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We tested 17 pairs of the top sunglasses for men, including frames optimized for every day about town, trail, days on the water, and the slopes, so we can now present you with the best shades on the market
Credit: Jason Wanlass
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated May 2, 2025
The perfect pair of men's sunglasses is not just stylish; they blend comfort, functionality, and protection into one essential accessory.
To help you find those perfect shades, we have bought and tested more than 55 pairs of sunglasses over the last 9 years. We took them on snowshoe adventures, beach days, midday beer garden hangouts, international vacays, and westward drives at sunset. We checked their fit across face shapes and sizes, scrutinized their construction, and asked a full panel of our friends to judge their comfort and style.
We found the Kaenon Burnet Mid is the best overall due to great lens quality, coverage, and comfort. The CAMP Eyewear Trail is the best value and also one of the more versatile glasses we tested across several activities.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on May 2, 2025, after retesting the most recent models of some of our award-winners, and to add new products from Sunski and Smith to our lineup.
Fit: Medium | Protection: Polarized, 100% UV, 12% VLT
PROS
Incredible lenses
Very secure-fitting
Great coverage
CONS
Sporty look isn't for everyone
Expensive
The Kaenon Burnet Mid sunglasses can truly do it all, and they were some of our favorites to wear in our testing (and beyond). We evaluated their grey and brown lenses and found both outstanding, offering top-notch clarity, superb color rendition, and heightened contrast without distorting reality. “I wore my Kaenons all day, every day, during a four-day backpacking trip, and they blocked the sun perfectly,” said tester Jason Wanlass. This pair's near-perfect lens scores were bested only by the pricier Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPop. The Kaenons also have almost zero back reflections, which is impressive. The mid-size we tested offers a secure fit on most average-sized heads, gripping comfortably with a protective, face-hugging wrap. If you've got a larger head, the Burnet also comes in an XL version.
The biggest drawback to the Kaenon Burnet Mid glasses is that their rectangular lenses have a sporty aesthetic. That said, they're not the sportiest-looking shades in our lineup, and all of our testers liked their look. They also have a snugger fit. One of our testers with a larger noggin confirmed this: “They were a little tight just above my ears, where the arms bend inward, but I like the tradeoff — they really stay put.” For a more rounded lens, consider the Kaenon Rockaway, which is less expensive and more comfortable. The price is steep, but the extra bucks buy you a great pair of shades in this case. A lower-scoring but more affordable alternative to this style is the Tens Classic.
We took our Kaenon's with us everywhere we went, for two months. We wore them extensively to get a good feel if they're the right fit for a broad range of people and activities.
Fit: Medium | Protection: Polarized, 100% UV, 12% VLT
PROS
Solid performance in all metrics
Neat style
Comfortable to wear
Strong hinges
Leash included
Reasonable price tag
CONS
Lacks carrying case
Just okay coverage
May slip when sweaty
We love the cool detailing on the Camp Eyewear Trail, which upgrades them from just another pair of wayfarers to glasses we were excited to put on and wear outside. We tested the fern colored option with walnut inlay, and they reminded us of the old surfer woodie wagon. “I liked their cool retro vibe and classic lines,” said one tester. They have a unique look that really stands out; however, if you're looking for the most authentic wayfarer, you may want to look at the Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic. The Camps have solid all-around performance, with comfortable, crisp lenses and only a hint of blue to enhance contrast. They're very smooth and glossy, with an excellent shape that is comfortable and pleasing to wear for all our testers of varying head sizes. They'd be easy to love even without the wooden bows, but with them, they're just plain fun, and the wood helps keep them from sliding during casual use.
Unfortunately, the Camp Eyewear Trail shades tend to slide down the nose a bit when you're hot and sweaty — they don't stay put quite as well as some other contenders we reviewed. Moreover, they have the standard coverage flaws of almost every pair of modern wayfarers, with medium-sized lenses and a rather flat frame that lets sunlight in from the sides, bottom, and — depending on where you wear them on your face — over the top. Aside from these relatively minor disadvantages, there's still so much to love about these unique, budget-friendly shades; we are happy to recommend them. A similar style that scored a little higher is the Tens Classic. This direct-to-consumer model sees price fluctuations, so it could be available at a lower cost than the Camp Eyewear Trail. If you want a modified wayfarer look, the Smith Lowdown 2 and Oakley Holbrook Polarized are unique takes on this classic look.
They don't perfectly bloke the sun, but they look cool and they're comfortable enough to wear all day while having fun in the sun or just chilling in the city.
