Home - Accessories - 10 Best Sunglasses For Men 2024, Rated And Scored By Our Editors
The best sunglasses for men do more than look good: They shield your eyes from UV rays, have a comfortable, lightweight design for travel and are durable enough to withstand being accidentally dropped (or sat on). After carefully reviewing and rating many pairs, we determined that Ray-Banâs Justin Classicare the best sunglasses for men overall while Raenâs Adin Square Sunglasses are the most stylish and high quality. If youâre looking for an affordable pair, Huckberryâs Weekendersare your best bet.
more, so you can find the best men’s sunglasses out there.ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
To narrow down the options, we spoke to experts, tried out some frames ourselves and evaluated the different options out there to find the best sunglasses for men. Here are 10 pairs we highly recommend for every price and style preference.
Whatâs notable: This wayfarer-inspired style comes in 12 low-key and statement-making lens and frame color combinations, and it can be customized with prescription lenses for an additional cost.
What could be better: Some say that the lenses can scratch easily.
Time-tested and stylish, Ray-Bans got their start in the 1930s by providing frames for Air Force pilots. New York-based stylist Audree Lopez considers this pair the perfect addition to oneâs collection. The lenses are scratch resistant, UV-protected and have a modern and minimal shape, which flatters almost every face shape, says Lopez. One reviewer, who has purchased three pairs, described them as âtheir favorite glasses.â We also like the Wayfarers and Clubmasters.
Whatâs notable: These offer a face-flattering fit at a great price, and they stay on your face comfortably whether youâre hiking or hanging out.
What could be better: These glasses donât come with a carrying case so make sure theyâre protected when in your bag.
San-Francisco-based Huckberry makes sunglasses with durable materials and quality lenses that arenât super expensive, which makes them great to take on the road when traveling. The Weekenders have a lightweight, sturdy construction that wonât snap easily. And in case you need a spare (or need to replace a pair you left behind in a hotel room,) Huckberry offers $100 off when you buy two pairs. For another affordable option consider the Cruisers.
Whatâs notable: The contrasting color between the frame and temple arms adds something extra to an already sophisticated style.
What could be better: Keep in mind, these glasses have a slightly wider fit. Some users wish they could get replacement lenses if they get damaged rather than having to order a new pair of glasses.
Raenâs sunglasses are handmade from zyl acetate and built to last with five barrel hinges, a wire core embedded in each temple for strength and polarized lenses that give you 100% UVA/UVB protection. Theyâre stylish at a reasonable price and you can experiment with bolder options with the virtual try-on feature that works remarkably well. For other stylish options, consider the Myles.
Whatâs notable: Many say these are so lightweight and comfortable that they forget theyâre wearing them at all. Forbes Vettedâs gear editor swears by these specs and wears them for everything from hiking and biking to kayaking and casual travel.
What could be better: Sincethese are high-end sunglasses, they are pricier than many other options on this list.
Roka is known for high-quality performance glasses that stay put (no matter what youâre doing) but donât look like performance frames. Sure, you can go with proper cycling specs or ski goggles, but you can also choose from fashionable frames that look like ânormalâ sunglasses. Choose your style (round, square, titanium aviators, etc.), pick a color (some styles come in up to eleven colors) and then consider add-on features like mirrored or polarized lenses, anti-scratch or anti-blue light coatings. Also great: If you opt for prescription lenses, they can be high-indexed down, creating thinner versions of typically thick lenses.
Whatâs notable: With nose pads and spring hinges, this pair not only looks good, itâs comfortable. These sunglasses are available in four different frames and lens colors.
What could be better: These run on the narrow side, so if you have a wider face they may not be for you, and the high quality lenses drive up the price.
A lot of brands offer polarized sunglassesâwhich get rid of glare that washes out colors and fatigues your eyesâbut Maui Jimâs are among the best for its specific technology. Their lenses eliminate 99.9% of glare, including horizontal glare that reflects from any flat, smooth or shiny surface. Thereâs also a bi-gradient mirror applied to the top and bottom of the lenses, which âsquintsâ for you, reducing the brightest light from above and below, allowing your eyes to relax. One recent purchaser described them as âthe best sunglasses I have owned.â We also like the Relaxation Mode and Kiawe styles.
Whatâs notable: They offer impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, and you can get a free scratched lens replacement on prescription lenses within six months of purchase.
What could be better: Theprice increases with the more customization you add on (the base price with a prescription is $195).
Warby Parker simplifies the process of getting stylish prescription sunglasses, with their free Home Try-On option. The brand also gives backâfor every pair purchased, it distributes a pair to someone in need. These frames have clean lines and a flat brow for a retro-meets-modern look. We also like the Haskell and Raider frames.
