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Best Sunglasses for Women: Top Picks of 2024

Best Sunglasses for Women
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Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created by TIME Stamped, under TIME’s direction and produced in accordance with TIME’s editorial guidelines and overseen by TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

updated: September 11, 2024
edited by Amber Katz

Summer is officially here, and you’re probably dusting off all your warm-weather gear and accessories—including your favorite sunglasses. If you’re like most people, your go-to pair from last year is no longer in style, or perhaps no longer has the right fit or feel. It may even be possible you lost or broke your trusty pair of sunglasses and are looking for a replacement pair.

Our picks for the best sunglasses for women

Best budget sunglasses for women: Sunski Dipsea Dusk Bronze

Sunski Dipsea Dusk Bronze

Sunski Dipsea Dusk Bronze

For less than $50, this pair of sunglasses offers some impressive features. As far as protection goes, these glasses are polarized and designed to block out 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

They offer a medium-sized frame with a classic round shape and are made from SuperLight, the brand’s own line of recycled plastic resin that’s been rescued from a U.S. landfill. Another cool perk is that any brand of Sunski sunglasses comes with a lifetime warranty—so should your frames break, they’ll send you new ones.

Specifications

  • Fit: Medium-size frame
  • Protections: Polarized, 100% UV protection
  • Size: 139mm
  • Frame material: SuperLight

Pros:

  • Polarized
  • Classic round shape
  • Made from recycled materials
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Not ideal for small faces

Best polarized: Ray-Ban Erika Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Erika Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Erika Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses offer maximum protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays that can affect your skin, as well as your eyes. This pair of sunglasses by Rayban offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays, which can help reduce the chance of eye problems later in life. They also help ease eye strain, especially when you’re driving in bright sunlight as well as reduce glare, which can make it easier to see.

Specifications

  • Fit: Medium-size frame
  • Protections: Polarized, 100% UV protection
  • Size: 132mm
  • Frame material: Nylon

Pros:

  • Classic style
  • Glare reduction

Cons:

  • Polarized version comes at a price increase

Best designer: Prada PPR 01VS Catwalk

Prada PPR 01VS Catwalk

If you’re looking for a pair of designer sunglasses, you can’t go wrong with Prada, the luxury brand known for high-quality products, durable construction, and stylish designs. It’s timeless and always on trend. This style is the beloved cat-eye, which is versatile in that it can be dressed up or down, is super feminine and adds sophistication to your look.

Specifications

  • Fit: Regular-size frame
  • Protections: UV protection finish, also available in polarized lenses
  • Size: 42.3 (lens height)
  • Frame material: Acetate
  • Price: $224.70 (without prescription lenses)

Pros:

  • High-quality
  • Durable construction
  • Trendy cat-eye style

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • Polarized version comes at a price increase

Best running sunglasses: Nike Victory Elite Road Tint Sunglasses

Nike Victory Elite Road Tint Sunglasses

Nike Victory Elite Road Tint Sunglasses

Nike specializes in athletic gear, so it’s no surprise that they make sunglasses designed for running. Their Victory Elite sunglasses have a wrap-around design that holds them in place while you’re moving as well as a contoured lens that is tinted and shields your eyes from the sun. It’s also a perk that they’re adjustable and offer nose and temple pads for optimal comfort.

Specifications

  • Fit: Medium-size, wraparound frame
  • Protections: Tinted, 100% UV protection
  • Size: 45.6 mm (lens height)
  • Frame material: Castor Bean Oil

Pros:

  • Designed specifically for running
  • Contoured lens shields eyes from sun
  • Adjustable with nose and temple pads

Cons:

  • Limited colorways

Best cycling sunglasses: Oakley EVZero™ Blades

Oakley EVZero™ Blades

Oakley EVZero™ Blades

When shopping for sunglasses conducive to cycling, make sure the sun is blocked out by the lens color, as they are in this pair of Oakleys. The frame style itself should also offer more coverage than a regular pair of sunglasses to protect against flying debris as well as offer ample ventilation, since you’re likely to be sweating through your workout. This pair has a comfortable fit with a strong grip and Unobtainium® (Oakley’s patented material that increases grip as you sweat) nose pads.

Specifications

  • Fit: Large-size frames
  • Protections: Photocromatic Frame
  • Size: 134mm
  • Frame material: EVZero

Pros:

  • Designed with performance in mind
  • Contoured lens shields eyes from sun
  • Adjustable with nose and temple pads
  • Nose pads increase grip as you sweat

Cons:

  • Limited size options
  • Very specific style that may not be for everyone

Best cat eye sunglasses: Warby Parker Tilley Sunglasses

Warby Parker Tilley Sunglasses

Warby Parker Tilley Sunglasses

Cat-eye sunglasses offer all the old-school glamour vibes you could hope for, and Warby Parker created a down-to-earth version that’s flattering on just about every face shape. They’re made from hand-polished cellulose acetate, a semi-synthetic material made from a naturally-derived substance found in plants. These sunglasses can be prescription if needed and are all impact- as well as scratch-resistant for durable wear. Tip: Warby Parker is one of the best places to buy eyeglasses online, so if you love these sunglasses, check out their eyewear section.

