There’s something about putting on a good pair of sunglasses that just elevates our confidence. Slide a pair of Aviators on, and suddenly you’re Tom Cruise in Top Gun.
Aviators not your style? Grab some wayfarers, and you’re a Blues Brother. It’s amazing what a great pair of shades can do.
Fortunately, there are literally thousands of fashionable styles of sunglasses to choose from, to suit any look and occasion. While style is 100% key when it comes to picking your perfect pair, there are protective features to consider, too. Being the instrument through which you see the world, it’s safe to say your eyes are worth protecting!
Like a great haircut, great sunglasses have the power to illuminate your face. Likewise, an ill-fitting pair can cause all sorts of havoc with your look. So, we’re here to guide you towards the perfect pair of sunnies for your face shape, personal style and preferences.
Our list brings you the best sunglasses for men from the brands who know their shades, taking careful consideration of style, quality and safety features.
The 13 best sunglasses for men in 2021
- Randolph Aviator: Overall best sunglasses
- Tom Ford Ace: Best luxury sunglasses
- Yesglasses Sheldon: Best value sunglasses
- Tomahawk Neuralyzers: Best men’s sunglasses to travel
- Ray-Ban 2132 New Wayfarer: Most durable sunglasses
- Tom Ford Arnaud: Most stylish sunglasses
- Tomahawk SeaPorts: Best polarised sunglasses
- Ray-Ban Aviator Classic: Best aviator sunglasses
- Ray-Ban Clubmaster Folding: Best sunglasses for driving
- Oakley Holbrook: Best sunglasses for skiing and snowmobiling
- Oakley Half Jacket 2.0: Best sunglasses for paramedics
- Ray-Ban Double-Bridge: Best retro sunglasses
- Persol Original 3019S: Best timeless sunglasses
These shades are our favourite options after researching all sorts of pairs. We ranked them according to different categories, so you can easily find the best sunglasses for you and your lifestyle.
We also have dedicated guides to the best blue light blocking glasses, the best sunglasses for women, and the best places to buy glasses online if you’re looking for prescription glasses.
Randolph Aviator: Overall best sunglasses
Fit to fight your daily battles. You won’t need an army of sunglasses when you invest in a reliable pair of military-spec Randolph.
Powerfully resilient in extreme conditions, their high-performance aviator sunglasses are about as real-deal as they get. Randolph Engineering literally builds its sky-ready frames to precise and rigorous military specifications (read: the highest possible standards) with its bayonet temples designed to fit comfortably under headgear. No wonder Randolph’s aviators caught the eyes of US Air Force and Army pilots for decades.
A classic mov(i)e, these American Made Randolph’s aviator sunglasses are worn by the most discerning. In the cockpit and on the street. On and off-screen.
All of Randolph’s shades are made using high-grade metals and each pair undertakes a rigorous 200-step making process mostly done by hand.
Stylish and sturdy, their Cobalt Aviator in sleek Matte Black metal frames merits a place in your daily armoury. And as any pair of Randolph, a medal for exemplary durability.
Featuring scratch-resistant polarised lenses that will stand up to the most unforgiving elements, these shades also offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.
The Cobalt Aviator is also available in 23k Gold and Matte Chrome durable finishes.
Classic. Cool. Confident. With their enduring style and durable materials, these quintessential aviators will see you through virtually anything and will last you forever — every pair comes with a lifetime warranty. Well, if that doesn’t convince you of the uncompromising quality, maybe Tom Cruise will…
Tom Ford Ace: Best luxury sunglasses
If you want something a little different that stands out for all the right reasons, check these gorgeous Ace pilot sunglasses by American designer Tom Ford. The classic aviator style revisited with a bold design and premium materials.
The shades are available in a range of colours, but we love this combination of yellow gold frames and brown lenses. It’s subtle yet so very stylish.
Tom Ford eyewear collection is now broadly recognised for its high level of quality and fashion-forward design. Each pair of sunglasses is crafted to stand out.
This particular pair of Tom Ford Ace are created with impeccable attention to detail. They are stylish yet timeless and durable. They use a lightweight metal composite that’s comfortable to wear all day long. It’s also weather and sunscreen resistant, so you won’t risk damaging their look. The lenses are fully tinted and provide 100% UV protection. You can also customise them online to use prescription glasses if you want.
