The 14 Best Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes From Harmful UV Rays

Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

We tested 40 pairs of sunglasses to find the best ones for all different outdoor activities

<p>Verywell Health</p>

Verywell Health

Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO

A good pair of sunglasses is harder to come by than you’d think: not only do they have to fit well and look stylish, they need to serve an actual function, too, in the form of protecting your eyes from UV light and all other outdoor elements.

Ultraviolet light from the sun can cause tremendous damage over the years to the eyes, including the eyelids, notes Brian Boxer Wachler, MD, ophthalmologist and medical reviewer at All About Vision. In addition to skin cancer, UV light can cause growths or spots on the whites of the eyes and increase the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.

Since sunglasses have to check off so many boxes—like fit, quality, appearance, and protection—and fall within your preferred budget, finding a pair that can blend style, functionality, and affordability is like finding a unicorn. To make it easier, we tested 40 pairs of sunglasses on our editors for two weeks, not only choosing our favorites but also considering who they would work best for and why. We also talked to experts to decode popular features (like polarization) and get tips for choosing the right pair for you. Finally, a doctor from our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for accuracy.

Best Men’s Overall: Raen Aren Polarized Sunglasses

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Backcountry.tnu8.net

Pros

  • Unique style and color

  • Can be unisex

  • Polarized lenses

Cons

  • A little pricey

  • Don’t unfold easily

We loved the Raen Aren Sunglasses for men’s sunglasses that are secure enough to stay in place but comfortable enough to wear all day long. With a noticeable but sophisticated style and a mid-range price for high-quality sunglasses, the Aren was an easy pick for the best overall sunglasses in our testing.

We wore them hiking, on vacation, and while biking to work, and they never once slipped out of place or pinched above the nose or ears, no matter how long we wore them. They’re clearly constructed well, too—we noticed that the hinges were strong and durable, and while the greenish-gray polarized lenses give them extra fashion points, they also protected our eyes from the sun outdoors. We recommend them for men (and women, since we thought they could pass as unisex!) who want high-performing sunglasses that also look stylish.

Price at time of publication: $175 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 53 mm | Bridge Width: 18 mm

Best Women’s Overall: Indy Nolita Polarized Sunglasses

Buy at Indysunglasses.com

Buy at Tillys.com

Pros

  • Comfortable and secure

  • Stylish cat-eye shape

  • Warm polarized lenses that reduce glare

Cons

  • One size fits all

  • Limited frame colors

We were surprised how often we reached for the Indy Nolita sunglasses in our testing—over and over, this was the pair we grabbed when heading out for a walk or drive. They were some of the most comfortable sunglasses we’ve ever worn, with wide arms that never pinched, a snug fit that never slid out of place, and warm-tinted lenses that are not only polarized but did a great job blocking sunlight and reducing glare.

While these are more exclusively for women with their slight cat-eye shape, they were so stylish we were surprised they cost less than $100; we would have paid more for these, especially considering they're stylish and durable. At just under $80, these comfortable and on-trend sunglasses are a steal.

Price at time of publication: $79 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 53 mm | Bridge Width: 21 mm

Best Men’s Budget: Knockaround Premiums Sport Sunglasses

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Anrdoezrs.net

Pros

  • Inexpensive

  • Lightweight

  • Simple, neutral appearance

Cons

  • Logo printed on the lens

  • May not last a long time

We won’t judge you if you’re looking for a budget-friendly pair of sunglasses, especially if you’re wearing the Knockaround Premiums Sport sunglasses: whether you’re hard on sunglasses or want to have multiple pairs lying around, this pair surprised us in testing with their durability and overall value.

We wore these when driving and going on long walks and had no issues with slipping, pinching, or general fit. They were lightweight but secure, and while they don’t necessarily scream “trendy” with their basic black frames and black lenses, they’re a good choice for anyone who doesn't want to draw attention to themselves with their eyewear. With their neutral style, polarized lenses, and low price point, we recommend them to anyone looking for a workhorse pair of sunglasses they can stock up on.

