Tech & Gear Accessories The 12 Best Places to Buy Sunglasses in 2022 Protect your eyes and look great at the same time By Krystin Arneson Krystin Arneson Instagram University of Edinburgh Krystin Arneson is a writer and editor based out of Berlin, Germany. She covers an array of hotels, products, and destinations for TripSavvy. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 02/04/22 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Whether you're finalizing the packing list for your next getaway or you just need a pair for daily use, a good pair of sunglasses is a must for everyone. They don't just look great, but they protect your eyes from harmful rays. This is especially important if you're heading to a tropical vacation or even doing a lot of outdoor activities. From the frame style (cat-eye, aviators, and more) to the specific lens type, determining your perfect fit can be trial and error. And of course you have to find the right frame for your face shape. To help you get started, here are the best places to buy sunglasses. The Rundown Best Overall: Warby Parker The styles that come in a variety of lens and frame colorways. Best Budget: Target Find cute pairs for everyone in the family for less than $20. Best Splurge: Nordstrom Here's where you can purchase iconic brands like Alexander McQueen, CELINE, and Chloé. Best Style: Madewell The retailer offers a solid selection of updated Wayfarer and cat-eye shapes. Best One-Stop Shop: Zappos This single website is the perfect place to shop for gear from tons of trusted names. Best for Festivals: Urban Outfitters You'll have no problem finding glasses perfectly on-trend, with styles like round, square, and cat-eye. Best for Convenience: Amazon The fast shipping makes it easy to grab a last-minute pair of sunglasses for vacation. Best for Thrifting: ThredUP Expect designer names at prices half off retail. Best for Sports: Backcountry They offer a great selection of sunglasses made specifically for almost any sport or activity. Best for Variety: ASOS The options range from its own, affordable in-house line of glasses to top names. Best Overall: Warby Parker Courtesy of Eyewear Bloggerhttps://www.eyewearblogger.com/warby-parker/sunglasses/warby-parker-x-tyler-oakley Buy on Warbyparker.com What We Like Range of styles Easy try-on process Great prices What We Don't Like Limited name brands Warby Parker, a big, eyewear disruptor that specializes in affordable prescription glasses, offers prescription sunglasses, too. Expect men’s, women’s, and unisex styles that come in a variety of lens and frame colorways so you can find a unique pair to call your own. The best part is the free home try-on, where you can pick up to five frames to try on and have them shipped to you. Even more, the company has brick-and-mortar locations if you'd like to try the glasses on in person. Best Budget: Target Courtesy of Targethttps://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-aviator-sunglasses-w-blue-lenses-wild-fable-8482-gold/-/A-16699768 Buy on Target What We Like Easy pickup and returns Helpful customer photos What We Don't Like Some frames can run large Target’s sunglass section is one of the best places for finding cute pairs at less than $20. With plenty of trendy styles available year-round, from aviators to fashion-forward, oversized square frames, the store also carries sunglasses for men and kids in addition to its women’s selection. Target even offers free order pick-ups that are usually available on the same day. Best Splurge: Nordstrom Courtesy of Nordstromhttps://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bose-frames-rondo-49-5mm-audio-sunglasses/5239526/full Buy on Nordstrom What We Like Range of high-end designers Mix of affordable options as well Great return policy What We Don't Like Prices can be cheaper elsewhere While there are plenty of affordable sunglasses available online and in-store, Nordstrom is great if you’re looking to splurge on a pricey, designer pair. With iconic brands like Alexander McQueen, CELINE, and Chloé, as well as traditional designers like Coach and Burberry, there’s no shortage of sunglasses to contemplate blowing your next paycheck on. Plus, with plenty of locations, including a NYC flagship, you can even try on some pairs. Best Style: Madewell Courtesy of Shop It to Mehttps://www.shopittome.com/sale/womens?b=5424&c=112&d=1 Buy on Madewell.com What We Like Classic frame styles Great fit Durable frames What We Don't Like Some styles are expensive Madewell’s collection of top-quality, vintage-inspired sunglasses is just as stylish as their clothing, bags, and other accessories. At a reasonable price, they offer a solid selection of updated Wayfarer and cat-eye shapes, plus collaborations with typically high-end sunglass designers like Karen Walker. Although its offerings are small during the winter months, keep an eye out in-season for more sunglasses. Best One-Stop Shop: Zappos Courtesy of Zapposhttps://www.zappos.com/a/the-style-room/product/9070613/color/499299?rl=true Buy on Zappos What We Like Mix of high and low brands Easy returns Great sales What We Don't Like Tons of products to wade through Zappos’ wide inventory doesn’t just include shoes: the store carries plenty of travel bags, socks, and sunglasses for men, women, and kids, too, making the site an easy, quick place to gather plenty of gear from trusted names. From Vans to Quay, the brand names are verified at Zappos and the shipping is still free. Better yet, there are 365-day returns available. Best for Festivals: Urban Outfitters Courtesy of Urban Outfittershttps://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/shakedown-oversized-round-sunglasses?category=womens-sunglasses&color=015&type=REGULAR Buy on Urban Outfitters What We Like Range of colors Trendy designs What We Don't Like Popular colors sell out fast With dozens of affordable and designer offerings for men and women, Urban Outfitters has sunglasses for everyone, whether you’re heading to Lollapalooza or Coachella. Case in point: their sunglasses start around $20 and include Ray-Bans, Le Specs, and even Prada. The frames are all perfectly on-trend, with styles like round, square, and cat-eye. Best for Convenience: Amazon Courtesy of Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAHV221 Buy on Amazon What We Like Affordable Convenient shipping What We Don't Like Some brands are hit or miss Amazon’s