Sunski Sunglasses Review: Your New Favorite Pair of Sustainable Shades

Hey there, sunglasses fans! As a total accessories addict, I‘m always hunting for the perfect pair of shades to complete my look. So when I discovered Sunski, a California-based sunglasses brand with a killer combo of style, affordability, and eco-friendly practices, I knew I had to put them to the test.

I‘ve spent the past few weeks living in Sunski‘s most popular polarized styles – wearing them to the beach, on hikes, and just around town. I‘ve also dug deep into customer reviews and done my homework on the brand‘s background to bring you this no-BS, hands-on Sunski sunglasses review.

As a fashion blogger, my goal is always to share relatable, trustworthy advice to help you look and feel your best. I only recommend products I genuinely love. And spoiler alert: I‘m pretty dang smitten with these sunnies.

So if you‘re considering adding some Sunskis to your collection, pour yourself an iced coffee and settle in. I‘m breaking down everything you need to know, from fit and feel to the brand‘s inspiring origin story. Let‘s do this!

What‘s the Deal with Sunski?

Before we jump into the product nitty-gritty, I want to share a bit about Sunski‘s background, because it‘s a big part of why I‘m obsessed with this brand.

Sunski was started in 2012 by two college buddies, Tom Stewart and Michael Charley, who wanted to create "adventureproof" sunglasses that could keep up with their active lifestyles. "We were tired of overpriced shades that would break or get lost on the first wear," Tom said in an interview with Entrepreneur. "We figured there had to be a better way."

The lightbulb moment came during a surf trip to Australia, where Tom picked up some vintage frames that quickly earned compliments. The guys launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring their vision to life, and it took off like crazy, raising over $150,000 (15X the original goal).

Flash forward a decade, and Sunski has become a cult favorite among eco-conscious adventurers and trendsetters alike. The brand is on track to sell over 200,000 pairs of sunglasses this year, with a robust social following and glowing reviews from outlets like GQ, Esquire, and Outside Magazine.

So what makes Sunski so special? I think it comes down to three core values that set them apart:

1. Sustainable Materials & Practices

For Sunski, being an environmentally and socially responsible business is non-negotiable. The company uses recycled plastic in all of its frame production and has kept over 1 million plastic bottles out of landfills to date.

They‘ve also committed to using plasticless packaging, partnering with ethical factories, and offsetting their carbon footprint to achieve carbon neutrality. In 2020, Sunski officially became a certified B Corporation, meeting rigorous standards for sustainability and transparency.

As if that wasn‘t enough, Sunski also donates 1% of all sales to environmental non-profits through 1% for the Planet. Since 2016, the company has given over $140,000 to grassroots organizations protecting our oceans and public lands.

2. Independent, Innovative Design

Unlike some sunglasses brands that just slap a logo on generic frames, Sunski designs all of its sunglasses in-house at the brand‘s San Francisco studio. The team is meticulous about creating frames that are equal parts fashion and function.

"We design for people who want to look good and play hard," said co-founder Michael Charley in Outdoors Magazine. "Every detail is intentional, from the frame materials to the lens coatings. We want our sunglasses to be your go-to for all of life‘s adventures."

The result is a collection of frames that marry classic Southern California cool with modern performance tech. Think polarized lenses, grippy rubber nose pads, and featherlight recycled frames that stay put whether you‘re hiking a trail or catching a wave.

3. Top-Notch Customer Service

Sunski has earned a reputation for above-and-beyond customer care and stands behind their sunglasses with a lifetime warranty. They‘ll replace or repair your frames if any manufacturing defect pops up – no questions asked.

The brand is also famous for its speedy, friendly support. You can text, email, or call their team and get a real human response in record time.

"Our customers aren‘t just buying sunglasses – they‘re joining a community of people who share their values," Michael said. "We want to be there for them every step of the way, whether it‘s finding the perfect frame or dealing with an issue down the line."

This commitment to service means Sunski has amassed a loyal following of customers who proudly rep the brand and spread the word to their friends. The numbers speak for themselves: Sunski has an average 4.8 star rating across over 18,000 reviews.

Putting Sunski‘s Best-Sellers to the Test

Alright, now that you know why Sunski is such a standout brand, let‘s dive into the goods! I got my hands on three of Sunski‘s best-selling polarized styles to put them through their paces. Here‘s the tea on each one.

Sunski Dipseas Review: The Ultimate Everyday Shades

First up, the Dipseas. You guys. I am OBSESSED with these frames. The rounded lenses and keyhole nose bridge give off major vintage Hollywood vibes, but the recycled plastic construction keeps them feeling totally fresh and modern.

I opted for the Dipseas in "Amber Tortoise" and the color is stunning in person – a rich, warm honey hue that pops against sunkissed skin. The frame is ultra-lightweight but still feels substantial, not flimsy.

When I slid these on for the first time, I literally said "wow" out loud. The polarized lenses completely eliminated glare and created such crisp, vibrant optics. It was like seeing the world in HD. I took the Dipseas on a 3-mile hike and barely noticed I was wearing them – no pinching, slipping, or bouncing.

Other customers clearly agree that the Dipseas are a home run. They have over 1,500 5-star reviews on the Sunski site, with folks raving about the style and all-day comfort. "These are my new go-to everyday shades," one reviewer raved. "They look great on everyone and the quality is incredible for the price."

One minor nitpick some people had was that the lenses showed smudges easily. Personally, this didn‘t bother me – a quick wipe with the included microfiber cloth got them sparkling again. And at just $58, I think the Dipseas are an absolute steal for the quality and cool factor.