Price at time of publication: $26 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Polycarbonate | Lens Width: 54 mm | Bridge Width: 19 mm

Best Women's Budget: I-Sea All Aboard Polarized Sunglasses

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Malvados.com

Pros

  • Trendy, oversized appearance

  • Slim and lightweight

  • Stayed in place

Cons

  • Not as durable as other pairs

  • May need some adjusting to fit correctly

If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that will help you stand out in a crowd, we thought the I-SEA All Aboard sunglasses were one of the more flashy options we tested—and while they’re definitely not high-quality enough to be an everyday pair, their low cost makes them a great budget pick for those times when you need a truly stylish pair of lenses to go with an outfit.

We liked that these sunglasses were comfortable and mostly stayed in place, though one of our editors thought they were a little big for their face and had to adjust the arms. We also noticed they were just flimsier than some of the other pairs we tested, and that some of the finishings (like the pearlized lenses and fake gold nose bridge) were clearly made of lower quality materials that made the glasses look cheap overall. Still, these glasses had a distinct style that our testers called “retro” and “funky,” so if that’s the look you’re going for, this pair is a budget-friendly way to get it.

Price at time of publication: $28 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Metal | Lens Width: 55 mm | Bridge Width: 22 mm

Best Unisex: Persol PO3292S Sunglasses

Buy at Anrdoezrs.net

Buy at Anrdoezrs.net

Pros

  • Well-constructed frame

  • Classic but unique design

  • Luxury look and feel

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Somewhat narrow-fitting

With a unique square shape that could suit men’s or women’s faces, the Persol PO3292S sunglasses are an investment that might be totally worth it. In testing, we found these sunglasses not only perform well—reducing glare, staying in place, and going everywhere with us easily—but also have a luxurious, high-quality look and feel everyone could fall in love with.

Though there were many things about these sunglasses we loved, their overall design truly stood out: the functional, polarized lenses are paired with timeless acetate frames in multiple colors and stylish silver hinges for a look that’s clearly luxury but not ostentatious. While pricey, these sunglasses could last you a lifetime (assuming you can keep them all to yourself, which is debatable, given how good they look on anyone).

Price at time of publication: $268 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 50 mm | Bridge Width: 21 mm

Best Polarized: Féroce Heather Sunglasses

Buy at Feroceeyewear.com

Pros

  • Trendy, edgy appearance

  • Polarized lenses in different colors/tones

  • Gradient tinting for maximum visibility

Cons

  • Heavy with long hours of wear

  • Some lens colors are almost too dark

The trendy frame shape and gradient, polarized lenses of the Féroce Heather sunglasses make this pair the perfect blend of style and function. Although these lenses are darker at the top than the bottom, they still block a ton of light and reduce glare; sometimes, we thought they were maybe even a bit too dark, but the little bit of lighter tinting at the bottom helped keep your vision clear.

We also thought these were a pretty weighty pair of glasses with pros and cons: while they were clearly durable and made a statement on our faces, one of our editors thought they felt heavy after a few hours of wear. The detailing here, though, really stood out—they looked like much more expensive sunglasses and gave us edgy vibes. When you combine that with the fact that you can snag these sunglasses in a bunch of different colored frames and matching lenses, you’re getting a serious dose of style with your eye protection here.

Price at time of publication: $145 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 51 mm | Bridge Width: 18 mm

Best Prescription: Warby Parker Barkley Sunglasses

Buy at Awin1.com

Pros

  • Eco-friendly

  • Clean, timeless unisex design

  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • Less sturdy than other brands

  • Arms are a little tricky to manipulate

People who wear prescription eyeglasses need sun protection, too, and we loved the way the Warby Parker Barkley glasses fused style, comfort, and function. With a lightweight, durable construction and roomy but secure fit, we forgot we were even wearing these sunglasses; we also had no trouble adjusting them as needed. The classic design makes them unisex and wearable in nearly any environment.

We were impressed at the eco-friendliness of these glasses since the frames are made from biodegradable acetate. That was a plus for one of our editors, though we had some overall concerns about the longevity of these sunglasses since they also felt a bit cheap to us sometimes. In general, though, these are a great middle-of-the-road option for prescription sunglasses, with a starting point of less than $100 (though that can increase depending on your personal prescription needs).

