The 10 Best Sunglasses for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Oct 30, 2024

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Brave the sun with these stylish and functional shades.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Henry Wortock

Few accessories scream “I’m on vacation” more than a pair of sunglasses. And yet, their function is far more than style alone. According to Manhattan-based optometrist Jennifer Tsai, a bad pair of sunglasses, or none at all, can lead to an increased risk for light sensitivity, retinal damage, cataracts, pterygiums, and dry eyes. “Quality matters when it comes to protecting your eyes from sun damage,” she says.

Risk of eye damage is even more pronounced during travel when we’re often exposed to constant sun. According to Tsai, it’s crucial to have increased protection while on vacation, which you can achieve by using polarized sunglasses that do a better job at filtering light. Polarized lenses are especially great when driving, exercising outdoors, or doing water activities like boating.

Friends might say I’m obsessed with sunglasses. I own at least a dozen pairs of all shapes, colors and sizes (though I am partial to small round ones). My favorites are from brands like Vallon, Resort Co, Pit Viper, and ATC Sun, though I’m definitely not against the funky ones I find on the side of the road in Istanbul and Venice Beach. But we’re not going to lean on my taste alone.

To determine the best quality sunglasses for men, we tested more than 20 pairs and wore them during everyday activities like walks, running errands, driving, hiking, playing sports, and running. To determine the best, we judged each pair based on five characteristics: quality, fit, appearance, performance, and value.

These sturdy sunglasses are flattering for all types of face shapes.

All of the styles are polarized except for one.

Contrary to this brand’s startling name, these sunglasses definitely aren’t crappy. We found The Heavy Tropix to be remarkably sturdy compared to others we tested. The frames are made with high-quality bioacetate, which is both biodegradable and plant-based. Where other sunglasses became floppy over time when the arms are folded too much, these stayed solid.

We found that these sunglasses complemented any face shape, acknowledging the brand’s promise that they “look great on just about everyone.” Our lead tester, for instance, had an oval shaped face and was very happy with the look. The tint was perfect for us; it’s enough to block the sun with 100 percent UVA/B protection while still being useful at dusk. These sunglasses also come with polarized CR-39 lenses, which help to reduce glare and eye strain.

In terms of style, we loved how these resembled aviators, but are also quite unique. The rectangular shape is definitely in fashion these days, but these are not too intense. There are also plenty of great color options in both tortoise shell and semi-transparent crystal frames which add to their character.

The best part about these sunglasses is that they’re such great quality despite being much less expensive than similar glasses from leading brands like Ray-Ban. Now if that’s crap, you can take me right to the dump.

The Details: 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | Polarized CR-39 (except dark tortoise bio)

The special polarized lenses block water, oil and dirt as well as glare.

These are some of the priciest sunglasses we tested.

We put these sunglasses through the challenge of fitting on our tester who has a crooked nose – and they passed with flying colors. Our tester said he’d never had sunglasses fit so snugly, and he wore them every day through the testing period.

Despite seeming like cheap plastic frames, these glasses are actually very high-quality. When we accidentally hit them across the pavement, they escaped with only a small dent. We also quite liked the style of these sunglasses, especially the wood-style Sequoia / Ultra Brown 12.

What really makes these sunglasses stand out from the rest is their super high-quality Japanese polarized SR-91 lenses. Not only do these lenses block glare and prevent eye strain, they make sure water, dirt and oil don’t stick. So if you don’t yet own a pair of polarized sunglasses for your outdoor pursuits, then definitely consider these.

The Details: 100 percent UVA/B protection | Polarized SR-91

They’re of reliable quality with excellent polarized lenses.

The style is just okay.

Hawaii brand Maui Jim has spent decades as a top sunglasses brand. In fact, one of our testers’ dad still wears his Maui Jim’s from 30 years ago!

Despite being a newer style, we found the Kõkua style to be a reliable option, especially for fishing. We wore them out on the water and on the beach, and they did an awesome job at blocking sunlight and preventing glare thanks to Mau Jim’s PolarizedPlus2® lens technology. The lenses are also scratch-resistant and have blue light-blocking technology to protect your eyes from screen glare.

