Lip Sunglasses 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Sunglasses 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Lip
Interviewee: Graham Saunders, CEO

How was the sunglasses market overall in 2025?
The sunglasses market in 2025 was shaped by significant shifts in global trade, rising materials and logistics costs and new tariffs affecting supply chains. Despite these challenges, the boardsports segment has remained resilient. Riders are increasingly recognising that eyewear is performance equipment, not just an accessory. Prescription watersports eyewear in particular had a strong year with more riders choosing optical correction and that trend shows no signs of slowing in the early months of 2026.

What new trends have you seen for sunglasses in board sports for 2026?
One of the biggest influences shaping watersports eyewear design in 2026 is the continuing popularity of wing foiling and other foil-based disciplines. These sports are driving increased use of helmets and other technical headgear, which creates new challenges for how sunglasses fit and perform. As a result, we’re seeing greater demand for eyewear that integrates comfortably with helmets and headgear. This is exactly where models like our new Surge Aero and Tide come into their own with both offering a compact frame profile that sits comfortably under caps, hoods and helmets.

Which segment of your 2026 offering do you expect to sell best and why?
For 2026 we expect two models to stand out. Our flagship Typhoon continues to perform extremely well thanks to its reputation as one of the most secure, comfortable and technically capable watersports sunglasses on the market. Alongside that, the helmet-friendly Surge Aero, launched in February 26, is already showing significant traction. We expect to see continuing strength in optical correction for both these models throughout 2026.

What new frame shapes and colours are in your 2026 offer?
For 2026 we’re expanding the range in several directions with Tide, Surge Aero and the upcoming Ripple. The Tide introduces a smaller, more compact frame profile designed for riders with slimmer faces or those who prefer a lighter, lower-profile fit. The Surge Aero evolves the Surge platform with a new temple architecture designed to work comfortably with helmets and technical headwear. Later in the year we’re introducing ‘Ripple’, our first shield-style design with cylindrical lenses. This will bring a completely new visual language to the LiP range, combining a modern shield aesthetic with the performance features riders expect from watersports eyewear. Across the range we’re also expanding colour options with more refined frame tones and fresh mirror finishes to broaden the appeal. On the colour side, we’ve introduced ‘Stone White’, a new frame finish available across Tide, Surge Aero and FLO models. It replaces the traditional gloss white with a softer, more refined tone. This summer additional colours will also be released for the Surge Aero, including a new Meteor Grey accent series.

Which lens technologies from your 2026 offer are most in demand?
During the winter months our ecLiPse photochromic lenses have been performing particularly well. Their ability to adapt quickly to changing light conditions makes them especially suited to the more challenging lighting environments at this time of year. As we move into the Spring and Summer months, our polarized lenses are likely to regain their pole position as the dominant choice, as customers respond to the increased brightness, glare and intensity of the sun.

Have you introduced any new lens colours and tints in your 2026 offering?
For 2026, we’re introduced a new pink multilayer mirror in our Levanté Series lenses for the Tide and Surge Aero. Alongside these additions we continue to support our core copper, smoke, rose, brown and violet base lens colours, and a wide array of mirror coating options.

Any noteworthy sustainable practices in your production and shipping processes this year?
Sustainability continues to be an important focus for us. All ZEISS lenses used in our sunglasses are now produced using renewable energy and up to 39% bio-based raw materials, while manufacturing improvements have reduced CO₂ emissions by as much as 50%. On the frame side we are introducing bio-based materials in selected models to reduce dependence on fossil plastics. We’re also reducing printed packaging and replacing it with digital product documentation accessed via QR codes.

What are your marketing stories?
Our marketing stories continue to centre around eye health on the water, environmental responsibility and the communities that support ocean sports. At LiP we see eyewear as critical safety equipment for anyone spending long hours on the water. Educating riders about the importance of high-quality lenses and proper eye protection remains a key part of our messaging.

How are you supporting retailers to sell this category?
One of the biggest improvements we’re introducing this year is a QR-based point-of-sale support system. By scanning a QR code, store staff and customers can instantly access detailed product information on both frames and lenses, making it easier to explain the differences between models and guide riders toward the right choice for their sport and conditions. At the same time, we are streamlining the product support and warranty system for post-sale service. This QR-based system allows retail customers to quickly access product manual, care instructions and warranty registration directly from their device. For retailers it simplifies after-sales support and reduces the administrative burden associated with product questions, returns or warranty claims.

Key Products:

Typhoon:
Our flagship Typhoon model has become the reference point in our range. It comprises a lightweight frame with a retention system that simply doesn’t let go, and is paired with ZEISS polarized or ecLiPse photochromic lenses for uncompromising optics. What riders tell us they value the most about this model is its comfort and versatility in a wide range of activities.

Typhoon

Surge Aero:
The Surge Aero builds on the success of our popular Surge model but introduces a redesigned temple architecture that integrates seamlessly with helmets. Riders benefit from the same secure fit and water-shedding optics as the Classic Surge, combined with improved compatibility with modern protective headgear.

Surge Aero

Tide:
The Tide brings a fresh design direction to the LiP range with a smaller, more compact frame profile. Designed for riders with slimmer faces, including women, youth and those that prefer a more compact fit, the Tide offers the same optical performance and durability expected from LiP watersports eyewear. It’s a versatile model that transitions effortlessly from performance sessions to everyday wear.

Tide_