Specifications

  • Fit: Medium-size frame
  • Protections: Blocks 100% of UV rays
  • Size: Varying sizes offered
  • Frame material: Polycarbonate
  • Price: Starting $95

Pros:

  • You can choose the best width for your face
  • Lenses are made from impact-resistant materials
  • Virtual try-on
  • Four color/pattern options
  • Free shipping
  • 30-day return and exchange policy

Cons:

  • Price increases with prescription lenses and other customizations

Best aviator sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviator Gradient Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Aviator Gradient Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Aviator Gradient Sunglasses

When it comes to aviators, it doesn’t get more classic than Ray-Ban. Once reserved for pilots, this style flatters so many face shapes, especially heart and oval. These durable sunglasses boast gradient lenses that help shield the sun from your sensitive eyes. You can choose from 16 colors, including gold, gunmetal, silver, and pink as well as sizes including M, XL, and XXL.

Specifications

  • Fit: Regular
  • Protections: Can be polarized at an increased price
  • Size: 131mm
  • Frame material: Metal

Pros:

  • Classic aviator style
  • Comes in 16 colorways

Cons:

  • Reviewers say they don’t hold their shape long-term

Best retro sunglasses for women: Remmy Unisex Retro Round Sunglasses

Remmy Unisex Retro Round Sunglasses

Remmy Unisex Retro Round Sunglasses

We love the feeling of nostalgia conveyed by a pair of vintage-style sunglasses, and this round pair can convey either 1940s glam or 1990s irony depending on the styling. This style is the retro round shape and comes in 14 colorways and prints along with two sizes (one oversized, one traditional). While this pair of sunglasses is on the pricier side, the brand offers free shipping and virtual try-ons.

Specifications

  • Fit: Narrow
  • Protections: Polarized
  • Size: 49/52
  • Frame material: Metal

Pros:

  • Retro style with multiple colorways
  • Virtual try ons
  • Free shipping and free returns
  • 1-year warranty

Cons:

  • Round fit may not flatter all face shapes
  • Pricey

Best oversized sunglasses: Tory Burch Eleanor Oversized Square Sunglasses

Tory Burch Eleanor Oversized Square Sunglasses

Tory Burch Eleanor Oversized Square Sunglasses

Oversized sunglasses have been on-trend for decades and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere any time soon. Not only are they stylish, they offer greater sun protection and even boost your peripheral vision when you’re out in the sun. This pair by Tory Burch is sophisticated and elegant, featuring gold accents around the sides of the frames for elevated style.

Specifications

  • Fit: Large/oversized
  • Protections: Tinted
  • Size: 140 mm
  • Frame material: Acetate/Metal

Pros:

  • Elegant and sophisticated style
  • Gold accents add a luxurious feel
  • Universally flattering

Cons:

  • Only comes in two colorways
  • Pricey

Best colorful sunglasses: Krewe St. Louis Mirrored

Krewe St. Louis Mirrored

Krewe St. Louis Mirrored

If you’re looking for a pop of color in your sunglasses without being too bright or overwhelming, this is a great pair. Krewe pulls off a classic look with gentle, mosaic-like bits of color around the lenses in varying styles. They’re inspired by New Orleans’ French Quarter with a rounded silhouette and mirrored lenses.

Specifications

  • Fit: Narrow
  • Protections: 100% UVA / UVB protection
  • Size: 46-23-145
  • Frame material: Rose gold plated hardware

Pros:

  • Comes in 16 different colorways
  • Lifetime warranty (applies to non-discounted frames)

Cons:

  • Expensive

Best oval sunglasses for women: Velvet Canyon The Poet

Velvet Canyon The Poet

Velvet Canyon The Poet

0% offSave $0

They’ve been in and out of fashion since the 1940s, but right now oval sunglasses are a hot trend. Although these aren’t polarized, they do offer protection against UV rays since they’re tinted. They have a gold-tone logo template that makes them look sophisticated and they fit most face shapes, despite coming in one size.

Specifications

  • Fit: Narrow
  • Protections: 100% UV protection
  • Size: 135 mm
  • Frame material: Acetate

Pros:

  • Stylish design
  • Comfortable fit

Cons:

  • Not polarized
  • One size and one colorway
  • Oval shape may not flatter every face shape

Best square sunglasses: Quay Australia Almost Ready

Quay Australia Almost Ready

Quay Australia Almost Ready

If you have an oval face shape, you’ll look good in square sunglasses like this pair from Quay Australia. They feature on-trend gold metal accents, polarized lenses, and cutout details. They cut down on glare and provide coverage for your entire eye area so your vision is fully protected. We love their virtual try-on feature that lets you take the sunnies for a test drive before making your purchase. The included case is ready to toss in your favorite travel tote for your next beach adventure.

