ZEAL OPTICS SUNGLASSES 2025 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Sunglasses 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Zeal Optics
Interviewee: Mike Lewis, Senior Director Brand Marketing

What new trends have you seen for sunglasses in board sports for 2025?
In 2025, riders are demanding more from their shades—performance, style, and sustainability. Here’s what’s trending:

Wrap + Glacier Styles: Oversized frames with added protection, like Zeal’s Selkirk, are perfect for wind, sun, and speed across snow and surf.
Sustainable Materials: Eco-conscious construction like Zeal’s plant-based Z-Resin is becoming the standard, not the exception.
Do-It-All Lenses: Versatile tints like Ellume Polarized are in high demand for handling everything from bluebird skies to foggy dawn patrols.
Sport-Street Crossovers: Hybrid styles such as Whittier and Windsor blend technical features with everyday wearability.
Muted, Nature-Inspired Colors: Earth tones like Sitka Green and Bota Burgundy are replacing bold neons for a grounded, outdoor aesthetic.

Which segment of your 2025 offering do you expect to sell best and why?
We’re expecting our performance-forward lifestyle segment to lead sales in 2025, particularly styles that blend technical function with everyday versatility. One standout is the Harbinger, which has already seen strong early sell-through thanks to its bold, retro-inspired wrap design, full-coverage protection, and plant-based frame. It hits that sweet spot for board sport athletes looking for shades that perform on the mountain, at the beach, and everywhere in between—without compromising on style or sustainability.

What new frame shapes and colours are in your 2025 offer?
Available now is the Harbinger (biking running), Westwater (fishing) and Rowen (lifestyle).

Which lens technologies from your 2025 offer are most in demand?
Polarized, We build sunglasses using the most premium polarized film in the world. Sourced in Japan and layered in an injected lens stack, this is truly the best lens available today. Polarization plays a huge role in keeping your eyes comfortable by reducing glare reflected off objects around you. Your eyes are more free to work the way they’re supposed to, and you’all be kicking back in comfort come the end of the day.

Any noteworthy sustainable practices in your production and shipping processes this year?
Our mission is to create sunglasses that enhance your time outdoors while working to protect the world around us. Most Zeal Optics frames are made from Z-Resin, a partially plant-based material derived from the castor plant. The castor plant is a fast-growing perennial that is easy to grow, withstands drought and thrives on marginal lands. We process the castor beans into our proprietary Z-Resin material which replaces a minimum of *45% of the petroleum-based plastics in our sunglasses. This durable partially plant-based material also contributes to a lighter finished weight, making our sunglasses more comfortable for everyday wear and activity. Contains a minimum of *45% plant-based bio resin.

Key Products:

Harbinger:
Meet Harbinger, where cutting-edge style meets peak performance. Designed for the relentless pursuit of adventure, these cycling-and-touring-specific shield style sunglasses are built to conquer every mile. From sunrise sprints to single-track descents, Harbinger delivers unparalleled clarity, comfort, and confidence. Featuring our renowned Optimum goggle lenses, Harbinger amplifies colors and contrast, keeping your focus razor-sharp. The lightweight, bio-based Z-Resin frame hugs your face for a comfortable but secure fit, while sweat-proof, no-slip ProFlex nose pads and temples ensure they stay put through every grind. Whether you’re chasing horizons or pumping through switchbacks, the panoramic lens and ventilated design deliver unobstructed views and all-day airflow. With Harbinger, you’re not just along for the ride—you’re leading the charge.

Harbinger

Westwater: The first whitewater stretch of the Colorado River in Utah, is the 17-mile Westwater Canyon, that calls its siren song to water lovers from around the West. The new Westwater from Zeal Optics is your trusted sidekick for every waterway, ski trip or skin track. With its medium-fit, 8-base curvature, Westwater has amazing coverage to keep you focused on the trout in the next hole, or scoping your line through its Ellume Polarized lenses. And that’s before you attach its sleek, slide-on ventilated side panels that convert this stylish frame into a functional, fog-free glacier glass. Add in our non-slip ProFlex hits in the temples and nose bridge, and Westwater will stay put even through Westwater Canyon’s rapids. While we recommend a Zeal Rope Tow lanyard for big water, thanks to its Z-Resin frames, which are made with a minimum of 45% bio resin, you can feel better if they do meet their demise on your next adventure.

Westwater

Rowen:
Rowen is where chunky, fashion-forward design meets adventure-ready functionality. Designed for a medium fit, these sunglasses are perfect for city streets, sunny escapes, and everywhere in between. Crafted from lightweight and plant-based* Z-Resin frame, Rowen offers durability without compromise. ProFlex rubber accents ensure a secure, comfortable fit, while Ellume Polarized lenses deliver stunning clarity, vibrant color and full UV protection for any adventure. More than just eyewear, Rowen is a statement—bold, sustainable and ready for anything. See the world in vivid detail and step out in style with Rowen by your side. *Z-Resin frames contain a minimum of 45% bio-resin.

Rowen