Sometimes you want to wear sunglasses…but you still want people to see the eye makeup you spent half an hour on! What to do?
Enter a new trend: Transparent sunglasses. Here’s what to know about these sunglasses.
At-a-Glance Summary
This article discusses the transparent sunglasses trend. It goes through why these sunglasses are popular and discusses different options to try from Oakley, Maui Jim, and Miu Miu.
| Key Fact | Details |
| Products reviewed | 6 transparent sunglasses |
| Brands featured | Oakley, Miu Miu, Maui Jim |
| Styles covered | Oversized, Shield, Aviator |
| Prescription compatible | Most models can be fitted with prescription lenses |
| Who this guide is for | Shoppers looking for transparent shades with UV protection |
What To Know About Transparent Sunglasses
Traditional sunglasses often have a dark tint designed to reduce glare from bright sunlight. Transparent sunglasses, on the other hand, usually feature lightly tinted or nearly clear lenses. These lenses allow more light to pass through.
Some translucent lenses have a photochromic tint that automatically adjusts based on the amount of light around you. Many also come in pleasant pastel tints.
The transparent trend has also overlapped with the growing popularity of shield sunglasses. Many people joining the transparent trend have turned to sporting brands like Oakley for sunglasses that check both boxes.
Even non-athletes are wearing cycling shades to get in on the trend! Celebrities like Harry Styles have also been spotted in Oakley’s Cybr Zero sunglasses.
Although transparent sunglasses are meant for more overcast days, it’s still a good idea to look for shades with UV protection. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through cloud cover.
For the most protection, look for shades with UV400 lenses, which block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Our Top Picks for Transparent Shades
Ready to try transparent sunglasses for yourself? These shades are all highly rated, and they feature UV protection to keep your eyes safe. Here are my top picks!
Oakley OO9512D CYBR ZERO
The Oakley OO9512D CYBR ZERO are the sunglasses Harry Styles sported in a recent issue of Runner’s World. They feature large, rimless wraparound lenses. They fit snugly, making them work well for running… or just running around doing errands!
Shown here are the Polished Navy/Prizm Low Light lenses. But the shades also come in Transparent Gray Ink with Prizm Gray lenses and Translucent Gray Smoke with Clear to Black Iridium Photochromic lenses.
These frames are a good fit for narrower heads. They are meant to fit snugly and stay put when running. You could also have them adjusted to fit a bit more loosely.
Miu Miu MU 54YS
These Miu Miu sunglasses feature large, rimless wraparound lenses on a delicate metal frame. They have the subtly glamorous look of a designer brand, with lenses that come in light purple or light gray, leaving the eyes visible.
Reviewers like StephLaray loved their Miu Miu MU 54YS shades.
Miu Miu’s
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I was super excited to purchase my Miu Miu frames for less than what the department stores offered. Thanks EZ Contacts. I can’t wait to get another pair.”
Oakley RADAR EV PATH OO9208
The Oakley Radar EV PATH sunglasses are similar in design to the Oakley CYBR ZERO frames, but with a higher nose bridge and solid rimming across the top of the wraparound lenses. Shown here are the Steel/Clear to Black Iridium Photochromic lenses. They also come in Matte Black with Clear lenses.
Reviewers gave the Oakley RADAR EV PATH an overall rating of 4.8 stars, with most praising the sunglasses for style and functionality. Steven M. notes that the lenses are very clear with “just enough tint to take the edge off bright sunlight.”
Oakley FLAK 2.0 XL OO9188
What if you prefer a lens that isn’t quite so wide? Wraparound lenses are nice, but some shoppers don’t like the look or feel. If you’re in that camp, the Oakley FLAK 2.0 XL 009188 may be a good choice.
The rectangular lenses are separated by a wide bridge, with a sturdy rim along the top. While these lenses are a little bigger than standard frames, they don’t wrap around as far as the RADAR EV PATH or CYBR ZERO frames, providing a middle-ground option.
Shown here are the Matte Black with Clear lenses. They are also available in Steel/Clear to Black Iridium Photochromic lenses.
The Oakley FLAK 2.0 XL 009188 frames come in a size of 59-12-133, so they’re not as narrow as the RADAR EV PATH or CYBR ZERO frames. If you plan to use them for running and find them a little loose, an adjustment may help.
Oakley OO4079 FEEDBACK
If you like the translucent look, but prefer something more stylish than sporty, check out the Oakley 00479 FEEDBACK sunglasses. These shades feature gradient lenses that are lighter near the bottom. While not completely translucent, the lenses are very light near the bottom, where your eyes are, with 25 percent light transmission.
These aviator-style frames come in a variety of lens colors, including Rose Gold with Brown Gradient. The size is 59-13-135, so they may be a better fit for wider heads. Unlike the other Oakleys we’ve looked at, they’re not intended for running or intense exercise.
Reviewers Jeanne J. and Peggy H. both liked them so much that they bought a second pair! Peggy H. added that they’re perfect “if you have a small face.”
Maui Jim LIGHTHOUSE
Like the Oakley Feedback shades, the Maui Jim LIGHTHOUSE sunglasses are not completely transparent, but are very light. The Maui HT lens is designed for low-light or overcast situations, but provides full UV protection.
The sunglasses shown here feature Maui HT lenses in a Translucent Smoke Gray tint. They also have rimless, wraparound lenses, a high bridge, and thin metal frames.
The sunglasses come in two sizes: 63-13-135 and 63-13-127.
A reviewer who goes by Bhtwice59 loved the LIGHTHOUSE sunglasses for their quality and lightweight design. He added that Maui Jim “has the best sunglasses.”
“Maui Jim has the best sunglasses. They are light weight & comfortable… I temporarily lost my pair & so ordered another as really well priced. While waiting on shipment wore some cheap sunglasses and totally could tell the difference in sun blocking and vision clarity when coming inside the house.”
FAQs
Do translucent sunglasses still provide full UV protection?
Some do, while others provide a lower level of UV protection. Be sure to read the product information carefully to find out how much UV protection your sunglasses will have. If you will be in bright sunlight, darkly-tinted sunglasses or a photochromic lens that adjusts may be better options.
Do transparent sunglasses work well on sunny days?
Transparent sunglasses could be worn on sunny days, but they don’t reduce brightness as much as darker lenses. Transparent shades often work best on overcast days, early in the morning, or late in the afternoon.
What’s the difference between clear sunglasses and transparent sunglasses?
The two terms are often used interchangeably. Transparent sunglasses usually have very light tints or allow most visible light to pass through. Clear sunglasses typically feature colorless lenses. Both can provide full UV protection if they feature UV-blocking lenses.
TL;DR
- Translucent sunglasses that show off the eyes have become popular. These sunglasses are often clear or feature a very light tint. They work well on overcast days.
- Celebrities like Harry Styles have been seen in sporty translucent shades made by Oakley and other brands.
- Even though these sunglasses are typically for cloudy days, it’s still a good idea to look for shades with UV protection.
- Some of our top picks include shield-style and aviator sunglasses from Oakley, pink-tinted Miu Miu sunglasses, and Maui Jim sunglasses with wraparound lenses.