Prime membership makes it easy to grab a last-minute pair of vacation sunglasses delivered within two days — or even sooner in some markets. Plus, with a variety of price points and styles, you can find a pair for every member of the family. Just keep in mind that designer names aren’t always verified, so it might not be the place for a luxury splurge. Look out for lightning deals for the best sales of the day. Best for Thrifting: ThredUP Courtesy of thredUPhttps://www.thredup.com/product/x-juicy-couture-brown-sunglasses/63454837 Buy on Thredup.com What We Like Brands for all budgets Eco-friendly Many options to search through ThredUP is like your favorite secondhand store — just more neatly organized and easier to find your next hidden gem. Their sunglass section is really something, with consigners selling glasses from names like Dolce & Gabbana and CELINE for prices half off retail, as well as affordable names like Vineyard Vines, too. Even more, you can filter your selection by condition (new with tags, like-new, gently used, or signs of wear). Best for Sports: Backcountry Courtesy of Backcountryhttps://www.backcountry.com/kaenon-burnet-mid-sunglasses-polarized Buy on Backcountry.com What We Like Search based on activities Options for kids What We Don't Like Few trendy styles Outdoor-brand Backcountry has a great selection of sunglasses made specifically for almost any sport or activity. You’ll find names in-store and online like Kaenon, Oakley, and Julbo, as well as snow goggles for winter activities like snowboarding and skiing. If you’re shopping online, smart filters like “Recommended Use” and “Shape” help you find the perfect pair in just a few clicks. The 11 Best Golf Sunglasses of 2022 Best for Variety: ASOS Courtesy of ASOShttps://www.asos.com/au/asos-design/asos-design-retro-sunglasses-in-gunmetal-matte-black/prd/9099410 Buy on Asos What We Like Many unisex options Detailed photos What We Don't Like Many out of stock options ASOS’ wide collection of sunglasses ranges from its own, affordable in-house line of glasses to top names like Ray-Ban, Versace, and Quay. There’s also a huge variety of styles, from trendy, tiny rectangular glasses to classic shapes like Clubmasters. Whether you’re trying to be seen or just trying to see, there’s a frame on the site for you. Sign up for a free trial of their two-day delivery program to get yours now. Best Value: Macy's Courtesy of Macy'shttps://www.macys.com/shop/product/ray-ban-polarized-sunglasses-rb3025-aviator?ID=1495533&CategoryID=28295&swatchColor=GOLD%2FGREEN%20POLAR&swatchColor=GOLD%2FGREEN%20POLAR Buy on Macy's What We Like Search by frame size and fit Regular sales and discounts What We Don't Like Few kids' styles On any given day, some serious bargains on designer sunglasses can be found in Macy’s sale section. Expect Tory Burch cat-eye glasses for almost half off, the ever-popular Ray-Bans at a major discount, or oversized Dolce & Gabbana shades for a solid discount off retail price. Filters like frame style, face shape, lens technology, and lens color make the wide selection super-easy to shop, too. The 10 Best Polarized Sunglasses of 2022 Best Mid-Priced: Topfoxx Courtesy of Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CL9735Y/?tag=tripsavvy02-20 Buy on Topfoxx.com What We Like Trendy styles and colors Great UV protection What We Don't Like Slightly heavy Not everyone wants to get a bargain pair of shades that’ll snap after one summer — nor do they want to drop serious cash on a designer pair. For that sweet, mid-priced spot, Topfoxx has a great selection of men's and women's sunglasses that'll still last a few seasons. Modern takes on classic styles like oversized cat-eyes and updated Wayfarer styles, plus quality construction, make this a pre-vacation go-to. Final Verdict Warby Parker glasses (view at Warby Parker) aren't just trendy — the quality is stellar. But that doesn't mean you have to spend a ton, as the options are wallet-friendly. Also, shopping for the right frame can be tricky, so their try-on options make the process easier. What to Look for When Shopping for Sunglasses 100 Percent UV Absorption Seek out retailers offering sunglasses capable of absorbing 100 percent of UV light or absorbing UV light up to 400 nm. This is a necessity because long-term exposure to UV can cause damage to the eye. And keep in mind that a higher price or darker colored lens doesn't mean that the sunglasses actually absorb 100 percent of UV light. Polarization While polarization isn't as vital as UV absorption, polarized lens reduce reflective glare and can be helpful for driving or boating. It's important to note that polarized lens may not absorb 100 percent of UV light, so be sure to check. For better acuity, look for retailers that sell an assortment of polarized sunglasses. Warranty Many sunglass retailers offer a year-long warranty on glasses, such as Warby Parker. Oakley sunglasses, which can be purchased at Target, even offer a lifetime warranty on products. If you're prone to scratching your lenses, long warranty periods are a must. Frequently Asked Questions Which retailers sell prescription sunglasses? Out of the retailers included, Warby Parker, Target, Topfoxx, and Amazon sell prescription sunglasses. Warby Parker's collection, however, is the most expansive. Should I purchase sunglasses in-person or online from these retailers? Some retailers like Zappos, Amazon, ThredUP, Backcountry, ASOS, and Topfoxx don't have store locations. Therefore, purchasing sunglasses in-person isn't an option. If you're concerned about color, shape or size, seek out retailers that allow you to try on glasses virtually. Out of those mentioned, Warby Parker allows you to try on sunglasses virtually as well as pick five frames to try on at home for free.It's important to keep in mind that even retailers with stores may not carry the pair you'd like at that physical location, so remember to call before making the trek there. Trying on a pair in-person, if possible, is likely your best bet. Why Trust TripSavvy Author Krystin Arneson is a freelance editor and writer who began writing for TripSavvy in May of 2018. During the week, you'll find her traveling as often as possible; during the weekend, she serves as editor for Glamour.com. The 15 Best Sunglasses of 2022, According to Optometrists Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 12 below. Continue to 9 of 12 below.