Yes, that's right, armless sunglasses. Sounds a bit unlikely, but that's exactly the concept behind Ombraz. The idea was born out of necessity when Ombraz cofounder Jensen broke a pair of aviator sunglasses while travelling. He repaired them by replacing the arms with a cord to hold them in place. It was so effective that he continued to use them for years to come and had people asking him where they could get a pair.
That's the short story behind Ombraz (Italian for shade), but are they really better than traditional sunglasses with regular arms? Well, I was skeptical. Like most outdoor types, I use sunglasses daily for a range of pursuits. Never have I thought to myself, 'Hey, these would be better without arms,' so my new Ombraz Refugio sunglasses sat on my desk for a week or so before I put them to use.
Armless is Not a Gimmick
Wow sums up the general experience using Ombraz armless sunglasses for the first time.
The Ombraz armless design is not a gimmick. Not only are Ombraz sunglasses perfectly functional, but they are also more comfortable and stay in place better than any standard shield sunglasses I have used. Not once have I needed to push them up my face or adjust their position because they moved or slipped down my nose. The Ombraz armless design falls into the category of complete functional simplicity. They are easy to use, comfortable and 100% effective.
Getting the Right Fit
Coming to the armless design with skepticism, my first mistake was making them too tight. They actually require surprisingly little tension to stay in place. Of course, it pays to read the simple instructions, because the magic of the armless design is really in the fit. As the directions say, "If they feel tight, you’re not wearing them right."
With my beginner fit error behind me and a proper fit in place, it was love at first ride. The Ombraz Refugio sunglasses offer a barely there feel that has stood the test of sweaty uphill efforts and raucous descents on the mountain bike. Add high-quality Zeiss optics, and you have a quality pair of shades. There's no rub behind your ears, there's no slippage down your nose and there's no arms to break. They are a very simple solution to often annoying fit issues. Every time you put them on, you get a custom fit.
In addition, they are incredibly lightweight and super low-profile when stored in their case. You don't need a retainer strap, and they rest comfortably around your neck when not in use.
Downsides to the Armless Design
So what's the catch? If armless glasses are so great, how come everyone isn't wearing them? Part of the answer is simply that they are different from conventional sunglasses. And, like me, people will be skeptical. I would expect the popularity to increase. That said, there are some downsides. Number one is that they are a bit high-maintenance if you are frequently taking your glasses on and off. The design is best suited for situations where you put them on and keep them on for an extended period. With armless sunglasses, you also lose the ability to store them in your bike helmet, which can be convenient in some situations. Of course, the armless design features a built-in strap that also allows for safe storage when not in use.
Armless Sunglasses for the Win
I'm a convert. Ombraz armless sunglasses are no gimmick. They are simple, comfortable and functional. Paired with quality Zeiss optics, they make for excellent all-purpose shades for active outdoor use. They are especially great for activities that often test the fit and feel of traditional sunglasses. They offer added fit security and long-term comfort for mountain biking, kayaking, running, gravel riding, sailing and hiking or whatever sport you are into that puts your sunglasses fit to the test.
Learn more about Ombraz and check out the Ombraz Refugio armless sunglasses.
Ombraz Refugio $195
