Protect your vision and look good at the same time. (Ray-Ban, Quay, Blenders/Yahoo)
Finding the best sunglasses comes down to making a statement while protecting your vision. As a fashion essential, sunglasses need to elevate your look while supporting your day-to-day activities. "The 'best' sunglasses align with your lifestyle," says Danny Mathew, an optometrist at Eyeworks in Fort Worth, Texas.
Style matters, but protection is non-negotiable. "Sunglasses without proper UV protection can actually harm your eyes, allowing more dangerous rays to reach them," says Mathew. But not all sunglasses offer equal shielding power. "Cheap gas-station sunglasses are most likely not going to have the UV protection you need," he warns.
Beyond style, key features to keep an eye out for include lens quality, durability, fit and comfort. Mathew's advice: Start with your eye doctor. "They're a great resource to help you identify the features you need in sunglasses," he says. Then take that knowledge to reputable retailers for known brands.
For the perfect blend of fashion and function, we tested 20+ sunglasses in a variety of price points, styles and fits. Plus, we consulted eye specialists along the way. The result: An expertly curated list across 10 categories, helping you find the most stylish sunglasses that also protect your eyes.
Update, Aug. 13, 2025: We’ve confirmed current pricing and availability for all products. Our top picks have remained unchanged.
Lens type: Glass | Frame material: Acetate | UV protection: Yes | Fit: Classic, low bridge | Special features: Blue-light filter, transition lens options
A favorite of celebrities, influencers and musicians, Ray-Ban Wayfarers are as iconic as they get. These ultra-hip sunglasses feature a timeless design that fits a wide variety of face shapes and sizes. But where the Wayfarers really excel is their customization: You can choose from dozens of lens and frame colors, making the combinations nearly endless.
Our testers loved that Wayfarer's polarized lenses (a special coating that blocks glare) aren't too dark, which has been an issue with some similar sunglasses. And the scratch-resistant lenses help ensure that these beauties hold up well to wear and tear.
Lest we forget safety: All Ray-Bans boast 100% UV protection.
Lens type: Polycarbonate | Frame material: Plastic | UV protection: Yes | Fit: Retro | Special features: Polarized, flexible
Are you a quirky, fun outdoor enthusiast on a budget, or someone with a look-at-me sense of style? Tierra's Tokyo Rumbles are the specs for you. Their bright colors plus reliable comfort, affordable price and 100% UVA/UVB protection earned them a spot on our best sunglasses list.
One of our reviewers raved: "The clarity is amazing, and they stay in place during my jogs. Quite possibly the best sunglasses."
Tokyo Rumbles, featuring polarized lenses, retail for $30, but can often be found for half the price during sales.
Best perk? If these bold colors aren't your perfect match, you can swap for different shades after six months — at no cost except shipping.
Lens type: Polycarbonate | Frame material: Acetate and metal | UV protection: Yes | Fit: Oversized | Special features: Standard and polarized options
Hello, gorgeous! The slightly oversized Quay After Hours sunglasses combine total UVA/UVB protection and quality materials with an undeniably chic style. (There are four color options, plus the option for polarized lenses.)
Like all sunglasses, the After Hours filter out bright light and improve contrast and clarity, but they also enhance colors instead of muting them — ideal for those looking for a crystal-clear experience. Bonus: These sunnies come complete with a case and cleaning cloth.
Lens type: Glass | Frame material: Acetate and nylon | UV protection: Yes | Fit: Wraparound | Special features: Polarized, glare resistant, hydrophobic, oleophobic
Whether you're fishing, water skiing, boating or simply looking cute while lounging on the bow, you'll want Maui Jim's Southern Cross sunglasses for any time on the water.
They feature 100% UVA/UVB protection, and the polarized lenses are excellent at reducing intense glare from the water while maintaining clarity. Plus, their wraparound style stays put during physical activity and protects your delicate eye area from sunny and windy water days.
On the style front, you can select from four frame colors and eight lenses, and if you need to, you can even turn them into readers at an additional cost.
Yes, Southern Cross sunnies are on the expensive side, but eye protection (and looking great) on the water is priceless — and the two-year warranty helps justify the cost.
Lens type: Polycarbonate | Frame material: Acetate and nylon | UV protection: Yes | Fit: Wraparound | Special features: FDA-compliant impact resistance
Looking good on the hiking trail has never been easier. Knockaround Vortex High Stakes sunglasses offer a fashionably futuristic vibe without sacrificing function.
