What are the best sunglasses now?
Sunglasses are always a must-have, so check out GQ’s list of the best sunglasses for men this season, no matter what style you like.
Sunglasses season never ends, but now is a good time to update your collection with the best frames from past and present seasons, since there are a lot of sales and discounts going on. There are plenty of stylish sunglasses to choose from, whether you wear them every day like Anna Wintour or just want a pair to dress up your days out.
In addition to the usual stock of aviators and wayfarers, which have a timeless look, there are two other eyewear trends to keep an eye on right now: the trend for oversized, overtly chic, and feminine styles, and the trend for futuristic wrap-around styles, which everyone from District Vision to Balenciaga is doing. Both of these trends are heavily influenced by the 1990s and 2000s.
No matter what style you choose (classic shapes are also good), it’s not always easy to choose a new pair of sunglasses. This is especially true when you can’t always try them on in the store.
When you add in the many options for lens strengths, colors, and glare protection (called “polarization”), it can all be quite confusing.
As a general rule, always think about the shape of your face. You should think about what looks good on you if you want to wear your glasses more than once. For example, people with square faces will look better in frames with soft curves. In the same way, aviators will bring out the angles of a triangular or heart-shaped face. On the other hand, people with rounder faces might want to choose square or rectangular styles like wayfarers to make their features look stronger.
Here, to help you find your way through the jungle of eyewear brands, we’ve put together a list of the best men’s sunglasses for different face shapes, all of which have a style that goes beyond the beach. Have your credit cards ready.
The Best Sunglasses Now
The travelers of the Casspir
Jacques Ray Ban Wayfarer Classic Marie Mage
How long do sunglasses last?
A good pair of sunglasses should last about two years if you take care of them. But if you wear them every day and are exposed to strong UV rays, you might want to trade them in sooner.
How many sunglasses should I have?
How long is a piece of string, dear reader? What kind of space do you have? Even though we might all want a whole store full of sunglasses, we think the average number is between two and four pairs per person. This is just enough to have a mix of practical, stylish, and activity-based pairs. But, as we say, it’s not a bad thing to have more. We even applaud it.
What’s the difference between polarized sunglasses and ones that protect against UV rays?
Polarized lenses are made to reduce the glare from the sun and other surfaces that reflect light, such as water, snow, or glass. This protects your eyes from UV rays. But what will it look like? When you put on polarized sunglasses, colors should look as rich as they do in real life, and you won’t have to squint as much. To put it simply, you will see better and feel better.
Polarized lenses are made to make your experience more comfortable. Sunglasses that focus on UV protection, on the other hand, are made to, well, protect your eyes. By blocking the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays from reaching your eyes, these sunglasses can help you avoid many eye-related illnesses, such as abnormal eye growths, macular degeneration, general vision loss, and even eye cancer.
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Shop GQ’s list of the best sunglasses to buy in 2023
1/36Tomahawk Shades
Polarized | Frame made of acetate
There are no size options.
The Casspir sunglasses from Tomahawk Shades are a mix of hipster style and classic American style. With a retro square shape and an edgy clear acetate frame, these sunglasses are next-level minimal. Attomahawkshades.com costs £63.
The Casspir sunglasses from Tomahawk Shades are a mix of hipster style and classic American style. With a retro square shape and an edgy clear acetate frame, these glasses are next-level minimalist and make a statement. Linea Rossa Pros: It has a bold design and a strong frame shape Not polarized enough | Not everyone may want a wide fit. The red stripes on the temples of these Prada sunglasses from the Linea Rossa collection make them stand out. They also have a lens decal, which adds to their mysterious elegance. This pair is best for people with oval, square, or heart-shaped faces. It will make sure that people look at you and give you lots of compliments. Atsunglasshut.com, a pair of sunglasses costs £185.
The red stripes on the temples of these Prada sunglasses from the Linea Rossa collection make them stand out. They also have a lens decal, which adds to their mysterious elegance. This pair is best for people with oval, square, or heart-shaped faces. It will make sure that people look at you and give you lots of compliments.
3/36Ray-BanPros: Classic retro style; metal frame; nose pads that can be adjusted.
Cons: Not divided.
Chris Evans’ round-framed gold Ray-Bans won the award for best accessory in a supporting role, even though his knitwear got most of the attention in Knives Out. Evans showed that they are a good deal for all seasons and look just as good with a brown coat and paisley scarf as they do with your usual outfit. Atray-ban.comsunglasshut.com, they cost £137.
Even though his knitwear got most of the attention in
4/36BalenciagaPros:Standout design | Adjustable rubber nose pads
There are no size options.
The words you’re reading right now are, quite frankly, a waste of time because a quick look at Balenciaga’s entry tells you everything you need to know. They aren’t afraid to be bright, bold, and oh-so-very blue, and they’ll make a strong, face-hugging statement anywhere. £400. Atssense.com
The words you’re reading right now are, quite frankly, a waste of time because a quick look at Balenciaga’s entry tells you everything you need to know. They aren’t afraid to be bright, bold, and oh-so-very blue, and they’ll make a strong, face-hugging statement anywhere.
