Sunglasses season is throughout the year now. That means that it’s time we began shopping around for the trending styles and the best deals, hopefully giving older trends the boot. We love all styles of sunglasses, whether it’s sports-mode central, brightly-colored lenses, or even the ever-timeless black wayfarers. And that’s where the top brands for sunglasses come in. Sunglasses are the most critical component of every look; they top off an ensemble. Finding the perfect pair could seem like a challenge, but we broke down our search for the perfect sunglasses into different factors.

Firstly, we considered the face shape, as different types of sunglasses are more flattering to certain specific face shapes. The next two important factors are the types of sunglasses and the lens; we even had to zero in on whether we preferred tints. Frame and fit are two other critical points to consider; after all, we didn’t want a headache wearing the sunglasses. Another thing that people who wear spectacles could do is consult their optician or optometrist. They could provide additional information on what works best for one’s eye needs.

Garrett Leight

13

Garrett Leight is practically royalty in the world of sunglasses. The brand is named for its founder, who also happens to be the son of Larry Leight, the founder of Oliver Peoples. Since we’re minimalists, we loved the pieces from this 2011-launched namesake label, as they evoke a relaxed vibe a la Venice Beach. Moreover, the frames are made from cured acetates sourced from the top houses in China, Italy, and Japan, with the design being conceptualized in Downtown L.A.

Best Choice

The Garrett Leight Kinney Sunglasses are one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces from the brand. We loved the classic, unisex style of these sunglasses, with the frames fitted with classic proportions. What we also liked was the keyhole bridge, which comes in a diverse array of acetates. We were looking to pick up an offbeat pair for our summer rotation, which is why we chose the butterscotch/pure green option you see below. Finally, the gently-curved unisex frames are best suited for those with medium to large faces.

At A Glance

• Unisex: Yes
• Polarized: No
• Nose Bridge Width: 21mm
• Lens Width: 49mm
• Price at the time of publishing:

Costa Del Mar

12

Best for the outdoors. We couldn’t not include a brand called Costa Del Mar on this list of the most popular brands of sunglasses, could we? The name itself aside, this American brand, also called Costa, is famed in the outdoor sports market, especially recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. It might have started out that way, but over the years, its attention to detail and advanced polarized lens technology caught the attention of other adventurers as well.

Best Choice

Since our holidays and weekends are filled with fishing trips, kayaking adventures, and beach trips, we chose the Costa del Mar Rinconcito Sunglasses. When it comes to on-water usage, we’re yet to see a better pair of shades. Firstly, the crisp and dark lenses have flawless polarization, which cut down on glare considerably when we are outdoors. But what we really liked about these glasses is that they’re one of the very few ones that blocked 100% of blue light. In fact, they have even fewer back reflections, which made them all the more appealing to wear in harsh lighting, especially on ski slopes. The larger lenses and slight wrap offer more coverage than most ski sunglasses, which also makes them one of the best Costa del Mar sunglasses for travel. Wrapping up the features is the embedded rubber nose pads that ensure a secure fit.

At A Glance

• Unisex: Yes
• Polarized: Yes
• Nose Bridge Width: 12mm
• Lens Width: 60mm
• Price at the time of publishing: 100-250 USD

Smith

11

Smith is one of the most well-known brands of designer sunglasses in the arena of outdoor winter sports gear. It extended that specialization into creating a fashionable line of sunglasses too. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, jogging, or skiing, Smith’s sunglasses are not just polarized but can also be customized to your prescription.

Best Choice

We were enamored with the butterfly-shaped Smith Caper Sunglasses, which are the perfect vintage sunglasses for hiking. Why do we think that? Well, firstly, it can withstand rough treatment and exposure to the elements. Their sun protection is excellent, as are the ingenious Megol nose pads that prevented them from slipping off our noses even when we were sweaty. And since they’re flush with the frame, the nose pads never got tangled in our hair when pushed atop our head. But we really loved the hours-long comfort the glasses offered, with the AutoLock hinges holding the arms firmly in place when open. Finally, the ChromaPop lenses come with a special anti-reflective coating, also, we didn’t feel the strain even in sunlight.

At A Glance

• Unisex: Yes
• Polarized: Yes
• Nose Bridge Width: 18mm
• Lens Width: 53mm
• Price at the time of publishing: 80-200 USD

Maui Jim

10

Maui Jim is associated with summer fun – and for a good reason. When we headed to the “Valley Isle” of Maui, we saw the brand just about everywhere. It’s a local staple, after all! Whether it was tee time, frolicking on the beach, or padding out in the water, we saw Maui Jim sunglasses on just about every place that saw intense UV rays. That’s because the brand focuses on eye protection, making it a go-to for the active set.