Yesglasses Sheldon: Best value sunglasses
If you are looking for sunglasses that look great, feel great, and are easier on the wallet, the Yesglasses Sheldon are the pair for you. They are classy, sleek, and simple, ensuring that you can put the final touch on your dapper look without breaking the bank.
This iconic wayfarer design with a timeless and simple look is one of your must-have items. Made from durable plastic materials, this pair of men’s sunglasses is available in a broad range of colours including black, tortoise, and transparent.
Yesglasses is known for its wide range of affordable yet high-quality glasses. We like this brand so much that we wrote an in-depth review of Yesglasses to help you find the perfect frame.
Tomahawk Neuralyzers: Best sunglasses to travel
When travelling, you want a pair of stylish yet inexpensive and durable sunglasses that can survive a trip to the beach in your backpack. You also want glasses that will keep you safe from UV rays. Meet the Tomahawk Neuralyzers—definitely the best sunglasses to travel with.
The matte black colour is simple and easily goes along with any look. The shape of these shades is simple, yet timeless, pulling inspiration from the shape of a classic Wayfarer. Raised metal logos and front bars offer just enough stylish detail to give these shades some flair without taking away from their signature simplicity.
The UV400 lenses mean your eyes will stay protected from the sun wherever you may be. You don’t have to worry about flexibility with these shades either; the injection-moulded polycarbonate material makes for the perfect amount of flexibility.
Ray-Ban 2132 New Wayfarer: Most durable sunglasses
If you’ve got to only get one pair of shades this year, these the 2132 New Wayfarer by Ray-Ban are the perfect option.
We like this black on black combination for a timeless style that’s easy to mix and match with pretty much anything you want to wear. You can dress them down for a casual look, or dress them up a little for a smart style.
The Ray-Ban 2132 New Wayfarer are also available in shiny black, or 19 other colour combinations.
Pro tip: there’s a 30% discount on all Ray-Ban sunglasses currently available on Glasses USA. If you find a lower price by another certified retailer, they’ll refund you the difference!
Tom Ford Arnaud: Most stylish sunglasses
Show your sophisticated style with these Black Polarized Arnaud from Tom Ford. These high-end shades ooze class and will gain you style points on or off the yacht. These are the perfect pair for any guy who needs the right accessory for a premium lifestyle.
Every year a new colour becomes “the new black.” The truth is black never goes out of style, so while trendy colours come and go you can be sure these shades will keep you looking high-class for years to come.
With a smart frame shape, dark-tinted lenses, and classy details, these sunglasses are just the right amount of flashy. Their modern yet classic style will accent your posh look well.
Tomahawk SeaPorts: Best polarised sunglasses
These SeaPorts sunglasses by Tomahawk are stylish, affordable, and polarised to protect you from the sun’s glare. The SeaPorts are great for the guy who often spends time near bodies of water.
A polarised lens is designed to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun off of water or other surfaces. If you find yourself near the water regularly, it might be time to invest in a pair of polarised sunglasses like these ones. The lenses on the Tomahawk SeaPorts are also made of halcyon, meaning they offer a wide field of vision ideal for any water activity.
The polarised lenses are not the only cool feature of these sunglasses, though. Their handmade cellulose acetate and stainless steel frames are stylishly shaped to help you look good while taking care of your eyes. The metal material in the frame is lightweight, meaning these frames won’t weigh down your face, either.
Ray-Ban Aviator Classic: Best aviator sunglasses
The Aviator Classic shades from Ray-Ban are just that: classic shades in the aviator style. These are great sunglasses for the guy searching for a completely timeless pair of sunglasses and full sun coverage. Ray-Ban designed these aviator sunglasses in the 1930’s for pilots. They soon became a popular style item and they are still in style today. You don’t have to worry about these shades going out of style anytime soon.
These Aviator Classic feature the teardrop shape that is typical of any aviator shade, making them the best shape for fully protecting your eyes from the sun. You likely won’t find a sunglass shape that gives more coverage than these.