Taylor Morris 5/36 Taylor Morris
Pros:Unique design| Stainless steel frame
Cons: Only one size and no polarization
The latest collection from the British brand Taylor Morris was inspired by the neighborhood of Notting Hill. The hexagonal shape and tortoiseshell frame of the Westbourne sunglasses make me think of the word “sophisticated.” Just make sure you wear them with an outfit that matches their class. Attaylormorriseyewear.com charges £180.
The latest collection from the British brand Taylor Morris was inspired by the neighborhood of Notting Hill. The hexagonal shape and tortoiseshell frame of the Westbourne sunglasses make me think of the word “sophisticated.” Just make sure you wear them with an outfit that matches their class.
6/36Tomahawk Shades
Pros: Thick frame, made of acetate, polarized
Cons: Comes from the US
Harry Styles shows us that when it comes to glasses, bigger is better. Styles is at the forefront of loud and gaudy fashion right now, just like Elton John was before him. The Crockett silhouette from Tomahawk shows that you don’t have to pay Gucci prices to be on trend. It has a thick, glossy acetate frame that will look great with your most eclectic summer outfits. Attomahawkshades.com costs £76.
Harry Styles shows us that when it comes to glasses, bigger is better. Styles is at the forefront of loud and gaudy fashion right now, just like Elton John was before him. The Crockett silhouette from Tomahawk shows that you don’t have to pay Gucci prices to be on trend. It has a thick, glossy acetate frame that will look great with your most eclectic summer outfits.
7/36Maui Jim
Pros: They are polarized, have an acetate frame, and the colors can be changed.
There are no size options.
Maui Jim’s polarized aviators are easy to use because they have a lightweight titanium frame. You might even forget you’re wearing them, though seeing the world in a bright pink flash might be a hint. You can change things as much as you want because there are so many ways to do so. £310. Atmauijim.com
Maui Jim’s polarized aviators are easy to use because they have a lightweight titanium frame. You might even forget you’re wearing them, though seeing the world in a bright pink flash might be a hint. You can change things as much as you want because you have a lot of customization options. LeightPros: Titanium parts | Frame made of acetate There are no size options. You don’t have to understand building plans to like the simple style of these glasses, which are made in Japan and are named after a modernist house in the Hollywood Hills that was designed by architect Pierre Koenig. £515.
You don’t have to understand building plans to like the simple style of these glasses, which are made in Japan and are named after a modernist house in the Hollywood Hills that was designed by architect Pierre Koenig.
You don’t have to understand building plans to like the simple style of these glasses, which are made in Japan and are named after a modernist house in the Hollywood Hills that was designed by architect Pierre Koenig.
9/36Ray-Ban
Pros: They have built-in cameras and speakers, come in different sizes, and come in different colors and polarizations.
Cons: Don’t forget to send them a bill.
Even though these Wayfarers look like ordinary glasses, they have a lot of technology packed into their slim frames. You can take photos and videos with two 5MP cameras without having to use your hands, and open-air speakers gently send sound to your ears. This is a great mix of tech and fashion because you can control it with your voice and it comes with a handy charging case. Atray-ban.com starts at £299. Check out more sunglasses ray ban men we have listed.
Even though these Wayfarers look like ordinary glasses, they have a lot of technology packed into their slim frames. You can take photos and videos with two 5MP cameras without having to use your hands, and open-air speakers gently send sound to your ears. This is a great mix of tech and fashion because you can control it with your voice and it comes with a handy charging case.
10/36DunhillPros:Titanium build | Unique frame
Cons: Not divided.
All of Dunhill’s beautiful frames have a suave, high-end look that is based on a classic style. For example, the label’s Rollagas sunglasses have an oversized shape that is outlined by precision-cut metal frames. They work to make the wearer’s cheekbones look more chiseled and to make their outfit look better. £365. Atdunhill.com
All of Dunhill’s beautiful frames have a suave, high-end look that is based on a classic style. For example, the label’s Rollagas sunglasses have an oversized shape that is outlined by precision-cut metal frames. They work to make the wearer’s cheekbones look more chiseled and to make their outfit look better.
11/36 Ray-Ban
Eye-catching shape; nose pads that can be changed; different sizes
Not polarized enough | Some people may find the fit too small. Ray-Ban should always be your first stop for stylish, long-lasting sunglasses that won’t break the bank. Ray-Julie Ban’s frames are a great dupe for the much more expensive Décor C de Cartier pair that Paul Mescal wore to the Cartier Style Et Luxe At The Goodwood Festival Of Speed 2022. They have the same sense of ’80s glamour, but are much more affordable. Atray-ban.com costs £137.