Price at time of publication: from $95 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 54 mm | Bridge Width: 17 mm

Best for Running: Oakley RadarLock Path Sunglasses

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Anrdoezrs.net

Pros

  • Wide, wraparound lenses

  • Glare reduction

  • Comfortable nose pads

Cons

  • Masculine-looking

  • You’re paying partly for the Oakley name brand

Oakley sunglasses are synonymous with outdoor activities, and the Oakley RadarLock Path didn’t disappoint us on that front: their wraparound design blocked out the wind while we were biking and walking in sun, wind, and rain, plus they did a great job of reducing glare while maintaining clear visibility.

Dr. Wachler noted that the wraparound frame here is a selling point, providing extra protection against the elements that outdoor athletes should look for in sunglasses. We also had zero complaints about their durability or functionality—they felt sturdy and flexible and stayed in place throughout all our movements—and thought everything from the soft, grippy nose pads to the wide iridescent lenses made these an endlessly comfortable and functional pair of sunglasses for outdoor activity.

Price at time of publication: $222 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Nylon | Lens Width: 38 mm | Bridge Width: 131 mm

Best for Driving: Randolph USA Aviator Matte Chrome Sunglasses

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Flightsunglasses.com

Pros

  • Military grade lenses

  • Bayonet arms for easy on and off

  • Glare reduction and clear images

Cons

  • Need some adjustment for maximum comfort

  • Expensive

If you spend a lot of time driving, you need a pair of sunglasses that reduces glare but maintains a crisp, clear image for maximum visibility—and the Randolph USA Aviator Matte Chrome did exactly that in our testing, making them our best for driving pick. In both the green and blue tints we tested, these polarized lenses preserved the color of our environment well while still managing to block sunlight, which is optimal for safe driving. (These sunglasses are even appropriate for pilots and use military-grade materials for the lenses.)

On top of that, they were comfortable and extremely durable, with the classic aviator appearance; the metal frame was lightweight but sturdy and could be adjusted without feeling flimsy. We also appreciated the bayonet-style arms, which don’t curve behind the ears but maintain a straight line for easy placement and removal. However, they are pretty expensive, so they might be best reserved for people who spend a lot of their day driving versus a more casual user.

Price at time of publication: $319 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection: 100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Chrome | Lens Width: 55 mm | Bridge Width: 20 mm

Best UV Protection: Covry Merak Sunglasses

Buy at Shopcovry.com

Pros

  • Super dark lenses

  • Trendy, angular design

Cons

  • Only for people with low bridges

Boasting super dark lenses with superior light blocking, the Covry Merak sunglasses are a fashion-forward way to get 100% UV protection. Our testers found that they did an excellent job blocking sunlight and glare while driving and walking outside and liked the translucent plastic, clean design, and angular style of the frames.

One thing to note, though: these are designed for people with low bridges, so make sure they’ll fit your face correctly. Neither of the editors who wore these sunglasses had low bridges, so they had issues with the glasses fitting too tightly and awkwardly. However, both of our testers thought that these would be a worthwhile pair for people with low bridges that blends style with affordability and function.

Price at time of publication: $125 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: No | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 51 mm | Bridge Width: 19 mm

Best for Sports: Ombraz Classic Polarized Sunglasses

Buy at Lensandframe.co

Buy at Ombraz.com

Pros

  • Armless for adjustable fit

  • Durable throughout all types of activity

  • Unisex

Cons

  • Lenses get dirty quickly

  • Distinct style that’s not for everyone

We wore the armless Ombraz Classics Polarized sunglasses while doing pretty much every major outdoor activity—hiking, backpacking, running, paddleboarding, swimming—and they didn’t disappoint us once, so we can’t think of a single pair of sunglasses we would recommend more highly than these for sports enthusiasts. That armless design (the glasses tighten with a durable cord around the back of your head) means they can be tightened as needed, depending on your activity level, and there’s one less breakable piece to worry about no matter how extreme your sports.