Best Choice

We went for the Maui Jim Capri Polarized Sunglasses, a pair perfect for all our future sun-filled adventures. They might be the most expensive on this list, but we found them to be worth every penny. For one, we loved how subtle the rounded cat-eye shape is, too, without overpowering or being too big. Secondly, the acetate frame is relatively narrow, which sat perfectly on our narrower faces. We have a few butterfingers amongst us, so the fact that the sunglasses are durable is a huge plus point! Finally, the polarized SuperThin glass lenses offer unparalleled detailing, clarity, and color.

At A Glance

• Unisex: Yes
• Polarized: Yes
• Nose Bridge Width: 18mm
• Lens Width: 51mm
• Price at the time of publishing: 350 USD

Illesteva

9

Founded in 2010 by Daniel Silberman, Illesteva is a small but mighty operation in NYC. After conquering New York City, it also took Miami and Los Angeles by storm. That’s because the brand is committed to making exceptional Italian-handcrafted lenses and frames that don’t break the bank. Moreover, they’re contemporary upgrades on old-school classics, stylized just enough to give iconic stalwarts a trendy appeal. They’re also one of the most popular brands of sunglasses; apparently, Daniel “James Bond” Craig is a fan!

Best Choice

Take the Illesteva Wilson Sunglasses, which we came across while on our quest for rectangular frames with a dash of cat-eye accent. Thanks to the durable build, the quality of the sunglasses is outstanding. We found it easy to fold and unfold the arms while the hinges hold them firmly in place at any angle. However, our favorite part about them is the close-fitting arms, which allowed the sunglasses to sit securely atop our heads too. Neat, eh?

At A Glance

• Unisex: Yes
• Polarized: No
• Nose Bridge Width: 18mm
• Lens Width: 51mm
• Price at the time of publishing: 250 USD

Randolph Engineering

8

Don’t let “Top Gun” fool you – Randolph Engineering has officially been the prime aviator brand for the Department of Defence and the U.S. military for half a century. The brand is indulgence max; every pair is handcrafted and engineered to military specs with premium AGX lenses and 23-karat gold finishes. To date, it’s based in the small eponymous Massachusetts town, and the sunglasses still feature the same military-grade precision as always.

Best Choice

Of them all, we have a soft corner for the Randolph Elinor Fusion Polarized Sunglasses, which are inspired by Jackie O’s timeless style. This badass pair from the most famous brand of sunglasses was the ultimate luxury choice for us. For one, they’re classic chic with unique tortoiseshell patterns in oversized square frames. We especially liked the exquisite detailing, right from the 23K gold-plated arms to the etched brand name. When we were out in the sun, they not only protected us against UVA and UVB rays but also prevented glare. For your benefit, we tried the polarized pairs, which thoroughly impressed us! Check out these sunglasses on the official website.

At A Glance

• Unisex: Yes
• Polarized: Some colors
• Nose Bridge Width: 18mm
• Lens Width: 57mm
• Price at the time of publishing: 200-350 USD

Raen

7

It’s not surprising that one of the top brands of sunglasses on the planet hails from the US West Coast. We’re talking about Raen, which has a long and rich California heritage. Founded by brothers Jeremy and Justin Heit, this SoCal brand was a runaway success after a few rounds of crowdfunding in 2008. But, we don’t love their sunglasses because of the above, but rather because they have a posse of cheerful and classic frames. And since it’s inspired by SoCal’s surf culture, these handmade sunglasses cost less than 200 USD a pop. And when it comes to designer sunglasses for that price range, it can’t get any better.

Best Choice

We found the Raen Keera Sunglasses to tick all the boxes that are important to us. First off, they’re well-made, stylish, and versatile. We particularly love the frame’s eye-catching shape, which pairs the unique square base with a subtle cat eye. What’s more, we tried it across various face shapes, and it not only suited them all but even flattered most face shapes. Not only is the frame handmade using acetate and a wire core at the temples, but also the hinges are secure. Plus, we were able to unfold the arms easily, which are sturdy at the same time. Even though they aren’t polarized, we love that they have 100% UVA and UVB protection. Finally, we could wear them indoors and even in the shade; while outdoors, they managed to block glare efficiently. What more could we ask for?

At A Glance

• Unisex: No
• Polarized: No
• Nose Bridge Width: 18mm
• Lens Width: 54mm 
• Price at the time of publishing: 160-170 USD

Persol

6

Best high-end sunglasses. One high end sunglasses brand that particularly caught our eye was Persol. There’s a reason why Persol’s sunglasses have long been a favorite with not just Formula One drivers but also pilots. They’ve even been courted by bonafide Hollywood royalty. In fact, Persol was Steve McQueen’s personal favorite, and he even showed up on the set of the movie “The Thomas Crown Affair” rocking a pair from their collection. It’s because their instantly recognizable designs radiate old-school Italian elegance and charm – and that too, without compromising on durability.

