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There’s no wrong way to celebrate Pride, whether that means a lowkey get together with friends, acknowledging the season on your own, or going all out with big parties and parades. But if you’re into the latter, there are a few keys to any successful marathon of Pride events.
You should know how to stay safe in crowds, and how to respond to potential encounters with anti-LGBTQ+ protestors (we prefer making fun of them). Always drink lots of water, wear comfortable shoes, and stay smart about drug and alcohol use. And get ready for a lot (and we mean a lot) of sunshine. That means the right sun protection, including the right sunglasses for Pride, are essential.
Dozens of companies offer sunwear made specifically for Pride, with eco-friendly options, pairs that include donations to LGBTQ+ causes, and more. And if you’ll be hitting a rave or dance floor, you’ll want glasses that feel fashion forward, too. Below, we picked five of our favorite pairs of sunglasses to wear throughout Pride season and beyond. They include frames that signal your identity to the world through subtle rainbow tints; ones that are built to weather even the sweatiest or wettest days; and shades that simply look like they were beamed from a (hopefully more inclusive) future.
In many ways, Pride is like a sport: You’re usually outside, getting sweaty for hours on end, and dodging elbows and other obstacles as you push towards the finish. You’ll want gear that can handle the toughest conditions; lucky for you, athletic sunglasses company Goodr has your back. All of their shades are polarized, designed to minimize slipping or bouncing off your face, and affordable (most are $25 or $35). Their limited edition “Pride and No Prejudice” sunglasses are covered with blue glitter (the kind that doesn’t rub off) and sport a purple rainbow hue. Plus, you’ll be contributing to an important cause with your purchase, with all profits donated to the LA LGBT Center. They’re a fun way to bring a little color to your Pride outfit without breaking the bank.
Fans of bold, mirrored frames should look no further than this pair from Blenders Eyewear. With a continuous lens that stretches across the nose bridge in a sunset rainbow color, these are bright enough to catch eyes at any day party or parade, and their subtle Pride styling isn’t overzealous, even including a tiny “Love is Love'' etched into the frame’s lower left corner. This company was founded by a surfer, which explains the sporty, cheerful vibes you’ll get from these frames — and with 100% of profits going towards San Diego Pride, they’re a beach-ready pair you can feel good about partying in.
If you like ‘em big and chunky, look no further. The Supa Phreeks, from LA-based Crap Eyewear, will bring a funky ‘70s vibe to your look; made with a layered rainbow acetate, these translucent frames were practically born to glow in the sun at a Pride parade. We love their unique shape, solid build, and Crap’s commitment to sustainability (a carbon-neutral company, all of Crap’s eyewear is made with a biodegradable, plant-based acetate). Plus, 15% of product sales are donated to the Center for Black Equity, a coalition of dozens of Black LGBTQ+ Pride organizations.
This Swedish brand uses Italian acetate and Carl Zeiss lenses to make top-tier eyewear, but we’re really here for the fun styles, which reference silhouettes made famous by pop culture titans like Ozzy Osbourne, E-40, and everyone in between. The result? Eye-catching frames that feel familiar and bold all at once. Just take the Miuccias, named after Miuccia Prada, the head designer of her family’s famous fashion brand; their rounded, face-hugging shape almost feels alien, albeit in the best way possible. The Aaliyahs feature smaller, oval lenses that will bless your face with an ounce of the R&B legend’s effortless style. These are frames that were inspired by the past but feel imported from the future, and they’re ready to tackle any dancefloor you can throw at them.
This South Korean luxury eyewear brand is a favorite here at Them; look closely and you’ll see them featured on the activists and influencers in our relaunch package. With styles that feel airdropped straight from a science fiction fever dream, it’s no surprise why. Nothing about this brand feels old-fashioned, and the Tidan VC5s are a perfect example: With a crystal-clear, violet acetate frame that bends light to its will, these are almost like queer rave goggles, perfect for adventures that stretch from day to night (and even back to day again).
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