The Best Sunglasses for Men of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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From budget buys to stylish splurges, here’s our choice of top travel shades
TripSavvy / Taylor Fox
Nothing can make a perfect, sunny day more annoying than wearing a pair of poorly designed sunglasses—the kind that don’t provide the shade you want; that pinch and cause pain over hours of use; and that don’t stay put, perpetually sliding down your nose or falling off while running or cycling. To help you avoid these inconveniences, our team of travel experts subjected 17 pairs of sunglasses to rigorous testing, looking specifically at the overall design, the craftsmanship and quality of materials, the fit, style, and overall value.
Each pair was tested in the field, while performing everyday activities like driving and walking, as well as more specialist sports to judge how well the sunglasses handled rigorous movement or sweaty conditions. Some—like the Raen Aren, our top pick—excelled at all things, while others cater to the specific needs of anglers, cyclists, runners, hikers, the style-conscious, and those on a budget. Whatever category you fall into, these are the best men's sunglasses for 2023.
Best Overall: Raen Aren Polarized Sunglasses
What We Like
Subtle style
Ample sun protection
Durable construction
Not ideally sized for larger heads
Designed with a slight ‘90s aesthetic, the Aren sunglasses from Raen won praise from our testers for their all-day comfort, durable construction, and overall look. The slightly angular frame is ideally sized for medium heads, and we appreciated that five-barrel hinges allow arms lock into place, whether folded or extended. This assures that they stay in place and won’t slip, even while cycling.
The polarized lenses, manufactured by Carl Zeiss Vision, come in either green or blue smoke, which provides the perfect degree of shading in bright conditions without sacrificing vision in lower-light situations. A choice of three frame colors—honey, champagne crystal, and clear—make it easy to find the right pair of sunglasses to match your personal style. The Arens come with a hard carrying case and a polishing cloth.
Price at time of publication: $105
Sizes: Medium | UVA/UVB Protection: 100 percent | Polarized: Yes
TripSavvy / Taylor Fox
Best Overall, Runner-Up: Ombraz Classics Polarized Sunglasses
What We Like
Armless design for a customized fit
Zero pinching or ear fatigue
Ample sun protection
What We Don't Like
Cord is prone to collecting sunscreen
Take one look at the Ombraz Classics and their key characteristic is apparent—they’re armless. Instead of using the traditional design, the shades employ a marine-grade cord made of 100 percent recycled Japanese nylon that lets you adjust the fit to match the conditions. We have been using them for two years, and love how you can tighten the fit during high-octane activities or loosen them for a more mellow outing. You can even wear them as a necklace when transitioning from low-light to sunny conditions.
The lack of arms solves two other common issues with traditional sunglasses: you never have to worry about pinching at the ears, and the possibility of breaking an arm or hinge is eliminated. The included carrying case doubles as a lens cloth. The tint (which comes in three grades) and polarization shields you from bright sun and helps you see past the water line—a great detail for fishing, hiking, and trail running.
Price at time of publication: $160
Sizes: Regular, narrow | UVA/UVB Protection: 100 percent | Polarized: Yes
TripSavvy / John Somerall
Best Budget: Knockaround Fort Knocks Polarized Sunglasses
What We Like
Affordable polarization
Optimal sun protection
Reliable fit
What We Don’t Like
Some may find the logo on the temple distracting
Crafted from a lightweight polycarbonate material, the inexpensive Premium Sport sunglasses from Knockaround are designed to provide all-day comfort without breaking the bank. Nose pads help the shades to stay in place while exercising, while the arms lock into place for easy one-handed on and off. The classic design is refreshingly subtle, which we loved. Choose from a variety of frame and lens colors to tailor your sunglasses to your personal aesthetic.
Price at time of publication: $35
Sizes: Medium | Polarized: Yes
TripSavvy / Maria Bouselli
Best Budget, Runner-Up: Huckberry Weekenders Sunglasses
What We Like
Premium polarized lenses eliminate glare
Impressive clarity
Durable construction
What We Don't Like
Traditional design is not particularly fashion forward
Designed as a modern update of the classic Wayfarer frame, the Huckberry Weekenders provide polarized protection from the sun with enhanced clarity and color contrast. We particularly liked the added protection and durability afforded by having temple guards on the outside of the hinges. Lightweight yet sturdy, the Weekenders are ideal for casual use, with a compact design that’s very travel-friendly.