On top of flexibility, we loved the comfort and fit of these glasses; they didn’t cause any long-term fatigue with wear, and even though they felt mostly weightless when fitted correctly, they never slid out of place. They’re definitely different in appearance and style, but the polarized, UV-protecting lenses do a great job blocking sunlight and reducing glare in all types of weather, further cementing them as a top choice for anyone who spends their downtime being active outdoors.

Price at time of publication: $160 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 53 mm | Bridge Width: 21 mm

Best for Hiking: Smith Caper Sunglasses with Chromapop

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Backcountry.tnu8.net

Pros

  • Color-enhancing lenses

  • Sturdy and not prone to damage

  • Reduces glare and eye strain

Cons

  • Somewhat narrow-fitting

Even though the Smith Caper Sunglasses with Chromapop aren’t specifically made for hiking, our editor has worn them on the trail—and the river for kayaking and the road while driving!—and found them to hold up extremely well to the elements, including sun, snow, and sweat. No matter what type of activity our tester was doing, these sunglasses stayed put and were comfortable on the nose and ears.

Moreover, the Caper sunglasses were subjected to a fair amount of abuse in their travels and never showed any signs of damage (yes, you can throw them in your pack without a second thought). They reduced the glare from snow and cut way down on eye strain. Finally, the Chromapop feature of the lenses, which is designed to enhance natural colors, truly does work—our editor said the world looks more vivid and beautiful behind the lenses, which should make any hiking aficionado happy about hitting the trail with them on their face.

Price at time of publication: from $189 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Polymer | Lens Width: 53 mm | Bridge Width: 19 mm

Best for Travel: Persol PO0714 Folding Sunglasses

Buy at Anrdoezrs.net

Buy at Anrdoezrs.net

Pros

  • Fold down into palm-size

  • Block sunlight well

  • Maintain a stylish appearance

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Annoying to unfold and lock in place

If you’re an avid traveler, it’s nice to have a pair of sunglasses that can hold up to being tossed in a carry-on, but it’s even better to have a pair that takes up less space than the average eyewear. We liked how neatly and compactly the Persol 714 Foldable sunglasses closed up, fitting into a tiny palm-sized case.

“It's super pocketable,” says Derek Lin, OD, optometrist at Park Slope Eye in Brooklyn, New York, “[so] maybe someone who's a minimalist traveling out of a backpack, [wanting] to keep everything light and packable…would benefit from that.”

In testing, we did think the Persol foldable was a slightly better idea in theory than in practice; they were a little large for us, and several hinges for folding also made unfolding them a bit tricky. After a while, we also noticed some pressure on our ears and nose. But they did a good job blocking out sunlight, and we were impressed by just how small they became when folded down for travel. Technically, we’re not convinced they’re worth their nearly-$400 cost—it seems like you’re paying for the novelty of folding sunglasses more than anything else—but they do what they’re designed to do, so if space-saving is important to you, these glasses hit the mark.

Price at time of publication: $395 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 54 mm | Bridge Width: 21 mm

Best for the Beach: Maui Jim Capri Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Anrdoezrs.net

Pros

  • Subtly stylish cat-eye shape

  • Blocks sunlight but maintains clear image

  • Durable for travel

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Somewhat narrow-fitting

No, you don’t need any special eyewear to hit the beach this summer, but you might want to wear the Maui Jim Capri Polarized Sunglasses, thanks to their stylish and functional appearance. These cool, leisurely sunglasses are sturdier than they need for lounging on the sand (so if you accidentally sit on them after you’ve cooled off in the ocean, they should hold up just fine). They were comfortable with all-day wear, featuring the perfect degree of sun-blocking tint to allow for glare reduction and clear vision.

We’ll be honest: these are expensive sunglasses, and part of what you’re paying for is the Maui Jim name. That said, they have a subtle cat-eye shape that makes them ultra-stylish, they’re chic but casual, and the UV protection and polarization perform as expected. They run a bit narrow, but the Capris are a must-have summer accessory for beach bums with smaller faces and a cool, effortless style.

Price at time of publication: $349 

Key Specs: 
Lens Protection:
100% UVA/UVB | Polarized: Yes | Frame Material: Acetate | Lens Width: 51 mm | Bridge Width: 21 mm






How We Rated Sunglasses

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best sunglasses we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These sunglasses are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great sunglasses, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These sunglasses are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend sunglasses with this rating; you won't find any on our list.





