Other than simply 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, reflecting your style, your personality, whether you’re trendy or timeless, your hobbies, and even your income. Whatever you’re trying to (or not trying to) say about yourself with your sunglasses, it’s important to invest in a quality pair that will suit your face shape, keep your eyes safe and help you look cool under bright lights.
Take your time when choosing a pair of sunglasses, they’ve been known to make or break a man, and pulling them off correctly could land you your own little slice of Steve McQueen cool. Here is our selection of the slickest sunglasses brands for men. And if these are slightly out of your budget then be sure to check out our cheap men’s sunglasses which are just as cool.
Tom Ford
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.
Thom Browne
New York designer Thom Browne operates in a world of anti-establishment. Their philosophy of encouraging men to dress up not down is also evident in their sunglasses. A cool mixture of timeless shapes with modern designs, Thom Browne sunglasses’ are something unique that you won’t find anywhere else.
Saint Laurent
A name that needs no introduction. Saint Laurent is famous for their sleek, French designs that will stand the test of time. If you’re looking for some ‘of the moment’ out these stuff, these won’t be the sunglasses for you. Instead if you’re looking for something effortlessly cool, these might be the glasses for you.
Ray-Ban
The definition of timelessness, Ray Ban is THE sunglasses brand. Founded in 1937, the brand is famous for their iconic Wayfarer and Aviator designs. Almost anyone and everyone of note has been seen in Ray Bans 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 Bans is most definitely a worthy investment.
Persol
Made famous by Steve McQueen, Persol has had a strong presence in the sunglasses game in the last few years. Their iconic 714 frame is not only the coolest of cool but also folds up to be a practical item for travel, to keep you cool wherever you end up. A pair of Persols might be your ticket to channeling your inner Steve McQueen, wherever that ends up is up to you.
Oliver Peoples
Founded in 1987, Oliver Peoples can almost be considered a newcomer to the sunglasses game. Designed in Los Angeles and made in Italy and Japan, Oliver Peoples combines cutting edge designs with impeccable build quality. Oliver Peoples has a great range of both timeless and ‘of the moment’ pieces to suit all tastes.
Moscot
This New York designer has been under the control of the same family for five generations, safe to say they know a thing or two about sunglasses. Their vintage inspired designs are sure to stand the test of time.
Garrett Leight
Founded in 2011, this young gun is reviving the styles and build qualities of a time gone era. Garrett Leight California Optical Accessories combines the finest craftsmanship with enduring designs.
Cartier
Since 1847, Cartier has set the standard for top-notch workmanship. The Parisian design house uses similar methods and techniques to build their sunglasses as they do for their watches. Their sophisticated designs are a status symbol and coveted by many and a handcrafted frame adds an extra aspect of luxuriousness to this already illustrious brand.
Illesteva
Handmade in Italy, Illesteva creates high quality sunglasses with an air of New York cool that reflects the big city where they were designed.The best part, they aren’t going to cost you an arm and a leg.
Mykita
Taking an alternative perspective on sunglasses, the Berlin designed sunglasses from Mykita are for those looking to make a statement with their eyewear. Rest assured, these sunnies are also built to an extremely high quality in a clinical German factory.
Dita
Looking for sunglasses larger than life? Almost all of Dita’s sunglasses features their signature big size. To really pull of the look these glasses have to offer, you’ll need an equally large head.
SUPER by RETROSUPERFUTURE
If you’re a fan of Ray Bans but would like something a little less traditional, SUPER by RETROSUPERFUTURE might be your solution. Their frames emulate some iconic shapes but add they add their own twists in the shape of changes to the frame or use of of exciting materials.
Belstaff
More famous for their traditional English clothing are Belstaff, you should not be surprised to hear they make some killer sunglasses. With a range of different shapes and materials, you’re bound to find a pair of sunglasses to suit your tastes.
Gucci
The famous Italian design house produces great sunglasses to complement their iconic clothing. Combining both traditional and modern aesthetics, Gucci is at the forefront of sunglass design and has graced the face of many icons of the modern era. Our advice, steer clear of Gucci’s more out there designs as they’re unlikely to stand the test of time.
Eyevan
Eyevan 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. They aim to complement your face as opposed to some other sunglasses which are a huge statement in and of themselves.
Monokel
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 will keep you looking great whilst also saving the planet.
Linda Farrow
Linda Farrow is at the forefront of sunglass fashion. All of those sunglasses you see of the noses of Instagram famous bloggers 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, they have some great, bold sunglasses. Just make sure you’re ok with making a statement, a bold one.
Karen Walker
Designed in New Zealand, Karen Walker produces designs like no one else. Their sunglasses are unique and don’t copy design cues of anyone else, refreshing, especially in a industry where everyone copy-pastes the same designs with different logos.
Celine
Celine is possibly one of the most famous names in sunglasses. Designers Michael Kors, Phoebe Philo have had stints at the Paris design house producing some of the best looking sunglasses known to man. Famous for their bold, black designs, Celine is a safe go to for the more fashionable man.
Cutler and Gross
Founded by one Mr Cutler and one Mr Gross, for more than 40 years the pair have been bringing flair the to glasses game. Their paired back, logo free, often minimalist look lets these quality glasses do the talking.
Jacques Marie Mage
Founded by Jerome Mage in Hollywood, California, this sunglasses brand exudes premium and luxury. Every pair of sunglasses undergoes a rigorous production process, that includes some 100 pairs of hands 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.
