Ombraz Armless Sunglasses — Classic vs. Refugio: Two Amazing Performance Shades – Editor’s Choice Award

When I first saw the Ombraz armless sunglasses, I was a little skeptical because there were no stems, and that didn’t seem feasible for comfort or fit. The team at Ombraz was solving for a problem, and they did it in a very disruptive way by taking away a core component of the sunglasses, and well, once you pull them on your head, you immediately get it. If you spend more time carving powder, riding bike trails, climbing cliff faces, or skating concrete than casual activity, Ombraz might be a brand you haven’t realized was missing from your kit. These aren’t fashion-forward city shades — although they do have designs that will work as daily drivers with more evergreen aesthetics, they’re engineered for motion. No temples. No side-arms to break. Just a secure, adjustable cord that hugs your head while you move. As someone who’s tested both their Classic and Refugio models, I can say I was blown away by the comfort, fit, quality, and stability. The only gripe is that you can’t easily slip them off like a traditional pair of sunnies, so I found myself wearing Ombraz only on more active days. I had tested a pair of the more mountaineering-style glasses a little while back and also really liked them, but they were just too mountaineering-looking for anything but wearing in the high country; that’s changed. I got my hands on two models: the Classic, which is more traditional-looking and something you could really rock on all occasions, and the Regugio, which leans more towards cycling, boarding, and any sport where you’re taking a lot of wind to the face. Ombraz Classics, my new go-to for hikes, casual bike rides. Who Are Ombraz Sunglasses For Ombraz is built for people whose heads get jostled — mountain climbers, snowboarders, cyclists, skaters — folks who demand stability, comfort, and endurance from their sunglasses. They’re not for casual coffee runs or constant on-and-off wear. They’re for full-throttle afternoons outdoors, when you want your glasses to behave like goggles but look — and feel — more like premium sunglasses. Model Breakdown Ombraz Classic In Tortoise Ombraz Classic Design & Styling: The Classic is the more “universal” version — a clean, versatile frame that doesn’t scream “sport gear.” It’s available in two sizes (Regular and Narrow), so it fits a wide range of face shapes. Lens & Color Options: Ombraz offers a broad spectrum of frame/lens combos for the Classic. Finish and tint variations include tortoise-greys, matte-brown, charcoals, yellows, low-light options, and even specialty blue-blocker lenses. Specs & Build: Handmade in Italy. Ultralight (~22.4 g). Frames are TR-90 — meaning tough, flexible, and impact-resistant. Lenses are premium-grade (from Zeiss), with 100% UVA/UVB protection, scratch- and smudge-resistant coatings, and even optional add-ons like side shields or nose-pad risers. Price Point: Around US$145 for non-polarized Classic builds Vibe / Use Case: Think of the Classic as the “everyday-active” pair — good for biking around town, hiking, running errands after a ride, or moderate outdoor activity. It’s more understated than the razor-blade sport look, but still keeps that hassle-free, strap-instead-of-arms feel that defines Ombraz. Ombraz Refugio Design & Styling: The Refugio is the “action-sport” sibling. It’s more assertive and slightly more aggressive in shape — what I’d call a modern, stripped-down sport silhouette that works especially well for high-movement activities. Lens & Color Options: According to the brand, Refugio was offered at least in “ZEISS Grey” lens — a darker, true-to-color tint ideal for bright, full-sun conditions. Frame finishes include at least charcoal and matte tortoise/tortoiseshell. Size / Fit: Refugio comes in Regular and XL sizing, giving users flexibility depending on head size or how much coverage you want. Price Point: Retailing around US$195 for standard Refugio builds. Vibe / Use Case: This is the model for you if you’re doing fuller-on, high-impact stuff — snowboarding, climbing, mountain biking, paddle sports. It’s the more aggressive, sport-oriented geometry that leans toward “goggle meets sunglass,” but with enough style to not look out of place on an urban commute or a summer ride. Real-World Impressions: Where Each Shines Classic: Comfortable, easygoing, unobtrusive. Good for long days of biking, hiking, or just being outside in variable light. Because they come in narrow size and multiple lens tints, they work great for people who want a more subtle sunglass look — but still want the “strap, not stems” practicality. Refugio: A bolder statement similar to the Vaurnet’s line. If you’re going fast, dropping in, climbing steep slopes — these stay locked. More coverage, sportier silhouette. They feel more like performance gear, and in that role they deliver. I tested both: the Classic feels like a “put them on and forget them” companion for rides or urban-meets-trail days. The Refugio? It feels like you strapped on something built for mo