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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
The best designer sunglasses for men: Saint Laurent D-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
Deceptively low-key and elegant, these look just as good with a suit as they do by the pool. “They’re classic and well-priced for designer shades,” says style expert and digital creator Gabrielle Johnson. “The Saint Laurent branding on the temples is simple but impactful; you could wear these five, 15 or 30 years from now and still look cool.”
- Protection: Can be fitted with prescription or UV-protective lenses
- Size: One size
Pros:
- Flattering shape
- Subtle but high-end style
Cons:
- Only available in one color
Saint Laurent D-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
The best prescription sunglasses for men: Warby Parker Harris Sunglasses
“I love Warby Parker Harris frames, and honestly, I should be a shareholder because of how many pairs I’ve purchased over the years,” admits fashion and lifestyle journalist Max Berlinger. “But I lose sunglasses a lot and at $95, the price is good. I usually get them in tortoiseshell and they’re just a great, everyday pair, but I also have a black pair, too, for more formal occasions or when I’m wearing a lot of black otherwise.”
- Price: Starts at $95, including prescription lenses
- Protection: 100% UV protection, with options for blue-light filtering and light responsive lenses
- Size: One size
Pros:
- Multiple options for regular and sunglasses lenses
- Very reasonable price
- Lenses made from extremely durable polycarbonate
Cons:
- Only available in two frame colors. However, if these aren’t the style for you, Warby Parker has many, many more sunglasses to choose from
Warby Parker Harris Sunglasses
The best sunglasses for travel: Huckberry Weekenders Sunglasses
Choosing sunglasses for a trip away presents a dilemma: Do you go for your most stylish pair, or do you grab the ones you won’t be devastated to leave on the back of a bus/donkey/inadvisable summer fling? Huckberry’s Weekenders shades split the difference, looking cool and considered while costing less than your lunchtime beach bar tab.
- Protection: Polarized, 100% UV protection
- Size: One size
Pros:
- Come in seven colors
- Lightweight
- Tough
Cons:
- Some reviews say they fit a little too snugly
Huckberry Weekenders Sunglasses
The best polarized sunglasses for men: Ray Ban New Wayfarer Classic
ZIf you find yourself still screwing your eyes up behind your shades, consider getting polarized lenses—and you can’t go wrong with a classic frame to boot. “I love a good old fashioned Ray-Ban Wayfarer,” says Berlinger. “Classics are classics for a reason.” For a slightly modern twist, this evolution features a slightly smaller frame and softer eye shape, along with a whole bunch of color options.
- Protection: 100% UV protection
- Size: S, M
Pros:
- Classic style with subtle, modern update
- Polarized versions come in nine colors
- Compliment most face shapes
Cons:
- Some reviews claim they feel less substantial than the classic version
Ray-Ban Unisex Noir Mat
The best retro sunglasses for men: Bottega Veneta Black Rim Sunglasses
These might not look like your classic aviators (aside from in the sense that they may remind some of WWI flying ace goggles), but for those with the confidence to pull them off, they’re a bold, innovative iteration on the much-loved style. “I’m obsessed with these Bottega aviators, the epitome of classic with a twist,” enthuses Johnson. “The gold trim inside the frames is such a cool, yet wearable detail.”
- Protection: 100% UV protection
- Size: One size
Pros:
- Will definitely stand out
- Come in two colors
Cons:
- Expensive
Bottega Veneta Black Rim Sunglasses
The most stylish sunglasses for men: Tom Ford Philippe Sunglasses
It’s tough not to feel stylish in a pair of Tom Ford glasses, sun- or otherwise. “The transparent beige frames on these Tom Ford shades are so unexpected, and a refreshing change from the usual black or tortoiseshell suspects,” says Johnson.
- Protection: 100% UV protection
- Size: One size
Pros:
- Sleek and original
- Two other colors also available
Cons:
- Expensive
Tom Ford Philippe Sunglasses
The best luxury sunglasses for men: Jacques Marie Mage Silver Limited Edition Hartana Sunglasses
Even for a pair of handcrafted glasses made from sterling silver and beta titanium, the price tag on these might seem excessive. But for better or worse, that’s what the luxury category is all about. “If I were a rich man (cue Fiddler on the Roof) I would probably buy a lot of Jacques Marie Mage, which is based in LA and can cost upward of $700,” says Berlinger. “His glasses are just really beautiful—the designs are so powerful and demand attention. I love them!”
- Protection: 100% UV protection
- Size: One size
Pros:
- Part of a limited run of just 450 pairs, if you’re looking for something truly special
- Comes with handcrafted leather case
Cons:
- Eye-wateringly expensive
Jacques Marie Mage Silver Limited Edition Hartana Sunglasses
The best statement sunglasses for men: Bottega Veneta Rectangular-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
Some of us just want to shield our eyes from that giant nuclear fireball in the sky when we shop for sunglasses, while others are more concerned with making an impression. Guess which group these are for? “For something much more fashion-forward, these chunky acetate sunglasses—in Bottega’s signature green, with luxe-looking gold hinges—would make a major style statement this summer,” says Johnson.
- Protection: 100% UV protection
- Size: One size
Pros:
- Come in two colors
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Definitely not for everyone
Bottega Veneta Rectangular-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
The best budget sunglasses for men: Prive Revaux The Maestro X Sunglasses
Not all sunglasses have to break the bank, and you can get a good-looking, UV-protective pair for a sliver of the price of designer shades. These are available in five colors, block both UV and blue-light, and have almost unanimously positive reviews, with many praising both the fit of the glasses, and how comfortable they are. With what you save by purchasing these instead of a designer pair, you can probably afford to go on vacation all over again.
- Protection: 100% UV protection
- Size: One size
Pros:
- Come in five colors
- Lightweight
- Also available in “Maestro Metal” style, featuring metal arms
Cons:
- One review claims the glasses sat unevenly, while another says the lenses scratched easily
Prive Revaux The Maestro X Sunglasses
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.”
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 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.”
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