Trip Planning Tech & Gear The 15 Best Sunglasses of 2023, According to Optometrists 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 09/30/22 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. Tripsavvy / Chloe Jeong Even if you have the right shoes, jacket, and the most comfortable pack, skimping on sunglasses can make for a long day of squinting followed by an inevitable headache. Don't let the sun ruin your day. Instead, invest in the right pair of sunglasses for your needs and adventures. There are a couple of things to look for when choosing the right pair. Dr. Leigh Plowman, Optometrist and Dry Eye Directory founder, recommends seeking out shades with polarized lenses that help reduce glare and eye strain. Beyond that, shades should also be comfortable and offer maximum protection. (Look for labels that say "100 percent UV protection" or "UV absorption up to 400 nanometers.") "Just like sunscreen lotion, sunglasses block harmful UV rays which can cause and accelerate a number of conditions in and around the eyes," says Dr. Esther Young, Director of Optometry at EyeQue. "It's very important to note that even in the winter or on cloudy days, blocking UV rays is still important because they penetrate clouds," she adds. "Even if it is not sunny and bright outside, you still need to wear sunscreen lotion and 100 percent UV protection for your eyes." Here are the best sunglasses for a wide range of activities. The Rundown Best Overall: Ray-Ban Aviator Classic at Amazon "Comes in a wide variety of lens and frame colors." Best Budget: Sungait Vintage Round Sunglasses at Amazon "Both lightweight and made for the long haul." Best for Skiing: Oakley Holbrook Square Sunglasses at Oakley "Feature Oakley's PRIZM lens technology, which augments your vision in glare conditions." Best for Golf: Oakley Men's Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses at Amazon "Its lenses are built to contrast in HD for better views on the course." Best for Hiking: 7Eye Airshield Ventus at 7Eye "Keeps out dust, debris, pollen, and wind so your eyes won't get sore while hiking." Best Polarized: Oakley Men's Turbine Polarized Sunglasses at Dick's Sporting Goods "Provides 100 percent protection against UVA, UVB, and UVC rays." Best for Fishing: Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses at Amazon "Polycarbonate lenses and frames are durable and scratch-resistant." Best for Running: Torege Men's Clock Stoppers at Amazon "The lenses are shatterproof and designed to optimize your vision as you run." Best for Cycling: Oakley RadarLock Path at Oakley "Offers clear, less-distorted vision and great refraction." Best for Men: Sunski Treeline Sunglasses at Backcountry "Comes with removable sun shield side panels that prevent fogging during high-intensity activities." Best for Women: LeSpecs Women's Unreal Sunglasses at Amazon "These durable sunglasses offer a modernized 1990s-style for an affordable price." Best Prescription: Warby Parker Sutton at Warby Parker "Affordable and stylish, these Warby Parker sunglasses will look good on any face." Best Splurge: Persol 3225S at Persol "These Italian-made frames first designed in the '80s may be pricy, but they'll last for decades." Best Design: Topfoxx Women's Marilyn Polarized Sunglasses at Topfoxx "These modern cat-eye frames are stylish and fairly sturdy." Best for Travel: REKS Round Sunglasses at Amazon "These nearly unbreakable glasses can withstand all the bumps and bruises of travel and have UV 400 protection." Best Overall: Ray-Ban Aviator Classic Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Nordstrom What We Like Variety of lens and color options Lightweight Comes with cleaning cloth What We Don't Like Bendable Light can get in the sides They're iconic for a reason. Ray-Ban's classic aviators come in a wide variety of lens and frame colors, from black frames and green lenses to polished silver frames with silver-gray lenses. You can also find the right frame width for your head, pop in prescription lenses, or make them polarized. Originally designed for military use, they block 85 percent of visible light and most blue light, too. Price at time of publish: $214 Lens Width: 55, 58, or 62 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 14 millimeters | Polarized: Yes | Unisex: Yes Best Budget: Sungait Vintage Round Sunglasses Courtesy of Sungait Buy on Amazon What We Like Full coverage Affordable Flexible What We Don't Like Not rubberized Extremely easy on the wallet, it's hard to beat these retro-looking Sungait sunglasses. With composite UV-400 lenses, they're both lightweight and made for the long haul, with a money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty against breakage. While made of plastic, it's reinforced well with a durable yet flexible TR90 frame, and the shades also come with a small screwdriver to adjust the hinges. We think they'll look good on guys, too. Price at time of publish: $19 Lens Width: 55 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 19 millimeters | Polarized: Yes |Unisex: Yes Best for Skiing: Oakley Holbrook Square Sunglasses Courtesy of Oakley Buy on Macy's Buy on