Let’s face it: Although seemingly simple, sunglasses hold shades of sartorial meaning. Few accessories rival the superpowers of a hero pair of sunnies.
Sunglasses embody Hollywood glamor. They’re the accessory we coveted as children; Barbie pink and paired with overly-embellished heels. They’re the accessory that holds the promise of future cruises and sun escapes. And they’re the accessory to conceal dark bags from last night’s antics. But believe it or not—and we’re speaking to our childhood selves here—sunglasses are not intrinsically cool.
With so many different frames, fits, and fashions to choose from, sunglasses for women are often a hit or a miss. The wrong frame and fit have the uncanny ability to accentuate the roundness in your face—an undesired effect for most. And the wrong shade of black has the unwelcome capability to turn you into an M15 intelligence officer in an instant. So how do you know which pair to opt for? Our ultimate guide to sunglasses runs through the many different styles and who they are best suited to.
Rounder faces suit a more angular frame, while square faces look fantastic in aviators. Cat-eyes are the ultimate it-girl status symbol. And oversized sunglasses encapsulate the hush-hush glamor of old-school Hollywood. But regardless of your style or facial silhouette, there are certain shades that seem to do it all. Cast an eye over our list of the best sunglasses for women. After trying on hundreds of pairs—yep, we got pouty, and yep, the shop assistant did roll her eyes a couple of times—we found the best women’s sunglasses to face off any occasion.
But what about him? Check our round-up of the best sunglasses for men for hot pairs to make his style much cooler, too.
In a rush? No problem! Here’s the shortlist of our absolute favorite sunglass brands:
QUALITY FRAMES
Randolph
Randolph sunglasses are our go-to for timeless shades that we’ll have forever—literally (they are guaranteed for life). Stylish, strong, and handmade in the USA, Randolph’s sunglasses craft our favorite high-end metal frames.
SUSTAINABLE STYLES
nordgreen
For sunglasses that look good and feel even better, we can’t get enough of Nordgreen’s sustainable Scandinavian shades. The Italian Bio-acetate frames are timelessly trendy and offer 100% UV protection.
HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE
yesglasses
From tinted to mirrored sunglasses, we love Yesglasses for affordable eyewear. Their sunglasses come in almost any shade under the sun, and we love that they are customizable with prescription lenses.
The 16 best sunglasses for women will put a sparkle in your eye
| Rank | Brand | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randolph Amelia | Best overall |
| 2 | Gucci Square | Best luxury |
| 3 | Nordgreen Bornholm | Best value |
| 4 | Yesglasses | Best prescription |
| 5 | Ray-Ban | Best aviators |
| 6 | Randolph Elinor | Best polarized |
| 7 | Vincero The Emery | Best oversized |
| 8 | Axel Arigato Tonia | Best cat eye |
| 9 | Westward Leaning Moore 06 | Best D-frame |
| 10 | Vincero The Pali | Best tortoiseshell |
| 11 | Randolph Aviator | Best mirrored |
| 12 | Le Specs | Best round |
| 13 | Gentle Monster | Best oval |
| 14 | Warby Parker Aubrey | Best square |
| 15 | Chimi | Best dark |
| 16 | Tomahawk Neuralyzers | Best budget |
Check our special women’s sunglasses buying guide after the list to see exactly what you should pay attention to when shopping for a new pair of sunglasses online.
We also have dedicated guides to the best blue light-blocking glasses, the best places to buy glasses online, and the best sunglasses for men.
Randolph Amelia: Best overall sunglasses for women
We took them out for brunch—the girls all complimented the sunglasses’ gold frames. We took them to the beach—ample eye protection. And we shook our heads vigorously—nope, they didn’t fall off. Randolph’s Amelia sunglasses kept up throughout our rigorous testing. And while we were already slightly (and unapologetically) biased towards Randolph sunglasses, we were even more impressed by the safety-first brand than we expected to be.
Named after Amelia Earhart—the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic and a total hero in our eyes—these aviator sunglasses for women encapsulate the female pilot’s fierce femininity with a flattering gold frame and minimalist teardrop style.