Price at time of publication: $39
Sizes: Medium | UVA/UVB Protection: 100 percent | Polarized: Yes
TripSavvy / Elise Wojczyk Wang
Best Value: Tifosi Swank Sunglasses
What We Like
Scratch-resistant, shatterproof lenses
Secure, sport-appropriate fit
Wide range of frame and lens colors
What We Don't Like
Fit may be tight for larger heads
The Tifosi Swank sunglasses stand out for offering high-end features at a low-end cost. Despite certain styles retailing for roughly a quarter of the price of our overall winner, you can expect polarized, polycarbonate, scratch-resistant, and shatterproof lenses that reduce glare to protect against eye strain.
The lightweight, durable nylon frame features anti-bounce, textured arms that improve fit and reduce fatigue, while the hydrophilic rubber nose pads increase their grip as you sweat to prevent slipping. Together, these features make the sunglasses suitable for both active and casual use. We loved the secure fit and found these shades comfortable even after extended wear. Choose from a wide array of frame and lens colors, including everything from bold pink and electric green to satin black.
Price at time of publication: $25
Sizes: Medium | UVA/UVB Protection: 100 percent | Polarized: Yes
TripSavvy / Elise Wojczyk Wang
Best Prescription: Warby Parker Barkley Sunglasses
What We Like
Four frame widths for a customized fit
Wide choice of lens materials and colors
Virtual try-on available
What We Don't Like
Materials feel cheaper than expected
With lightweight, hand-polished cellulose acetate frames, the stylish Barkley sunglasses from Warby Parker offer barely-there comfort., Their prescription lenses are made from impact-resistant polycarbonate that provides ample shelter from the sun and blocks all UV rays.
The Barkley also offers an astonishing level of customization compared to off-the-shelf prescription options, including four prescription types, five lens colors, a choice of two lens materials, and four different frame sizes. We loved the “virtual” try-on experience on the brand’s website. You can also have up to five frames shipped to you for free, giving you the freedom to work out what fits—and looks—best in the comfort of your own home.
Price at time of publication: From $95
Sizes: Narrow, medium, wide, extra wide | Polarized: Yes
TripSavvy / Rob Lefebvre
Best for Running and Cycling: Oakley RadarLock Path Sunglasses
What We Like
Larger-than-average lens
Wraparound protection
Customizable lens color and tint
What We Don't Like
They’re a bit pricey
Oakley executed decades of research with top athletes to inform the design and features of the RadarLock Path sunglasses, and it shows. The low-bridge frame is made from lightweight O Matter material, and the earsocks and nose pads are designed to provide comfort and grip in sweaty conditions. The polarized lenses are taller than average, which improves visibility and protection at multiple angles (a good feature for cycling), while the upper peripheral region has also been extended to help block out the wind.
Built with sport in mind, these shades will resonate with anyone who likes to push the limit and work up a sweat while never having to compromise their vision. We also appreciated that with a choice of 22 different lens and frame color combos, it’s easy to find the optimal tint for your specific activity.
Price at time of publication: $232
Size: Extra large | Polarized: Yes
TripSavvy / Rob Lefebvre
Best for Fishing: Bajio Calda Sunglasses
What We Like
Excellent polarization eliminates glare
Blue light is filtered out to prevent fatigue
Lightweight, bio-based nylon frames
What We Don’t Like
Arms on test pair have loosened slightly after two years
Named after a big flat off Key West Harbor famous for its permit and barracuda, the Calda sunglasses from Bajio are designed to improve your chances of landing the big one. In addition to polarization, which helps you see beneath the surface of the water—a feature we loved while fly-fishing—the lenses come with a proprietary technology that’s designed to reduce glare and blue light transmission, significantly limiting the overall strain on your eyes.
We found the light, bio-based nylon frames comfortable even after many hours on the water. We also appreciated the grippy rubber contact points, which helped the sunglasses to stay in place even when we sweated or got doused in seawater. The only drawback? After two years of continuous use, the arms on our test pair have begun to loosen a bit.