Whatâs notable: Replacement lenses are available for certain styles if you scratch yours (itâs an additional cost, just FYI).
What could be better: These glasses tend to run on the small side so may not work if you have a large head.
A bestseller from the brand known for performance sunglasses, Oakleyâs Gascan frames have been tested and retested under extreme conditions to ensure they stay put on the bridge of your nose and temples without pressing too hard. You can customize the lenses, including adding polarization and prescription features. A recent purchaser described the glasses as being âauthentic glasses for a quarter of the price.âOther top picks include the Half Jacket 2.0 and the Straightlink.
Whatâs notable: These offer a particularly good fit for those with a high nose bridge.
What could be better: These are expensive, so theyâre a financial investment.
Persol sunglasses are pricey but deliver a lot of Italian craftsmanship. The 714 framesâthe same that Steve McQueen regularly woreâstand out for being the first-ever folding glasses model. The sunglasses have a pilot shape, keyhole bridge and collapsible bridge that allows you to fold them and put them in your pocket. This technology requires ten additional manufacturing steps to achieve, which explains the higher price tag. Fashion stylist Lopez is a fan and also likes that pair come with a two-year warranty. One user described the glasses as having âamazing craftsmanship and fantastic lenses.â For more classic styles, also check out the 649 and PO3285S.
Whatâs notable: These are wallet friendly, the lenses are impact resistant so they can tolerate lots of use, and theyâre a face-flattering shape thatâs an alternative to a wayfarer.
What could be better: Some users report if youâre looking for more of an oversized aviator style, you may want to try a different pair.
If you tend to lose your sunglasses (or sit on them) and donât want to invest in an expensive polarized pair, Knockaroundâs are a good alternative. They include basic amber polarized lenses, which provide full UV400 protection, and that are molded out of high quality materials, so they can handle wear and tear. One consumer was pleased with the budget-friendly pricetag, remarking that the lenses were clear and the frames were stylish. Check out the Torrey Pines frames for a bold look or the Premiums for something more practical.
Whatâs notable: These have a scratch resistant coating that repels water, oil and sweat so these are easy to clean after a day out in the sun. They also have spring hinges and a Hydrolite nose pad, which makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
What could be better: These are meant for a high nose bridge (meaning the bone extends up higher up than the curve of your pupils) so they might not fit securely on those with flatter noses.
If your head is on the large size, sunglasses often fit uncomfortably or stretch out over time, which weakens the materials. Costaâs sunglasses come in various sizesâfrom small to XXLâwhich you can filter on their site, along with features such as lens color, material and frame style. The Reefton has blue mirror polarized lenses, which are best for bright light and reducing glare off the water. One buyer described the 580G blue mirrors as being âsome of the best lenses on the market as far as clarity and making things look high-definition in extremely bright sunlight.âFor a sporty version, try the Reefton Pro and the Sampan in the XXL size.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, we approach every product recommendation with transparency and a critical (and fashionable) eye. Our passion for fashion and high-quality products in general extends to our recommendations for the best sunglasses for men. We know that readers trust us to provide the most accurate information available, so we consider our own experience wearing sunglasses and weigh that against testimonials we review from actual users.
Whether itâs comfortable dress shoes or jeans for men, we’ve researched, tried on, evaluated a lot of clothing and accessories through the wringer to rate the performance, quality and value for your money. With the level of thought, research and expertise we put into each story, you can trust our opinions when it comes to finding the right sunglasses for men whatever your needs and budget. To ensure youâre getting the most accurate information, we regularly update this list to ensure it contains the most relevant information available. This list was last updated in February 2024.
What to Consider When Shopping For Menâs Sunglasses
Online Versus In Person: Shopping online gives you the widest selection; the downside is that it can be hard to judge how each pair will fit on you. If youâre unsure, rely on brands that offer virtual try-on technology thatâs easy to navigate, such as Raen, Roka and Warby Parker.
Size Of The Frames: When shopping for sunglasses, pay close attention to the measurements of the overall width of the frame, the bridge width, the lens width and height, and even the temple length and base curve to be sure theyâre what youâre looking for. (Brands like Roka, Raen and Warby Parker, among others, offer clear measurements on their websites.) Los-Angeles-based fashion stylist Vanessa Powell also recommends measuring your face. âMany people make the mistake of wearing sunglasses that are too big or too small for their face. It doesnât look natural and feels uncomfortable, almost like wearing a pair of shoes that donât fit well.â Another option: Measure a pair of glasses you already own and like and use that as a guide when shopping.