Specifications

  • Fit: Oversized
  • Protections: Polarized
  • Size: 146 mm
  • Frame material: Metal

Pros:

  • Gold metal accents
  • Case and cloth included
  • Nose pads for support

Cons:

  • Runs large

Best round sunglasses: Velvet Eyewear Essie

Velvet Eyewear Essie

Velvet Eyewear Essie

The round shape got its start in the 1960s but it’s back in style and super fashionable. We love that it flatters so many face shapes, including oval, square, and heart shapes. While this only comes in one color, reviewers rave about how the mauve frame pairs well with the brown rose fade of the lens.

Specifications

  • Fit: Medium
  • Protections: 100% UV Protection
  • Size: 140 mm
  • Frame material: Metal

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Vintage feel
  • Flattering on many face shapes

Cons:

  • Comes in one colorway
  • Round shape may not flatter all face types

How we chose the best sunglasses for women

We compiled a list of the best sunglasses on the market designed for women by combing through customer reviews and relying on first-hand opinions about which sunglasses were the most comfortable, flattering, and stylish for all shape faces, with individual preferences in mind.

What to consider when buying sunglasses for women

Before you click purchase on a new pair of sunglasses, there are a few important factors to consider.

UV protection

When it comes to safety, UV protection matters—and sunglasses are just as important as the right sunscreen for staying sun-safe. After all, sunglasses are meant to protect your eyes from the sun, and the only way they can effectively do that is if they offer 100 percent UV protection from both UVA and UVB rays. This protection can help prevent a myriad of conditions later in life, including cataracts and macular degeneration.

Lens color

Lens color isn’t just about personal preference—the color of the lenses on your sunglasses can actually impact how much light is blocked and how your vision is affected by the sun’s rays. The best colors for sunglasses in terms of protection are brown, gray, and green.

Style

Style matters when it comes to sunglasses, just as it does with clothing. You should choose a pair of sunglasses that offer a style that flatters both your face shape and your style preference. Some popular frame styles include aviators, wayfarers, round, cat-eye, and hexagonal.

So many old-school styles are back in popularity, including oversized shapes, round, square, and oval shapes, as well as the classic cat-eye. In terms of patterns, tortoiseshell still reigns supreme and there’s an increased emphasis on the use of recycled materials.

How do I choose sunglasses that complement my face shape?

The key to choosing the right pair of sunglasses is going with a style that compliments your face shape. With so many styles to choose from, that shouldn't be a problem. If you have a round face, try to shop angular or square frames that help balance out your features. Square face shapes will look good with oval or round shapes and heart-shaped faces look best with wide frames that balance their features.

Some tips for finding sunglasses that suit your personal style and wardrobe

Your sunglasses should fit your style and wardrobe, so it’s a good idea to browse through your clothing before you shop for a pair of sunglasses and try to imagine wearing the pair of sunglasses with a few different outfits you love. When choosing frame and lens colors, consider the colors you wear often, but also what complements your skin tone and hair color.

What are the different lens options available and what do they do?

Not all lenses are created equal. Although they tend to be pricey, the gold standard for sunglass lenses is polarized lenses, as these are designed for optimal protection from the sun and are efficient at cutting back on glare so you can see most clearly. Photochromic lenses are a solid second, since they automatically darken when they’re in sunlight and can provide ample sun protection. Colored lenses go a long way, too, to reduce eye strain and improve contrast.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which brand is best for women's sunglasses?

There are so many great brands on the market for women’s sunglasses. Some of the most popular include Ray-Ban, Warby Parker, and Quay Australia. (These brands also make some of the best sunglasses for men as well, so if you’re in the market for a gift, it’s one-stop-shopping.)

Which sunglasses are best for eye protection?

The best sunglasses for eye protection are polarized lenses that offer 100 percent protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. If they’re not polarized, check that they still offer protection against the sun, as well as glare, so you can see clearly even in direct sunlight.

What are some considerations for prescription sunglasses for women?

When shopping for prescription sunglasses, you’ll want to make sure that the pair blocks out 100 percent of the UV lights, as this is what is recommended by the American Optometric Association. You also want to make sure that the brand makes it easy to order your specific prescription with their style and lens offering.

How do I clean and maintain my sunglasses?

Cleaning your sunglasses regularly will help protect them from damage and enhance their longevity. Be sure to rinse them regularly in clean water and use a microfiber cloth to gently clean off dirt, sand, or other debris. Store them in their case when you’re not wearing them to prevent scratches or other types of damage.

The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.

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