Fit: Large | Protection: Polarized, 100% UV, 12% VLT
PROS
Good coverage
Lightweight and comfortable
Secure fit
CONS
Smaller than expected
Rubber pads could be cleaner cut
The Native Eyewear Wells is an affordable pair of sunnies capable of transitioning between trail running in the morning and meeting someone for drinks in the afternoon. They're lightweight and slightly sporty without looking out of place when paired with an about-town shirt and casual shorts. We found their plastic frames comfortable and secure on the face, thanks to their strategic rubbery pads at the nose and behind the ears, although we feel the similar Vuarnet Legend 03 did a better job at staying in place. Larger lenses and a good base curve offer coverage without drowning narrower faces. To add to the list of reasons we love these sunnies, they're also one of the most affordable shades in this lineup.
For being advertised as a “large” fit, the Wells are smaller than we expected. Across our team of variably sized and shaped faces, they're best fitted on average-sized heads and are tight on wider faces. The inserted rubbery pads in the bows and nose do the job, but they're not the cleanest fit. However, our tester has owned and worn these glasses regularly for several years, and these irregularities haven't worsened. He says, “I love the fit and they stay in place — what more could I want?” If you want one pair of sunglasses that look just as natural in the woods as in the city, these more budget-friendly frames are a great fit. If you're looking for a frame to fit a wider face without the grip, we recommend opting for a larger pair, or even the Kaenon Burnet Mid in size XL. We also really like the Kaenon Rockaway, although they sit flatter on the face, instead of wrapping.
The Native Wells slide right into the space between your favorite outdoor playground and a relaxing afternoon around town.
Credit: Jason Peters
A High-Performance Investment for Guides or Anglers
Fit: Medium | Protection: Polarized, 100% UV, anti-reflective, 12% VLT
PROS
Easy comfort
Secure without being tight
Great glass lenses with primo visibility
Wraparound lenses
Spring hinges
Solid case
Integrated detachable leash
CONS
Squeaky hinges
Pricey
More sporty style
The Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPop glasses are equipped with large glass polarized lenses that wrap the face (8-base curvature), making them a formidable barrier between your eyes and the sun. Their proprietary ChromaPop™ lenses are lightweight, polarized, and block out 100 percent UV rays. They're also anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, smudge-resistant, and moisture-resistant, earning them our top scores for overall lens quality. The synthetic lenses on the Kaenon Burnet Mid run a close second to the Smiths, for about two-thirds the price. One of our testers noted, “They're certainly more expensive, but I found the Smiths have the clearest lens view of the entire bunch.” Created for the angler (but ideal for any other activity), the Guide Choice offers Smith's iconic temple arms that sit wide against the eyes and taper toward the temple tips. This added width integrates into its bowed lenses and provides additional coverage against side glare. We also loved this model's semi-hard carrying case and innovative leash that plugs seamlessly into the temple tips.
In addition to a higher price tag, the hinges were the one design aspect we didn't like on the Guide's Choice. Simply put, they squeaked and creaked every time we moved them. Given their steep price, we would expect a smoother pivot. We don't think this is a structural problem, but it could be improved. Additionally, the Smith's sportier style lacks a bit of formality, so these are probably not the shades many would choose for a dressier setting or event. All said, we could wear these sunnies all day, and their lenses provide an encapsulated environment that allows the eyes to relax, even in bright, steady sunlight. They're excellent for nearly every application, but we feel they are particularly well-suited for casual users, guides, and anglers looking for long-lasting, professional-level craftsmanship. The Costa del Mar Rinconcito is also a great option, although it doesn't offer quite as much protection. We also liked the Sunski Tera Polarized and the Vuarnet Legend 03.
Glass lenses and a wrap-around design gives the Smiths a serious edge over the competition when it comes to blocking the sun.
Fit: Medium | Protection: Polarized, 100% UV, 10% VLT
PROS
Great for bright light and high glare
Secure, comfortable fit
Excellent coverage
CONS
Very sporty vibe
Expensive
Our tests showed that the Costa del Mar Rinconcito is a fantastic pair of sunglasses for anyone who spends much time on or near the water. These seriously impressive lenses are darker than average, with total polarization and 100% blue light blockage. They are one of the very few shades from our testing that exhibited almost no reflection on the backs of the lenses; although, if you're an angler, the Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPop is exactly what you need. Small rubber pads embedded in the Rinconcito's nose pads and backs of the bows keep them securely attached to your face while boating, canoeing, water skiing — or even downhill skiing. They have just the right amount of curvature to add extra coverage to these medium-large lenses where you need it most.
The Rinconcito may give you pause if you're shopping for just one pair of sunglasses you can wear everywhere — something a pair like the Tens Classic will likely do better. These high-performance shades are some of the sportiest-looking models in our test lineup. If that's your vibe, then there's no problem — but if you're looking for a pair to wear to a black tie event or to set your vibe while out on the town, these sunglasses probably aren't it. The less-versatile look and above-average price are the only drawbacks to an otherwise impressive pair of glasses. One tester mentions, “I don't mind the sportier look, and enjoy wearing them just about anywhere I go.” They're comfortable, so it really comes down to personal style and preference for versatility. If you want to stick with something that will have no problem transitioning wherever you find yourself, the classic look of the Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic may be right up your alley. But, aside from style and versatility, it scored lower than the Costa del Mar Rinconcito in all the other test metrics.