We Also Tested

  • Maui Jim Cruzem: These sunglasses stayed put through various activities, but they seemed a bit too small for larger heads and didn’t have any outstanding qualities that merit their nearly-$300 price tag.

  • Illesteva Wilson Sunglasses: We didn’t like these significantly better than some other brands (and one editor found them to be a little too snug for comfort), even though they were stylish and come in various colors.

  • Costa del Mar Fantail Pro: While we liked the sharpness of the lenses thanks to the polarization, we weren’t thrilled with how these sunglasses fit around the ears—they were either too tight or too loose, and they weren’t comfortable with long wear.

  • Krewe St. Louis Classics: This is a lightweight yet sturdy option, but we don’t think they’re worth the cost: the lenses are too small and lightly tinted to provide enough protection, especially since they aren’t polarized, either.

How We Tested Sunglasses

To evaluate the overall fit, quality, appearance, performance, and value of each pair of sunglasses, our editors wore them during their normal outdoor activities for two weeks (at least seven times). We assessed how we thought they looked on our faces, how comfortable they felt on our noses and ears, as well as how securely they stayed put as we moved around; we considered how well they blocked light and glare and if they were designed for a specific activity, such as running, how well they performed during that activity.

We also tested their polarization properties, when appropriate, and ultimately judged whether the sunglasses were worth their listed price based on the combination of their quality and their features.

We also asked three eye experts to weigh in with advice on picking the best lens for your needs and what feature you absolutely can’t skip (spoiler alert: it’s UV protection!):

  • Saya Nagori, MD, ophthalmologist, glaucoma specialist, and chief medical officer at Eye Facts, Inc.

  • Brian Boxer Wachler, MD, ophthalmologist and medical reviewer at All About Vision

  • Derek Lin, OD, optometrist at Park Slope Eye in Brooklyn, New York

What to Look for in Sunglasses

It’s easy to pop on a pair of sunglasses while standing in line at the pharmacy and walk out with a cheap, trendy new look. Still, if you’re planning to wear sunglasses more often than not, you should consider investing in a pair that’s not only high-quality but protective against whatever elements you might expose it to, whether that’s everyday UV light, a sandy beach, a mountain trail, or even just the bottom of your travel carry-on bag.

Most people don’t need sunglasses that can do everything, but your sunglasses should suit your lifestyle (and your budget). Here are the most important things to consider when shopping.

UV Protection

Every expert we spoke to emphasized the need to protect your eyes from UV light, so if your sunglasses have no other benefits, they should at least include UV protection. You can make sure yours do by checking the label first; according to Saya Nagori, MD, ophthalmologist, glaucoma specialist, and chief medical officer at Eye Facts, Inc., if your sunglasses say “UV400” or “100% protection against UVA and UVB rays,” you can be reasonably confident you’ll get proper UV protection.

However, some people still have concerns—and some sunglasses aren’t as clearly labeled as others. If you’re worried, Dr. Nagori says you can take your sunglasses to an optical shop, where they can be tested with a photometer; it takes 30 seconds, and many shops will do this free of charge.

If you can’t get to an optical shop, there are ways you can check the UV protection of your lenses at home, too. Don’t assume that just because your lenses are dark, they automatically provide UV protection, says Dr. Lin: “The best test is to go to a mirror [in normal lighting] and put on your sunglasses; if you can see your eyeballs through that, [they’re] too light and you definitely need something darker.”

Dr. Nagori suggests performing a similar test or even getting your hands on a cheap blacklight—if your sunglasses glow under that, she explains, they’re not blocking UV rays.

Polarization

One feature noted frequently on high-quality lenses is polarization, but many people don’t know what this actually refers to. According to Derek Lin, OD, optometrist at Park Slope Eye in Brooklyn, New York, polarization means that all the horizontal rays coming off a surface—pavement, a snow bank, or water—are filtered out.

