Costa Del Mar began in 1983 in Daytona Beach, Florida, as a specialist in fishing eyewear.
The brand was created for people spending long periods on the water, so its identity developed around polarized lenses, glare reduction, and durable frames. Its name reflects the coastal environment that shaped the company's early market rather than a European fashion house.
Costa Del Mar is sometimes confused with Maui Jim because both brands are strongly associated with polarized sunglasses and outdoor use. Costa's early identity, however, was particularly connected with fishing and the Florida coast.
The company later expanded beyond fishing into boating, beach, and general outdoor eyewear. Its history illustrates how sunglasses brands can grow from a specific performance need before reaching a much wider lifestyle audience.