Ray-Ban should always be your first stop for stylish, long-lasting sunglasses that won’t break the bank. A really good copy of the much more expensive Décor C de Cartier pair worn by 12/36. Jacques Marie Mage Pros:Acetate frame | Big, bold design | Luscious lens colour Cons: Only one size and no polarization The designs of Jacques Marie Mage are influenced by the fact that the company’s founder has homes in both France and California. The angular frame of the Ascari sunglasses is balanced by the different ways the colors are used. For example, the frame is boldly black, but the lenses are tinted Cointreau orange. For £685, go to matchesfashion.com.
The designs of Jacques Marie Mage are influenced by the fact that the company’s founder has homes in both France and California. The angular frame of the Ascari sunglasses is balanced by the different ways the colors are used. For example, the frame is boldly black, but the lenses are tinted Cointreau orange.
13/36
Monokel
Frame made of plant-based acetate; hinges coated with Teflon
Cons: Not divided.
The classic sunglasses from the Scandinavian brand Monokel Eyewear are all made by hand from high-quality plant-based acetate. This is great for both your confidence and your sense of responsibility toward the environment. In a rounded rectangular shape, they will look good on a wide range of face shapes. In a warm brown tortoiseshell color, they will also look good on a wide range of skin tones. Atarket.com costs £140.
The classic sunglasses from the Scandinavian brand Monokel Eyewear are all made by hand from high-quality plant-based acetate. This is great for both your confidence and your sense of responsibility toward the environment. In a rounded rectangular shape, they will look good on a wide range of face shapes. In a warm brown tortoiseshell color, they will also look good on a wide range of skin tones.
14/36Louis Vuitton
Pros:Monogram lenses | Different sizes | Metal frame
Cons: Not divided.
Logomania, done in an elegant way. Louis Vuitton’s Clockwise sunglasses, with their gradient lenses and famous monogram pattern, give the aviator shape a luxurious take on the ongoing industrialist trend in fashion. £470. Atlouisvuitton.com
Logomania, done in an elegant way. Louis Vuitton’s Clockwise sunglasses stand out because of their gradient lenses and famous monogram pattern. Patterned frame; 100% of the plastic comes from plants Cons: Not divided. The French eyewear brand Izipizi, whose name is pronounced “easy peasy,” aims to make people happy with its mix of practical styles and creative details. Izipizi made these trapeze-frame sunglasses entirely out of plastic made from plants. The thick tortoiseshell frame and dark, tinted black lenses make them stand out. £50. Atselfridges.com
The French eyewear brand Izipizi, whose name is pronounced “easy peasy,” aims to make people happy with its mix of practical styles and creative details. Izipizi made these trapeze-frame sunglasses entirely out of plastic made from plants. The thick tortoiseshell frame and dark, tinted black lenses make them stand out.
16/36Versace
Pros:Metal frame| Bold design | Polycarbonate lenses
Cons: The fit is too wide for some people, and it’s not polarized.
This summer, aviators are all the rage thanks to a little-known remake of a Tom Cruise movie. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell from “Top Gun” wears Ray-Bans, but our favorite pair of the season is this angular, gunmetal Versace pair with the fashion house’s signature Medusa pattern at the front and center of the nose bridge.
Atsunglasshut.com charges $243.
Aviators are the most popular pair of sunglasses this summer, thanks to a movie with Tom Cruise that not many people know about.
17/36
Ray-Ban
Bright colors; frame made of acetate
Cons: Not divided.
This pair from Ray-Colourblock Ban’s Collection is our favorite of the line, with its translucent violet frames and ’70s-style orange lenses. It’s a fun take on the brand’s most famous frame. The tonal sunglasses chain, on the other hand, has to be the icing on the cake. It gives these glasses an extra dose of quirky retro style. Atsunglasshut.com costs £146.
This pair from Ray-Colourblock Ban’s Collection is our favorite of the line, with its translucent violet frames and ’70s-style orange lenses. It’s a fun take on the brand’s most famous frame. The tonal sunglasses chain, on the other hand, has to be the icing on the cake. It gives these glasses an extra dose of quirky retro style.
18/36
OakleyPros:Large lens coverage | Grippy temples
Style that is sporty not for everyone Oakley sunglasses are worn by style icons like Pharrell Williams, Kim Kardashian, and FKA Twigs because they are both very functional and have a lot of fashion clout. It’s not hard to see why when you look at shapes like these, which look like they came from the future. They have a warm, gradated lens and a frame in a bright aquamarine color that really stands out in a sea of classic wayfarers and aviators. £174 Atsunglasshut.com costs £139.20.
Oakley sunglasses are worn by style icons like Pharrell Williams, Kim Kardashian, and FKA Twigs because they are both very functional and have a lot of fashion clout. It’s not hard to see why when you look at shapes like these, which look like they came from the future. They have a warm, gradated lens and a frame in a bright aquamarine color that really stands out in a sea of classic wayfarers and aviators.