These sunglasses also have all-metal hinges. This makes for a very smooth open and close of the arms of the sunglasses. The acetate ear rests give a comfortable fit over your ears, so you can wear them comfortably all day long. They also have crystal lenses, which are made of all glass, a feature that helps you see a perfectly clear picture through the lenses.
You can select from over 24 different colour variations and lenses types online.
Ray-Ban Clubmaster Folding: Best sunglasses for driving
Not all sunglasses are created equal when it comes to driving. Coloured lenses and loose-fitting pairs prove to be more of a hazard than a help when it comes to driving on sunny days.
So, why is the Clubmaster Folding from Ray-Ban the perfect pair for the car? The grey lenses mean you don’t have to worry about colours being distorted. The Clubmaster Folding sunglasses also have UV protection so you know your eyes will be protected no matter how bright the sun is. Additionally, unlike the original Clubmaster, this version folds up for easy storage when the sun tucks behind a cloud. Their unisex style is an added bonus: they can easily be shared with a partner or a friend if they happen to be driving.
Oakley Holbrook: Best sunglasses for skiing and snowmobiling
Finding the right sunglasses that will stick with you through a day on the slopes and keep your eyes well-protected in the snow can be difficult. The Holbrook Polarized Rectangular Sunglasses by Oakely are up to the challenge. These are the right sunglasses for the guy who spends a lot of time skiing or snowboarding.
These shades are made to last through the ups and downs of a day in the mountains. They are designed to be impact resistant, durable, and comfortable. Their Three-Point Fit system means these sunglasses will fit your face well, and stay on. They have patented high definition optics to make sure that you can see as far as possible.
The Holbrook Polarized Rectangular frames have 100% UV protection lenses, and they also come with polarised iridium lenses that will protect your eyes from the intense sun glare that comes off the snow. They are available in various colour combos, but we think these ones are the best in shiny black frames with teal to green lenses.
Oakley Half Jacket 2.0: Best sunglasses for paramedics
Paramedics need stable, clear sunglasses, and a pair of Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 sunglasses is that and more. These are the best sunglasses for handling emergencies, offering durability and flexibility.
The Oakley Half Jackets 2.0 can easily change lenses. There are multiple different lens types available that would be ideal for various situations.
Oakley designed the earsocks and nose pads on these shades for optimal comfort and stability.
They also feature high definition optics lenses. Whether driving or working with a patient, paramedics won’t have to worry about seeing clearly with these sunglasses.
Ray-Ban Double-Bridge: Best retro sunglasses
Maybe the theme song of your life is “Cool” by The Jonas Brothers and you are looking for some high-quality sunglasses to match your vibe. Look no further than these double-bridge sunglasses by Ray-Ban.
Their monochromatic colour scheme creates a look that is bold and set apart. The circular shape with a double bridge manages to be stylish while sporting a look that steps outside the box of normal. With dark-tinted lenses, you won’t have to worry about maintaining your cool; the lenses will do it for you.
These stylish frames are also quite durable. The frames are 100% metal, a feature that helps these stand the test of time. They also come with a protective case.
Persol Original 3019S: Best timeless sunglasses
The pair we chose as the best timeless sunglasses are the Persol 3019S. They come in a tortoiseshell colour and a classic shape, both creating a classic look. Made in Italy, these lenses are sure to impress, and are best for any stylish gentleman looking to invest in a dapper pair of sunglasses that will last.
Coming with a plethora of features designed to make you more comfortable, the 649 sunglasses were created with luxury in mind. The crystal lenses mean you will be able to see clearly wearing these all day. The lenses are also photochromatic, meaning they adjust to the level of light to which you are exposed. No more struggling to see when you accidentally walk inside with your sunglasses on.
The Persol-patented Meflecto system on these sunglasses is a unique feature that means less pressure on your head, more flexible shades, and a fit that is extremely comfortable. Additionally, these also offer a triple notch flexible nose bridge for an added touch of adaptability.
The top 5 most popular sunglasses brands
You may have heard of some of the famous sunglasses brands, but do you know where to go for your sunglasses needs? How do you know where to find the best shades? We narrowed down the top 5 men’s sunglasses brands, so you don’t have to spend days researching where to look.
