12 best wooden sunglasses for 2022: go plastic-free this summer
WOODEN sunglasses have become a favourite for fashion lovers, the eco-conscious and eco-conscious fashion lovers.
Not only are they a stylish addition to your sunglasses collection, but the best wooden sunglasses are also made ethically while reducing personal plastic consumption.
The frames are often made from wood like bamboo or walnut which means they normally come in neutral tones that pair nicely with most outfits, although some of the lenses can add a pop of colour if you’re looking for something bolder.
The neutrality stretches to gender as well as colour because styles are often designed to suit everyone – an added bonus.
But sunnies aren’t all about style. Sometimes it can be easy to forget that shades offer essential protection for your eyes from UVA, UVB and UVC rays so make sure to choose a pair that has that box ticked.
With prices starting from less than £30, wooden sunglasses are affordable, making it possible for everyone to shop sustainably, regardless of budget.
In case you’re not already sold on the merits of these fashionable eco-warriors, here’s a fun fact: unlike typical sunglasses, wooden sunglasses float rather than sink which should come in handy next time you take a dip in the sun.
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1. WOLA round wooden sunglasses
Polarised UV400 lenses? Tick. Wooden and bamboo construction that happens to be handmade? Tick.
A laminated wooden finish for added durability and waterproofing? These wooden glasses tick every box.
We also love that they seamlessly fit into any man – or woman’s – daily routine. The natural, nutwood grey colour is perfection.
2. GoWood bamboo sunglasses
- GoWood bamboo sunglasses, £39 from Amazon –
This well-priced bamboo and matte black plastic design from Gowood looks stylish and unique – and reviewers say these wooden sunglasses are super-sturdy and durable, too.
The unisex design has flexible steel hinges and includes a sustainable bamboo case – perfect for gifting.
These also offer a high level of protection with ultra-clear, polarised UV400 lenses with an anti-reflective coating.
Fans like the ‘cool bamboo’ and say they’re ‘great and comfortable’.
3. PRCZEEL Polarized Wooden Sunglasses
- PRCZEEL Polarized Wooden Sunglasses, from £19.99 on Amazon –
These wooden sunglasses are a classic, stylish shape – featuring plastic square frames, with polarised lenses and natural wooden arms.
They’re ultra-light and uber-trendy and come in an array of colours, including black, blue, dark green and brown.
You’re protected when it comes to harmful UVA and UVB rays too, as the lenses on these specs are coated with a UV400 protective layer. The retro-look glasses come with a free case too and at under £15, we think it’s fantastic value for money.
4. Navaris Vintage UV400 Bamboo Sunglasses
- Navaris Vintage UV400 Bamboo Sunglasses, £17.99 from Amazon –
At just over £15, both men and women can bag these super on-trend, retro-look wooden sunnies from Navaris. Channel the ’50s and turn heads by going vintage with these specs, featuring comfortable, natural bamboo handles, combined with an acrylic-cum-metal frame.
These sunnies also come with a sustainable bamboo box, case and cleaning cloth to make sure you keep your specs in tip-top shape for summer.
You can be sure your eyes won’t take the hit either as they have UVA and UVB filters and protective UV400 lens coating.
5. Myga RY1481 Eco Zebrawood Sunglasses
- Myga RY1481 Eco Zebrawood Sunglasses, £29.99 from Amazon –
If you’d rather your new sunnies be a little more eco-conscious, then look no further than Myga’s Eco Zebrawood pair.
Each unique pair is handmade from responsibly-sourced zebrawood, and Myga vow to not include any plastic packaging with each and every pair.
The retro-look, unisex sunnies boast durability, are lightweight and their polarised lenses offer no glare, while still offering UV400 protection from harmful rays.
For under £30, you also get a hand-crafted wooden box, cleaning cloth and carry case – bargain!
6. Wildwood Eyewear The Classic Walnut
- Wildwood Eyewear The Classic Walnut, £55 from Wildwood Eyewear –
There’s nothing better than a classic, and as the name suggests, these sunglasses are exactly that.
A flattering square shape that has been designed for any gender, these frames are made from natural, sustainably sourced walnut wood.
They won’t leave you with a headache from pinching too tightly as they have a hinge that gives enough flexibility so you can comfortably wear them for as long as you like.
The polarized lenses have a scratch resistant coating and protect against UVA, UVB and UVC (the most harmful but least known of the three) rays, so not only will you look like you’re famous enough to be avoiding the paparazzi, you’re eyes will also be protected.
Sound so good you fancy getting a couple of pairs? This style comes in two colours – dark grey and golden brown.
Plus they’re guaranteed for the first 12 months so if they break, you’re covered. Result.
7. FreshforPandas Cruz sunglasses
- FreshforPandas Cruz, £49 from FreshforPandas –
If you’ve just watched the Top Gun sequel and now feel the need, the need to look like a pilot, then snap up these sunnies asap. And we do mean asap because they’re currently reduced from £89 to £49.
This pair are slightly oversized and curve towards the face in classic pilot style to protect against side glare but unlike regular sunglasses, they’re made using five layers of wood.
The lenses are anti-reflective and the shades come with a foldable case, cloth pouch, microfibre cloth and, the pièce de résistance (aside from the sunglasses themselves), an adjusting screwdriver. Tick, tick, tick.