Price at time of publication: From $249
Sizes: Medium | UVA/UVB Protection: 100 percent | Polarized: Yes
Best Splurge: Oliver Peoples Finley Esq. Sunglasses
What We Like
Quality, hand-crafted materials
Fashionable aesthetic
Snug, secure fit
What We Don’t Like
Low-profile design may not entirely eliminate glare for some face shapes
If you’re looking for an ultra-stylish, lifestyle-oriented pair of sunglasses and don’t mind making an investment, the Oliver Peoples Finley Esq. Sun sunglasses are some of the most fashion forward on the market. Designed for casual rather than active use, they nevertheless offer solid protection from the sun with exceptional polarized lenses and fine, high-quality materials handcrafted in Italy.
The fit is reassuringly snug, but never tight, and they remained firmly in place during our testing period. For us, the highlight was the sunglasses’ craftsmanship, including the way the clear parts of the arms allow you to see the extended metal frame, and how the logo and other information is embossed rather than simply printed.
Price at time of publication: $398
Sizes: Medium, large | UVA/UVB Protection: 100 percent | Polarized: Yes
TripSavvy / John Somerall
TripSavvy’s Picks
We love the Raen Aren sunglasses for their ‘90s aesthetic, high-quality materials, superior polarization, and active fit. If you’re looking for a budget alternative, choose the Knockaround Premium Sports for ample, polarized protection and a wide choice of frame and lens colors.
Other Sunglasses We Tested
In addition to the nine sunglasses that made the final cut, we also tested eight additional models that have their pros and cons, but did not make our list for various reasons.
Maui Jim Cruzem: This pair of sungalsses won accolades for its construction, but the eye lenses are set too close together, which impacted their appearance. The features they did have didn’t justify the high price.
Oakley Holbrook: These classically styled shades worked well as a pair of casual sunglasses, but had a lack of padding on the plastic nose bridge, which meant they slipped whenever we tried to wear the glasses while doing sweat-generating activities. This detail was frustrating given the sunglasses' price.
Oakley Frogskins: We liked just about everything about these sunglasses, including the way the cat’s eye design fit, but felt that having the Oakley branding in bold white letters against the black frame impacted what would otherwise be a subdued aesthetic.
Persol PO3292S: These won accolades for their fit and aesthetic, but even with the high-quality materials, the price still seems too high.
Randolph USA Aviator Matte Chrome Aviator: These sunglasses have slightly tilted lens construction, which didn’t resonate with some of us, but the shade really got dinged because of the fit: The use of bayonet-style arms made the sunglasses pitch at the point where the arms made contact with the ears.
Ray-Ban Steve: We found that the clear plastic on the lower half of the frames caused light to reflect back into our eyes, which became uncomfortable and distracting. Plus, the overall materials felt less durable than the brand’s reputation would suggest.
Costa del Mar Fantail Pro: These sunglasses also got bad marks because of their low-quality materials, which also caused discomfort while wearing them for long periods of time, especially at the hard and unergonomic nose bridge.
Persol 714 Foldable: Built for compact storage while traveling, these sunglasses had arms that lock into place, but it was hard to lock them, the overall aesthetic didn’t resonate, and the price seemed high.
How We Tested
For comparison purposes, each pair of sunglasses was tested by multiple TripSavvy travel experts. Each pair was given an initial examination and evaluated for overall quality and functionality. Then, over a two-week test period, we wore each pair for a series of activities, including walking, running errands, hiking, and driving. We also tested specialist models for their intended use (e.g., fishing, cycling, skiing, or running).
We noted the level of sun protection afforded by each pair, how comfortable they were after extended use, and how well they stayed in place. We also verified the polarization for all sunglasses that were marketed as having this feature. The sunglasses were then scored from one to five for quality, fit, appearance, performance, and value. Overall scores dictated our category winners.
What to Look for in Men’s Sunglasses
Activity
You should always take What you’ll be doing while wearing your sunglasses into consideration as today’s models can cater to everything from a casual trip to the beach to running a marathon, fishing, or cycling. For active use, look for a pair of lightweight sunglasses that come with textured rubber parts at the bridge of the nose and the point where the arms touch your temples. This feature will work to keep the sunglasses in place during vigorous activities, even as you start to sweat.
