."
In this article, we'll cover what the experts told us about how to choose kids' sunglasses based on age, fit, and safety standards, as well as why getting it right is so important for protecting your child's eyesight.
How to choose the best kids' sunglasses
Safety standards: “Before you buy a pair of cheap sunglasses make sure they provide adequate protection – not all do," says Giles Edmonds, Clinical Services Director at Specsavers. "Sunglasses don’t need to be expensive but they should always conform to agreed safety standards. Look out for a CE (European Community Standard), BSEN1836 (British Standard), or UV400 markings and aim for a pair that offer 80 percent light reduction.”
Fit: Not all shapes of sunglasses will provide a spot-on fit, so it pays to try a few different pairs. “The nose bridge should fit well to stop them from slipping with the heat,” explains Kajol Bhagat, a dispensing optician at Fashion Eyewear. “And the frame should give enough coverage to protect eyes from the sunlight. Sunglasses with headbands to keep them close fitted are a good choice for active children.”
"Look for durable features such as flexible hinges too,” adds Giles. “Hinges that extend beyond 90 degrees and have a spring action to keep the fit of the frame snug will decrease the risk of your child's sunglasses falling off or getting damaged during sports and other play.”
Lenses: If your child normally wears glasses day-to-day, then they’re likely to need sunglasses with prescription lenses. Unfortunately, this does make them pricier, but choosing a sturdier frame will hopefully help them stand the test of time. These can be purchased in-store with an optician. If you’re unsure about whether coloured lenses are safe, Kajol suggests you steer clear.
“You should not choose fashion coloured lenses e.g. pink, yellow or blue as these do not protect the eyes as well. Tint shades should preferably be brown or grey.”Not all shapes of sunglasses will provide a spot-on fit, so it pays to try a few different pairs. “The nose bridge should fit well to stop them from slipping with the heat,” explains Kajol Bhagat, a dispensing optician at Fashion Eyewear. “And the frame should give enough coverage to protect eyes from the sunlight. Sunglasses with headbands to keep them close fitted are a good choice for active children.”
"Look for durable features such as flexible hinges too,” adds Giles. “Hinges that extend beyond 90 degrees and have a spring action to keep the fit of the frame snug will decrease the risk of your child's sunglasses falling off or getting damaged during sports and other play.”
1. Liewood Darla Sunglasses
Channel Princess Charlotte's recent Centre Court appearance at Wimbledon with these stylish retro Liewood Darla sunglasses. Available in four different shades - including this delightful Tuscan Rose colour - and two different sizes (1-3Y and 4-10Y), they have built-in 100% UV protection and spring hinges to avoid breakages.
VIEW AT SCANDIBORN | was £26 NOW £18.20
2. John Lewis Kids' Round Colour Block Sunglasses
Add some colour to your kids' outfits this summer with these super-affordable and eye-catching colour-block sunglasses from John Lewis. Available in green, blue, and orange or pink and blue, don't be surprised if your child doesn't want to take them off.
VIEW AT JOHN LEWIS | WAS £5 NOW £3.50
3. JoJo Maman Bébé Kids’ Flexible Sunglasses with straps
Does your little one keep trying to take their sunglasses on and off? The handy detachable (and adjustable) strap will not only help to keep this pair in place but is comfortable to wear too. The lenses offer maximum UV protection to keep delicate eyes safe and are designed to fit ages 0-6 years. “Unbreakable it seems and my baby loves to wear them to look up at the sky,” raved one online reviewer.
4. Babiators Original Keyhole Sunglasses
Made from flexible rubber, these frames can be bent or twisted without breaking. The lenses are shatter resistant and offer 100% UV protection. For extra peace of mind, Babiators will send you a free replacement if your child’s sunglasses are lost or broken within a year of purchase. All you need to do is register within 30 days of buying them and cover the postage.
5. Mini Rodini Round Sunglasses
These round sunnies are the last word in cool. Providing 100% UV protection, the leopard-print glasses also come with a branded pouch and a cleaning cloth to keep them safe and looking as good as new.
6. Kidly Hexagon Sustainable Sunglasses
An eye-catching choice, these hexagon-shaped sunglasses come in two cool shades, terracotta or ivory. Made of recycled materials, the sunnies are scratch and impact resistant so they're perfect for active kiddos. They also have polarised lenses to give your child's eyes category 3 UV400 protection.
