Every guy has a few essentials that he won't leave the house without—wallet, keys, and phone are probably at the top of the list. But what about a great pair of sunglasses?
Sunglasses are more than an accessory. They combine style and function, giving your eyes the protection they need while pulling your whole look together.
In this article, we’ll look at the top pairs of sunglasses for men, covering everything from timeless styles to budget-friendly options. We’ll also touch on key factors to consider when choosing sunglasses and offer tips on keeping them in great shape.
Our Favorites
- Best Overall: Ray-Ban Wayfarer – Timeless design, versatile style, and durable construction.
- Best for Sports: Oakley Flak 2.0 XL – High-performance, lightweight, perfect for active lifestyles.
- Best Budget Option: Knockaround Premiums – Affordable, durable, and stylish with UV protection.
- Best for Fashion: Persol 714 – Luxurious, handcrafted Italian design with a unique foldable frame.
- Best for Outdoor Adventures: Maui Jim Peahi – Superior clarity, durability, and polarized lenses for harsh environments.
Best Sunglasses for Men
Let’s take a closer look at sunglasses that offer a balance of style, function, and protection. Whether you're into classic designs, need something for the outdoors, or are looking for a budget-friendly option, these picks will help you find the right pair.
Best Overall: Ray-Ban Wayfarer
The Ray-Ban Wayfarer is a true classic, offering a design that has been one of the most popular models for decades.
With its durable acetate frame and high-quality polarized lenses, this pair is stylish and functional.
The Wayfarer’s signature trapezoid frame and slightly tilted design make it a versatile choice for most face shapes.
Ideal for: Everyday wear and casual outings, whether you're at the beach or just running errands.
Pros:
- Versatile and complements a variety of face shapes
- Iconic, timeless design suitable for everyday wear
- Polarized lenses reduce glare, perfect for outdoor use
Cons:
- Some may find the frame too bulky for smaller face shapes
- Some people find the tilted design uncomfortable
If you have a treasured pair of Wayfarers that need new lenses, we have you covered! Find the best selection of Ray-Ban Replacement Lenses here.
Best for Sports: Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL is designed for active individuals who need reliable performance.
Its lightweight O Matter frame, combined with high-definition optics, ensures durability and clarity in the most demanding situations. The wraparound design offers extra coverage, ideal for fast-paced activities.
Ideal for: Sports and outdoor enthusiasts who need a secure, comfortable fit during high-energy activities.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable frame perfect for sports
- Superior grip and comfortable fit, even during fast-paced activities
- High-definition optics enhance clarity and reduce distortion
Cons:
- The sporty wraparound style may not suit more formal occasions
- Limited color options
Explore our Oakley Replacement Lenses here.
Best Budget Option: Knockaround Premiums
Knockaround Premiums offer a stylish and durable option without the high price tag.
With UV400 protection and impact-resistant lenses, these sunglasses deliver reliable performance for a fraction of the cost of designer brands.
The lightweight polycarbonate frame makes them comfortable for all-day wear, and they are available in a variety of colors to suit any style.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want style and protection without overspending.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable, making them a great option if you frequently lose or damage sunglasses
- Durable construction with impact-resistant lenses
- UV400 protection blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays
- Wide range of colors and styles
Cons:
- Lenses are prone to smudging
- Frame may feel tight on larger head shapes
Best for Fashion: Persol 714
The Persol 714 stands out for its luxurious Italian craftsmanship, offering a blend of style and functionality.
Handcrafted from premium acetate, these sunglasses feature a keyhole nose bridge and foldable design, making them both fashionable and portable.
The polarized lenses ensure excellent clarity and protection from harmful UV rays, while the sleek look gives a nod to retro style icons like Steve McQueen.
Ideal for: Fashion-forward individuals looking to make a statement on special occasions or just add a touch of elegance to their everyday wear.
Pros:
- Luxurious, handcrafted design with premium materials
- Polarized lenses improve clarity and reduce glare
- Foldable frame for easy storage and portability
- Classic style that suits a variety of face shapes
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other brands
- Some may find the frames slightly heavy for extended wear
Shop our collection of Persol Replacement Lenses here.
Best for Outdoor Adventures: Maui Jim Peahi
The Maui Jim Peahi is an excellent choice if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
The wrap-around design and sturdy nylon frame provide maximum coverage and comfort, even during intense activities like hiking or water sports.
The PolarizedPlus2 lenses enhance color contrast while blocking glare, which makes them ideal for bright, reflective environments like beaches or lakes. The scratch-resistant coating guarantees they remain durable even in harsh conditions.
Ideal for: Hiking, beach trips, fishing, and other outdoor explorations.
Pros:
- PolarizedPlus2 lenses offer superior clarity and color enhancement
- Sturdy and lightweight frame for long-lasting comfort
- Scratch-resistant and anti-glare coating
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other outdoor sunglasses
- Large wrap-around frame may not suit smaller face shapes
Explore our Maui Jim Replacement Lenses that provide exceptional optical clarity.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Sunglasses
When shopping for sunglasses, you should consider more than just style. Several key factors can significantly affect both the performance and longevity of your sunglasses.
UV Protection
Proper UV protection is vital for maintaining eye health.
Sunglasses should block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to serious eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even cancer of the eye or surrounding skin.
Polarized sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection act as a shield, blocking these harmful rays and reducing your overall risk of long-term damage.
Look for lenses labeled as offering full UV protection or UV400, which blocks wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, covering both UVA and UVB rays.
