Last Updated on April 4, 2025 by Jeffrey Calderon

Best ANSI Rated Safety Glasses for Contractors (2025 Guide)

When it comes to job site safety, eye protection isn’t optional—it’s essential. The best ANSI rated safety glasses for contractors offer certified protection against flying debris, dust, and chemical splashes, all while staying comfortable during long workdays.

In this guide, we break down the top-rated options for construction professionals who want reliable protection that meets OSHA standards.

What Does ANSI Z87.1 Mean for Safety Glasses?

Before jumping into the product list, it’s important to understand what “ANSI rated” means.

ANSI Z87.1 Certification

The ANSI Z87.1 standard is set by the American National Standards Institute, which outlines the performance criteria for protective eyewear. Glasses with this rating:

Pass impact resistance tests
Include side protection
Meet OSHA jobsite requirements

If you’re working in construction, demolition, or any heavy-duty fieldwork, Z87.1-certified eyewear is required.

Top 5 Best ANSI Rated Safety Glasses for Contractors

Here are our top picks based on comfort, clarity, durability, and affordability.

1. DEWALT DPG82-11C Concealer Clear Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle

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DEWALT DPG82-11C
Safety Glasses

Meet Fitbit Versa 4 – a smartwatch that elevates every moment. Use your voice to create alarms, set bedtime reminders.

Features:

Anti-Fog Lens With Ventilation
Soft rubber seal around the eyes
Elastic Wrap-Around Band

✅ Best For: Dusty job sites, cutting, grinding
✅ ANSI Rating: Z87.1+

The DEWALT DPG82-11C Concealer Clear Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggles are engineered to deliver robust eye protection against dust and debris.

Featuring a soft, dual-injected rubber seal, these goggles comfortably conform to the face, ensuring a secure fit. The lenses are treated with DEWALT’s ToughCoat™ hard coating to resist scratches and XtraClear™ anti-fog technology to maintain clear vision in varying conditions.

An adjustable elastic cloth head strap enhances comfort and fit, while built-in ventilation channels promote airflow to reduce fogging. The polycarbonate lenses meet ANSI Z87.1+ standards and provide 99.9% UVA/UVB protection, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Pros

Cons

Comfortable Fit: The soft, dual-injected rubber conforms to the face, providing a secure and comfortable seal that effectively keeps out dust and debris.
Anti-Fog Performance: Equipped with an anti-fog lens coating and built-in ventilation channels, these goggles maintain clear vision even in humid or demanding environments.
Durability: The ToughCoat™ hard-coated polycarbonate lenses resist scratches and withstand high-velocity impacts, offering long-lasting protection.
UV Protection: The lenses provide 99.9% UVA/UVB protection, safeguarding eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Compatibility with Prescription Glasses: Users with larger or bulkier prescription frames may experience a tight fit or discomfort when wearing these goggles over their glasses. Some users have noted that the goggles fit well over standard-sized glasses, but larger frames might pose an issue.
Heat Retention: In warmer conditions, the snug seal that effectively blocks debris can also lead to increased heat buildup around the eyes, potentially causing discomfort during extended use.

why we like it

Offers superior protection with a snug fit—ideal for concrete cutting and demolition.

2. 3M Virtua CCS Protective Eyewear with Foam Gasket

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Virtua CCS ANSI Z87 Safety Glasses

Meet Fitbit Versa 4 – a smartwatch that elevates every moment. Use your voice to create alarms, set bedtime reminders.

Features:

Cord Control System (CCS): Holds earplug cords to reduce tangling.
Anti-Fog Lenses: Helps keep vision clear in humid conditions.
Foam Gasket Option: Adds comfort and blocks dust

✅ Best For: All-day comfort, affordable protection
✅ ANSI Rating: Z87.1

The 3M™ Virtua™ CCS Protective Eyewear combines safety, comfort, and functionality in a lightweight design. Featuring a wraparound, impact-resistant polycarbonate lens that absorbs 99.9% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays, these glasses provide comprehensive eye protection.