Oakley.com What We Like Lightweight Available in different lens colors Scratch- and impact-resistant What We Don't Like More expensive Polarized, snug-fitting shades are essential for the high-glare conditions of a ski slope, and you’ll want lightweight lenses (look for polycarbonate) that have scratch- and impact-resistant features. Oakley, a leader in sports sunglasses, fits the bill with its Holbrook sunnies: they have the brand’s PRIZM lens technology, which augments your vision in glare conditions to navigate the backwoods and off-piste areas easier. Our tester noted that the 28-gram (under an ounce) sunglasses felt light and were snug without squeezing. Even during high-speed skiing and biking, the glasses felt secure Price at time of publish: $212 Lens Width: 57 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 18 millimeters | Polarized: Yes | Unisex: Yes Oakley Men’s Holbrook Sunglasses Review TripSavvy / Justin Park TripSavvy / Justin Park Best for Golf: Oakley Men's Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses Courtesy of Oakley Buy on Amazon Buy on Dick's Buy on Oakley.com What We Like Lightweight Superior lens quality What We Don't Like Not flattering on every face Pricier When it comes to golf sunglasses, there’s none better than Oakley’s Flak 2.0 XL Polarized Sunglasses. The frame is durable, lightweight, and built to have a three-point fit, while the PRIZM scratch-resistant lenses are built for better views on the course. Our tester found that the contrast of lenses made it much easier to follow shots that traveled more than 250 yards away. However, our tester found that the Flak 2.0 XL Prizms made it harder to find the ball in the brought, and the sunglasses perform best on cloudy, overcast days. Grips ensure the glasses stay on, even mid-swing on a sweaty day. If you play in super-bright, sunny conditions, try out the Dark Golf version of these PRIZMs. Price at time of publish: $184 Lens Width: 59 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 12 millimeters | Polarized: Yes |Unisex: No Oakley's Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Golf Sunglasses Boost Visibility on the Course TripSavvy / Nicholas McClelland Best Polarized: Oakley Men's Turbine Polarized Sunglasses Courtesy of Sunglass Hut Buy on Dick's What We Like High-quality lenses Impact resistant Adjustable nose pads won't pull hair What We Don't Like Few color options Oakley is known for its high-quality lenses and advanced performance technology, and the Turbine Polarized Sunglasses are no exception. These sunglasses feature Plutonite lens material, which filters out 100 percent of UVA, UVB, and UVC. Better yet, they protect against blue light from devices, too. They have a three-point fit for optimal comfort—these sunglasses only touch your nose and behind your temples. There's also padding in those areas, so the sunglasses won't slide when you sweat. And since these feature a streamlined design, they work well during active sports and leisure time in the sun. According to Dr. Young, frames with adjustable nose pads are ideal for people with low nose bridges. Price at time of publish: $234 Lens Width: 65 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 17 millimeters | Polarized: Yes |Unisex: No The 10 Best Polarized Sunglasses of 2022 Best for Fishing: Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses Tr90 Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon What We Like Affordable Scratch-resistant coating Versatile What We Don't Like Not flattering on some face shapes Duduma's pair of polarized sports sunglasses will take you from the river and lake to the bike, ski, and hiking trails. Besides guarding your eyes against UV rays, the 100 percent polarized coating also cuts glare. Polycarbonate lenses and frames are durable and scratch-resistant, and the sunglasses come in various colors, from silver frames with black lenses to yellow lenses and black frames. And, at this price point, it doesn't feel like a significant loss if they happen to fall in the stream. Price at time of publish: $25 Lens Width: 58 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 33 millimeters | Polarized: Yes |Unisex: Yes The 10 Best Fishing Sunglasses of 2023 Best for Hiking: 7Eye Airshield Ventus Courtesy of 7Eye Buy on 7eye.com What We Like Shatter resistant lenses Eye cup won't let in dust, dirt, or wind What We Don't Like Doesn't fit larger faces Foam is tough to clean Dr. Plowman recommends 7Eye frames for how they protect your eyes. They "wrap nicely around your eyes," he says. "They keep out dust, debris, pollen, and wind. This means your eyes won't get sore while hiking or skiing." The brand also has a collection of sunglasses made just for people with dry eyes, which should block out air and hold in moisture. Best of all, you can get them in polarized and prescription variations on most models. Price at time of publish: $119 Lens Width: 61 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 16 millilmeters | Polarized: Yes |Unisex: Yes Best for Running: Torege Men's Clock Stoppers Courtesy of Torege Buy on Amazon What We Like Versatile Lightweight Non-slip What