By Israel is a beautiful, sunny place. Our top recommendation for sunglasses is Knockaround, which make multiple stylish options to choose from with quality materials all for about $20. This is perfect for travel (and college students on a budget) because you won’t worry about beating them up (or “knocking them around”) or even losing them. Their styles include multiple frames shapes, tons of frame colors, and a really great selection of some wild lens colors. You won’t be bored here. For a nice upgrade, get a pair with polarized lenses, which you’ll appreciate when staring at the glare coming off the Mediterranean sea or the desert sand.
Our favorite sunglasses
Our personal favorite is the classic, simple, style of black-on-black Fort Knocks with polarized lenses. Turns out these are a favorite of John Legend too! For something a little more interesting, try the same stunning black frames with the bright sunset lenses.
We also love the simple Classics, also in all black and black frames with sunset lenses. Premiums are another similar option with tons of great colors!
For a different look, check out the Mile Highs — a beautiful version of the classic Aviator style. These have adjustable nose pieces, which can certainly add some comfort, but we find them not quite as good of a fit for adventures, where the all-plastic frames stay put a little better (especially when you add a strap — see below for more info on options like this one from Chums).
Knockaround has two awesome new styles: Fast Lanes and Paso Robles. Fastlanes are an edgier look with harder lines, while Paso Robles are softer with round frames. All come in a spectrum of colors, from the basics to tortoise shell, to bright colors you can’t miss.
Want to really go all-in on sunglasses for your Birthright Israel trip? Then take a look at the Knockaround custom options and make these custom Israeli-styled Premiums your pick for the trip! Custom Fort Knocks are also available. Ready to be a bus hero? Bulk order these for everyone on the trip!
So many options from Knockaround! Grab a few pairs and be ready for anything on your trip. We’re known for keeping a few pairs in rotation and tucking them away in our backpacks, pool bags, cars, and more so they’re always at our fingertips. For the same price as name brands you can get 5 pairs!
TOMS Sunglasses
We also really like the sunglasses from TOMS (better known for their sweet shoes and their program to donate their shoes to a person in need). They’re a little more pricey than the Knockaround styles, but definitely a little more fashion-forward and a better fit for some styles.
The Big Brands for Sunglasses Fashion Mavens
If you’re a fashion maven and only want the brands, you can’t go wrong with Rayban for style, comfort, and function (but you will pay for it). The Wayfarers, Clubmaster, and Aviators are all classic choices that are still on trend. Can’t say it’s our style, but people swear by their Oakley sunglasses, and these might be the choice for adventure trips where you’re on bikes, rafts, and other high-speed activities where getting the right fit and keeping the glasses in place are critical! These Oakley Flak sunglasses will do the trick.
Sunglasses Accessories
No matter what you choose, consider grabbing a sunglasses strap to keep your pair on your head or nearby for easy access. Go with a floating option for water activities, like this nifty floral pattern from Ukes. Chums makes a classic strap in tons of colors and Croakies are synonymous with straps for a reason. This is one of our personal favorites because the strap is a little shorter, keeping the glasses tight while in use and in comfortable position resting by your neck.