Aside from protecting your eyes from the harm inflicted by the sun, sunglasses – along with jewellery – are a significant accessory for any man. They say a lot more about you than you think, as sunglasses reflect your style, your personality, whether you’re trendy or timeless, your hobbies, and even your income.
Don’t panic though; we’ve got you covered. When it comes to men’s sunglasses, these are the most important things to consider: you want to invest in a high-quality pair that will both suit your face shape (if you’re unsure of your face shape or what sunglasses will suit you; read this before purchasing a new pair), and keep your eyes safe with UV protection.
There are some foolproof styles that have been around for decades, such as the Aviator and Wayfarer styles, made famous by Ray-Ban. However, recent trends have seen men favouring thick-framed sunglasses and pairs in more unusual colours. How long this trend will last remains to be seen.
Best sunglasses for men FAQs
When were sunglasses invented?
The term sunglasses was first used in 1929 when Sam Foster (founder of Foster Grant) launched a pair of sunglasses made from celluloid. However, spectacles and other instruments used to block the sun's rays have been used since prehistoric times.
How do you fix scratched sunglasses?
It can be quite tricky to fix scratched sunglasses lenses, so your best bet is to just have the lenses replaced.
Which sunglasses have the best lenses?
What can be considered to be the 'best lenses' will likely come down to personal preference. However, brands that offer polarised lenses are said to be the best quality because they're able to block a larger proportion of sun rays, significantly reducing glare and potential damage to your eyes.
You May Also Like:
So, if you feel it’s time to upgrade your sunglasses, these are the brands you should be paying attention to, as they make some of the best and most stylish pairs around.
Ray Ban
1/20Price: From $140
Customer Reviews: “They are incredibly light for a pair of smart glasses, weighing only 49 grams.”
The definition of timelessness, Ray-Ban is THE sunglasses brand for men. Founded in 1937, the brand is famous for its iconic Wayfarer and Aviator designs. Almost anyone and everyone of note have been seen in Ray-Ban sunnies including style icons like John F Kennedy, Jude Law, and Don Draper.
The great thing is, Ray-Ban has been in style for so many decades, it’s pretty unlikely they’re going out of style anytime soon. If you’re looking for something timeless or trying to channel your inner Maverick, a pair of Ray-Ban men’s sunglasses is a risk-free investment.
Thom Browne
2/20Price: From $235
Customer Reviews: “These last give Sunglasses Thom Browne a quality of finish, a comfort and a remarkable resistance.”
New York designer Thom Browne operates in a world of anti-establishment. Their philosophy of encouraging men to dress up not down is extremely evident in their range of stylish sunglasses. A cool mixture of timeless shapes with modern designs. Thom Browne’s sunglasses for men are unique and are sure to make you stand out from the crowd.
Saint Laurent
3/20Price: From $270
Customer Reviews: “Absolutely love these sunglasses. Classic and they go with everything. Super comfortable to wear.”
A brand that needs no introduction; Saint Laurent is famous for its sleek, French designs that will stand the test of time.
From aviators to round frames, you’ll find a mix of styles of sunglasses for men that range from the understated to the unexpected. If you’re looking for something effortlessly cool, Saint Laurent is the way to go.
Persol
4/20Made famous by Steve McQueen, Persol has had a strong presence in the men’s sunglasses game for the last few years; but the brand’s heritage actually goes back as far as 1917, when it made shades for military pilots and race car drivers. Find everything from round to square to oval frames in Persol’s oh-so cool collections.
Oliver Peoples
5/20Price: From $262
Customer Reviews: “Can’t beat them, solid feel and construction, and they fit perfectly.”
Founded in 1987, Oliver Peoples draws inspiration from the unique culture of fashion, film, art, and music of Los Angeles. Designed in LA and made in Italy and Japan, Oliver Peoples combines cutting edge designs with impeccable craftsmanship. The company has a great range of timeless sunglasses for men that come in a great range of styles and colours.
Garrett Leight
6/20Price: From $200
Customer Reviews: “Sunnies are one of my faves! The lens color is is perfect shade for day to night and they are so lightweight.”
Founded in 2010, Garrett Leight combines the finest craftsmanship with enduring designs when creating their sunglasses. The brand’s sunglasses for men have a hyper-California aesthetic and come in incredibly cool and contemporary styles and colours. If you’re after impeccably well-made sunnies that’ll give your eyes UV protection in style, Garrett Leight is definitely worth checking out.
Cartier
7/20Price: From $343
Customer Reviews: “It’s beautifully and elegantly designed.”
Since 1847, Cartier has set the standard for top-notch workmanship and today is one of the best luxury fashion houses in the world. The Parisian brand, renowned for its fine jewellery, also creates sophisticated sunglasses for men that are full of character and charm. Each pair of Cartier’s sunglasses are inspired by vintage designs and are handcrafted in France for impeccable quality and an overall bespoke feel.
Illesteva
8/20Price: From $195
Customer Reviews: “These sunglasses are so chic and would most likely look great on any face shape. I love the tortoise frames as well, very versatile colors.”
Illesteva, launched in 2010, has one goal: to create well-made and stylish men’s sunglasses that are, above all else, affordable. Illesteva sunglasses are all designed in New York, and then are handmade in either Italy or France with only the highest grade of materials. With a huge range of styles available that are cool and durable, Illesteva is a sunglasses brand that deserves your attention.
Mykita
9/20Price: From $254
Customer Reviews: “Mykita is a good brand. The quality of MYKITA glasses is higher compared to the mainstream brands.”
