It’s a crazy world out there, kids. And It’s safe to say I have been amazed  at what I have found in the wacky world of ‘funglasses’, that is, sunglasses made from the weirdest materials ever.

While the rest of us make do with plastic, metal or glass to shade our eyes from the glare of the midday sun, in other parts of the world they are making sunglasses out of some pretty wacky stuff. To prove this, here are three of the zaniest examples.

Eye curamba

Down in the backstreets of Barcelona are two brothers, Baptiste and Gianni, who have taken the concept of street style to a new level.  They make sunglasses frames out of recycled skateboards!

The brothers came up with the idea when making furniture out of discarded second-hand skateboards in the city – quite how you made the leap from chairs to sunglasses, I’m not sure. However, they now get skateboards donated by local professional skaters. Plus they make everything by hand, so all of the sunglasses they create are good for the environment.

Some frames still have the old skateboard’s graphics on them, others show the different colours of the board’s maple wood, but each pair is totally unique. Nevertheless, you have to ask yourself: how would a ‘goofy-footed’ skateboarder wear these shades the wrong way round?

The mysteries of the East

Meanwhile, in Japan, I tracked down a highly unusual sight – a pair of knitted glasses frames.Using crochet methods to solidify the wool and an over layer of knitted wool on top, they really do seem to do the job.

What’s more, they fold nicely and are unlikely to get marked or chipped in the same way plastic or metal would. That said, maybe they wouldn’t be quite so hardy in the rain? And what about a hot day – they would probably make your nose sweat like hell.

Wooden it be nice

For the ultimate in coolness, why not make like the Americans and wear sunglasses made of wood? The sunglasses, manufactured by Shwood, are rock solid having been made from aged hard wood – a bit like your mum’s favourite sideboard. They certainly would be a conversation starter, and might even come in handy if you run out of matches.

They come in various shades (get it?!) including cherry wood, East Indian Rosewood and Zebrawood for true fashionistas. They even come in a wooden carrycase – and they save the planet too!

I bet your old sunglasses don’t do that!

Can you think of any other sunglasses that are manufactured using crazy materials? Then please share your thoughts in the comments below. Or if you want to grab a pair of designer sunglasses for some of the cheapest prices around, check out our collection now.