To most Americans, baseball is more than just a game. It represents a cultural phenomenon that has made its way into almost every aspect of American life, from food to music to fashion.
Baseball players also enjoy a rockstar-like status, and just like rockstars, who have their own unique personas, baseball players also come with their own unique identities and styles.
In comes the simple yet profound fashion statement—sunglasses. Since their invention, sunglasses have been used to shield eyes from the blinding sun and make fashion statements. You can safely say that sunglasses are both for function and flair.
Have you ever purchased baseball sunglasses because you saw your favorite rockstar rock them? Well, you’re not alone. Iconic rockstar eyewear has influenced baseball sunglasses as it is also a form of expression. Think Ozzy Osbourne’s round gothic frames to Bono’s tinted lenses- they are iconic as they are the representation of the rockstars.
Let’s explore how some of rock music’s most iconic sunglasses have become a cultural icon and how their styles make up baseball fashion and eyewear.
Round Framed Sunglasses- It Is an Extension of Identity
More than just eye protection, sunglasses have become part of a star’s identity. Where rock music is concerned, sunglasses offer an air of mystery and drama. It enhances the stage presence of a performance and, in many ways, enhances the artist’s personal style and brand.
For baseball players, they’ve taken note of this and choose to wear the right pair of baseball sunglasses to set their style and brand. For baseball players, sunglasses offer a mix of coolness under pressure, a sense of intimidation and confidence as well as a layer of experience.
Let’s look at Ozzy Osbourne round gothic frames. This is a classic looking sporty circular lens that can be found in baseball sunglasses. It exudes an enigmatic vibe, almost like a deep aura of suspense and mystery. While this may not seem like your average sports sunglasses, companies have taken note of the shape and have made sunglasses designed for baseball that come with a circular frame and made for high-performance.
You’ll be able to find performance-based sunglasses with a more aerodynamic take on the round lenses, rendering it with full-field vision while at the same time maintaining the sleek and edgy feel. These performance sunglasses are also equipped with UV protection. If you’re going for the gothic rock meets sports look, Ozzy Osbourne is your style inspiration for high-performance sunglasses with a bit of edge.
Tinted Sunglasses- Shades That Add Some Color to Your Life
The one person you’d probably be thinking of who is famous for their tinted glasses would be none other than Bono of U2. It’s rare that Bono is not seen with his signature tinted glasses as it is both a fashion statement and a brand identity for him. It’s also a practical necessity to have his sunglasses tinted, as he is known to have light sensitivity.
In the world of baseball, tinted sunglasses are also common as it enhances the vision of a player, reducing glare and improving visibility. Sunglasses for baseball usually come with extra features such as impact resistant lenses for glare reduction. Some tinted sports performance sunglasses also come with interchangeable tinted lenses to help the player adjust to the varying lighting conditions throughout the day.
When it comes to performance sunglasses, manufacturers need to think about and beyond just making the glasses look cool. They also need it to be functional and provide players with protection and performance. If you’re looking for tinted sunglasses for baseball, look for features that come with impact resistance and UV protection.
Classic Aviators- Dark Aviators With a Sporty Twist
This list, or any sunglasses list, would not be complete without the famous and classic aviator sunglasses. It is legendary, and all celebrities have an aviator sunglass on their roster of sunglasses that they use on a daily basis; famous of all is Slash from Guns N’ Roses. Just like Bono and Ozzy, Slash is never seen without his signature style, complete with aviator sunglasses. It exudes a badass appeal, timeless simplicity, and a rocky attitude.
Many modern baseball glasses can be found in the classic Aviator shape. Apart from taking inspiration from the classic rock look, made-for sports performance sunglasses also incorporate other features such as lightweight materials, shatterproof lenses, and enhanced grip for better on-field performance. Some sunglasses also come with rubberized grips and are made from more lightweight materials as its much suited for performance.
If you want to channel your inner rockstar while playing or attending a baseball game, you can never go wrong with aviator style sunglasses for that quintessential mix of rock and sport.
Mirrored Baseball Sunglasses for Some Extravagance
Oversized sunglasses may not be something you frequently see in the baseball environment, but they have nonetheless been adapted into modern baseball sunglasses perfect for those looking for bold frames and neon colors, ala Elton John.
Some of the most striking and oversized baseball sunglasses also come with features to enhance performance. These sunglasses come with large, mirrored lenses, giving the wearer a high-fashion look. If you are into neon frames, make sure to get ones that come with reflective lenses, as they translate the same energy of Elton John’s iconic shades.
Bold and colorful performance lenses are a great way to bring out the best of both avenues- flair, function, and standing out in the crowd.
Rock & Retro Inspiration for Baseball Eyewear
For a more grunge rock look, take a page out of Kurt Cobain’s fashion, and you’ll see him rock the iconic white oval sunglasses. If this is in your lane, then you know this sunglass is all about individuality, fluidity, and non-conformity. Like the oversized sunglasses, this type of sunglasses isn’t your usual sighting in the baseball arena, but if retro-styling is what you’re looking for, then this is an inspiration you can get on board with.
Some performance sunglasses that come with an oval shape also feature polarized lenses perfect for outdoor sports. It gives the wearer a performance vibe while being stylish.
Baseball sunglasses are no longer just about function. While they are built with performance-boosting features, you’ll find them in an array of personalities, sizes, styles, and colors. Just as rockstars use sunglasses to craft a persona of their legendary statutes, baseball players also channel that same energy with their own take on personal styling and accessories. Whether it is the classic aviator or the gothic-edge Ozzy style eyewear, sunglasses are more than shielding your eyes. It’s also about making a statement.
