The Best Sunglasses for Men, According to Style Experts
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Sunglasses have a distinct function — their fundamental purpose is, of course, to protect the eyes from the sun — but the right pair should incorporate a sense of style, too, elevating an outfit’s cool factor with ease.
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Today’s best sunglasses for men are made with more innovative, protective, and eco-friendly materials, but their styles and shapes have stayed roughly consistent over the decades, making it slightly easier to figure out what silhouettes might work best for the wearer.
And the best news: Every brand out there today offers a pair of trusty sunnies. But which are worth the investment? SPY spoke with a few menswear fashion experts to figure out what sunglasses are worth their salt in both form and function.
What the Experts Say
For this story, SPY spoke with fashion PR guru Michael Corrigan, as well as model/fashion expert Leo Chan about the best sunglasses for men. When it comes to buying sunglasses, Corrigan offered up this expert advice: “Trial and error is the safest bet when choosing shades,” he says. “Certain styles will always best compliment your face shape, but trying many pairs on is truly where it’s at. The easiest way to select what you want is to discover what you don’t want, first!”
BEST OVERALL
Ray-Ban Wayfarers
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Some things are just timeless: Apple pie, a Ford Mustang, a leather jacket, and a set of Ray-Ban Wayfarer shades. Popularized by another American icon, James Dean, in Rebel Without a Cause, the Wayfarers are truly a classic. “You can never go wrong,” says Corrigan. The squared frames and angular edges, accented by those iconic dots, look effortlessly cool on just about everyone; they’re the reason the style continues to endure.
Wayfarers also have a premium-looking design at a non-premium price point. “These are an especially good choice if you’re looking to dip your toe in the pool of a more premium lens,” Corrigan adds. “They’re worth the investment, but they’re not so high-end that you’ll be kicking yourself if they go missing.”
Overall, if you’re looking to grab a statement shade, the search starts and ends here.
BEST VALUE
Warby Parker Percey Sunglasses
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Circular without being too big and angular without being too sharp, Warby Parker’s Percey sunglasses are the Goldilocks of the category, providing a shape that’s about as close to a universal frame as one can get.
In particular, they’re perfect for those who are looking to test out several pairs to find the right one; the brand allows for free at-home try-ons. “You can also get an eye exam on-site at one of their stores,” Corrigan adds. “Basically, you can be extra sure these fit without having to spend a dime.”
Lastly, they’re extremely trendy and well-made for a sub-$100 price point. That’s hard to beat.
BEST DESIGNER
Todd Snyder x Moscot 10-Year Anniversary Nomad Sunglasses
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Any menswear aficionado will tell you to listen to Todd Snyder. (“These are Todd’s go-to style,” says Corrigan.)
It’s true; Snyder’s tenure at J. Crew helped popularize European-style suiting silhouettes here in the States before he left the retailer to venture out on his own. To celebrate a decade of his titular brand, Snyder partnered with Moscot for a special edition set of sunnies — the “Zilich” — which are the designer’s favorite. While these slightly reimagine Todd’s beloved frames, they’re different (and bold!) enough for you to make your own.
Although they’re a little pricey, the frame pairs well with any look, casual or formal, and will get plenty of wear.
BEST BUDGET
Quay High Key Aviators
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Aviators aren’t just for Top Gun fans; they’re a pretty universally beloved frame style. These, from Quay Australia, are a little more surfer- or beach-inspired thanks to their gradient lens.
They’re also particularly great for those who are, say, accident-prone. “If I had a dollar for every time I accidentally sat on a pair of these,” says Corrigan. “I would only have $4, but it happens.” Translation: If it’s easier on your conscience to break a pair of sunglasses if they’re only the cost of a nice dinner, go for it.
And truly, the price is right. “Getting a good pair of sunglasses for under $100 is the safest bet — you get quality without the risk,” adds Corrigan.
BEST ACTIVEWEAR
Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses
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Oakleys have their place in the sun — pun intended — because the brand offers extremely comfortable shades for wearing during active, well, activities. With lenses that feature top-tier UV protection without compromising vision, they’re also highly comfortable to wear.
“These are classics,” states Chan. “The Oakley sporty style is great for any outdoor activity, and for looking cool while you are out enjoying the sun.” From running to even the beach, these should be the top pick for wearing during extended outdoor periods.
We’d recommend them even if this weren’t already the case, but buying these through Amazon includes the retailer’s try-before-you-buy option so that skeptics can give them a test drive — or maybe that should be a test run — before actually committing.
BEST BOLD FRAMES
Carrera Eyewear Oversize Rectangular Sunglasses
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Sometimes bigger is actually better. These oversized rectangular sunglasses from Carrera thread the needle between something sporty and timeless — the best of both worlds. The black frames with gradient brown lenses can really make a look pop.
They’re perfect for those who want to make a statement — or want some versatility. Chan says that you can “dress them down while relaxing at the beach or dress them up for a night out with friends.”
Price-wise, they’re sub-$200 — neither a budget nor a true luxury price point — but we think they’re a solid value. They’re both timeless and of the moment — as Chan says, they’re “stylish and bold with a vintage vibe” — and can be styled in multiple ways.
BEST SPLURGE
Oliver People's 'Gregory Peck' Sunglasses
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These Oliver Peoples sunnies are a great way to accessorize a fancier outfit. “They’re perfect for a more tailored outfit, like a blazer or fitted polo,” says Chan. “The colors are perfect going into spring to lighten things up.”
The one thing is that they’re on the pricey side. Still, their elegant construction and sharp-looking frames come in a variety of different hues to fit a handful of personal styles. Plus, they just look dashing.
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AKILA Tortoiseshell Dillinger Sunglasses
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These aviator sunnies feel approachable but are also different enough from the pack that they make a real statement. “The aviator style will never go away, but this pair is special,” Chan says. “With their tortoiseshell design and colored lenses that work from day to night, they’re very on-trend right now.”
Consider these if the goal is to add something slightly edgier or more unique to an existing rotation of sunglasses.
Designer-like looks for under $200 might be a lot for some, but the quality build of the frames themselves quickly makes the Dillingers look like they could be double the price.
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