When it comes to sports, I’m definitely more of a spectator who enjoys watching other people display their athletic ability rather than an active participant. To be specific, I’m a huge fan of my alma mater’s Villanova basketball team and try to get to as many games as I can each season. My Dad and I love watching the U.S. women’s national soccer team play, and we are eagerly anticipating the FIFA World Cup that kicks off this month. And who doesn’t love going to baseball games (we are all New York Mets fans here at 20/20)—especially on long summer nights.

I’m also a fan of sport-inspired eyewear. I’ve noticed that this category has had a huge resurgence as of late in an unexpected place. Open up Instagram, and you’ll see celebrities and social media influencers showing off high-performance sporty shades paired with fashion-forward clothing. The Kardashians and Hadid sisters have been photographed over the past few months rocking this look in brands such as Oakley, Nike and Westward Leaning. Fashion brands are also taking on the trend with big shields as well as sportier designs with sleek high-end twists.

When it comes to sport eyewear, there is clearly a huge spectrum of styles and shapes. One side encompasses the super high-performance frames such as cycling and running sunglasses, snowboarding goggles, baseball shades for professionals and designs made specifically for golfers. The other half includes the more sport-inspired lifestyle frames for athletic individuals, sport enthusiasts, those who spend a lot of time on the water and fans of the athleisure look. No matter where you or your customers fall on that spectrum, our sport-specific June issue has you covered with brand new designs and styles.

What are your thoughts on this more fashion-forward sport eyewear trend that we’ve been seeing lately? We’d love to hear what you think on our Facebook and Instagram social media platforms. I’m always on board for something that gets people out of their comfort zones, so I say bring on all the sport shades.

•Jillian Urcelay
Associate Editor
[email protected]