These durable sun specs protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, cut glare through polarization, feature shatter-resistant lenses and are even saltwater- and sweat-resistant, which helps fend off corrosion. The rubberized nose and ear grips keep the Vortex sunnies in place, even during the most strenuous hikes.
Our reviewers also love the lightweight feel and wraparound design — they offer the perfect blend of functionality and fashion to capture the best selfies when you reach the end of the trail.
Lens type: Polycarbonate | Frame material: Thermoplastic | UV protection: Yes | Fit: Wraparound | Special features: Interchangeable lenses
Everything '90s is cool again, and Oakley sunglasses are no exception. But looks alone are not what brought their M2 Frame XL to our best sunglasses list.
Aside from excellent coverage and fit — and five color choices — these sunglasses deliver serious protection. The lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays while patented technology enhances depth perception and road visibility. This means cyclists can quickly spot hazards like potholes and texture changes, even in bright conditions. Impact-resistant construction adds another layer of safety.
The lightweight M2 Frame XL's specially shaped lenses offer ventilation for a cool ride that won't weigh you down, remaining aerodynamic, whether racing or training.
Lens type: Glass, polyurethane | Frame material: Varies | UV protection: Yes | Fit: Varies | Special features: Varies by style
There's no shortage of stylish, affordable prescription sunglasses from Warby Parker, so selecting our fave was tricky. We landed on the versatile and classic Durand, which comes in six colors and four widths. They're also lightweight, making them comfortable to wear all day.
Honestly, you can't go wrong with any prescription sunglasses here. All of Warby Parker's sunnies can be purchased online or in-store. If you visit one of their physical stores, you can take advantage of their in-house optometrists who can help update your prescription. Can't get to a store? You can order sample sunglasses to try on at home and return — or use the brand's virtual try-on feature to find the shades that work best for your face.
Lens type: Polyurethane | Frame material: Acetate and metal options | UV protection: Yes | Fit: Classic | Special features: Folding frame, polarization
"Vacation You" deserves to be just as stylish as at-home You, no matter how little room is left in your carry-on. Enter: The timeless horn-rimmed Foldies Classics. These fold down to about the size of a deck of cards, so you can easily slip them into your pocket or purse.
Don't let the small size fool you. As one Amazon reviewer wrote: "These glasses are well made, sturdy and stylish. I bought them to take on a trip overseas, so their compact size and included case made packing a breeze. These are not flimsy! I was initially worried about that, but these things did not disappoint."
Foldies are also scratch- and shatter-resistant, with full-spectrum UV protection and a well-fitting design ideal for those with round and oval faces. With eight colors to choose from, you can't go wrong. Each pair also includes a vegan leather case and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
Lens type: Reformulated polycarbonate | Frame material: Recycled plastic | UV protection: Yes | Fit: Classic | Special features: Side shields
Work that retro mountaineering look with these Sunski Terra sunglasses, delivering complete sun coverage. Beyond offering 100% full-spectrum UV protection, these vintage-inspired shades feature removable side shields that block peripheral glare and deflect wind and debris — perfect for super-bright days on the water or slopes.
Plus, you can feel good about your purchase: Sunski uses scrap plastic reformulated into polycarbonate to make stylish frames. And each pair comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Lens type: High index plastic | Frame material: Polycarbonate composite | UV protection: Yes | Fit: Classic | Special features: Polarization
Blenders offers a paradox: sunglasses that refuse to blend in! Instead, their L Series specs (in five color options) stand out from the crowd with a sleek, yet timeless look.
The frames are lightweight and durable for all-day comfort. Their polycarbonate composite construction is heat- and cold-resistant, so your L Series will maintain their shape even if you forget them in your car during the dog days of summer.
Another plus: The polarized lenses provide crystal-clear vision — you don't feel like you're walking around in the dark while wearing these sunglasses.
While the 100% UV protection shields your eyes from dangerous rays, you'll need to pay extra for a hard case to protect your glasses. These sunnies only come with a microfiber pouch.
Lens type: Polycarbonate | Frame material: Plastic | UV protection: Yes | Fit: Classic and retro | Special features: Grip coating, silicone nose inserts
Ever notice how light glare and eyestrain can ruin a perfect day outdoors? You can fix that without mucking up your look with Going to Valhalla...Witness by Goodr, our pick for best polarized sunglasses.