Frame Materials And Hardware: Beyond style, âalways pay attention to construction details,â says celebrity stylist and creative curator Avon Dorsey. High-quality pairs are often made of acetate, which is lightweight and considered more rugged than plastic. âThe hardware on the glasses is also a key component to design and durability,â adds Dorsey. As Dorsey notes, âbetter hardware means higher resistance to wear and tear.â But frame materials and specialized hardware can also enhance fit and comfort. For example, look for barrel or spring hinges, which allow your glasses to easily flex at the temple, preventing squeezing behind your ears and making them more comfortable. Brands like Roka and Oakley offer anti-slip pads to relieve pressure points and create a better fit. Some frame styles also have adjustable nose pads that relieve pressure and prevent headaches.
Lens Options: When it comes to sunglasses, durability, eye protection and scratch resistance are key, so look for impact-resistant lenses with UVA/UVB protection, and anti-fog and scratch-resistant coatings. Also, pay close attention to which companies offer replacement lenses, such as Oakley, so you can avoid having to buy an entirely new pair if you scuff the lenses. If youâre looking for prescription sunglasses, that will impact the overall price of your sunglasses.
Polarization: While polarization isnât mandatory for an excellent set of sun specs, itâs definitely worth considering. Polarized lenses minimize the sunâs glare and reduce eye strain, making them especially well suited for active people who spend a lot of time outside, be it walking, traveling, golfing, hiking or boating. Polarized lenses tend to cost more than non-polarized options but they can also be well worth the expense, especially if you spend a lot of time outside.
How Do I Find the Most Flattering Sunglasses For My Face Shape?
Powell recommends finding frames that balance the proportions of your face. âThe general guideline is to choose a pair of sunglasses that contrasts with your face shape and extends to just outside the cheekbone area,â says Powell. âKeeping this advice in mind makes it easier to shop online when you canât try on pairs in person.â Generally, if you have a round face, try something more angular or square. If you have a strong jawline, contrast that with a round style and vice versa. But remember, fashion rules are meant to be broken. Dorsey recommends using your instincts. âIf you feel most confident in a certain style of shades, go with your gut.â You want to love the sunglasses style you choose, and they also have to be comfortable or you wonât wear them.
When Does It Make Sense To Splurge On Sunglasses?
Sunglasses can cost anywhere from about $20 to approximately $600, so thereâs a wide range of options. Your budget and habits will largely determine what you want to spendâand if youâre one of those people who misplaces things often or is accident prone, youâll want to spend your money wisely. Dorsey suggests investing in a classic frameâsuch as an aviator or wayfarer shape, both of which have a balance of straight and curved linesârather than overly trendy styles. Also consider the color: âStandard black, brown, or gray frames are so versatile and the average guy will get a lot of use out of them,â he says. Similarly, Powell says, âIt’s rare for me to suggest a splurge on a sunglasses trend or statement pair.â Instead, she prefers timeless options that feel authentic to her clients. âThese are the pairs that youâll want to replace if lost, instead of choosing something new.â She also finds that, âthe frames typically have a neutral finish and fit your general fashion style.â
Which Sunglasses Have The Best UV Protection?
UV protection is important for your eyes because cumulative exposure to sun can cause damage and changes to the eyes, including early cataracts. When purchasing sunglasses, look for 100% UV protection or a UV400 lens, which indicates a lens protects eyes from wavelengths up to 400 nanometersâso youâre covered from all UVA and UVB rays.
Do I Need Multiple Pairs Of Sunglasses?
That depends. For many people, itâs fine to wear the same sunglasses across multiple activities. After all, if they fit well, you like them and they do a good job protecting your eyes, then it may not be necessary to invest in multiple pairs. However, if you want a pair of professional or more luxurious sunglasses to wear to the office but you also need more performance-oriented sunglasses for hiking, golfing or boating, then you may need to consider multiple pairs. Depending on your personal preferences and style, you may need to invest in several pairs of sunglasses, or you may be able to get away with a fashionable pair of performance sunglasses, which transition easily from the office to the hiking trail.
Iâm a freelance writer specializing in travel, tech, and the outdoors, with work appearing in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, National Geographic, WIRED, Ars Technica, and The Daily Beast, among others. After receiving an undergrad in Marketing and a Masterâs in Social Psychology, I worked in branding and then community development, overseeing food equity and justice initiatives across New York City. I solo bike toured Cuba and wrote the guidebook, Cuba by Bike. I started a small travel company (EscapingNY) and still lead tours in Cuba, Mexico, and Jordan. When Iâm not hiking, biking, rafting, camping, or scuba diving, Iâm usually doing puzzles and playing board games. You can find me on Twitter at @escapingnewyork and Instagram @escapingny.
