When you think of Eddie Bauer, you may picture the brand’s classic outdoor clothing and gear. But did you know Eddie Bauer also makes sunglasses?
So, are Eddie Bauer sunglasses any good? Or is it best to choose a brand that specializes in sports eyewear?
At a Glance
- The Eddie Bauer brand has been around for over a century, started by the man himself, who was a lover of the great outdoors.
- He started out with tennis gear, and then he quickly began selling outdoor gear.
- Eddie Bauer sunglasses are casual and affordable. Some are polarized as well.
- While they are a smart option for those who want a pair of sunglasses for the occasional hike, sports enthusiasts may prefer specialized eyewear brands such as Oakley and Maui Jim.
- Eddie Bauer also offers smart glasses, such as audio sunglasses, which have decent reviews online but may not hold up compared with other smart glasses.
Who Is Eddie Bauer?
If you grew up seeing Eddie Bauer stores, you probably thought it was just another American sportswear brand. But actually, Eddie Bauer has an impressive backstory that’s pretty much the epitome of the American Dream.
He started the Eddie Bauer company in 1920 in Seattle, with tennis-related goods as its main merchandise. He quickly expanded to include other men’s outdoor goods and clothing.
The best part of this story is that Eddie kept being Eddie; he would test the products himself since he grew up around the great outdoors. Every year, he would close his shop and hang a sign saying “Eddie’s gone hunting.” Then, he would go try out his products and enjoy life beyond the business. (Told you it was about as American Dream as it gets!)
He kept growing his business and even supplied thousands of jackets and sleeping bags to the American army during World War II.
Is Bankruptcy the End of Eddie Bauer?
The Eddie Bauer North American company filed for bankruptcy in early 2026. That’s why you’ve probably noticed all the stores have disappeared.
At the height of the brand, they had hundreds of stores across the US and Canada, but now they operate online. You can also get Eddie Bauer products from other sites and stores like Costco and Amazon.
So, no, it isn’t the end of Eddie Bauer. But like many American stores, brick-and-mortar stores are no longer an option.
On the bright side, the brand’s stores in Japan and Europe are still operating.
Do They Make Good Sunglasses?
Well, define good.
Are Eddie Bauer sunglasses some of the best sports glasses out there? Probably not.
Do they compete with major brands like Oakley and Maui Jim? I don’t think so.
The brand is really good at making affordable outdoor wear and gear (you can find down jackets for under $200). They also make lightweight, affordable shades.
If you’re looking for something that does the job for your occasional hikes or walks and doesn’t break the bank, Eddie Bauer’s sunglasses could be for you. They also generally have good reviews on sites like Walmart.
Top Styles
The company has made the transition to smart glasses. That seems to be their new focus rather than standard sunglasses.
These black, polarized, square sunglasses are still available and cost under $100.
They also have smart audio sunglasses that are polarized and integrated with ChatGPT, so you can use them hands-free and listen to music.
When to Look to Other Brands
Eddie Bauer sunglasses are also a good choice if you’re actually not a huge outdoors person. I know that sounds ironic because it’s an outdoor brand. But the thing is, if you’re always outdoors and have a specific hobby like fishing or trail running, you’re better off investing in a pair of sunglasses that are designed for those activities.
For fishing and water sports, Maui Jim and Costa Del Mar are great options. Popular models come with high-quality polarized lenses and lightweight frames.
The Rincon by Costa Del Mar is one option that is ideal for both water activities and everyday wear.
For all-round sports sunglasses, whether you’re into tennis, mountain biking, or running, Oakley is a solid go-to. They have patented designs and have specialized in outdoor-ready eyewear from the start.
The Oakley Radar EV Path is a well-reviewed model that countless sports enthusiasts love. The wraparound style makes it great for high-intensity activities or even just running outdoors.
For lighter outdoor use, and depending on the activities you plan to do, Ray-Ban can also be a good option. There are several styles that are a smart choice. One all-rounder that stands out (and has been around for a while) is the Predator sunglasses. They’re more subtle than the EV Path.
All the options mentioned are currently under $200. So while they cost more than a standard pair of Eddie Bauer sunglasses, they are likely worth the upgrade if you take outdoor sports seriously.
FAQs
Are Eddie Bauer sunglasses cheap?
While cheapness can be a relative term, in comparison to many other eyewear brands, Eddie Bauer shades are “cheap.” The standard sunglasses are often under $100.
Are Eddie Bauer sunglasses worth it?
If you’re looking for sunglasses for casual days out or short hikes, or if you enjoy the outdoors from time to time, Eddie Bauer glasses make sense. They make easy-to-wear styles that don’t require much thought.
Are the sunglasses polarized?
Some Eddie Bauer sunglasses are polarized. This makes them good for reducing glare. Each pair of glasses will state whether they are polarized or not.
