Between wanting sunglasses that go with everything and staying on top of trends, the right pair of shades are essential — and wooden sunglasses seem to fit the bill. Whether they are oversized frames, slim silhouettes, or gradient lenses, wood-framed sunglasses can easily match any wardrobe palette. They can also feature subtle but impactful details, creating statement pieces that add some personality to the overall look. The unique grains and textures of each type of wood also make each pair of shades one-of-a-kind. More importantly, they are crafted from sustainable sources, making them an eco-friendly choice. However, several factors come into play when choosing the best wood choices for wooden sunglasses. Treehut lists down the more popular wood types below, so you can pick the perfect fit for your style.
Bamboo
Bamboo wood originates from the bamboo plant, renowned for its rapid growth and high sustainability. It generally has a uniform, straight-grained texture, with a lack of rays or visible pores. It is of a pale yellow color, which makes it a more natural and subtle option for different accessories. Although it is not as hard as other types of wood, it has a tensile strength comparable to steel, making it highly durable.
The lightweight material of bamboo sunglasses (like of the Ace 80 Sunglasses) makes them appealing for those who prioritize comfort. The warm tones are also ideal for everyday wear. Interestingly, bamboo holds particular significance in certain cultures — for instance, it represents modesty, loyalty, and moral integrity according to traditional Chinese culture. Hence, individuals who want to connect with their heritage or express cultural pride may also gravitate towards this wood choice for wooden sunglasses.
Maple
Maple wood comes from deciduous maples, and its color ranges from creamy white to light yellow or pale tan. The wood grain is typically straight, but there can also be other variations, like the bird’s eye pattern. Even though it is quite lightweight, it is durable when properly treated and coated. Thus, maple wood sunglasses offer resistance to wear and tear, making a practical choice for everyday use. This type of wood can also be easily stained, polished, and shaped well, allowing for a range of colors, styles, designs, and other personalized touches — as exemplified by the Bali Blue Maple Sunglasses.
Ebony
Ebony wood is derived from the Diospyros genus tree species, which is distinguished by its deep, rich black heartwood and little to no variation or visible grain. Due to its dense and hard composition, it is an excellent choice for sunglasses, ensuring durability and longevity. Moreover, it has a fine texture with high natural luster, which gives a polished and sophisticated appearance. The ebony tree is also known as the million-dollar tree due to its association with low supply and high demand. As it is more expensive than any other type of wood, ebony sunglasses (such as the Sailor 71 Black Sunglasses) may especially appeal to individuals who value luxury and exclusivity.
Walnut
Walnut wood is a pretty classy choice for wooden sunglasses due to its rich coloration and smooth finish. The color can range from a lighter brown to a chocolate brown, with dark brown streaks. It is hard, dense, and tight-grained, with different patterns like waves, curls, crotches, and burls. It is also less prone to damage as compared to other types of wood. However, it is still lightweight, so one can wear walnut wood sunglasses for extended periods without them feeling heavy. Since it can be easily shaped and customized, a wide range of styles and designs are available, from the classic Fjorn Walnut Carbon Sunglasses to the more sporty Bali 62 Black Sunglasses.
Redwood
Redwood, obtained from the giant of all nature’s plants, is highly sought after for its warm and distinctive reddish-brown hues. It either has a flat-grain feature (appearing wavy) or vertical (appearing straight). The unique variations, coupled with its beautifully figured burls, give redwood shades — like the Spencer 80 Sunglasses — an organic appearance. They specifically appeal to consumers who prefer a touch of rustic charm in their accessories.
Zebrawood
Zebrawood is an exotic hardwood, easily recognized by its contrasting dark and light stripes, which can range from rich golden to dark brown shades. The stripes can be either wavy or somewhat uniform. It has open pores and a fairly coarse texture. Its interlocked grain pattern not only adds visual interest, but also contributes to its strength, durability, and comfort. The sturdiness of this wood enables it to withstand minor impact and external elements. In addition, it usually possesses a moderate to high luster, which can make for impressive finishing. If you are looking to stand out from the crowd, these wooden sunglasses, like the Ridge Zebrawood Sunglasses, offer a bold and exotic aesthetic.
Rosewood
The name of this wood type comes from the sweet, rose-like scent it emits when dried. Although the base color of rosewood is usually always brown, the shades can range from a deep, ruddy brown to purplish or reddish brown. It is richly streaked, with the grains appearing narrowly interlocked. It also polishes well and to a high sheen if desired. Due to its visual and olfactory appeal, it embodies natural elegance and sophistication. It is often used to make high-end products like decorative items and accessories, such as the Jord Rosewood Sunglasses. The wood is hard and tough, plus its natural oils contribute to its resistance to abrasion — thus, making it a practical choice for eyewear that can withstand daily use and outdoor conditions.
