When it comes to a good pair of sunglasses, it doesn’t matter what season it is because protecting your vision and looking mysteriously cool are year-round endeavors. Whether you’re driving in the glare of the summer sun, skiing on the blinding slopes, or simply taking a walk on a bright fall morning, it’s imperative to own a pair of high-quality sunglasses that are made well and fit your face, as well as your sense of style. The best sunglasses for men don’t have to be pricey. But don’t think you can simply pick up a pair for $20 at your local gas station and be set.
The great news is that you don’t have to set foot into your local mall’s sunglass shop, only to be swarmed by the aggressive salespeople and have them watch every pair you try on. Not only can you purchase sunglasses online, but you can also get them from direct-to-consumer sites with specific guidelines on fit and sizing. You also don’t have to rely on only the big Luxottica group brands to find good sunglasses. There are tons of excellent microbrands that are just as good and far more affordable. Here are ten of the best men’s sunglasses in a range of styles, materials, and lenses.
Persol 714SM – Steve McQueen
The 714SMs might just be the coolest sunglasses ever made. Touted as the world’s first folding sunglasses, they were worn by the King of Cool, himself. Over the decades, they haven’t changed much, and that’s a very good thing. The acetate frames fold down to a shockingly compact size but deploy into a classic shape with the signature metal temple accents. The 100% UV protection glass lenses lend excellent optics and great visibility. Will you be as cool as McQueen? Probably not, but it’s worth a try. Buy: $480
ROKA Falcon Titanium
Count on newcomer ROKA based out of Texas to deliver a new take on the classic aviator. First of all, they’re made out of tough and ultra-light titanium for remarkable all-day comfort. The frame and C3 lenses keep the sunglasses to an astounding 19-gram weight (a mere .04 pounds). The GEKO nose pads and temples provide excellent grip and airflow, so you can be as active as you want without worry. Most importantly, however, is the style factor. The mid-size frames are almost universally wearable, and the minimalist design looks great with a suit or more casual fare. The Falcons come in four frame and lens color combinations. You can also order them with prescription lenses and even progressives. Buy: $295
Serengeti Bellemon
The chunky style of the Bellmon will have your style parked somewhere between Bono and Martin Scorsese, which is to say, bold and brash. The thick frames are made with Castor plant-based eco-nylon, and the spring hinges on the temples add comfort for various facial widths and shapes. The keyhole nose bridge provides an added dose of retro personality. Choose from four frame colors with either standard photochromic lenses or glare-friendly polarized lenses. Buy: $160
RAEN Remmy
Remmys might just be the ultimate universal sunglasses because they look good on just about anyone. The round acetate frames evoke a classic retro look thanks to mildly horned temples and a notched nose bridge, but everything’s been modernized with lightweight construction and strong five-barrel hinges, as well as some slick hues. The lenses are high-quality Zeiss polarized CR-39 lenses with 100% UV protection. Our favorite colorway is the Stingray Green with a gradient, striated white and grey frame. You can choose between two different sizes, as well, for just the right fit. Buy: $170
Ombraz Classics
If you’re active but don’t want to look like the Terminator, you must check out Ombraz. They provide a new take on sunglasses with custom-woven, 100% Recycled Japanese Nylon cord instead of traditional temples. The result is an elevated level of comfort, as well as peerless security even on a sweaty head. The Classics are shaped to make you look like an A-lister, and the four frame and lens colors and two sizes can be paired for your ideal style. Zeiss lenses are impact and scratch-resistant and provide 100% UV protection. The fact that you can Rx the lenses means you might only take them off when it’s time for bed. Buy: $140
Warby Parker Cooper
Channel the stylish intellectual or brainy artist with the Coopers. The medium-width round acetate frames have a simple shape with one exception, a single metal brow bar that connects the two sides. The result is a sunglass shape like no other, without compromising comfort. Choose between three different frame and lens colors, and you can even select prescription lenses or readers. Buy: $145
Shady Rays Classics
You don’t have to pay Wayfarer money to get Wayfarer style. These beach-goers are made with handsome matte wood frames and polarized lenses in different colors. The price is the part that’s hard to wrap your brain around: less than $50. If you’re wondering about the quality, just count on the fact that they’re warrantied for life, and Shady Rays will replace them if you lose them or break them. That’s right, get out on that surf. Buy: $48
Garrett Leight San Miguel Sun
The San Miguel Sun is a unique sunglass style that properly collides the two worlds of artist and aviator. Smaller and less round than traditional aviators, the San Miguel Sun is made with stainless steel frames and AR-coated and 100% UV protective CR39 lenses. We love the thin brow bar and nose bridge, as well as the Hollywood gradient lenses that imbue elegance to this new breed of aviators. Buy: $390
Oakley Latch Alpha Marc Marquez Series
These special edition sunglasses might have Moto GP rider Marc Marquez’s name attributed to them, but you don’t have to ride a motorcycle to don them. Their sporty style strikes the right balance between active and laid back. The double bridge frames are made with strong and light aluminum and Oakley’s signature Unobtanium in the temples for grip. Polarized lenses reduce glare on road surfaces, and the slick frames even clip to your shirt for those rare moments when you aren’t wearing them. Buy: $317
Maui Jim Hema Rimless
The Hema is the stealth fighter of this set with its 100% rimless construction and MauiPure LT lightweight lenses. They weigh in at a mere 10 grams, and they’re designed for performance, as well as minimalist and modern style. The lenses are made with PolarizedPlus2 technology that provides glare-free viewing and a gradient that keeps the brightest sun out at the top and relaxed viewing through the lower portion. High-flow nose pads and ultra-thin temples keep things airy, and the seven colorways provide a wide array of choices. Is anyone ready to star in The Matrix 5? Buy: $190