However, above all, we appreciate that the sunglasses offer first-class eye protection. The AGX lens selectively highlights soothing green and yellow wavelengths, helping to reduce eye fatigue. And the lenses are also polarized for glare prevention and feature anti-reflective and blue-light-filtering technology. In other words, they’re like bodyguards for your eyes.
There is also a mirrored version available, but for those who are light-sensitive, we recommend the AGX lenses.
Best for: Fortnight protection with an eye for fashion.
| Polarized: | Yes |
| Frame: | 22k Chocolate Gold, 23k Gold, 22k Rose Gold |
| Fit: | Regular and Large |
| Protection: | 100% UVA/UVB protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Medium tint |
Gucci Square: Best luxury sunglasses for women
Gucci sunglasses are one of the more affordable ways to add a touch of Gucci to your wardrobe. Don’t get us wrong, these designer sunglasses aren’t a steal. But with these on our face, we’re convinced you’d win a table at the most overbooked and exclusive restaurant in town without even having to ask.
Why do we love them? Besides the brand’s iconic logo and sartorial significance, these sunglasses are unbelievably flattering, especially if you have a rounder face. The angular square shape highlights the angles and contours, while the oversized silhouette makes your face appear smaller than it is, making them a favorite amongst round-faced beauties such as Khloe Kardashian and Gigi Hadid.
Silhouette aside, we also adore the playful accents on these Gucci sunnies. Creative but classy, the brand’s signature equestrian stripes are featured on the temples.
While the interlocking Double-G gold hardware subtly completes the look. The cherry on top? The satin-lined velvet case. We don’t often harp on sunglass cases, but this retro rendition is worth a mention.
Best for: Adding a designer’s touch.
| Polarized: | Yes |
| Frame: | Dark brown acetate |
| Fit: | Regular |
| Protection: | 100% UVA/UVB protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Dark tint |
Nordgreen Bornholm: Best value sunglasses for women
After learning about Nordgreen’s Giving Back program, we couldn’t wait to see if the brand’s sunglasses were just as praise-worthy as its philanthropic efforts.
Naturally, we had our doubts—taking note of Nordgreen Bornholm’s under $100 price tags—but after rigorously testing this pair, we eventually conceded that the more affordable label proved to be of excellent quality and style.
The rounded square edges suit almost all face types. And the Scandi-inspired design is incredibly easy to wear, perfect for the sartorial minimalists among us who value a subtly sophisticated aesthetic. The bio-based polyamide lenses offer full UV protection. And yep, they matched up against many of the most expensive brands, making these fashion sunglasses incredibly good value in our eyes.
Best for: High quality; low price tag.
| Polarized: | Yes |
| Frame: | Bio acetate |
| Fit: | Regular |
| Protection: | 100% UVA/UVB protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Medium tint |
Yesglasses: Best prescription sunglasses for women
Cheap fashion sunglasses aren’t hard to come by. But inexpensive sunglasses that also protect your eyes and help you to actually see? Much rarer.
In fact, at one point in our search for the best sunglasses, we almost gave up on the idea of cool sunglasses that were also prescription. Until we found Yesglasses, for which we have one word only—YES!
If, like us, you find yourself compromising eyesight for style (not a good idea), Yesglasses is likely an answer to your optometrist’s prayers. Featuring an extensive range of customizable lenses and frames, Yesglasses allows us to curate the perfect pair of sunnies that are also optometrist-approved.
On top of providing twenty-twenty vision, Yesglasses are affordable enough (under $100) to invest in more than one pair. For our first pair we opted for fun and flirty: blue-tinted ovals. And for our second pair we kept it cool and classy with black cat eyes.
Check also our in-depth Yesglasses review to see why we like this eyewear store so much.
Best for: Fashionista approved; optometrist-endorsed.
| Polarized: | Yes |
| Frame: | Acetate or Metal |
| Fit: | Narrow, Medium and Wide |
| Protection: | 100% UVA/UVB protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Light, medium and dark tints |
Ray-Ban RB3025: Best aviators for women
As far as we’re concerned, wearing a pay of Ray-Bans should feature on every woman’s bucket list. It’s pretty much a rite of passage. And these ones are our faves—which says a lot, considering every pair in the brand’s catalog has us reaching for our credit card.