If you are spending time on or around water, you will love the top-tier protection offered by the Costa Rinconcito lenses -- among the best we've seen in testing.
Fit: Medium | Protection: Polarized, 6.26% VLT, Base 4 curve
PROS
All-day comfort
Exceptional sun blockage
Removable side shields
Great dark lenses
Fairly stylish
Lightweight
CONS
A little fragile
Can fog up
Cheap carrying case
May be too dark for some
Glaring snow isn't much of a match when it comes to the Sunski Tera Polarized. Admittedly, these sun-blockers don't fully compare to an expensive pair of bona fide glacier glasses, but for everyday wear in the snow, these things really pull their weight. “I love to wear mine for winter hikes or cross-country skiing,” noted lead reviewer Jason Wanlass. They are super lightweight and, for the price, do an exceptional job at blocking the sun. Dark polarized lenses and magnetically secured side shields create a virtual cocoon for the eyes, giving them a safe place to ride out the harsh reflective sun. However, when compared directly against the Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPop or Kaenon Burnet Mid, the Teras aren't as comprehensive, even if they still do a bang-up job. In addition to their top-notch protection, the Teras are super lightweight and secure, so they're easy to wear all day without slipping off the nose, even when sweating.
Although great at protecting your eyes, the Tera Polarized doesn't have much protection for the sunglasses themselves. We didn't like that they are stored in a simple drawstring bag — not ideal for their relatively thin frames. Likewise, the side shields are made of plastic, so they can be prone to breaking if proper care isn't employed. The Teras also tend to fog up on warmer days without a breeze to circulate through its vented shields. All negatives aside, though, these were some of our favorite shades to wear when we needed a break from the sun, and they performed well enough to catch our immediate attention. Although not as comprehensive, the Costa del Mar Rinconcito sunglasses have excellent lenses that protect against reflective water. The Vuarnet Legend 03 has great lenses as well.
Testing our Teras in the snow was our favorite thing to do. These shades rock when it comes to protecting your eyes from reflective sun.
Fit: Medium | Protection: Not Polarized, 100% UV, 15% VLT
PROS
Classic, versatile style
Look great on everyone
Robust and sturdy
CONS
Slant leaves the top open
Heavy
The Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic has never gone out of style, looking as great today as when it debuted in 1952. We found them attractive on every face and with every style, giving off that cool-as-a-cucumber laidback vibe that so many of us love. They work just as well with board shorts as a polo shirt — and many women love their fit and style too. One tester notes: “I've owned my original pair since they first came out, and minus a few years of wear, they still look as good on me as the day I bought them.” However, younger buyers may like the fresh, modern take of this classic style as seen on the CAMP Eyewear Trail or Kaenon Rockaway. Though no sunglasses are truly unbreakable, these are hefty and robust, lending a serious level of credibility to their durability — backed up by an almost unheard of seven barrel hinges on each side.
This beefiness does come with a cost — the Original Wayfarer is heavy. Don't get us wrong, we found them quite comfortable, with glossy, smooth frames that feel great. The Tens Classic is a great alternative if the heftier weight is an issue. Made in the OG of wayfarer style, the Ray Bans have a very exaggerated forward slant to the lenses, which looks cool but leaves a pronounced gap over the tops, lessening the coverage they provide. But if you've got your heart set on this look, we don't think you'll be disappointed with the performance of these classic shades. Still, if you need more coverage, consider other top contenders like the Kaenon Burnet Mid.
It's hard to feel anything other than OG cool in the Ray-Ban Original Wayfarers.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Compare Products
Lens quality and coverage are two of the metrics we take into account when totaling a final score for each product we tested.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Test Sunglasses
We sifted through hundreds of pairs of the best men's and unisex sunglasses to choose the most promising models spotlighted here. After purchasing them, we put them through a robust testing regimen, which started with wearing them incessantly. We went on snowshoe hikes and neighborhood walks, ran errands, and relaxed at outdoor cafes. We put them to the test: driving, hiking, walking, and more, comparing their fit across face sizes and putting their lenses side by side to tease apart the differences.
We test with five key metrics:
Lens Quality (30% of overall score weighting)
Comfort (25% weighting)
Style and Versatility (20% weighting)
Frame Quality (15% weighting)
Coverage (10% weighting)
Check out our How We Test article to read more about our testing process.