“[Polarization] really is helpful for drivers, skiers, fishermen,” says Dr. Lin. “They're in very high-glare environments where the amount of light they're getting is a very high-intensity amount, and being able to filter through all that noise actually gives you a better picture.”

That said, Dr. Lin notes that the average person can benefit from polarized lenses, too, so if you’re willing to spend a little extra money on a nice pair of sunglasses to wear for years, polarized lenses are a good investment.

Intended Use

If you’re looking for sunglasses to toss on when you’re in the backyard or driving to the grocery store, you probably don’t need anything fancy. But if you spend hours outside in an outdoor job or doing an outdoor sport or hobby, it’s worth considering if your sunglasses can perform at a higher level.

  • Everyday use: Anything with UV protection is fine.

  • High-glare environments, like skiing or fishing: You need UV protection and polarization for optimal clarity of vision.

  • Outdoor athletes: Consider wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection and polarization. For example, if you’re a cyclist or avid hiker, Dr. Lin says wrap-around sunglasses can not only closely hug your face and limit the amount of UV light that sneaks in, but can also protect your eyes against wind.

Fit and Sizing

Your sunglasses can’t protect your eyes fully if they don’t fit well on your face. If you’ve never worn glasses before, it can be hard to find the right size, but higher-quality glasses often include measurements inside the frame for reference (for lens width, bridge width, and temple length). Once you find a pair that fits well, note those measurements; you can refer back to them online or in-person shopping for sunglasses.

Speaking of online shopping, Dr. Wachler says most people can get away with virtual try-ons since most people have standard-sized faces, but if you know your face is larger or smaller than average, it might be worth trying pairs on in an actual store. If you’re more comfortable shopping online, make sure you know the return policy for a company before purchasing in case they don’t fit, and you need to return or exchange them.

Here are some ways to know your glasses fit properly on your face:

  • They sit high on the bridge of your nose but not so high they touch your eyebrows.

  • They don’t slide around when you move your head from side to side or up and down.

  • They don’t pinch the bridge of your nose or your temples.

  • They don’t cause discomfort around your ears.

  • The center of your eyes should generally sit within the center of the lenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sunglasses do opticians recommend?

No one type of sunglasses will work best for everyone; it’s a very individualized decision that should consider your personal style and face shape, intended use, and overall comfort. However, our experts strongly recommend sunglasses with UV protection, regardless of your lifestyle.

What is the most protective sunglass lens?

Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB blocking properties are the most protection lenses you can buy. These are also sometimes sold as UV400 lenses.

Fortunately, says Dr. Wacher, in the United States, it’s the law that sunglasses made here must have a high degree of UV protection: “That means that even a very inexpensive pair you buy at a gas station will have the same UV protection as an expensive pair in the department store,” he explains.

Are expensive sunglasses really better than cheaper alternatives?

It depends on the features you’re looking for. If a cheap pair of sunglasses is truly UV400, a more expensive pair won’t give you more UV protection. But there are plenty of other ways that luxury sunglasses can stand out from cheaper ones. Dr. Nagori says premium brands are usually better thanks to higher quality designs, longer-lasting durability, comfortable fit and feel, and overall craftsmanship if your budget allows for it.

“Cheaper versions have to cut costs in order to make a profit, and more often than not the quality suffers,” she says, adding that the lens quality is where the most cost can be reduced. “Non polarized lenses and [lower] UV protection make them a lot cheaper [while] the lenses themselves will often be made from acrylic or polycarbonate [versus] premium materials like high-index plastic, trivex (polycarbonate’s bigger, better brother), and glass.”

What’s the best way to clean sunglasses?

Rinse your sunglasses under warm water, add a tiny drop of dish soap to your fingers, gently rub the lenses and frames until clean, then rinse again under warm water. To dry, gently wipe with a lint-free cloth (like microfiber).

Why Trust Verywell Health

Sarah Bradley has been a freelance writer since 2017, tackling health commerce articles, product reviews, and shopping guides on everything from dry skin moisturizers and wart removers to menstrual cups and toothbrushes for braces. She has also worn prescription glasses since the fourth grade, so she knows how important it is to find a pair that looks great, keeps your eyes healthy, and fits so well you forget you’re even wearing them.