The Best Sunglasses for Men - Top Shades for Your Style

It’s squinting season, and for those who love their sunglasses, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Stylish and practical (they complete your outfit and keep the sun out of your eyes!) sunglasses occupy that rare shared space between fashion statement and seasonal necessity. For anyone keeping an eye out for their next I’ve-been-searching-for-these-my-whole-life pair, these are our choices for the best sunglasses for men.

The best sunglasses for men: Our top picks

How we chose the best sunglasses for men

We chose our top picks through a combination of expert advice, personal experience, and positive customer reviews.

What to consider when buying for men’s sunglasses

“The most important thing to consider when choosing a pair of sunglasses is the fit,” says Johnson. “If they feel uncomfortable on your face, pinch behind your ears or constantly slide down your nose, you’ll never wear them, no matter how cool they look. This is one of those instances where shopping in person will be the most efficient course of action—it’ll be the quickest way to find sunglasses that will not only look good, but feel good too.”

What are the trending styles in men's sunglasses?

“Bold, oversized, almost mask-like sunglasses have appeared all over the runways lately, but they’re a bit much for real life,” says Johnson. “Try a pair of eye-catching—no pun intended—aviators with acetate frames instead of the traditional metal ones, for a look that’s modern, but not excessively trendy.”

“I like the really thick, chunky frames we’re seeing from small independent brands like Jacques Marie Mage,” says Berlinger. “I’m not a huge fan of wire frames, but I have seen plenty of people make it work.”

Which sunglasses are suitable for different face shapes?

“I don’t subscribe to the notion that one’s face shape limits the kind of sunglasses a person can wear—it’s so much more nuanced than that,” says Johnson. “I’d prioritize fit, personal style, color, and feel-good factor. That being said, those with square and oblong face shapes might want to check out rounded sunglasses for a bit of balance. Round face shapes can go for more angular styles. Those with wide cheekbones can opt for rectangular frames, and anyone with an oval face will suit virtually every style.”

“I don’t believe in the whole face-shape thing,” agrees Berlinger. “My suggestion is try on a bunch and send pics to trusted friends!”

What are the most popular lens colors and their benefits?

“The coolest look I’m liking is tinted lenses or gradient lenses—not fully dark, but tinted a color that you can see the eye through,” says Berlinger. “I like the idea of just wearing them all the time, inside and outside. Gradient is when they are darker on top and slightly fade as they go down. I think it has a bit of ‘old Italian man smoking a cigar’ swagger, and I like it!”

“Unexpected lens colors like red and purple are popping up in edgier styles, but a soft brown or gray lens will always be flattering,” suggests Johnson.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the best brand of sunglasses for men?

“I’m partial to Bottega Veneta eyewear,” says Johnson. “The quality is impeccable, they offer a wide range of styles from classic to high fashion, the shades are logo-free, and they come in the coolest triangular, Bottega-green cases. Plus, unlike many designer sunglasses brands, they do actually go on sale.”

Is Ray-Ban worth it?

“If you’re looking for a pair of shades that won’t ever go out of style, you can’t beat classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers,” advises Johnson. “They’re akin to a fresh white t-shirt or perfectly worn-in jeans—something you’ll never regret having in your wardrobe. They’re also reasonably priced, so if you’re ready to graduate from drugstore sunglasses but not willing to make the leap to designer shades, Ray-Bans are the perfect choice.”

What are the most high end sunglasses?

“Matsuda is a Japanese brand that produces painstakingly hand-crafted sunglasses with distinct—yet distinctly unflashy—style elements,” says Johnson. “Some pairs will set you back $2,000, and you’re all but guaranteed that only the biggest eyewear nerds will be able to identify them. It’s all very IYKYK.”

Are there any tips for caring and maintaining men's sunglasses?

“Unless you’re a big fan of flushing money down the toilet, get in the habit of storing your shades in their case each and every time you take them off. No exceptions!” says Johnson. “This will help prevent them from getting scratched, bent or, worst of all, sat on. If you’re prone to losing things, you can even attach an AirTag to the case and save yourself hours of search and rescue.”

“They’re sunglasses and meant to be worn every day,” opines Berlinger. “They get messed up over time and that’s just life! It is what it is, just don’t buy wildly expensive pairs if you’re prone to losing them.”