Frame Material and Durability
The frame material affects more than just how they look. Different materials offer different levels of durability.
Acetate frames are known for their durability and rich color variations. Polycarbonate is a lightweight option that is impact resistance. Metal frames offer a sleek look and high durability.
When choosing frames, it’s important to match your lifestyle. Do you need something tough for active wear or a more stylish pair for casual use? The right material makes all the difference in comfort and longevity.
Lens Quality and Customization
Lenses do more than just cover the eyes. They are important for clarity and protection.
Polarized glasses reduce glare from reflective surfaces, improving visibility and reducing eye strain. They are great for bright environments like beaches or while driving.
Scratch-resistant coatings are durable and ensure your lenses stay clear over time.
If your lenses get damaged, it doesn’t always mean the end for your favorite pair of sunglasses. We offer sunglass replacement lenses in a range of brands and tints, allowing you to keep rockin’ your favorite frames.
Styling Tips for Sunglasses
The right pair of sunglasses can pull together an outfit. Here are some tips to help you choose sunglasses that suit your face shape, color palette, and lifestyle.
Matching Sunglasses to Your Face Shape
Sunglasses that complement your face shape can elevate your look instantly. Here’s a quick guide:
- Round faces: Angular frames with rectangular or square lenses add definition and balance the softer features of round faces. Avoid overly rounded frames, as they can emphasize the roundness.
- Square faces: Oval or round frames soften the sharp angles of a square face. Aviators or circular frames are great choices.
- Oval faces: Almost any style works well for oval faces, but larger lenses or geometric shapes can accentuate this balanced face shape.
- Heart-shaped faces: Look for frames that are wider at the top and narrow at the bottom, like aviators or cat-eye styles, which help balance a broader forehead with a narrower chin.
Classic aviator sunglasses are a versatile option, flattering for most face shapes because of their balanced design and teardrop lenses. For more information, be sure to check out our blog post on the best sunglasses for every face shape!
Choosing the Right Color
The color of your sunglasses, both frame and lens, can complement or throw off your look. Here’s how to choose the right color to match your style:
- Wardrobe coordination: Neutral colors like black, brown, and tortoiseshell are incredibly versatile, matching almost any outfit. If you're looking for a pair that works in both casual and formal settings, these tones are a great choice.
- Skin tone: Warmer skin tones pair well with golds, browns, and tortoiseshell, while cooler skin tones are complemented by silvers, grays, and black frames. Consider mirrored or colored lenses to make a bold fashion statement, though neutral-colored lenses are best for everyday versatility.
Transitioning from Day to Night
If you frequently move between bright outdoor settings and dim indoor environments, consider sunglasses with photochromic lenses.
These lenses automatically adjust to lighting conditions, darkening in sunlight and clearing up indoors.
This adaptability makes them ideal for all-day wear. Alternatively, clip-on lenses can be a handy solution if you already wear prescription glasses, allowing you to quickly switch between sunglass and clear lens modes without carrying an extra pair of glasses.
Maintaining Your Sunglasses
Taking care of your sunglasses will keep them looking good and extend their lifespan. Here’s how to ensure they remain in great condition for years.
Cleaning and Storage
To keep your lenses free from smudges and scratches, always clean your sunglasses using a microfiber cloth. These cloths are designed to gently remove dirt without scratching the lens surface.
For deeper cleaning, use a lens cleaning solution that’s safe for eyewear. Avoid using tissues, paper towels, or clothing, as they can cause micro-scratches over time.
When you’re not wearing your sunglasses, always store them in a hard protective case. This prevents accidental scratches, damage from impact, and even exposure to environmental elements like dust or dirt that can wear down the lenses. A soft pouch can also offer protection, but for maximum safety, a hard case is preferable.
Replacing Damaged Lenses
If your sunglasses get scratched or the lenses get damaged, that doesn’t mean the end of them!
High-quality replacement lenses are available for many popular brands, and swapping out scratched lenses is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to keep your favorite sunglasses.
At Revant Optics, we offer a wide range of replacement lenses that fit many well-known brands and styles, allowing you to breathe new life into frames you already love.
Conclusion
The right pair of sunglasses is essential for eye protection and expressing your personal style.
A high-quality pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and complement your style, whether you're out on an adventure or simply running errands.
If the lenses in your favorite pair of sunglasses are scratched or damaged, don’t despair! Give your shades a new lease on life. Shop our selection of replacement lenses and keep you and your favorite pair of sunglasses looking their best!
FAQs
Which brand is better for sunglasses?
The best brand for sunglasses depends on your needs. Ray-Ban is known for its timeless, versatile designs, while Maui Jim is known for superior lens technology and UV protection. For sports and active lifestyles, Oakley is a top choice due to their performance-driven features.
What sunglasses look best on guys?
Sunglasses that suit your face shape will always look best. Aviators and Wayfarers tend to flatter most men, while square frames are great for round faces, and round or oval frames soften sharper features on square faces.
Which sunglasses lens is best for eye protection?
Lenses offering 100% UV protection are essential for safeguarding your eyes. Polarized lenses, which reduce glare from reflective surfaces, are especially good for outdoor activities and provide added comfort and clarity.
What is the most luxurious sunglasses brand?
Persol and Cartier are considered among the most luxurious sunglasses brands, known for their handcrafted designs and high-quality materials. Brands like Gucci and Tom Ford also offer high-end options with distinctive style and premium craftsmanship.
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