The best aviator sunglasses for women that we’ve come across, these Ray-Bans 3025s feature trendy tear-shaped lenses, offering a cool twist on the classic pilot silhouette. They also have a double bridge and slender frame that won’t overpower smaller faces. Despite being thin, the frame is incredibly durable, made of hard-wearing metal that won’t let you down.
These Ray-Ban sunglasses were originally designed for U.S. aviators back in 1937 and offer an understated utilitarian vibe that would work wonders sharpening up a flowery dress or adding edge to an ultra-feminine get-up.
Best for: Channeling timeless cockpit cool.
| Polarized: | Yes |
| Frame: | Metal |
| Fit: | Medium |
| Protection: | 100% UV protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Medium tint |
Randolph Elinor Fusion: Best polarized sunglasses for women
Polarized lenses reduce glare from horizontal surfaces and are an essential accessory if you’re out on the road—or if your holiday plans involve the beach or a snowy mountain. Optimum vision requires glare-busting lenses and the best-polarized sunglasses for women we’ve found are the Elinor Fusion by Randolph.
Inspired by Jackie O’s iconic oversized shades, the brand’s Elinor sunglasses offer immediate elegance. Hand in-laid with high-end Mazzucchelli acetate, they definitely err on the side of luxurious rather than utilitarian—and that’s fine with us.
The brand’s signature grey tint lenses are not only polarized but also offer maximum color and contrast whatever the light and terrain conditions and are both anti-reflective and blue-light filtering.
Definitely opt for these Randolph Elinor Fusion sunglasses if you value premium eye protection as much as legendary style.
Best for: Quintessential American cool meets perfect clarity of vision.
| Polarized: | Yes |
| Frame: | Gunmetal |
| Fit: | Medium |
| Protection: | 100% UVA/UVB Protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Medium tint |
Vincero The Emery: Best women’s oversized sunglasses
You know the pairs that make an oversized white tee and distressed denims memorable? These oversized sunglasses are those. A common misconception about oversized sunglasses is that you need a loud personality (and style) to pull them off. However, we think quite the opposite. We think that these oversized sunglasses are an effortless way to spruce up a minimalist ensemble without getting carried away.
Designed in California, the contemporary silhouette speaks to a cosmopolitan-coastal lifestyle, which of course, also mandates A-grade materials and impeccable craftsmanship. Handcrafted from the highest quality materials, these sunglasses meet all the Cali requirements. So much so that if you do accidentally sit on these Vincero Collective sunnies (guilty as charged), they may even survive the hit—no promises, but ours did.
Best for: Adding attitude.
| Polarized: | Yes |
| Frame: | Italian Mazzucchelli Acetate |
| Fit: | Wide |
| Protection: | 100% UVA/UVB protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Dark tint |
Axel Arigato Tonia: Best cat eye sunglasses for women
Cat’s out of the bag: we have a certain weakness for cat eye sunnies. Which also means that we have tried on hundreds of cat eyes and can confidently say that Axel Arigato’s pair is the best in our rotation.
What makes them so great? Well, to start, these designer sunglasses are a masterclass in modern minimalism. The rose-tinted lenses and contrasted black frame nail the uncomplicated urban aesthetic. While the white logoed temples are undeniably noteworthy. It’s not just us that think so. The notability of these sunnies has been validated by the number of compliments we receive when wearing them, even when just paired with an oversized graphic tee and bikers (Hailey Bieber style.)
When it comes to eye protection, Axel Arigato’s Tonias are equally impressive with polarized lenses that offer 100% UV protection throughout beach days and summer vacations.