VIEW AT KIDLY | WAS £14 NOW £4
7. Ray-Ban Junior RJ9506S
Let your tot make like the grown-ups with their very own pair of junior aviators. One of the best-known and most-trusted sunglasses brands around, Ray-Ban knows a thing or two about what makes a safe and stylish pair of sunglasses. This pair comes with 100% UV protection lenses as standard and a two-year warranty.
VIEW NOW AT FASHION EYEWEAR | WAS £108 NOW £61
8. JoJo Maman Bébé Baby & Kids Sunglasses
Curved, wrap-around lenses like these are a great choice, protecting your child’s eyes from all angles. At a bargain price, it’s no surprise they’ve been one of JoJo Maman Bébé’s bestselling styles for years and come in five cute colours. Reviewers have commented that they come up small, so size up if your tot is in between sizes.
9. Polarn O. Pyret Baby UV Wraparound Sunglasses
Suitable for ages 6 months to 2 years, these simple but effective sunnies will take good care of delicate eyes. Polarised lenses reduce the amount of glare, while high levels of UV protection ensure top-notch safety.
VIEW AT POLARN O. PYRET | WAS £20 NOW £10
10. Oakley Frogskins XS Youth Fit Sunglasses
Best known for its performance-focused eyewear, Oakley is a brand you can trust. These sunnies feature Impact Protection Lenses, which have been tested in extreme circumstances to ensure they protect eyes in all conditions. The frames are lightweight and comfortable too, making them a worthwhile investment for mini adventurers.
VIEW AT OAKLEY | WAS £104 NOW £52
11. Boden Multi Rainbow Girls' Sunglasses
These sweet rainbow-hued sunglasses offer a pop of colour without being garish. Offering complete UV protection, the sunnies also come in a handy pouch decorated with a matching rainbow print. Cute!
12. Oakley Junior Radar Ev XS Path Sunglasses
Sunglasses for the seriously sporty, these feature all the high-spec details as the adult version, but carefully scaled down to suit smaller faces. Great for cycling, hiking, and even ski trips, the clever lenses work hard to enhance visibility. The nose pad provides extra comfort and the wrap-shape keeps eyes covered from all angles.
13. Siroko Kids Orange Sunglasses
Bring a burst of colour to your child's accessory collection with these traffic-stopping sunnies from Siroko. With UV400 protection, bright polarised lenses and a lightweight and resistant frame, they'll stand your kids in good stead when it comes to sunny days.
VIEW AT SIROKO | WAS £37 NOW £18
14. M&S Kids' Ombre Heart Sunglasses
These funky rainbow-hued and heart-shaped sunglasses will add a cool finishing touch to summer outfits. With Sun Smart lenses that provide protection from UV rays, they're as practical as they are pretty.
15. Siroko Sloth Sunglasses
If you have an animal-obsessed kid on your hands, they'll love these stylish khaki sunglasses with cute sloths on the arms. The sunnies are sure to withstand your kids' boisterousness: the glasses have full UV400 protection and polarized lenses, while the frame has spring hinges to provide extra flexibility. Best of all, they come with an adorable sloth design case too.
VIEW AT SIROKO | WAS £37 NOW £18
16. M&S Kids' Harry Potter Sunglasses
Little ones are guaranteed to have fun in the sun with these magical Harry Potter sunglasses in a cool Wayfarer shape. The stylish lenses offer UV protection against harmful UV rays so they can get out there and enjoy, plus fans will adore the logo on the arms and the pattern of stars and lightning bolts that decorate the frame.
17. Kids' Elasticated Baby Sunglasses
Keeping sunglasses on your baby isn't easy but these ones have elasticated straps to keep them comfortably in place at the same time as protecting against harmful UV rays.
At what age should children start wearing sunglasses?
“Children under six months old should not be exposed to the sun and should be kept under cover where possible,” advises Giles Edmonds, Clinical Services Director at Specsavers. “But if they are in the sun, they should wear a hat and glasses.”
Thought kids’ sunglasses were just for holidays and the height of summer? Think again.
“Once they reach six months and are more exposed to the sun, we would advise the use of sunglasses,” continues Giles. “It is essential that children are wearing their sunglasses during all the time spent outside, and that includes playtime at school. Even on cloudy days, our eyes can be exposed to UV radiation, so sunglasses should be as important as packing their lunch or homework.”
Once you've chosen the perfect pair of sunnies for your little one, take a look at our pick of the best kids' sun hats or browse the best sunscreen for kids.