8. Woodspex Calypso II
- Woodspex Calypso II, £35 from Woodspex –
If you’re looking for something a bit bolder, then the Calypso II frames by Woodspex could be for you.
These are ultra sustainable because they’re made from bamboo, one of the fastest growing trees in the world. It’s also a lightweight wood, so they feel comfortable when you wear them.
The colour of the wood isn’t as dark as some of the others on this list, and the lenses have an orange hue for something a bit different.
They also have 100% UV protection but the very best part about buying these sunglasses is for every purchase made on the Woodspex website, ten trees will be planted.
9. Bear Essentials Lagos
- Bear Essentials Lagos, £79.95 from Bear Essentials –
Bear Essentials makes a huge range of sunglasses, not only from wood, but also from recycled plastic and aluminium. It also offers prescription glasses, as well as a range of wooden watches and bamboo socks.
Each pair of wooden frames is available with a range of six coloured lenses: Classic Black, Vintage Brown, Icy Blue, Sunset Red, Chrome Gold and Rose Gold. All pairs are a whisker under £80, which can be spread across four payments using Clearpay if you wish. Every sale plants one tree, and glasses are made using sustainable sources (even the box they come in is made from cork).
The Lagos frame is vaguely circular and inspired by a small town in the Portugese Algarve, although they have an arched silhouette reminiscent of the Persol frames that Steve McQueen used to wear. Due to the wooden construction, no two frames look exactly the same, and we love how the grain of the wood contrasts throughout the glasses.
10. Sixty Six Mark II Walnut
- Sixty Six Mark II Walnut, £80 from Sixty Six –
We love the distinguished shape of the Sixty Six Mark II because of how reminiscent it is of Old Hollywood – picture a star of the Golden Age of cinema wearing this pair on a Cuban beach.
However, the silhouette has been firmly brought into the 21st century thanks to the Mark II’s sustainable and lightweight construction.
For each pair of sunglasses bought, Sixty Six plants 20 trees, while every pair of glasses arrives at your house carbon neutral due to the use of natural materials and offsets.
The glasses also feel upscale, arriving in a recycled-card box, in which lies a vegan leather case similar to the real-leather one that Ray Bans come in.
These use category 3 lenses, offering high protection against the sun, although Sixty Six points out that you shouldn’t wear them while driving at night.
11. Fresh for Pandas Atticus
- Fresh for Pandas Atticus, £110 from Fresh for Pandas –
The Atticus, which presumably takes its inspiration from the bespectacled Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird, is one of Fresh for Pandas’ two most popular frames (the other being the Bruno, a more squared off shape that is still striking, but perhaps with a bit less character).
Fresh for Pandas creates all of its glasses using eco-friendly wood or bamboo. Some pairs are also made of plant-based acetate, giving them a look more akin to traditional sunglasses, though all feature wood to some degree.
Although not cheap, at a price of £110, the Fresh for Pandas justify themselves. The construction, while stylish, is also thoughtful, with flexible arms that accommodate different-sized heads, and they arrive with a hard case made of sustainable cork, as well as a more portable soft case.
And, with lenses rated with category 3 sun filters, they offer “high protection against solar glare”.
12. Etsy Black Bamboo Mandala Engraved Wayfarer Sunglasses
- Black Bamboo Mandala Engraved Wayfarer Sunglasses, £22.50 from Etsy –
Embrace your hippy side with these gorgeous Mandala Engraved Wayfarers from Etsy.
Instead of the usual natural, wooden brown colour, these bamboo-armed sunnies are black, and each pair is hand-engraved with a beautiful, intricate Mandala print to reveal the natural wood grain beneath.
They’re unisex, and come with a protective carry pouch to keep your seriously stylish piece of craftmanship safe.
Where can I buy wooden sunglasses?
For the biggest variety of wooden sunglasses, your best bet is to shop online.
Retail giants have countless affordable bamboo and wooden options on offer, while will offer more hand-made, bespoke pairs.
You could also head over to , or for more eco-conscious, sustainably-sourced pairs.
Are wooden sunglasses popular?
Definitely! Wooden sunglasses have been having a moment for the last few years due to how comfortable, affordable and eco-forward they are.
Instead of opting for plastic-laden pairs, destined for breakage and then (ultimately) landfill – why not opt for an eco-forward pair, made from sustainable natural wood or bamboo?
Do wooden sunglasses float?
We all know the pain of losing our plastic or metal sunnies in the beach or pool, but fear not: most wooden and bamboo sunglasses float!
Bamboo is a naturally buoyant material, as it’s lighter than water, so it can float for longer than your traditional plastic pairs.
Watch out though — no pair of glasses stand a chance in gushing water, or big waves.
How much are wooden sunglasses?
The best wooden sunglasses come in a variety of different styles from countless brands, so there’s bound be a pair out there within your price range.
We found that they tended to range from around £15 up to £110.
Are bamboo sunglasses comfortable?
Bamboo sunglasses tend to be more comfortable than your average pair of sunnies. The natural wood or bamboo is ultimately softer, lightweight and won’t dig in like harder plastic and metal pairs.