Best for: Looking at life through rose-tinted lenses.
| Polarized: | Yes |
| Frame: | Cellulose acetate |
| Fit: | Regular |
| Protection: | 100% UVA/UVB protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Dark tinted |
Westward Leaning Moore 06: Best women’s D-frame sunglasses
When picking a new accessory, it helps if the IT crowd has already given their seal of approval. And Westward Leaning is a hit among the world’s rich and famous. The brand’s fashion sunglasses have been spotted on the likes of Gigi Hadid, Kourtney Kardashian, and Reese Witherspoon. In other words, anyone who’s anyone.
Our favorite pair by Westward Leaning is the Moore 06, inspired by Moore Street in Tribeca. Designed in collaboration with socialite and influencer Olivia Palermo, the oversized black D-frame silhouette, mirror lenses, and unique temple tip plaques pay homage to the neighborhood’s vibrant culinary scene and historic architecture.
Like all Westward Leaning Sunglasses, the Moore 06’s are made with meticulous attention to detail in Japan and feature shatterproof lenses that offer 100% UV protection. Plus, high-quality hinges mean no unexpected breakages at inopportune moments.
Best for: An A+ for celeb-approved D-frames.
| Polarized: | Yes |
| Frame: | Polished acetate |
| Fit: | Wide |
| Protection: | 100% UVA/UVB protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Mirror |
Vincero The Pali: Best tortoiseshell women’s sunglasses
So impressed by the first pair of Vincero sunnies we tried that we had to try a second, we were equally enthralled by The Pali pair. Tortoiseshell sunglasses are an essential for many, which makes finding an elevated pair that much more difficult. And whilst this pair may seem pretty basic on the shelf, their magic lies in how they make us look.
The medium fit frame and circular silhouette are effortlessly flattering on almost any face shape. While the simple detailing speaks to a la dolce vita lifestyle. They’re the kind of sunnies that you can pop on with a minimalist white blouse and still exude an air of effortless elegance.
Plus, you can tell that these trendy sunglasses are hand cut in Italy by the polished finishings and immaculate attention to detail. They just feel extra elevated despite a simple aesthetic.
Best for: Living a la dolce vita lifestyle.
| Polarized: | Yes |
| Frame: | Hand-cut acetate |
| Fit: | Medium |
| Protection: | 100% UVA/UVB protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Dark tint |
Randolph Aviator: Best mirrored sunglasses for women
Mirrored sunglasses: on-trend or tacky? There’s a fine (yet very important) line between the two. And in order to veer from the latter, we recommend investing in a high-quality sunglass brand like Randolph USA.
Not only do mirrored sunglasses remove the glare from water, making them ideal for your next beach holiday, but they also mean no one can see you people-watching. Just two of the reasons why we love mirrored sunglasses.
Featuring 23k gold frames, Randolph’s mirrored aviators epitomize in-fashion sophistication. The polarized sunglasses for women run the gamut in tinted lenses. We opted for the cobalt tint for its soothing green base, relaxing wavelengths, and we also just thought it would be fun to venture away from neutrals. But, of course, the aviators come in a range of more versatile hues such as tan, sand, and gray.
Besides making a style statement, mirrored sunnies are equally fashionable for the anti-reflective, calming effect they have on our eyes. These Randolph aviators proved to be exceptionally glare-resistant—even when staring directly at the midday sun (don’t try this at home.)
Best for: Mirroring your cool, calm aesthetic.
| Polarized: | Yes |
| Frame: | 22k Chocolate Gold, 23k Gold, 22k Rose Gold |
| Fit: | Regular and Large |
| Protection: | 100% UVA/UVB protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Mirror |
Le Specs: Best round women’s sunglasses
Some items are considered mandatory additions to a woman’s wardrobe. Blue jeans, for example, or a little black dress. Another closet essential? A pair of timeless black sunglasses.
Le Specs is an Australian label that combines the best of Swedish and New York street style. The vibe is very cosmopolitan, as evidenced in these so-called ‘Equinoctial’ shades. Made from lightweight acetate for easy breezy wear, the round frames are particularly flattering for those with square or heart-shaped faces, downplaying sharp lines and angles.
Wear these Le Specs sunnies with your favorite slouchy weekend get-up, whether that’s boyfriend jeans and a sweater or a midi skirt and a baggy t-shirt.