The Cord Control System (CCS) is designed to keep corded earplugs attached, untangled, and ready for use, enhancing convenience in noisy environments. An optional foam gasket attachment helps limit eye exposure to nuisance dust while providing additional cushioning for improved comfort.

The clear, anti-fog lenses ensure unobstructed vision in various working conditions. These safety glasses meet the high impact requirements of ANSI Z87.1-2020 and CSA Z94.3-2007 standards, making them suitable for tasks such as chipping, drilling, grinding, and sanding across industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation.

Pros

Cons

Integrated Cord Control System (CCS): Designed to keep corded earplugs attached, untangled, and ready for use, enhancing convenience in noisy settings.
Optional Foam Gasket: Provides a comfortable seal that helps limit eye exposure to nuisance dust while offering additional cushioning.
UV Protection: The polycarbonate lenses absorb 99.9% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays, safeguarding eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Anti-Fog Coating: Equipped with an anti-fog lens coating and ventilation channels, these glasses help maintain clear vision in humid environments.
Compliance with Safety Standards: Meets the high-impact requirements of ANSI Z87.1-2020 and CSA Z94.3-2007 standards, ensuring reliable protection.

Foam Gasket Fit: While the foam gasket enhances protection against dust, some users may find that it affects the overall fit, especially if not adjusted properly.
Over-the-Glasses Compatibility: These safety glasses may not comfortably fit over larger prescription eyewear, which could be a limitation for users requiring corrective lenses.

why we like it

Lightweight and affordable, with excellent optical clarity and side protection.

3. NoCry Safety Glasses with Clear Anti-Fog Lenses

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Virtua CCS ANSI Z87 Safety Glasses

Meet Fitbit Versa 4 – a smartwatch that elevates every moment. Use your voice to create alarms, set bedtime reminders.

Features:

Scratch-resistant anti-fog lens
Adjustable arms and soft nose pad
Lightweight frame for extended wear

✅ Best For: Interior job sites, electrical work
✅ ANSI Rating: Z87.1

The NoCry Clear Safety Glasses offer reliable eye protection for both men and women. Featuring anti-fog and scratch-resistant wraparound lenses, they ensure clear vision and durability in various work environments.

Adjustable temples and nose pads provide a customizable fit for enhanced comfort during extended wear.

These glasses are ANSI Z87 certified, meeting high safety standards, and offer 100% UV protection to shield eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Pros	Cons
Clear Vision: Users have praised the glasses for providing clear vision, which is essential for various activities requiring eye protection. UV Protection: The lenses offer UV protection, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use by shielding eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.	Distortion Issues: Some users have reported slight visual distortions when wearing the glasses, which could affect performance in precision tasks. Glare Problems: There have been mentions of glare from indoor lighting causing discomfort during use.

why we like it

Incredibly comfortable for everyday use and comes at a budget-friendly price.

4. Carhartt Carbondale Safety Glasses

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Pyramex Safety Carbondale®

Safety Glasses

Meet Fitbit Versa 4 – a smartwatch that elevates every moment. Use your voice to create alarms, set bedtime reminders.

Features:

Flexible, Dual-Injected Temples: Provide a secure and comfortable fit during extended wear.
Scratch-Resistant Polycarbonate Lenses: Ensure durability and offer 99% protection from harmful UV-A and UV-B rays.
Rubber Nosepiece: Enhances comfort and helps maintain a secure fit.

✅ Best For: Style + Safety on site
✅ ANSI Rating: Z87.1

The Carhartt Carbondale Safety Glasses are designed for durability and comfort in demanding work environments.

Featuring a two-tone frame with flexible, dual-injected temples, they provide a secure and comfortable fit.

These glasses meet ANSI Z87.1 high impact requirements, ensuring reliable eye protection.

The frameless design offers lightweight, wrap-around coverage for comprehensive eye safety.

Pros

Cons

Durable Construction: The full-frame design with flexible, dual-injected temples ensures a secure and comfortable fit, suitable for prolonged use.
Comfortable Fit: The rubber nosepiece enhances comfort, allowing for extended wear without discomfort.
High-Impact Protection: These safety glasses meet ANSI Z87.1 high-impact standards, providing reliable eye protection against workplace hazards.