We Don't Like Not all lenses are polarized Can be challenging to swap lenses out One of the most comfortable running glasses on the market, these Torege Clock Stoppers are budget-friendly yet made to last. They feature lightweight Grilamid TR90, and the lenses are shatterproof. These come with three interchangeable lenses, so you can optimize your vision while you run in different light conditions. Interior padding grip along the temples and nose as you sweat for a secure fit. Best of all, Torege offers a lifetime breakage warranty on the frames. Price at time of publish: $26 Frame Width: 148 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 20 millimeters | Polarized: On one lens | Unisex: No Best for Cycling: Oakley RadarLock Path Courtesy of Oakley Buy on Oakley.com What We Like Lightweight Temple and nose grips add security Comes with carrying case What We Don't Like Won't fit larger faces More expensive A long-time favorite among cyclists, Oakley's RadarLock Path sunglasses offer lenses with HDO technology—meaning clear, less-distorted vision and better refraction than regular lenses. They also block UVA, UVB, and UVC rays and blue light up to 400 nm. They're extremely lightweight, made with temple and nose grips that grip the more you sweat, and offer secure and quick lens replacement if needed, too. Price at time of publish: $222 Frame Width: 138 millimeters | Polarized: Yes | Unisex: Yes Best for Men: Sunski Treeline Sunglasses Courtesy of Sunski Buy on Backcountry.com What We Like Side flaps block out sun Lifetime warranty Good for snow and water sports What We Don't Like Might be too loose on small faces Sunski's Treeline sunglasses combines practical design with sustainability, so you can feel good wearing them every day. Modeled after ski goggles and classic aviators, these glasses feature polarized lenses that are ideal for most outdoor activities and reduce eye strain. Dr. Plowman says, "polarized lenses help to significantly reduce glare. They also give you added contrast. You may feel like colors seem vibrant again." These frames also have removable sun shield side panels that prevent fogging and side glare during high-intensity adventures. Best of all, Sunski makes its Treeline sunglasses with recycled materials and offers a lifetime warranty. While these oversized frames fit well on men's faces, they're unisex, making them great for gifting, too. Price at time of publish: $89 Lens Width: 48 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 14 millimeters | Polarized: Yes |Unisex: Yes Best for Women: Le Specs Women's Unreal Sunglasses Courtesy of Le Specs Buy on Amazon Buy on Lespecs.com What We Like Stylish Affordable 6-month warranty What We Don't Like Not as much coverage Doesn't work well on fit larger faces Le Spec's sunglasses are reasonably priced—most hover around $60 to $80—but they're also exceptionally well made and durable, so you'll get more than just one summer out of them. The Unreal sunglasses are a modern take on the traditional 1990s look, with a thicker profile and gold hardware. Price at time of publish: $79 Lens Width: 52 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 16 millimeters | Polarized: No | Unisex: No Best Prescription: Warby Parker Sutton Courtesy of Warby Parker Buy on Warbyparker.com What We Like Bold color options Polarized lenses give good clarity Gender-neutral What We Don't Like Arms can be bent easily No adjustable nose pads Warby Parker has made a name for itself in providing affordable, quality eyeglasses. The company's sunglasses are no different, and just like its regular glasses, you can pick some out to try online, have them shipped home, and put in an order on the ones you like most. The unisex Sutton sunglasses are the best of any pair of prescription shades—they're classic enough to go with anything, stylish enough to wear for many seasons to come, and playful enough to put you in a good mood on a sunny day. There are four diverse frame colors and five polarized lens options to customize the look of the glasses. While there are also non-polarized lenses available, the polarized lenses at Warby Parker cut through glare and provide even more clarity. Price at time of publish: $95 Frame Width: 137 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 18 millimeters | Polarized: Yes |Unisex: Yes Best Splurge: Persol 3225S Courtesy of Sunglass Hut Buy on Persol.com Buy on Sunglasshut.com What We Like Secure fit Stylish Customizable What We Don't Like Limited color options Nosepads aren't adjustable Italians are renowned for crafting well-made goods, and if you want to get one pair of sunglasses that will see you through the years, it’s hard to beat Persols. This model, originally designed in the 1980s, has staying power for a reason: they’ve got timeless style, top-quality lenses, and the world’s first patented system for eliminating that pesky temple squeezing. Other styles come with trendy and classic designs, while collaborations with cool brands like A.P.C. keep things fresh. Better yet, add a monogram for an extra $10. Price at time of publish: $335 Lens Width: 56 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 