Best for: Captivating curves for angular faces.
| Polarized: | No |
| Frame: | Acetane |
| Fit: | Medium |
| Protection: | 100% UV protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Smoke tint |
Gentle Monster: Best oval sunglasses for women
These cool sunglasses by Gentle Monster feature tinted lenses and 100% UV protection so you needn’t fear even the brightest summer day. The frames are oval-shaped, offering an incredibly flattering profile for faces with pronounced angles and contours.
Gentle Monster is a South Korean brand that has created quite a splash in the eyewear scene with its boundary-pushing designs, immersive store experience, and prices that are substantial but not extortionate. And while many of the label’s designs are highly experimental, they also deliver understated creations with universal appeal—as these sunnies show.
Word of warning? These unisex Gentle Monster sunglasses are a prime target for theft by your significant other.
Best for: Sunnies that will be always and forever on-trend.
| Polarized: | No |
| Frame: | Acetane |
| Fit: | Large |
| Protection: | 100% UV protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Grey tint |
Warby Parker Aubrey: Best square sunglasses for women
Warby Parker is best known for its quality prescription glasses, but now the brand is proving to be just as fashionable as it is functional. The online store’s virtual fitting room is reflective of the brand’s cutting-edge approach to eyewear. Yep, we did have a bit too much fun virtually trying on a plethora of Warby Parker pairs. And once, our pair of choice arrived on our doorstep, we were just as animated by the “in-person” effect.
Our top pick? The Aubreys. As our best square sunglasses for women, these black sunglasses are virtuosos in facial definition and highlighting our cheekbones. We particularly loved the oversized silhouette—we were tempted to rent an old Ford convertible, but settled for the headscarf and red lips instead.
The scratch-resistant lenses are ultra-durable and offer maximum sun protection. So the fact that these Warby Parker sunnies are priced below $100 is just a bonus. You would never guess by the look or feel of them.
Best for: Letting down the sunroof.
| Polarized: | Yes |
| Frame: | Cellulose acetate |
| Fit: | Narrow and Wide |
| Protection: | 100% UVA/UVB protection |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Dark tint |
Chimi: Best dark sunglasses for women
Colorful sunglasses may catch people’s eye but if you prefer your vibe to be a bit more enigmatic and inscrutable, you need a pair of dark shades like these ones by Chimi.
The aptly named 101s are the perfect everyday, all-day wear. That’s not to say these Chimi sunglasses are basic. The Swedish brand is known for its laidback and selfie-optimized sunglasses styles and these ones are no different. We’d bet money that your friends are going to want a pair too.
With their modest frames that manage to be both square and round at the same time, the 101s are incredibly complementary on nearly all face shapes and offer a pared-back geek-chic aesthetic that we really dig.
These Chimi sunglasses have been handcrafted from black acetate and feature gradient black lenses with UV400 Protection as well as ultra-durable hinges that can withstand wear and tear.
Best for: Understated elegance with enhanced durability.
| Polarized: | No |
| Frame: | Acetate |
| Fit: | Small |
| Protection: | 100% UV (400) Protection, Lens category 3 |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Dark tint |
Tomahawk Neuralyzers: Best budget sunglasses for women
Channel your inner sought-after celeb and go undercover in Tomahawk’s matte black Neuralyzers and an oversized baseball cap for good measure. Don’t let the $35 price tag put you off. These sleek sunnies are as stealthy and sturdy as they are stylish.
The Neuralyzers are a contemporary take on the classic wayfarer style with that distinct trapezoidal shape that we all know and love. We can imagine wearing these black sunglasses pretty much everywhere, whether it’s at the beach with a gorgeous sun hat, for a city trip next to your designer work bag, or on a terrace on a summer evening, sipping cocktails.
The frames of these Tomahawk Neuralyzers are injection molded—lightweight and strong. The smoke lenses minimize blinding brightness and are also FDA-approved. They are impact-resistant, so will survive the occasional bash. And UV400 protection means your eyes have nothing to worry about.