Persol
Persol is an Italian company focused on pursuing the highest quality in sunglasses. They were founded in 1917 by an optician. Their rich history in the world of sunglasses and eyewear make them one of the top brands for men’s sunglasses. Their frames are classic and stylish, a go-to for many men’s style icons.
Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban’s legacy is so iconic and widespread that most people have heard the name. They were founded in the U.S. in the 1930’s by eye health company, Bausch & Laumb. Ray-Ban has been designing iconic frames since its beginning. Its most common and popular models are their aviators and wayfarers.
They have a history of being in films and working with influencers and celebrities. Some of their new designs have debuted in movies. Additionally, they have created special edition lines inspired by famous tastemakers.
Tom Ford
Tom Ford is an American fashion brand started by the designer of the same name in 2006. While this brand hasn’t been on the scene as long as some of the other top sunglass brands, they have established themselves well in the world of men’s fashion. With designs that are edgy, bold and modern, Tom Ford sunglasses are a perfect fit for a modern look of luxury.
Tomahawk
A true men’s sunglasses brand for the modern man, Tomahawk Shades formed when two brothers decided to create high-quality sunglasses at affordable prices. Tomahawk partners with many celebrity athletes and are known for their sporty shades. They are constantly working to improve their technology and design, ensuring that you get the best sunglasses they have to offer.
Randolph
A brand with serious street credibility and a real success story, Randolph has been producing glasses for the U.S. Air Force for over 42 years. Every pair of glasses that comes out of their factory near Boston, Massachusetts, is handcrafted. The family-owned and operated business designs classic and timeless glasses with a relentless attention to detail and quality. Their glasses are created for the U.S. Department of Defense, pilots, naval aviators, astronauts and you.
What to look for when buying sunglasses online
Shopping online is convenient and simple. No crowded malls to wade through. No long lines to test your patience.
But, shopping online does have some of its own challenges. Without the ability to try on sunglasses or look at details in-person, it can be easy to feel uncertain about your purchase. Don’t worry. We have compiled our top tips for purchasing sunglasses online.
How to make sure they fit right
When shopping online, finding the right fit can feel mission impossible, but it’s not as complicated as it may seem. There are few key things to consider that will help you find a perfect fit.
What size is your face?
Knowing the size of your face can be a big help in choosing the best sunglasses. Sunglasses companies usually list the frame width with each pair. By measuring the distance between your temples, you can determine a good frame width for your face.
If your face is between 10cm and 12cm wide, go for a frame width of up to 50mm. For a face that measures between 12cm and 14cm wide, choose a frame width that is between 51mm and 55mm. If your measurement is any higher than 14cm wide, choose frames that have a width of 56mm or above.
Adjustable features
High quality sunglasses often have features that are adjustable or can be made custom to you. Take advantage of these features, especially when ordering online.
Options such as adjustable nose bridges or arms that fit to your face perfectly are great ways to make sure that your frames will fit you well. These features can help you adjust your shades well once you receive them.
Another option when ordering online is to go visit a professional adjusting service once you receive them. Most optical providers will adjust any glasses or sunglasses to your face for free or for a small fee. You may even be able to go into a store of the company you purchased your sunglasses from to have them adjusted.
What’s the shape of your face?
Face shape plays an important role in deciding what sunglasses will fit best. In the next section, we will discuss which sunglasses shapes work best for each face shape.
The right sunglasses for your face shape
Finding the right pair of sunglasses for you depends on your face shape. For each shape, there are certain pairs that will look better and certain pairs that will look worse. By knowing your face shape and what works well for you, you can avoid ordering the wrong style online.
Round face
Go with a shape like aviators or something square. Stay away from circles as this will draw out the roundness in your face.
Oval face
If you have an oval face, you are one of the lucky ones. Most frame shapes will look great on you. The only thing you should stay away from is sunglasses that are bigger than your face.
Square face
If you have a square face, think soft lines and round shapes. These types of frames will offset the hard lines in your face shape.
Oblong face
Similar to square face shapes, oblong faces look good with soft lines and round shapes. The only thing to stay away from is smaller frames.