These bad boys filter out glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and car hoods, giving you clearer vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology even reports that folks who wear polarized sunglasses report they're less tired than usual after hours of battling the glare of the sun.
Going to Valhalla...Witness also delivers 100% UVA/UVB protection. And their no-bounce, no-slip, sturdy frame promise means they'll comfortably stay put.
When it comes to style, you may know that you prefer, say, aviators over cat-eye sunglasses, but as Marni Robins, OD, an instructor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine explains, there's more to consider than fashion. Here, she breaks down different types of sunglasses and what they mean:
Polarized: These lenses have a special filter that blocks horizontal light waves, reducing glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow and roads. The best polarized sunglasses can make a dramatic difference in visual comfort, especially for driving and water activities, but they may interfere with viewing LCD displays and can make it harder to spot ice patches while skiing.
Mirror: Mirrored sunglasses have thin layers of various metallic coatings that reduce the amount of light coming into the lens. Like the best polarized lenses, mirrored lenses reduce glare, but they can be less scratch-resistant than other lenses.
Gradient: A varying tint pattern defines gradient lenses. Single gradients darken top-to-bottom, ideal for driving since they block overhead glare while keeping dashboards visible. Double gradient lenses are darker at the top and bottom and a lighter in the center, perfect for snow and water sports, but not great for driving.
Transition: Photochromic lenses are lenses that change tint depending on UV light exposure. Also known as transition or light adaptive lenses, these lenses work well for people who wear glasses full time and don't want a separate prescription sunglasses.
We asked Mathew what else we should consider before purchasing a pair of sunglasses, and here's what he said:
Purpose and Style: Sunglasses come in countless designs. For instance, wraparound styles provide a snug fit and extra coverage, making them an A+ choice for physical activities. Whereas lightweight, fashion-forward sunglasses that'll be worn for long stretches are better for everyday use.
Lens Technology: While UV protection is essential for eye safety, the best polarized sunglasses serve a crucial function — reducing glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow and roads. These features aren't always combined, so check specifications carefully. (By the way, the best sunglasses block 99 to 100% of all UV light; labels that read "UV absorption up to 400nm" means the same thing.)
Lens Tints: Lens tints vary widely and each color provides distinct benefits. For example, a gray tint is great for driving to better distinguish traffic light colors. The right tint depends on your activities and personal preference, as different colors enhance visibility in various conditions.
Budget: Cost is the final factor, with options available at every price point. Finding sunglasses that match both your needs and budget is manageable, but consider durability requirements when making your choice.
Our search spanned more than 20 pairs of sunglasses across diverse styles, fits and price points. As someone who wears contacts and has sensitive, dry eyes, I understand firsthand the importance of quality UV protection and durability in everyday frames. This personal experience, combined with extensive research beyond mainstream brands, helped identify exceptional options that deliver lasting value. To validate our findings, we consulted multiple optometrists and reviewed current medical studies, ensuring our recommendations balance style with essential eye protection.
Choosing frames that complement your unique features can make all the difference in how your sunglasses look and feel. While you may want to narrow your choices based on your face shape, style is always a personal choice. It's a good idea to try on your sunglasses before making a purchase to ensure you like the fit, feel and performance. That said, many brands also offer virtual try-ons so you can get an idea of how your shades will look without leaving your house.
Does the color of my sunglasses lens matter?
Yes! Lens color affects both style and function. Here's what each color offers:
Gray, brown and green are the most common tinted lenses and they're known to maintain the true color of your environment.
Amber is perfect for enhancing contrast and depth perception in bright light situations, making this tint a favorite among skiers and snowboarders.
Yellow lenses improve visibility and clarity and work well in foggy, hazy or low-light conditions.
Blue and purple lenses are an ideal choice for those who drive because they reduce glare while keeping images sharp.
Red, rose and pink tints enhance depth perception and contrast, while reducing eye strain, making them a good choice for various outdoor activities.
You can wear them, but they may not be able to keep up with your lifestyle. Fashion glasses generally lack essential athletic features like sweat-resistance, non-slip nose padding, a snug fit and polarization that sport-specific frames deliver.
Danny Mathew, optometrist at Eyeworks in Fort Worth, Texas
Marni Robins, OD, instructor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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