Best Choice

So, it’s no wonder that Persol is the ultimate when it comes to Italian luxury sunglasses, and Persol PO 3225S is at the very top of our list. Originally designed in the 1980s, this model is our favorite for more reasons than one. Firstly, it boasts top-quality lenses in a timeless style. Secondly, the brand is famed for having the world’s first patented system that eliminates that ridiculous temple squeezing. So it didn’t feel like we were getting a headache. Did you know that we even added a monogram for just an extra 10 USD? Yep.

Shade Review talks about these amazing sunglasses in this detailed YouTube video review.

At A Glance

• Unisex: Yes
• Polarized: No
• Nose Bridge Width: 18mm
• Lens Width: 56mm
• Price at the time of publishing: 300-400 USD

Warby Parker

5

Warby Parker sent all the major eyewear brands into panic mode with its promise of affordable eyewear a little over 10 years ago. Today, the middleman-less DTC eyewear brand has made good on its promise and makes its collection with the same standards as its luxury peers. It’s earned the envy of its counterparts by not skimping on the details when it comes to its sunglasses collection – and that’s what we love about them.

Best Choice

So, we turned our attention to the unisex Warby Parker Sutton Sunglasses, which are the best prescription shades we could invest in. They’re playful enough for us to wear them on a sunny day in Europe and classic enough to be paired with fall clothes too. What’s more, we had five polarized lens options and four diverse frame colors lens options to choose from to customize the look of our glasses.

It might not be a high end sunglasses brand, but it sure does make ’em like ’em.

At A Glance

• Unisex: Yes
• Polarized: Yes
• Nose Bridge Width: 18mm
• Lens Width: N/A
• Price at the time of publishing: 100 USD

Le Specs

4

Best value for money. The Australian eyewear brand Le Specs is the most famous brand of sunglasses in the land Down Under. In the 40 years since it was launched, it’s transformed into a beloved and rather accessible favorite around the world as well. We looked to Le Specs for trending and good-looking styles that didn’t break the bank – and we weren’t disappointed. Their sunglasses are reasonably priced, with most hovering around 60-80 USD. At the same time, we found them to be exceptionally durable and well-made, so we’re certain that we’ll get more than just one summer out of them.

Best Choice

“We were looking for small yet stylish options to suit narrower faces, and the Unreal! sunglasses are the best thing to have happened to us. Besides their absolute on-trend design, they’re durable too.”

WOW Travel

The Le Specs Unreal Sunglasses are a modern take on the effortlessly cool vintage 1990s look, with gold hardware and a thicker profile. What’s more, the rectangular lenses sit in a statement yet sturdy polycarbonate frame, while the vintage gold hardware at the temples adds a dash of luxury. We loved that the arms fold conveniently flat, stay fixed in place at any angle, and unfold easily too. Despite not having nose pads, they sit comfortably and securely on the nose bridge.

At A Glance

• Unisex: Yes
• Polarized: No
• Nose Bridge Width: 16mm
• Lens Width: 52mm
• Price at the time of publishing: 60 USD

Sunski

3

One of the best affordable brands of designer sunglasses is Sunski. Their sunglasses are designed with adventure in mind, complete with sleek and ultra-lightweight looks. We loved that they not only have options for both men and women but also have a virtual try-on option. So, we were able to make sure that we’d love the way we looked before actually buying the sunglasses.

Best Choice

We hit the beach in the stylish Sunski Treelines, which combine sustainability with a practical design, making us feel good about wearing them. Modeled after classic aviators and ski goggles, these glasses have polarized lenses that reduce eye strain. Plus, the fact that they reduced glare made them ideal for most outdoor activities that we’d planned. We also felt like the sunglasses added a bit of contrast, making colors seem vibrant again. However, we were most impressed by the removable sun shield side panels that prevented side glare and fogging during high-intensity adventures.

The best bit? Sunski offers a lifetime warranty on the Treeline sunglasses and makes them with recycled materials.

At A Glance

• Unisex: Yes
• Polarized: Yes
• Nose Bridge Width: 14mm
• Lens Width: 48mm
• Price at the time of publishing: 90 USD

Oakley

2

Oakley is one of the most popular brands of sunglasses and for good reason. The brand’s iconic, unabashedly bright wraparound shades have just the right amount of OTT oomph in this age of maximalist menswear. In fact, Oakley isn’t an official sponsor of Major League Baseball (MLB), but it might as well be, as its performance-minded sunglasses have been a favorite with Its most stylish stars for the longest time. Today, the brand’s distinctive sport-inspired silhouettes look good anywhere and on anyone.