18 millimeters | Polarized: No |Unisex: Yes Best Design: Topfoxx Women's Marilyn Polarized Sunglasses Courtesy of Topfoxx Buy on Topfoxx.com What We Like Fashionable Lightweight UV 400 protection What We Don't Like Bendable The Marilyns are a modern take on a classic cat-eye pair of sunglasses, with just enough flare on the sides and a sleek top rim to give off some Ray-Ban vibes, too. We've squashed ours in suitcases, thrown them in purses, and even sat on them without them taking too much of a beating. Price at time of publish: $79 Lens Width: 53 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 18 millimeters | Polarized: Yes |Unisex: No Best for Travel: REKS Round Sunglasses Courtesy of Walmart Buy on Amazon What We Like Scratch-resistant Durable What We Don't Like No nosepads No, they don’t fold—but these sunglasses from Reks are virtually unbreakable. Opt for the memory-flex polycarbonate polarized version for crisp contrast. There are all sorts of coating on these sunglasses: multi-layer mirror, hydrophobic, scratch-resistant, and anti-reflective. Plus, they offer 100 percent UV 400 protection. Throw them in a case, in your bag, or even sit on them—this pair will last and last. Price at time of publish: $25 Lens Width: 49 millimeters | Nose Bridge Width: 22 millimeters | Polarized: Yes |Unisex: Yes The 12 Best Places to Buy Sunglasses of 2023 What to Look for in a Pair of Sunglasses Activity If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses for cycling, they will be very different from the sunnies you wear out for brunch. Sports sunglasses are built to wrap more tightly around your head, though their styling tends to be a bit much for everyday wear. Choose accordingly—and don’t be afraid to get two pairs. With care, each one will last a long time. Style Whether you want to go sporty or more fashion-forward, there’s a pair for virtually everyone. Look in your closet to figure out what fits with your look. Price You can spend as much or as little as you want on sunglasses—they’re sold at virtually every price point. Our advice? Get a pair that works for you in terms of functionality and looks, so wearing them becomes a (fun) habit. Of course, spending a lot might not be the best idea if you’re prone to misplacing them (no judgment!). Frequently Asked Questions What sunglass shape will fit your face shape best? The best way for someone to ensure if a pair of sunglasses will work for their face shape is to try them on in person, and most retailers offer try-on periods with free return shipping. But there are a few rules of thumb when considering the best options. Round faces usually work well with aviator or square-shaped sunglasses. The reverse is true for square- and oblong-shaped faces where round sunglasses fit best. People with heart-shaped features should avoid oversized styles. And people who have an oval-shaped face are in luck because most sunglasses styles will fit well.Also, be sure to consider nose shape. Dr. Young recommends sunglasses with adjustable nose pads to help get the best fit. “If you have your heart set on a plastic frame without adjustable nose pads, check if the manufacturer offers a version of the frame with an extended nose bridge area, often called ‘alternative fit.’” What's the best way to clean sunglasses? Some sunglasses come with a cloth to wipe the lens clean with. Other residues on the arms can usually be wiped off with the same cloth or a slightly damp paper towel. Check the manufacturer's recommendation before cleaning the sunglasses for the first time. What are the benefits of polarized sunglasses? For those who are frequently out in conditions with a lot of glare, polarized lenses could be helpful for you. “I do recommend polarized sunglasses for almost any purpose,” Dr. Young says. “If you compare polarized and non-polarized sunglasses side by side, you will see what a huge difference it makes in reducing glare. Colors will seem more vibrant, and your vision will feel sharper and more contrasted.” Those looking to find the right pair of polarized sunglasses should consider the conditions they’ll be in. “Polarized grey lenses tend to appear the darkest tint available,” says Dr. Plowman. “Polarized brown lenses tend to be better for driving in mixed lighting (e.g., shadows and bright lights on the road at the same time). Polarized green (a.k.a. G15) lenses are also slightly less dark than grey.” Why Trust TripSavvy Krystin Arneson is a freelance editor and writer based in Berlin, Germany. During the week, you'll find her traveling as often as possible; during the weekend, she serves as editor for Glamour.com. Besides TripSavvy and Glamour, she's also been published on Conde Nast Traveler, Jetsetter, National Geographic Traveler, Oyster.com, and more. The 11 Best Golf Sunglasses of 2023 Article Sources TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy. American Academy of Ophthamology. "What Are Polarized Lenses For?" American Academy of Ophthamology. "Recommended Types of Sunglasses." Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 15 below. Continue to 9 of 15 below. Continue to 13 of 15 below.