The 7 Best Sunglasses for Men, Tested by Style Editors

A simple, lightweight, Wayfarer design with a durable construction is all any guy’s sunglasses game needs. Based our testing, the Weekenders’ has the best fit for most face types. To all the lost or broken sunglasses during outdoor adventures, this one’s for you. Designed with a sporty twist on the classic Wayfarer frame, these sunglasses boast a proper secure fit that won’t slip off unexpectedly while giving you a lightweight, comfortable feel that will not wear off.

Crafted for durability as well, these sunglasses can take a beating and bounce back effortlessly; the temples further safeguard the hinges, offering added protection in case of any mishaps. Our testers also approved of their polarized lenses that have helped us combat glares, and reduce eye strain and reflections while giving our daily views enhanced clarity and color. And don’t forget: these shades boast 100% UVA/UVB resistance, ensuring your eyes stay shielded from harmful rays.

At this price point, we recommend getting the Weekenders as an extra backup pair, though using them as your main sunnies is also a no-brainer.

Pros

• Classic, timeless style that looks good on everyone
• A wide range of frame and lens colors are available
• Acetate frame is extra robust and durable

Wayfarer is a classic shape that was first introduced in the 50s and achieved cult status in the ’80s, courtesy of so many stars wearing them—Tom Cruise, Michael Jackson, George Michael, and Madonna, to name a few. Now, with a few stylish design tweaks, the classic Wayfarer style is donning a modern look that’s worthy of your attention, and we found that the style works for just about every face shape, and works with just about every fit.

In our testing, we found the acetate frame to be extra robust and heavy-duty at withstanding impact, courtesy of the seven-barrel hinges on each side. While this design does make the whole thing a bit heavier than most sunnies on this list, our testers didn’t complain, and in fact, found it just as comfortable, especially because of how smooth the frames felt against the skin.

A wide range of frame and lens colors are available in the Original Wayfarer, but we honestly prefer the old-school black the best. For pure versatility, the black is unbeatable.

Pros

• Look great on all face shapes
• Scratch-resistant lenses that provide clarity as well
• Lightweight and sophisticated-looking

These scratch-resistant sunglasses have given our testers a major boost of style without us having to opt for a wild-looking pair of shades. For starters, the lightweight design of the Hatcher is not only comfortable but also looks pretty sleek, and we love that the brow bar adds a stylish touch. However, what sets these sunglasses apart is their functionality. The lenses, for instance, are made from CR-39 to ensure maximum colorization. That means these shades protect your eyes, without sacrificing clarity.

Having worn these to brave the glaring sunlight this summer, we found that we didn’t have to squint or hover under an umbrella as much, compared to other sunnies we tested. And the durable acetate construction is lightweight, but incredibly scratch resistant. We found that it still looked pristine after a week of being lugged around in a beach bag without a case..

Style-wise, these sunnies could work on every face. Our team of testers say that its teardrop shape and squared-off silhouette flatters a variety of mugs. Though we wished these sunglasses were polarized for more protection.

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Able to be packaged in a monogrammed case

This California-based brand makes premium shades at a premium price point. In the past decade, leading men like Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Idris Elba have regularly sported it, increasing its style cred and market value, hence its price point.

But after testing the Ruskin Sun, we’ve happy to report that it’s worth its weight in gold. The rounded square frame contrasts nicely with angular features, and its relaxed-yet-refined vibe plays well with everyday to cocktail attire fits. This pair looks pretty spiffy with a button down and chinos, as it does with a tailored suit. More importantly, the frames were a comfortable fit to wear all day long for our testers. Though we wished it was available in more sizes.

Pros

• Anti-reflective coating
• Sporty aesthetic yet also versatile enough for casual looks
• Available in a few colorways

To celebrate 10 years of Todd Snyder New York, the menswear brand teamed up with Moscot to create a small collection of sporty, modern frames. That said, these sunnies work for anyone who wants to hike a trail or hit the city streets before sunset.

Though the Nomad is only available in one size, we found that it is comfortable and fitting for all face shapes. It’s very smooth and glossy, making it easy to accessorize a number of looks. Speaking of, we’ve paired it with everything from our bathing suit and workout gear down to a t-shirt and jeans.

Durability is another standout of these sunglasses. With sturdy frame materials and five barrel hinges, this model is tough as nails and can handle being tossed around in your beach bag. It’s also worth noting that the tint lenses are made with anti-reflective coating, which helps minimize glare, improve vision and reduce eye strain.

Persol’s square shades offer a wider field of view and a serious level of coverage. These bold, square sunglasses are a great option for guys with round faces, but anyone can sport them.

In our testing, we found that the polarized, light blue lenses not only looked dope, but also offered scratch and shatter resistance to make sure these sunnies last awhile. They look great worn for a lunch date with friends, but especially give main character energy when you’re tanning on the beach or poolside.

Another stylish, but also functional standout is the 100% acetate frame, which we’ve found to be lightweight and sturdy. After using it for a full day at the beach, we hardly noticed that we were actually wearing it.

Rectangular sunglasses tend to look best on guys with rounded, oval or heart-shaped faces. Enter Oliver Peoples’ version, which is a collaboration with tennis champ, Roger Federer. Their sharper edges complement guys with softer facial features.

We found that these sunnies offer high-optical quality as well as style for days spent on and off the tennis court. Thanks to the adjustable rubber nosepads and temple tips, they rested gently on our face (even when we were playing) and felt more comfortable to wear all day long than any other rectangular frames we tested.

How to Choose the Right Sunglasses for Your Face Shape?

As a rule of thumb, go for frames that oppose your features (e.g. square faces are softened by a round frame).

Round Face

Rectangular or square frames with straight lines and edgy corners will help add definition to your round face and soft curves, or even make your face look longer.

Square Face

If you’ve got a defined jawline and/or a wide forehead, round or oval frames will soften the angles of your face instead of accentuating them.

Oval Face

While we love how the balanced proportions of an oval face complement the teardrop-shaped lenses and double-bar frame of aviator sunglasses, the truth is: oval face shapes will look good with most if not all shapes of the frame. But, generally, you’ll want to look for sunnies that are as wide as the broadest part of your face.

Heart-shaped Face

Sporting a narrower jawline and broader forehead? Cat-eye or aviator-style sunglasses will draw attention to the upper part of the face, balancing the wider forehead and narrower chin.

Diamond-shaped Face

High cheekbones and a narrow forehead and chin look great with rimless or oval frames of sunglasses because they emphasize your eyes and soften your facial angles.

What Are the Most Durable Materials for Men’s Sunglasses?

Acetate is a popular material for crafting frames since it combines both durability and style, allowing for a wide range of color and pattern options, and is thus frequently used in premium sunglasses. TR-90, a thermoplastic material, is known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to impact, and thus can often be found in outdoorsy sunglasses. Nylon is lightweight and flexible while offering excellent durability, even being able to resist extreme temperatures. Other materials like stainless steel and titanium are simply no-brainers due to their outstanding durability and ability to withstand wear and tear over time.

Can Prescription Lenses Be Added to Sunglasses?

Yes and in fact it’s a common practice for people who require vision correction. Many eyewear retailers and opticians offer the option to customize sunglasses with prescription lenses. It’ll involve eye examination, prescription, lens customization, and fitting and adjustment.

Meet the Experts

• Jeff Pettey, M.D., is a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology
• Mihir Trivedi is the Head of Marketing of Nikon Lenswear.

Why Trust Us?

At Men’s Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here.

For instance, we have a fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best as well as the newest products in menswear. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear what their opinions are and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s fabric or materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan who actually know that polyester isn’t a breathable material, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, and designers—that we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.