Your eyes are precious, so it’s important to keep ‘em as healthy and stylish as possible. On those supremely bright and sunny days, that means putting on a pair of trendy sunglasses to protect your delicate pupils from harmful UV rays, glare, dust — or paparazzi flashes when out with your digital camera friend.
We know that the world of shaded eyewear can be overwhelming, with sunglasses coming in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and widths. That’s why we put together this mini guide to the best sunglasses to look out for, categorized by style, lens type, and activity — and with options for every budget.
Whether you’re looking for a pair of statement sunglasses for your next vacation, prescription glasses to give your eyes a rest from contacts, or colorful frames to match your wardrobe, there are plenty of options out there. We’ve even got you covered with polarized styles, sporty shades, and designs for wider faces. So, if one style doesn’t work for you, we guarantee there’s another pair of sunnies around the corner that will. Now, go forth and keep those rays at bay.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
The Best Brands For Prescription Sunglasses
As any glasses-wearer will know, shopping for a new pair of prescription sunglasses is a major decision. Not only are you committing to a pair of frames if and until your prescription changes, but it’s a choice that will cost you a pretty penny. This is why we’re such fans of Pair Eyewear, a brand all about choice and customization at affordable prices. You can choose from a variety of prescription frames — all starting at $70 — and select from hundreds of customizable “tops”; aka magnetic, flat frames that cover the front of your glasses to instantly change their appearance. This means that using the same stylish frame as a base, you can switch seamlessly between eyeglasses and sunglasses, or between different colored and patterned options — ideal for matching your specs to your outfit! (There are also plenty of sunglasses-only options available, too.)
If you’re after a little more luxury, there are several other brands always on our rotation: Ace & Tate, Warby Parker, and Cubitts offer chic, stylish frames within the $100 to $300 price range.
Pair Eyewear The Payton, $, available at Pair Eyewear
Warby Parker Lupin, $, available at Warby Parker
Cubitts Grimaldi, $, available at Cubitts
ace & tate Selma, $, available at ace & tate
The Best Brands For Polarized Sunglass
Heard of polarized sunglasses but are not sure of their benefits? Polarized shades are especially crucial if you’re an outdoorsy, under-the-sun person. These sunglasses reduce that intense glare that usually appears on ocean water or crisp snow, making it much easier for you to see things in nature as they really are.
Polaroid 52mm Polarized Round Sunglasses, $, available at Nordstrom
Nectar Woodstock, $, available at Nectar
Prada PR 22ZS, $, available at Sunglasses Hut
Maui Jim Honi, $, available at Maui Jim
The Best Brands For Wide-Width Sunglasses
Increasingly, more eyewear designers are taking note of face shapes and sizes, and specifying their styles as “wide” or “XL.” The glasses ahead are all from eyewear brands that offer wider fits — which means no more indents on your temples.
Messy Weekend Grace, $, available at Messy Weekend
Eye Buy Direct Draft Cat EyeClear Yellow Sunglasses, $, available at Eye Buy Direct
Knockaround Matte Black/Smoke Fort Knocks, $, available at Knockaround
Sunski Shoreline Olive Amber, $, available at Sunski
The Best Brands For Statement Sunglasses
When all else fails in the sartorial department, you can always count on statement sunglasses to elevate your look. Don’t be afraid of being extra extra — this is your moment to go big and bold, playing with exaggerated sizes, interesting shapes, and vibrant colors.
Free People Cloud 9 Sunglasses, $, available at Free People
Jimmy Fairly The Lily, $, available at Jimmy Fairly
Vivienne Westwood Soo Sunglasses, $, available at Vivienne Westwood
Eyeking Double-Lens Sunglasses, $, available at Anthropologie
The Best Brands For Tinted Lens Sunglasses
Want to literally see the world through rose-colored glasses — or maybe yellow, orange, or blue? You’re in luck, bright colors are dominating the runways this year, so a pair of vibrant lenses are at the top of our most wanted list.
Gucci Rectangle-Frame Metal Sunglasses, $, available at Selfridges
Meller Nayah, $, available at Meller
Free People Dara Oversized Square Sunglasses, $, available at Free People
Fendi First Oval Sunglasses, $, available at mytheresa
The Best Brands For Sport Sunglasses
Whether you’re an adventurer or just like looking the part, secure a pair of athlete-approved sunglasses that stay put during your summer exercises and activities. The polarized lenses are water- and oil-resistant, the frames are feather-light, and the grippy nose pads prevent droop, even when the sweat is pourin’.
Blenders Eyewear Eclipse, $, available at Blenders Eyewear
Nike Veil Sunglasses, $, available at Nike
Smith Parallel 2 Polarized Sunglasses, $, available at REI
Alo Yoga Stunner Sunglasses, $, available at Alo Yoga
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