The Best Polarized Sunglasses for Men, According to Fashion Experts
Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.
Polarized sunglasses are a cheat code. If regular specs are meant to provide you with a safe (and stylish!) way to protect your eyes, polarized sunglasses are like going from high definition to 4K.
Today's Top Deals
The best-polarized sunglasses for men aren’t just about style, they block out glare and provide a sharper and more vivid “picture” overall. A specialized chemical filter added during their manufacturing makes it easier to see without sacrificing the lenses’ protective elements.
The only downside with polarized shades is they’re more expensive, but the pros far, far outweigh the cons.
What the Experts Say
For this story, SPY spoke with fashion PR guru Michael Corrigan, model/fashion expert Leo Chan, and fashion expert Blake Scott. When it comes to buying sunglasses in general, Corrigan offered up this expert advice: “Are polarized shades for you or not? Fashion and function do not always exist in perfect harmony, but trial and error selection is the safest bet when choosing your shades.” Some polarization effects might feel strange at first, so testing in person at a local retailer may help you gauge whether splurging on new lenses makes sense.
The price range for polarized lenses ranges from under $50 to over $500 depending on the brand and build. However, most shoppers looking to invest in a pair of lenses that’ll last for year should plan to spend in the $200-$300 range.
BEST OVERALL
Persol 649 Original Polaroid Sunglasses
Buy Now
Beloved by stylish celebs like menswear GOAT Paul Newman, these polarized Persols are our top pick for their timeless, elegant look. The frame built for durability with a tacticity to it that adds substance without feeling overly heavy.
The keyhole bridge is among the most iconic design elements that instantly sets them apart from standard Wayfarers. “They feel like you are channeling vacation, even when you are walking to a work function,” Corrigan adds. “Now that is a state of mind I’d love to be in permanently; these will definitely help you with that.”
BEST VALUE
Warby Parker Alvin
Buy Now
Corrigan notes that Warby Parker has “so many amazing options” but recommends the Alvin for a polarized pick.
Similar in style to a traditional aviator frame, the Alvin comes in a striking, almost wood-like finish or a jet-black number to channel your inner movie star. The value here at under $200 for a polarized set of shades is pretty tough to beat.
BEST LOOKING
Raen Remmy Round Polarized Sunglasses
Buy Now On Amazon
Want to be the life of the party? Consider these striking angular frames from Raen. “This style feels very business up top but party on the bottom, which I love. A nice way to test out something unique without going too bold,” said Corrigan.
These have a simple yet distinctive look SPY loves, and the sub-$200 price tag is right along the mid-range for worthwhile picks in this category.
BEST DESIGNER
Prada PR A10S Polarized Sunglasses
Buy Now
Designer shades are, by nature, inherently trendier than most other frames, but what pops about these from Prada is that they’re not totally far-afield shape-wise from a traditional wayfarer.
They’re constructed with more hard angles and lines, sure, but if you squint, the outline of something familiar is there.
“I’m an avid fan of cost per wear, so I will always give the green light to an investment pair,” Corrigan adds. “You will certainly get your money’s worth. Just always aim to find ones that feel classic and versatile with your wardrobe, not ones that will make you look like a Real Housewife of Salt Lake City.”
BEST SPORT
Nike Victory Polarized Sunglasses
Buy Now
When exercising outdoors, having a pair of sunglasses that can work with you instead of against you is key. Nike’s Victory polarized sunglasses are crafted to ensure, well, victory during whatever task you’re doing.
The Victory are designed with input from competition runners, hence features like adjustability through the nose and temples to ensure the best possible fit. But you don’t need to be a competition runner to benefit from this design; Chan states that the shades are great if you’re looking “for something sporty and polarized.”
BEST BUDGET
Knockaround Premium Spor Polarized Sunglasses
Buy Now On Amazon
Listen, losing a set of shades happens. And when it does, Knockaround’s Polarized frames are here to pick up the slack and give you a budget-friendly and stylish option to pick up the slack. As Chan points out, these “won’t burn a hole in your wallet and come in fun colors that’ll set you apart.” The beach-ready hues are especially well-suited to a day out in the sun or by the beach bar when the vibes are more important than ensuring you’ve got every single essential.
MOST VERSATILE
Randolph USA Chrome Polarized Sunglasses
Buy Now On Amazon
Chan loves these aviator sunglasses from Randolph, a frame he touts as “the quintessential classic of the classics.” There’s a reason for that, of course. “It effortlessly goes with everything you put on.”
This shape reinvents a classic with more of a square outline, giving a tried-and-true new life for those interested in mixing it up. The price tag is high, but given the high-quality chrome finish shoppers can rest assured they’re getting frames built to withstand years of sunny days.
BEST SECOND PAIR
Huckberry Polarized Weekenders Sunglasses
Buy Now
It’s helpful to have multiple pairs of shades, not only in case a set goes missing but also to ensure no one pair gets worn out too quickly. The good thing about these Weekenders from Huckberry is that they’re polarized, but as Chan states, they’re “Perfect all-day everyday sunglasses and won’t break the bank.”
BEST MID-LEVEL
Roka Lockhart Polarized Sunglasses
Buy Now
For those looking to spend a little more without going designer right out of the gate, these frames from Roka are a great mid-level option. According to Scott, “Nothing says spring like a good pair of colored acetate frames,” especially the “Bourbon” hue, which does look almost identical to a glass of that beloved spirit. Scott also recommends styling these alongside a more “causal” look of a “camp collar shirt, light denim, and a canvas sneaker.”
ALSO, CONSIDER
Vallon Howlin' Polarized Frames
Buy Now
The only thing better than a good aviator is a remixed one. Scott likes these from Vallon as they’re a “nice mix of modernizing aviators,” he says. “The round edges and brown acetate give a Tom Cruise in Top Gun vibe.”
These are like if Tom Cruise’s Maverick flunked out of Top Gun because he was too busy tripping down from San Diego to Mexico to smoke some grass and have a few Coronas. They’re recognizable as a form of Avaitors but a little more relaxed and loosed up. They’re casual enough to wear with a tee but won’t look out of place with a suit, either.
More Top Deals from SPY
Best of SPY