Heart-shaped face
If your face is heart-shaped, you will want to choose sunglasses with sharp corners and lines. Steer clear of anything teardrop-shaped or oversized.
Diamond-shaped face
Most frame shapes will work with this face shape. The only thing to avoid with a diamond-shaped face are frames that don’t fit within the proportions of your face.
Triangular face
Your sunglasses should mirror the proportions of your face shape. That means choosing sunglasses frames that are larger on top than they are on the bottom. Something teardrop-shaped will work well.
Finding shades with the right features
When purchasing sunglasses, there are a few different types of features to know about. Knowing what you want in each type of feature will help you narrow down your decision. The important thing to remember is finding the features that work best for your face and your lifestyle.
Fit
Finding the right fit means finding sunglasses that fit your face shape and facial features. You don’t want frames that go beyond your temples, but you also don’t want them too small for your face. Measure facial width and use this to help you find the right size sunglasses for you.
Shape
There are so many different shapes of sunglasses. You can find aviators, square shades, circular sunglasses, and everything in between. The key to finding the right shape frame for your face is knowing your face shape. As we discussed earlier, there are certain frame shapes that look good on each facial shape.
Material
The material of your sunglasses makes a substantial impact on their durability. Most sunglasses are made of plastic or metal, but not all plastics and metals are created equal.
Tint
You can find lenses that are tinted all sorts of colours. The colour of the tint impacts how the light is filtered through the lens. Amber lenses help to filter blue light. Gradient lenses block the light from above but don’t change your view straight ahead. Red or pink lenses may look cool but they can alter colours and make it difficult to see traffic signals. Figure out how you will most often use your sunglasses and decide which lens tint will work best from there.
How do you protect your eyes from UV rays?
Cataracts, corneal sunburn, and a range of other eye problems can all be caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays. Nobody wants that.
Still, protecting your eyes from the UV rays of the sun can feel like a daunting task. We know, it seems like there are about 756 different types of lenses that claim they protect you from the sun the best. We are here to help you get the different types of lenses straight, so you can protect your eyes well.
What’s the secret to keeping your eyes safe from UVs? Choose lenses that have 100% UV protection. These types of lenses are also sometimes called UV400 lenses. These are hands-down the best way to protect your eyes.
Now, some of you might be wondering about the other types of lenses that claim best eye protection. Let’s clear up some misconceptions.
Polarised lenses do not protect your eyes from UV rays. They do minimize the glare of the sun off of reflective surfaces, and this can be helpful. However, these are not the answer if you are trying to avoid eye damage caused by UV rays.
Getting darker lenses does not mean you are better protected from UV rays. The only way these lenses help you is by making it easier to see in bright light. Go with UV protected lenses for the best protection.
Frequently asked questions about men’s sunglasses
The best sunglass brands are Ray-Ban and Persol. For a more in-depth look at top men’s sunglass brands, check out our top 5 best sunglass brands list.
The best UV protection for sunglasses are sunglasses that have 100% UV protection. Additionally, sunglasses with frames that wrap around the side of the eye offer the best protection because they even protect UV rays from getting in the side of your eye.
The most comfortable sunglasses are the Persol Original 3019S. They feature the Persol-patented Meflecto system in the arms that relieves pressure on the head, and they have an adjustable nose bridge, making them adjustable at two points.
The best sunglass lenses are made by Persol. The brand offers a crystal lens that boasts the ability to help you see clearest. Tomahawk created a BlueLight+ lens that is designed to filter blue light and prevent dry eyes.
The best polarised sunglasses are made by Ray-Ban. They offer a large variety of frames and styles with polarised lenses. As a classic tried and true sunglasses brand with top technology, you can’t go wrong.
Finding the sunglasses that look best on you all depends on your face shape. Check our guide on choosing the right sunglasses for your face type to see exactly what will look best on you.
The best sunglasses for pilots are the Randolph Aviator. Randolph Engineering has been supplying Aviator Sunglasses to the U.S. Military for the past 42 years. Their pilot sunglasses feature unique bayonet temples that are designed to fit comfortably under headgear. Additionally, they have polarised grey gradient lenses offering 100% UVA/UVB protection.