Best for: Sleek, stealthy, and stylish.
| Polarized: | No |
| Frame: | Injection molded |
| Fit: | Medium |
| Protection: | UV400 |
| VLT% / Lens Category: | Dark tint |
Buyers guide: how to choose a pair of women’s sunglasses
When choosing a pair of women’s sunglasses, there are a number of things to consider. First up, you want to know what style is best for your particular face shape.
Different shades for different face shapes
To determine the shape of your face, have a look in the mirror. Round faces are soft and curved with a narrow forehead, jaw, and chin. Square faces are symmetrical, wider than they are long, with broad foreheads and a pronounced jawline. Oval faces are longer than they are wide with a narrow forehead and jaw. If you have a broad forehead, high cheekbones, and your face tapers to a pointy chin or small jaw, you have a heart-shaped face.
Here are the best styles for your face shape:
- Square faces – look for round sunglasses to soften your strong jaw and angles. Cat-eye sunglasses could also be a good option.
- Round faces – look for square or rectangular frames to create more definition. Butterfly-shaped sunglasses are a great choice too.
- Heart-shaped faces – cat-eye frames are ideal for you, as are aviators, both of which will soften your chin without accentuating your forehead.
Oval faces – most sunglasses will suit you. Opt for square frames if you want to highlight your angles and contours or round frames to soften. Avoid frames that are wider than the widest part of your face.
Sunglasses features
After you’ve decided on the best style for you, consider the other sunglasses features:
- Polarization – polarized lenses will reduce the glare of horizontal surfaces such as the road, water, or snow, reducing eye strain and helping you to see better.
- UV protection – look for sunglasses with 100% or UV400 protection, which is the highest level of UV protection.
- Nose pads – some sunglasses come with nose pads, offering additional comfort.
- Anti-scratch lenses – lenses with an anti-scratch coating are harder and more durable
- Material – look for long-lasting materials such as acetate, which is lightweight, hypoallergenic, and strong, or TR90, which is flexible, lightweight, and bends under pressure.
How to know if your sunglasses fit
Here are our top tips to ensure your sunglasses are the right size for your face:
- Your sunglasses shouldn’t squeeze or pinch anywhere.
- Frames should reflect the natural arch of your eyebrows but shouldn’t fall above them.
- Your eyes should sit directly at the center of the lens.
- Sunglasses that pinch your nose are a no-no. But you don’t want them to be too big either, as this can chafe and cause irritation.
- Do the arms lie parallel? You don’t want any bowing but neither do you want the sunglasses to slope forward.
- Do the sunglasses hold your ears properly? Any jiggling as you move your head is an indicator that they’re too big.
- Your eyelashes shouldn’t touch the frame or lens when you blink.
Frequently asked questions about women’s sunglasses
The best brand for sunglasses ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a show-stopping designer pair, we recommend Gucci. If you’re after something slightly more affordable, we recommend Nordgreen or Vincero. And if you’re looking for a high-quality brand that is also accessible, you can never go wrong with Randolph’s trendy sunglasses. But for all our best sunglasses brands, see Luxe Digital’s full review of the best sunglasses for women.
The best sunglasses for eye protection are polarized, mirrored or offer 100% UVA/UVB protection. Our best-polarized sunglasses for women are Randolph’s Amelias. Our best mirrored sunglasses for women are the Randolph aviators. And our best sunglass brands that offer 100% UVA/UVB protection include Vincero, Yesglasses, and Warby Parker.
Different face shapes suit different types of sunglasses. If your face is slightly rounder, we would suggest more angular shapes, oversized silhouettes, or square sunglasses that accentuate your contours, such as D-frames and cat eyes. And if you have a sharp, angular face, we would suggest sunglasses that are softer and rounder, such as aviators and ovals.
There are several sunglasses that have achieved iconic status over the years, becoming synonymous with specific styles or eras. Popularized by Tom Cruise, Ray Ban Wayfarers became the fashion sunglasses of the 1980s. Designed for pilots, aviators became an icon symbol of cool and rebellion. While Gucci’s oversized silhouettes epitomize old-school glamor.