Limited Lens Options: The available information does not specify if the lenses offer additional features such as anti-fog or scratch resistance, which could be a limitation for some users.
Availability: Some retailers may have limited stock or availability, potentially making it challenging to purchase these glasses when needed.

why we like it

Offers a more stylish look without compromising on safety, great for contractors who are always working with clients face to face.

5. Uvex by Honeywell Hypershock Safety Glasses

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Hypershock

Safety Glasses

Meet Fitbit Versa 4 – a smartwatch that elevates every moment. Use your voice to create alarms, set bedtime reminders.

Features:

HydroShield® Anti-Fog Coating: Provides consistent fog-free vision, lasting up to 90 times longer than other anti-fog products, and offers twice the scratch resistance of previous coatings.
Lightweight Wraparound Frame: Delivers a comfortable fit with enhanced side protection and peripheral vision, suitable for extended wear in various work environments.
Soft Molded Nosepiece and Temple Inserts: Ensure a secure and comfortable fit, reducing slippage during use.

✅ Best For: Versatility and high-impact environments
✅ ANSI Rating: Z87.1+

The Honeywell Uvex Hypershock Safety Glasses (S2941HS) blend high-performance protection with sporty aesthetics. Featuring a lightweight, wraparound full-frame design, they provide superior coverage and side protection.

The gray polycarbonate lenses are equipped with HydroShield® Anti-Fog coating, ensuring clear vision by offering consistent fog-free performance and enhanced scratch resistance.

Soft, molded nosepieces and temple inserts enhance comfort and ensure a secure fit during extended wear.

These glasses are 100% dielectric, making them safe for environments with electrical hazards, and meet ANSI Z87.1 standards for high-impact protection.

Pros

Cons

Effective Anti-Fog Performance: Equipped with HydroShield® Anti-Fog coating, these glasses provide consistent fog-free vision, which is particularly beneficial in humid or high-activity settings.
Durable and Scratch-Resistant Lenses: The polycarbonate lenses feature an anti-scratch coating, enhancing their longevity and maintaining clear vision over time.
Comfortable Fit: With a lightweight, wraparound full-frame design, soft molded nosepiece, and padded temples, these glasses ensure a secure and comfortable fit during extended wear.

Limited User Reviews: As of now, there are limited user reviews available for this specific model, making it challenging to gauge widespread user satisfaction.
Potential Sizing Issues: While designed to fit a wide range of users, some individuals with larger or smaller head sizes may find the fit less than ideal.

why we like it

Built to last and great for a variety of trade professionals—from welders to framers.

How to Choose the Right Safety Glasses

Choosing the right safety glasses depends on your trade, jobsite conditions, and how long you’ll wear them each day.

Key Features to Look For

ANSI Z87.1 Certification: Always check for the marking
Anti-fog & scratch resistance: Keeps your vision clear on the job
Comfort: Adjustable arms, nose pads, and lightweight frames are key
UV protection: Especially if you’re working outdoors
Side shields or wraparound style: Protects from peripheral hazards

FAQs About ANSI Safety Glasses

Are ANSI Z87.1 glasses OSHA compliant?

Yes, OSHA requires eye protection that meets the ANSI Z87.1 standard.

How do I know if glasses are ANSI certified?

Look for the “Z87” or “Z87+” marking on the frame or lens. This means they’ve passed the required impact tests.

What’s the difference between Z87 and Z87+?

Z87: Basic impact resistance
Z87+: High-impact resistance—better for construction and demolition jobs

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Eyes, Protect Your Career

Wearing the right safety glasses is a small step that can prevent a serious injury.

All the options listed above are trusted by contractors across the country and meet strict safety standards.

Whether you’re on a DOT project, handling heavy machinery, or working on a facade repair, proper eye protection is a must.

Choose one that fits your face, your work conditions, and your budget—and get back to building safely.

About the Author

Jeffrey Calderon is a trusted construction consultant to many contractors building in NYC for over 20 years.

Best ANSI Rated Safety Glasses for Contractors (2025 Guide)

Best ANSI Rated Safety Glasses for Contractors (2025 Guide)