Best Choice

We found the polarized, snug-fitting Oakley Holbrook Square Sunglasses perfect for the high-glare conditions of the ski slopes of the best ski resorts in Colorado. We love the Holbrook sunnies for their lightweight lenses with impact- and scratch-resistant features. They have Oakley’s PRIZM lens technology, which augmented our vision even in glare conditions, so we could navigate the off-piste and backwood areas easier. On the whole, we found the sunglasses very light and still feeling snug without squeezing. In fact, they felt secure on your heads even when we picked up speed on the slopes. It’s what makes them one of the best sunglasses for mountaineering for us.

If you need more information, check out this useful detailed review of these sunglasses by TripSavvy.

At A Glance

• Unisex: Yes
• Polarized: Yes
• Nose Bridge Width: 18mm
• Lens Width: 57mm
• Price at the time of publishing: 100-170 USD

Ray-Ban

1

Best overall. There’s no way for us to make a list of iconic eyewear brands and not include Ray-Ban – not in this century, at least. There’s no denying that it’s the most famous brand of sunglasses all over the world. The eyewear pedigree of this brand, which has been in this business for close to a century, speaks for itself. And Ray-Ban’s legendary roster of sunglasses needs no introduction, as they’re always in style. Their classic aviators come in various frame and lens colors, from green and black frames to silver-gray lenses on polished silver frames. What’s great about them is that we could customize the frame width for our heads and convert the lenses to polarized or even prescription ones.

Best Choice

If you haven’t owned a pair of Ray-Ban’s aviator frames until now, rectify that mistake immediately by getting the Ray-Ban Mens Original Aviator Sunglasses. While they were originally designed for military use, today, they’re nothing less than a style statement. Available in six lens colors, these aviators block most blue light and also 85% visible light. What’s more, we love that the teardrop lenses are the perfect sunblock for our eyes and have quickly become a luxury accessory for us on every outdoor activity, from fishing and hunting to skiing expeditions.

At A Glance

• Unisex: Yes
• Polarized: Yes
• Nose Bridge Width: 14 mm
• Lens Width: 55, 58, or 62 mm
• Price at the time of publishing: 160-220 USD

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ray-Ban (@rayban)

Our Verdict!

Obviously, different sunglasses brands have different aesthetics and usability too. We felt the same, so we came up with a shorter, more specialized list depending on their best features.

• Best high-end sunglasses: Persol
• Best value for money: Le Specs
• Best overall: Ray-Ban
• Best for the outdoors: Costa Del Mar

How To Choose The Best Brands For Sunglasses?

Types of sunglasses

Sunglasses, like every other accessory and piece of clothing, has a specific use. Hence, different types of sunglasses cater to different kinds of activities. Usually, some labels are known for their specific types of sunglasses. For instance, Ray-Ban is famed for its aviators, while Oakley is known for its glacier sunglasses for outdoor sports. Meanwhile, there are others that specialize in making casual or driving sunglasses. So, we zeroed in on the activity that we wanted to indulge in before choosing the brand.

Impact Protection

All sunglasses in the United States must meet FDA (Food and Drug Administration) impact safety standards. Now while no lens is truly unbreakable, glass lenses are likelier to shatter as compared to plastic lenses. When it comes to sports sunglasses brands, we looked for polycarbonate plastic ones that come with a scratch-resistant coating.

UV Eye Protection

If you live in primarily sunny areas, then choosing brands that have shades with UV protection is a must. They help minimize brightness in any place or season, as the sun’s reflective rays could negatively impact your vision and eyes.

Another aspect that we checked about the lenses is if they’re made properly. To do the same, we looked at a rectangular pattern, such as a tiled floor, by holding the sunglasses at a distance from our faces. Then, we covered one eye and moved the sunglasses slowly from up to down and side to side. If the lines wigle or are wavy, then we tried another pair.

Which sunglasses are safe for the eyes?

Sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection against UV 400 or all UVA and UVB light are safe for the eyes. You can come to know the level of protection older sunglasses offer by getting them checked in an optical shop with a UV light meter.

Which lens color is best for sunglasses?

Darker colors (green/gray/brown) are ideal for most outdoor activities and even everyday use. They’re designed primarily for cutting through the glare and reducing strain on your eyes.

Which is better, UV or polarized sunglasses?

While the objective of UV-blocking lenses is to protect the eyes, polarized lenses aim to remove the glare entirely. Thus, the latter helps you see more easily and clearly, i.e., there’s a lot less squinting.