Costa Del Mar Vela Sunglasses
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Costa Del Mar Vela Sunglasses
The Vela is Costa Del Mar's refined take on the classic full-rim silhouette built for women who want genuine optical performance without giving up style. Designed with a regular fit and a clean, rounded frame shape, the Vela moves seamlessly from a morning on the water to an afternoon on land. It is part of Costa's OCEARCH partnership collection, with frame colorways that support shark research and ocean conservation efforts.
580 Lens Technology
Every Vela lens is built on Costa's 580 platform, the brand's proprietary light-filtering technology. The 580 spectrum cuts 580-nanometer yellow light, the wavelength that causes the most visual fatigue and glare on the water. The result is sharper contrast, truer color rendering, and significantly reduced eye strain during extended time outdoors.
The Vela is offered in two lens materials within the 580 system:
- 580G (Glass): Costa's premium glass lenses offer the highest optical clarity in the lineup. Glass is inherently scratch-resistant and delivers true color fidelity that polycarbonate cannot match. The 580G variants are heavier than their plastic counterparts but are the choice of anglers, boaters, and anyone who demands the clearest view possible.
- 580P (Polycarbonate): The lightweight alternative. 580P lenses weigh significantly less than glass, making them ideal for longer wear sessions, water sports, and active use. They are impact-resistant and provide the same 580 light-filtering performance in a more packable, durable package.
Both lens types provide 100% UV400 protection, blocking all UVA and UVB rays. All Vela lenses are polarized, eliminating reflected glare from water, pavement, and sand.
OCEARCH Partnership Frames
The Vela's frame colorways are part of Costa's long-running OCEARCH collaboration, a program that funds shark tagging and ocean research. A portion of proceeds from OCEARCH-branded Costa frames supports field research expeditions. The frames carry OCEARCH branding on the temple, making the conservation commitment visible.
Frame Construction and Fit
The Vela uses a full-rim frame, meaning the lens is fully enclosed by the frame material for maximum structural rigidity and lens retention. Costa constructs its frames from co-injected Nylon, a material that resists warping from saltwater, sunscreen, and heat exposure. The temples are reinforced and sit securely behind the ear for an active fit that holds without slipping.
Frame fit is classified as Regular by Costa. The Vela is designed for women and carries a slightly more refined frame profile than unisex Costa styles, with a subtle lift at the outer edge that suits a wide range of face shapes.
Prescription Ready
The Vela frame is prescription ready. Any licensed optical lab can fit prescription lenses into the full-rim frame. If you wear corrective lenses, you can bring the Vela frames to an optician to have Rx lenses installed, or ask about Costa's own Rx program at the point of purchase.
Shop the Vela at Island Water Sports
Island Water Sports has carried Costa Del Mar in South Florida since the beginning. The Vela is available in store and online. Our staff can help you compare 580G glass versus 580P polycarbonate based on how you spend your time on the water. Call us at 954-427-4929 or stop in.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Costa Del Mar
- Model
- Vela
- Frame Type
- Full rim
- Frame Fit
- Regular
- Lens Technology
- Costa 580 polarized (580G glass and 580P polycarbonate options)
- Polarized
- Yes
- UV Protection
- 100% UV400 (blocks all UVA and UVB)
- Prescription Ready
- Yes
- Collection
- OCEARCH
- Gender
- Womens
- Item No.
- VLA 276OC OSGGLP (see variant for specific SKU)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are the Costa Del Mar Vela sunglasses polarized?
- Yes. All Vela lenses are polarized, eliminating glare reflected off water, sand, and pavement. They are built on Costa's 580 light-filtering platform, which also cuts the yellow wavelengths that cause the most visual fatigue.
- What is the difference between 580G and 580P lenses?
- 580G lenses are made from glass. They offer the highest optical clarity and are inherently scratch-resistant, but they weigh more. 580P lenses are made from polycarbonate, making them lighter and more impact-resistant, which suits active water sports and longer wear. Both provide the same 580 light-filtering and UV400 protection.
- Can I get replacement lenses for the Costa Vela?
- Costa offers a lens replacement program for their frames. Contact Costa Del Mar directly or visit Island Water Sports in South Florida to discuss lens replacement or upgrade options for your Vela frames.
- Are the Vela sunglasses prescription ready?
- Yes. The full-rim Vela frame accepts prescription lenses from any licensed optical lab. Costa also has its own Rx lens program if you prefer to keep the 580 optical platform with your corrective prescription.
- What is the OCEARCH connection on the Costa Vela?
- OCEARCH is a non-profit organization that conducts shark tagging and ocean research expeditions. Costa Del Mar is a long-standing partner, and the OCEARCH-branded colorways on the Vela direct a portion of proceeds toward funding those research trips.
- What face fit does the Costa Vela suit?
- Costa classifies the Vela as a Regular fit. The full-rim frame with a subtle outer lift is designed for women and suits a wide range of face shapes. The frame is not adjustable at home, but an optician can make minor nose-pad adjustments if needed.
- Where can I buy the Costa Del Mar Vela sunglasses?
- The Vela is available at Island Water Sports in South Florida, in store and online. Call 954-427-4929 for availability questions or to speak with our staff about choosing between 580G and 580P lens options.