If you’re looking for a pair that stays on your face, these are terrific. We even wore them out running and they stayed secure. The thing is, we found the style to be a bit underwhelming. There are so many sunglasses options out there, it’s a shame to have something so simple. That said, they are a solid pair of casual utility sunglasses we don’t feel bad wearing out and about.

The Details: 100 percent UVA protection | PolarizedPlus2® lens technology

If you love to receive compliments, these are for you.

Only one of the colorways is polarized.

If you’re used to Ray-Ban’s classic styles, allow us to tempt you with a refreshed look. The Corrigan Bio-Based model has a fun style with the double hole in the bridge. It’s cool without being too much. Not convinced yet? One of our testers usually wears simple styles and said he got so many compliments wearing these that he’s officially a fun sunglasses convert. Even his kids loved them.

The frames of these sunglasses are made from bioacetate, having 67 percent bio-based carbon content. Despite being more eco-friendly than plastic, they held up well and handled a drop without any scratches. They’re comfortable, too. Our tester wore them on a 1,700-mile road trip, on more than a dozen bike rides, and five days of hiking and didn’t notice any issues with tightness or discomfort on the nose. They’re a tad pricey, but we found these Ray-Bans to be worth the splurge.

The Details: 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | One polarized style (Polished Transparent Light Blue / Dark Brown)

They’re fun and flashy with a Miami Beach vibe.

They tend to slide down when you sweat.

If you want to mix up your wardrobe, these affordable sunglasses available on Amazon do the trick. We wore them to the pool, while biking, walking, running and to a baseball game, and found they blocked the sun well enough for budget sunglasses. They didn’t slide around too easily under dry conditions, but when we started sweating, we frequently had to push them up our nose bridge.

The frames withstood our flex tests, but couldn’t bend past a 90-degree angle like other sunglasses with metal hinges. In terms of style, they honestly weren’t for us – but that doesn’t mean they aren’t for you. With the gold accents and flashy lens colors, they give off a Miami Beach vibe. We say they’re definitely worth a try at this price.

The Details: UV400 Lenses

These sunglasses are extremely high quality and can easily slide into your pocket.

The style is more unique than classic.

Originally introduced in the 1960s as the world’s first folding sunglasses, the Persol 714s continue to stand out as perhaps the most packable, easiest-to-transport shades on the market. After three months of tests, we found they fully blocked all sunlight and glare and were adequately polarized. However, we did find them to be a tad uncomfortable during extended use. Overall, we recommend these shades for someone who wants something very compact and who appreciates the style.

The Details: L | UV-protected | Polarized

These sunglasses have extremely durable lenses that won’t scratch or allow glare to burn your eyes.

The armless design might be too unorthodox for some.

We’ve been wearing these glasses for over two years, for everything from hiking and backpacking to swimming and driving. In all that time, we’ve never experienced any issues with glare, high-intensity light, or wind, and they haven’t scratched. To put it simply, we love these sunglasses.

Despite the name, the Ombraz Classics don’t have a classic design. They’re armless, meaning they have a cord strap instead of solid arms that perch over your ears. The advantage of this design is that you don’t need to worry about broken hinges, and they hang easily from the neck when they’re not covering your eyes. You can also quickly tighten the cord during any activity for a snug fit.

The Details: Regular or narrow | UV protected | Polarized

The materials used for the frames are biodegradable, so they won’t last long in a landfill.

The frames don’t feel as high-quality as others and stretched out after six months of use.

These Warby Parker sunglasses are a casual, classic pair of travel shades. We found them to be comfortable with a roomy fit while remaining snug against the temples so they don’t need constant adjusting. We also love Warby Parker’s industry-defining offer to let you try on the sunglasses at home to see if you like them before making a commitment.

These lenses passed our polarization test and we found they completely blocked all glare. Just keep in mind these Warby Parkers aren’t made for more rigorous activities, like working out or playing sports. After carrying these shades around in bags for over six months, we noticed some wear on the case, which isn't as sturdy as the glasses themselves.

The Details: M, wide and extra-wide | UV protected

These sunglasses are very comfortable on the nose bridge and won’t slip.

You’ll have to upgrade if you want a polarized option.