Taking an alternative approach on sunglasses, the cutting-edge brand, Mykita creates sunglasses for men looking to make a statement. Fusing functionality with unconventional designs, all of Mykita’s collections are carefully constructed by hand and are built to an extremely high quality in a clinical German factory. We’ll admit, they’re not exactly what you would call ‘cheap’, but when you get impeccable craftsmanship and unique designs in return, we think they’re worth every cent.
Dita
10/20Price: From $345
Customer Reviews: “These sunglasses are beautiful and the craftsmanship is top notch. Lots of positive compliments on it!”
Founded in 1995, Dita has become renowned for their sunglasses range which features sharp sartorial designs that fuse traditional and modern aesthetics together. Dita’s sunglasses for men are also impeccably well-crafted; each pair undergoes an arduous manufacturing process that can take up to eight months at the hands of master artisans. If it’s sophistication and quality you’re after, Dita sunglasses are for you.
RETROSUPERFUTURE
11/20Price: From $179
Customer Reviews: “The design hits a sweet spot between retro and modern, which means that they’re perfectly cool.”
Launched in 2007, sunglasses brand RETROSUPERFUTURE has become renowned for their distinctive mix of eclectic aesthetics and beyond exceptional manufacturing quality. All of their sunglasses for men are handmade in Italy using the finest materials and feature some seriously experimental but cool designs. Constantly reinventing the way in which sunglasses should be designed, manufactured, styled, and ultimately worn, RETROSUPERFUTURE sunnies are for bold, confident gentlemen wanting something genuinely chic.
Gucci
12/20Price: From $285
Customer Reviews: “Gucci glasses in general have a certain prestige due to the label. The quality of workmanship is very good.”
The famous Italian luxury fashion house produces refined sunglasses for men to complement their iconic clothing. Combining both traditional and modern aesthetics, Gucci is at the forefront of sunglasses design and has graced the face of many icons of the modern era. If you’re after sunglasses that’ll cement your status as a fashion king, Gucci is the brand for you.
Eyevan
13/20Eyevan is known for being Japan’s first fashion eyewear brand. Inspired by the tranquil Japanese lifestyle, Eyevan’s frames are slim, clean-cut, and minimalistic. Eyevan aims to make sunglasses for men that complement your face and uses both cutting-edge techniques and traditional craftsmanship to produce their well-made and durable sunglasses for men.
Monokel
14/20Price: From $129
Customer Reviews: “It’s one of those frames you can’t go wrong with, it’s got a bit of everything making one fully-functioning eyewear champion.”
Monokel eyewear is built around producing sustainable, unisex designs. Believe it or not their frames are primarily made out of a plant-based acetate with recycled acetate used when and where necessary. These simple and functional sunglasses for men will keep you looking great whilst also saving the planet.
Linda Farrow
15/20Price: From $165
Customer Reviews: “They are made from extremely good quality.”
Linda Farrow is at the forefront of sunglasses fashion. All of those sunglasses you see on the noses of Instagram-famous influencers at Coachella are probably either a pair of Linda Farrow’s or a rip off of the same design. Whether you’re heading to a festival or not, Linda Farrow has some great, striking sunglasses for men. Just make sure you’re ok with making a statement, a bold one.
Karen Walker
16/20Price: From $519
Customer Reviews: “Just Amazing! Was debating between these and the SuperRetro glasses but decided on these and glad I did! They are so comfortable, they look great and feel great.”
Designed in New Zealand, Karen Walker produces designs like no one else. Their sunglasses for men are unique and don’t copy designs from other brands, which is extremely refreshing as the sunglasses industry is notorious for copy-and-pasted designs just with different logos. Extremely elegant yet eccentric is the only way to describe Karen Walker’s fabulous sunglasses.
Celine
17/20Price: From $189
Customer Reviews: “Perfect fit for my son he loves them.”
Celine is possibly one of the most famous names in sunglasses. Famous designers such as Michael Kors and Phoebe Philo have had stints at the Paris design house, which produces some of the best looking sunglasses for men that have ever been produced. Famous for their bold, elegant designs, Celine is a safe go-to for the more fashionable man.
Cutler and Gross
18/20Price: From $460
Customer Reviews: “Well, these sunglasses truly feel like luxury to the touch and the eyes.”
For more than 40 years, Cutler & gross have been bringing flair to the sunglasses game. A love of colour and the influence of classic Twentieth Century frames are trademarks of the label which is based in London. If you’re after minimalistic men’s sunglasses that’ll give you an effortlessly polished look, Cutler & Gross is the sunglasses brand for you.
Tom Ford
19/20Price: From $160
Customer Reviews: “Excellent in every category, most notably in customer service and processing/shipping speed.”
Tom Ford, a name synonymous with bold, refined pieces. Their often chunky and stylish sunglasses have become a style icon over the past few years, having literal royalty, Meghan Markle, as well as James Bond himself owning a pair. The small ‘T’ logo that wraps around the arms of the glasses to the front of the frame leaves no one wondering what brand your sunnies might be; a subtle flex if you will. Quite frankly, if they’re good enough for Bond they’re probably good enough for you.
Jacques Marie Mage
20/20Price: From $750
Customer Reviews: “Superb quality/ outstanding materials and many are edgy chunky funky retro feel which I love! Truly the Bentley of eyewear- the best materials.”
Founded by Jerome Mage in Hollywood, California, this sunglasses brand exudes premium and luxury. Every pair of Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses undergoes a rigorous production process before they even reach the Los Angeles-based facility where a 20-step process is carried out to ensure every minute detail and measurement is of the highest standard. You’re sure to make a sophisticated statement when sporting a pair of colourful Jacques Marie Mage men’s sunglasses.
