Functional Benefits of Sunglasses in Tennis
UV Protection & Eye Safety
Most people know that good UV protection sunglasses protect our eyes from harmful UV rays during tennis matches. Are you aware of the actual UV reflection levels on different court surfaces?
UV reflectance:
Grass courts: 2.5%
Clay courts: 5.1%
Hard courts: 7.8%
That means hard courts (like those at the US Open) reflect sunlight more than clay or grass, increasing glare and heat. For audiences, wearing sunglasses isn't just about comfort—it greatly enhances visibility and eye health, particularly at hard court events. Interestingly, Wimbledon's grass courts have the lowest reflectance, making them the most eye-friendly for both players and the audience.
Tennis players are exposed to 2.3 times more UV radiation than most outdoor workers, mainly due to prolonged upward gazing during serves. This makes wrap around sunglasses essential.
A metal frame with wraparound temples can reduce peripheral light infiltration by 38% compared to plastic frames—vital in preventing conditions like pterygium, a common UV-related eye disorder. Top-tier polarized sunglasses filter out 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays, offering maximum protection.
Glare Reduction & Enhanced Visual Contrast
Studies show that polarized lenses on metal frames can increase contrast sensitivity between yellow tennis balls and blue hard courts to an impressive 20/8, outperforming non-polarized lenses (typically 20/12).
Additionally, alloy frames offer superior heat dissipation during intense matches. Advanced hydrophobic nano-coatings on metal temples help prevent slippage from sweat and maintain optical alignment during explosive lateral movement.
While the competition on-court is fierce and highly technical, the off-court sunglasses game during Grand Slams is just as stylish and compelling.
The Fame Arena: Sunglasses as Symbolic Props
Athlete-Designed Collections
An analysis of 120 Grand Slam champions' eyewear sponsorships reveals a 7:1 preference for metal frames over plastic. Thanks to their reflective properties, metal frames increase brand visibility by 2.3 times per match point. The "Federer Effect" showed that after Roger Federer consistently wore mirror-finished titanium sunglasses across 72 tournaments, retail sales of the style surged by 320%.
Style and Status Symbolism
The Wimbledon tennis tournament is usually held in June and July. As one of the four oldest tennis Grand Slam tournaments, the Wimbledon Championships is not only a globally watched sports event but also one of the social events in London. During Wimbledon, the venue attracted many tennis enthusiasts, from European royals to celebrities.
What sunglasses styles dominate at Outfits of Wimbledon?
The prevailing aesthetic is unmistakably "old money sunglasses" matching with suits—think:
- Black Square Sunglasses
- Retro Metal Round Sunglasses
- Black Cat Eye Sunglasses
- Elegant Mirror Aviators
A small number of celebrities like eye-catching light-colored frames such as white sunglasses, pink sunglasses by Princess Charlotte, and yellow frame sunglasses by Benedict Cumberbatch. You will be surprised to find that oversized sunglasses rarely appear in the camera. The tradition and exclusivity of Wimbledon encourage understated elegance, favoring refined metallic frames that align with royal and heritage-inspired fashion.
Elsewhere, such as at the US Open and Australian Open, we see bolder trends—oversized shields, modern metallic silhouettes, and statement pieces, reflecting the more cosmopolitan, high-energy atmospheres of those events.
- Oversized Frames
SHOP NOW: 2077 Oversized Aviator Sunglasses
- Wrap around Sunglasses
SHOP NOW: Hinthial Cat Eye Wrap Around Sunglasses
- Oval Sunglasses
SHOP NOW: Vai Crete Green Oval Sunglasses
The Designer Edge: Myth Sunglasses
Myth sunglasses are hand-crafted by artisans, with exceptional attention to detail and artistry. In the age of HD cameras and global press coverage, every detail of your eyewear is visible and amplified—making it the perfect moment for statement frames.
If you're a style-conscious individual drawn to new designer eyewear brands, Myth Eyewear offers eyewear that will both satisfy and surprise you. From vintage round frames to bold wrap-around sunglasses, we feature high-class sunglasses for exquisite taste.
Reference:
Environmental Science, Medicine(2020). The eye protection factor (EPF®): An improved solar UV rating system for sunglasses.