Oakley’s wraparound sunglasses are iconic in the cycling world, and the RadarLock Path continues to hold its ground after frequent use over six months of tests. We found that the blue-tinted lenses cut the glare and wind in warm weather or snow, and they were supremely comfortable. The nose pads are soft and pliable, but not slippery. We also loved the overall quality of these wraparound sunglasses and found them to have the perfect combination of function and style.

The Details: 44mm | UV protected

These stylish acetate frames look flattering on different face shapes.

These aren’t recommended for anything sporty.

Oliver Peoples’ sunglasses wowed us at first sight. They seem to radiate quality and they look very stylish while doing so, although they don't provide as much light protection as other options. Over six months of use, we continued to be impressed as we manipulated and put on the sunglasses, finding them to be some of the sturdiest we tried, thanks to metal rods that reinforce the arms so you won't have to worry about them breaking.

The Details: Regular | UV protected

While these sunglasses didn’t quite make our list of the very best, we still found them deserving of an honorable mention.

Tifosi Swank Polarized: We loved the fit and quality of these sunnies, but they didn’t shine in terms of design or style when compared to others we tested.

Persol 3O3292S: These pricey retro sunglasses have a unique style, but we found they didn’t do a great job of blocking sunlight.

Travel + Leisure / Elise Wojczyk Wang

Here are some related items that you may also need if you plan on spending time in the sun.

We tested 17 pairs of sunglasses during everyday activities like driving, shopping, running and more for a period of three months. We examined the different parts of the sunglasses, including the lenses, arms, hinges, and bridge/nose pads, then put them on to check for fit, quality, performance, appearance, and value. We also conducted polarization tests to see whether sunglasses that were labeled as such were actually effective. Our tests will continue for a total period of six months.

Travel + Leisure / Anna Knief

Optometrist Jennifer Tsai recommends looking for 100 percent UV-blocking lenses (sometimes labels indicate “UV absorption up to 400mm”). Cheaper sunglasses may not offer this level of protection, even if they are made to be darker, which can cause pupils to dilate, creating a higher risk of sun damage.

Polarized lenses are a great idea when partaking in water or snow sports like fishing and skiing, as exposure to the sun’s glare can lead to eye damage.

Many sunglasses brands offer a virtual try-on feature, which uses augmented reality to see how the shades will look on your face before buying. This is a great way to get a feel for how the glasses will look before making a commitment, and important since everyone’s face shape is unique. Some companies, like Warby Parker, also let you try on the sunglasses at home with the option to return them if they don’t fit perfectly.

Polarized lenses have a special chemical filter that blocks sunlight and glare. These are especially ideal during water and snow sports, when the sun is extra reflective.

Simply rinse and rub with a dab of simple dish soap on your finger. Then rinse again and dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Sunglasses tend to be listed by the width of the lens, (i.e. 55mm), or in a general size like M (medium) or XL (extra-large). When trying them on, they should fit snugly across your nose and ears. If you want to protect your eyes as much as possible, opt for larger lenses that provide more coverage.

Lens color can make a difference in how you see the world because different colors can create different levels of depth perception and contrast. Green can help block out blue light, helping with precision sports like tennis, baseball, and golf, or driving on sunny days. Brown can help increase depth perception, which is also beneficial for sports like golf and baseball. Red can help increase visual depth and contrast, which would be useful for skiing, cycling, and driving. Yellow can help cut through low-light, foggy, hazy, or overcast weather conditions.

Sadly, there is no sure-fire way to fix scratched sunglasses, despite what many say online. That said, it’s worth a try. One way is to mix baking soda and water or vinegar and rub the paste on the lens with a microfiber cloth. You could also try doing that with toothpaste or baby oil. Other options are to use nail-polish remover and let it sit, or to buy specifically dedicated products. Many of these solutions cost between $10-15, so at least it isn’t a huge investment if it doesn’t work.

For this story, writer Joel Balsam summed up our testers’ reviews and added his own insights as an avid sunglasses wearer. Joel has more than a dozen pairs of sunglasses for all occasions and is particularly happy with his pair of Vallon Heron Mountain and Resort Co Mazzo sunglasses.

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