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:
RandolphAmelia
A gold aviator with polarized AGX lenses that ease eye strain in bright sun.
DiorDiorSignature S2U
A sharp black rectangle for anyone who wants their sunglasses to lead the look.
YesglassesSwartz
A tortoise butterfly frame you can order with your own 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 | Dior DiorSignature S2U | Best rectangular |
| 4 | Yesglasses | Best prescription |
| 5 | Ray-Ban | Best aviators |
| 6 | Randolph P3 | Best polarized |
| 7 | Saint Laurent SL 902 Howl | Best oversized |
| 8 | Axel Arigato Tonia | Best cat eye |
| 9 | Westward Leaning Moore 06 | Best D-frame |
| 10 | Celine Triomphe 01 | 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 a dedicated guide to the best sunglasses for men.
Randolph Amelia: Best overall sunglasses for women
- 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
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.
Check price: Randolph Amelia: Best overall sunglasses for women at Randolph Engineeringat Randolph Engineering · Trusted by shoppers
Gucci Square: Best luxury sunglasses for women
- Polarized
- Yes
- Frame
- Dark brown acetate
- Fit
- Regular
- Protection
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Dark tint
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.
Check price: Gucci Square: Best luxury sunglasses for women at Gucciat Gucci · Great deals every day
Dior DiorSignature S2U: Best rectangular sunglasses for women
- Frame
- Black acetate
- Fit
- 54 mm lenses
- Protection
- Category 3 lenses
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Dark tint
Rectangular frames are the sharpest shape in sunglasses right now, and Dior’s DiorSignature S2U is one of the boldest. The polished black acetate frame has strong, clean lines that define the face, and gold-toned details pick out the signature lettering on the temples.
The category 3 lenses cut glare on the brightest days, and the pair is made in Italy. If you have a rounder face, an angular frame like this one is the most flattering choice.
Best for: Sharpening up a soft silhouette.
Check price: Dior DiorSignature S2U: Best rectangular sunglasses for women at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Free returns available
Yesglasses: Best prescription sunglasses for women
- Polarized
- Yes
- Frame
- Acetate or Metal
- Fit
- Narrow, Medium and Wide
- Protection
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Light, medium and dark tints
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.
Check price: Yesglasses: Best prescription sunglasses for women at yesglassesat yesglasses · Competitive prices
Ray-Ban RB3025: Best aviators for women
- Polarized
- Yes
- Frame
- Metal
- Fit
- Medium
- Protection
- 100% UV protection
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Medium tint
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.
Check price: Ray-Ban RB3025: Best aviators for women at GlassesUSAat GlassesUSA · Fast, reliable delivery
Randolph P3: Best polarized sunglasses for women
- Polarized
- Yes
- Frame
- 23k gold
- Fit
- Regular (51 mm lenses)
- Protection
- 100% UVA/UVB Protection
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Medium tint
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 come from Randolph.
The brand’s P3 is a classic round vintage style, handcrafted in the USA and finished in 23k gold. It takes the brand’s polarized American Gray lenses, so you get luxurious rather than utilitarian style with the glare control to match.
Definitely opt for the Randolph P3 if you value premium eye protection as much as legendary style.
Best for: Quintessential American cool meets perfect clarity of vision.
Check price: Randolph P3: Best polarized sunglasses for women at Randolph Engineeringat Randolph Engineering · Secure checkout
Saint Laurent SL 902 Howl: Best women’s oversized sunglasses
- Frame
- Black acetate
- Fit
- Wide
- Protection
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Dark tint
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.
Saint Laurent’s SL 902 Howl takes the oversized look as far as it goes, with 63 mm black lenses in a black acetate frame, softly rounded corners and wide temples carrying the Saint Laurent lettering. They are made in Japan and block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Best for: Adding attitude.
Check price: Saint Laurent SL 902 Howl: Best women’s oversized sunglasses at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Express delivery
Axel Arigato Tonia: Best cat eye sunglasses for women
- Polarized
- Yes
- Frame
- Cellulose acetate
- Fit
- Regular
- Protection
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Dark tinted
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.
Check price: Axel Arigato Tonia: Best cat eye sunglasses for women at Axel Arigatoat Axel Arigato · Trusted luxury retailer
Westward Leaning Moore 06: Best women’s D-frame sunglasses
- Polarized
- Yes
- Frame
- Polished acetate
- Fit
- Wide
- Protection
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Mirror
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.
Check price: Westward Leaning Moore 06: Best women’s D-frame sunglasses at Randolph Engineeringat Randolph Engineering · Shop with confidence
Celine Triomphe 01: Best tortoiseshell women’s sunglasses
- Frame
- Havana acetate
- Fit
- 52 mm lenses
- Protection
- 100% UV protection
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Dark tint
Tortoiseshell sunglasses are an essential for many, which makes finding an elevated pair that much more difficult. Celine’s Triomphe 01 is a classic oval in havana acetate with grey lenses, finished with the gold Triomphe logo on the temples.
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. They are made in Italy, and the polished finish shows it.
Best for: Living a la dolce vita lifestyle.
Check price: Celine Triomphe 01: Best tortoiseshell women’s sunglasses at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Authentic designer pieces
Randolph Aviator: Best mirrored sunglasses for women
- Polarized
- Yes
- Frame
- 22k Chocolate Gold, 23k Gold, 22k Rose Gold
- Fit
- Regular and Large
- Protection
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Mirror
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.
Check price: Randolph Aviator: Best mirrored sunglasses for women at Randolph Engineeringat Randolph Engineering · Easy, secure ordering
Le Specs: Best round women’s sunglasses
- Polarized
- No
- Frame
- Acetane
- Fit
- Medium
- Protection
- 100% UV protection
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Smoke tint
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.
Check price: Le Specs: Best round women’s sunglasses at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Wide selection of styles
Gentle Monster: Best oval sunglasses for women
- Polarized
- No
- Frame
- Acetane
- Fit
- Large
- Protection
- 100% UV protection
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Grey tint
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.
Check price: Gentle Monster: Best oval sunglasses for women at Farfetchat Farfetch · Authenticity guaranteed
Warby Parker Aubrey: Best square sunglasses for women
- Polarized
- Yes
- Frame
- Cellulose acetate
- Fit
- Narrow and Wide
- Protection
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Dark tint
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.
Check price: Warby Parker Aubrey: Best square sunglasses for women at Warby Parkerat Warby Parker · Trusted by shoppers
Chimi: Best dark sunglasses for women
- Polarized
- No
- Frame
- Acetate
- Fit
- Small
- Protection
- 100% UV (400) Protection, Lens category 3
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Dark tint
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.
Check price: Chimi: Best dark sunglasses for women at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Great deals every day
Tomahawk Neuralyzers: Best budget sunglasses for women
- Polarized
- No
- Frame
- Injection molded
- Fit
- Medium
- Protection
- UV400
- VLT% / Lens Category
- Dark tint
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.
Check price: Tomahawk Neuralyzers: Best budget sunglasses for women at Tomahawk Shadesat Tomahawk Shades · Competitive prices
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.
For pairs matched to your face, try our sunglasses Personal Shopper.
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
Which brand is best for sunglasses?
Which sunglasses are best for eye protection?
How do I know which sunglasses suit my face?
What is the most iconic sunglasses?
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