Polarization is a good idea for any pair of sunglasses, but is especially important for water-based activities because it reduces reflected glare and allows you to see through the water. Cyclists and runners benefit from sunglasses with peripheral protection, which prevents sunlight bleeding in around the sides of the frame. More casual users don’t necessarily need these specialist features, but should still look for full UV protection, a clear field of vision, and a comfortable fit.
Comfort
The comfort of a pair of sunglasses is dictated by two general factors: the width of the frame (which should match the width of your face) and the touchpoints where the sunglasses come into contact with your skin. These are usually at the bridge of your nose and behind the ears (unless you’re sporting an armless pair).
For the former, be sure that the sunglasses are wide enough to span your face without pinching—sunglasses with arms that provide a little flex or ones with hinges that allow a little give when the arms are extended help to reduce any pressure points. To assure comfort at the nose, look for sunglasses that come with a bit of rubber padding, which helps reduce fatigue as well as provide a more confident grip. The same goes for the arms, which should fit comfortably behind the ears without pinching. Lightweight sunglasses also cause less fatigue.
Style
This is where sunglasses really excel. There are legions of styles, from aviators and cat eyes to wraparound, rectangle, and oversized. It can be a bit overwhelming, but that’s also part of the fun of looking for sunglasses. Basic, classic designs are typically rectangular, and will fit most faces, but there’s a big market for retro sunglasses that call back to the 1970s (oversized aviators) or the 1950s (a mid-century modern design with bold frames on the upper half), as well as designs that lean into the future (wraparound sunglasses with bold, neon, reflective lenses). There’s no wrong answer when it comes to style. But if you really want to up your game, look for sunglasses that layer in minute details, such as see-through arms, discrete logos, high-quality materials, and two-tone frame colors.
Price
Thankfully, you can get a good pair of polarized sunglasses without breaking the bank: You can now find technology that used to cost upwards of three digits for less than $40. But if you’re looking for a sport-specific pair of sunglasses, expect to pay more for features that’ll assure peak performance. More expensive sunglasses in the $100 to more than $300 range layer in higher-quality materials; better lens quality; added features like robust polarization or the filtering of blue light (which can cause eye fatigue); and a clearer, wider field of vision without distortion. And, of course, if style is a central focus, you'll also pay for the little design details that ramp up your sartorial game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size and shape of sunglasses will fit my face best?
Typical face shapes include round, heart, square, triangle, diamond, and oval. In general, you'll want to consider frames that contrast with the shape of your face (rectangular frames for round faces, wider frames for oval faces), although that’s not a hard-and-fast rule. To know whether or not the sunglasses will fit, measure the distance between your temples, and be sure that the width of the sunglass frame is wide enough to span that distance. Also be sure that the lenses themselves will provide ample protection from the sun, noting whether or not there’s any light seeping in from the sides, or from above or below. Most manufacturers these days have a virtual try-on feature on their websites to help visualize how a model might look on your face.
What’s the best way to clean sunglasses?
Ideally, use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any dirt or smudges, or to de-fog the lenses. Thankfully, most sunglasses either come with one, or arrive in a microfiber bag. For a deeper clean (say, to get sunblock out of the hinges), you can use a bit of running water and dry the sunglasses with microfiber. In a pinch, cotton also works to wipe away dust and dirt, though you should avoid synthetic and wool fabrics because they may scratch.
What are the benefits of polarized sunglasses?
Polarization is created by applying a chemical to the lens, which filters out glare to make your vision crisper and clearer. Polarization also helps combat eye fatigue and also allows you to see through the surface of water, a feature that resonates with anglers, boaters, and hikers. Because polarized lenses block reflected light, they are also ideal for snowy conditions. However, they aren’t ideal for looking at a LCD screen like your phone or watch.
Why Trust TripSavvy
Nathan Borchelt has been writing, rating, and reviewing outdoor and travel gear for decades. In the process, he has amassed an embarrassingly large collection of sunglasses, wearing them while hiking, boating, biking, running, and for all bright-sky travel. He worked with a team of TripSavvy testers, some of whom tested the same model, to collate detailed feedback and ratings across five key characteristics after two weeks of continuous use of the product (if not longer) to inform the final profile of each product. Additional research, including evaluating verified customer feedback and professional profiles also helped inform the final copy.
Read the original article on TripSavvy.