The Deets:

• Frame Material: Recycled Polycarbonate
• Lens Technology: Polarized, 100% UVA/UVB Protection
• Price: $58
• Rating: 4.9/5 stars from 1,538 reviews

Sunski Makani Review: Flirty, Feminine & Fun

Next up, the Makanis. This is Sunski‘s take on the classic cat-eye shape, with a slightly upswept lens and slim, tapered temples. The effect is playful and feminine but still super wearable for everyday.

I was immediately drawn to the dreamy "Honey" colorway, a semi-transparent peach that fades from opaque to clear. It‘s neutral enough to pair with everything but still makes a subtle statement. The Makanis also come in some bolder color combos like mint and tortoise if you want to turn up the funk factor.

Size-wise, the Makanis have a narrower lens width and bridge, making them ideal for petite faces. They‘re extraordinarily lightweight and hug the contours of my face securely without any pressure points.

On the technical side, the polarized lenses minimize glare just as well as my Dipseas. I wore these to an outdoor wedding and had no trouble reading the program or tracking the ceremony, even in direct sunlight. Several friends asked where I got them and complimented how chic they looked. Major style points!

Browsing reviews, it seems like the Makani is especially beloved by people with smaller or narrower faces who sometimes struggle to find frames that fit. "These are the only sunglasses I‘ve found that don‘t overwhelm my features," one shopper noted. "I forget I‘m even wearing them – that‘s how comfortable and lightweight they are."

Again, the only downside I could find was that some people said the lighter lens colors showed fingerprints and smudges more readily. But at just $58, I think these fashion-forward frames are more than worth a little extra TLC.

The Deets:

• Frame Material: Recycled Polycarbonate
• Lens Technology: Polarized, 100% UVA/UVB Protection
• Price: $58
• Rating: 4.8/5 stars from 782 reviews

Sunski Treelines Review: Cutting-Edge Coverage

Last but not least, the Treelines. These futuristic frames are a different beast entirely, designed for hardcore outdoor adventures with a removable magnetic sun shield that provides extra coverage and glare reduction.

I‘ll be honest, I was a little intimidated by the Treelines at first. I typically go for more low-key frames, and these definitely make a bold statement. But once I got them in my hands, I was pleasantly surprised by how sleek and streamlined they looked.

The frames are made of Sunski‘s signature recycled plastic, with a matte rubberized finish that‘s pleasantly grippy. The wraparound lens provides an impressively wide field of vision, and the detachable sun shield snaps on and off easily with concealed magnets.

I ended up loving the Treelines for hikes and bike rides. The extra coverage was awesome for keeping dust and wind out of my eyes, and I appreciate that I can pop off the shield for lower-key everyday wear. I got the striking sage green color, which pairs surprisingly well with activewear and my everyday wardrobe staples.

Reviewers rave about the Treelines for intense activities like skiing, mountaineering and water sports. "I‘ve never had sunglasses that perform this well in such harsh conditions," one customer noted. "Well worth the investment for the incredible optics and coverage."

Speaking of investment, the Treelines are Sunski‘s priciest offering at $89. That‘s definitely more of a splurge, but still way more affordable than high-end sports shades. And if you spend a ton of time outdoors, I think the value is definitely there.

The Deets:

• Frame Material: Recycled Polycarbonate
• Lens Technology: Polarized, 100% UVA/UVB Protection
• Price: $89
• Rating: 4.6/5 stars from 427 reviews

The Verdict: Should You Buy Sunski Sunglasses?

Drumroll please…after weeks of hands-on testing and research, I can confidently say that Sunski gets a big ‘ol stamp of approval from me. These sustainable sunnies really live up to the hype, delivering incredible quality, comfort and style at a reasonable price point.

To put it into perspective, most designer sunglasses with similar specs and polarized lenses will run you well over $100 (sometimes up to $500+). Sunski has found a way to offer premium materials and technology for a third of the price, all while sticking to admirable ethical and environmental practices.

Of course, Sunski‘s frames won‘t be everyone‘s cup of kombucha. If you prefer super chunky statement shades or need a very specific fit, you might want to look elsewhere. The brand‘s return policy is great (free for 30 days), but it‘s always a bit of a gamble ordering frames online without trying them on.

That said, Sunski has gone out of their way to make shopping online as foolproof as possible with tools like Virtual Try-On and a Fit Quiz to help you find your perfect pair. Their customer service is also incredibly friendly and responsive if you need any support.

Ultimately, if you‘re in the market for high-quality, eco-friendly polarized sunglasses under $100, I really don‘t think you can go wrong with Sunski. Whether you opt for the vintage-cool Dipseas, flirty Makanis, or adventurous Treelines, you‘ll be getting a pair of sunnies that can hang for the long haul.

In my book, Sunski is the definition of a responsible purchase that you can feel great about. Not only are you investing in a small business with heart, but you‘re also voting for the kind of world you want to see with your dollars. To me, that‘s always worth spending a little more for.

So what do you think? Are you ready to give Sunski a go? I‘d love to hear which frames catch your eye and how you end up liking them. Drop me a comment with your thoughts, or shoot me a DM on Instagram @thesunnyblonde. Let‘s keep the conversation going!

In the meantime, I hope this Sunski sunglasses review has given you a helpful inside look at this stellar brand. The only downside is that I now want to buy their entire collection…so if you need me, I‘ll just be over here, living my best life in sunnies.

Stay golden!

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