Why Trust GearLab
Lead tester Jason Wanlass calls the Rocky Mountains home and is regularly outside enjoying everything living in Utah has to offer. For him, sunglasses are a must. He travels extensively and enjoys testing sunglasses in various climates and geographies worldwide, including skiing or trail-seeking all year long. Bradley Nichols and Senior Review Editor Maggie Nichols round out the review team. Bradley has been an outdoor adventurer for years, living and recreating in Reno, Nevada, one of the sunniest places in the United States. From hitting the slopes in the winter to backpacking in the summer, Brad always keeps his eyes protected and comfortable wherever he roams. Maggie has been leading backcountry trips for over 15 years in blindingly bright environments, from kayaking the Caribbean and snorkeling the Galapagos to rafting the American West and backpacking the Sierra Nevadas. As a glasses-wearer since age four, Maggie is a self-professed “glasses junkie,” demanding a lot from her eyewear. This dedicated team enlisted the help and critical eyes of many friends, family, and coworkers to test and rate these shades.
We tested many of our top performers through Utah's chilly winters.
Cruising the streets of Phoenix. We tested our sunglasses on the trail and in the city.
Hitting the trail en route to Havasu Falls. We also tested each pair while doing a wide variety of activities, from hiking to boating, and more.
We test sunglasses in as many seasons and conditions as possible.
Analysis and Test Results
We demand a lot from our sunglasses, and you should, too. We assessed their competence and performance across five metrics to test every pair. While the combination of these weighted ratings gives each pair its overall score, in what follows, we break down the metrics and discuss which pairs perform best and why.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Like many types of gear, a higher price typically means better performance for sunglasses. However, this relationship is far from perfect, and we found several lower-priced pairs that buck this trend, offering exceptional value. The Camp Eyewear Trail is one such pair with terrific value. With great lenses in frames that feel great, these sunglasses come with a price tag lower than their impressive performance would lead us to suspect. The Native Eyewear Wells aren't far behind; with excellent protection, an impressive fit, and a sportier performance, these glasses offer a lot for your hard-earned buck. We also love the comfortable and fairly-priced Kaenon Rockaway and Tens Classic for those who can spend more.
The CAMP Trail are well-built, feeling thick and solid.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Lens Quality
The most important aspect of any pair of glasses is the quality of their lenses; otherwise, why bother wearing them? We tested lens quality by comparing every contender side by side and ranking how well they performed in challenging lighting conditions, how they rendered colors, and how comfortable they kept our eyes after hours of direct sun exposure.
Hands down, the best lenses we tested were in the Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPop and Kaenon Burnet. The Smith lenses are made from actual glass, and in addition to offering amazing sun protection, they also provide the clearest views of the entire bunch. The Kaenon lenses are nearly everything we never dared to dream a grey lens could be. Not only are they crystal clear, but they're also versatile, performing equally well in both bright and low light. We also loved the Kaenon Rockaway with their Brown 12 lenses, which are nearly as good. They're just a touch lighter than we typically want, but they provide exceptional clarity and enhanced contrast without drastically changing the color of things.
Sporting our Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPops while spring hiking in Utah's Rockies. Their primo, polarized, glass lenses make them ideal for active sports like fishing or hiking.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Costa del Mar Rinconcito had nearly as impressive a performance. Their Blue Mirror lenses provide excellent clarity and true-to-life colors, with a hint of increased blue-ish contrast. They have nearly no reflections from the backs of the lenses and do extremely well in bright lighting conditions, though not quite as well in lower light situations.
The Costa Rinconcito have great lenses that work well, with great clarity and just a touch of increased contrast.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
The Vuarnet Legend 03 is also one of our favorites, scoring near the top. Despite not being polarized, they have a dual gradient (darker on top and bottom for sun and glare, respectively), a darker tint, and an excellent mirror coating. The Maui Jim Lighthouse lenses are also impressive. These ridiculously lightweight glasses are some of Maui Jim's latest non-glass lenses, but with all the best contrast and clarity they have made themselves known for.
Even without polarization, the Vuarnet Legend 03 offer serious protection from bright light and glare.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Despite their lower price point, we absolutely loved the lens performance of the Sunski Tera Polarized glasses. The added protection made available through their removable sun shields allows these glasses to block out nearly every sun ray, making them ideal for super sunny adventures, especially in snow.
Removable side shields, that magnetically snap into place, allow the Sunski Teras to crush the sun's rays.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Maui Jim Kawika lenses we tested, however, proved to be polarizing (pun intended). We tested their Hawaii Lava lenses, which have excellent clarity and minimal back glare, but the top half is blue-grey while the bottom is amber. Some of our testers didn't mind this, while others found it distracting. The Tens Classic and Smith Lowdown 2 both feature excellent amber lenses with a very pleasant combination of color enhancement and clarity, making them very easy to wear in the sun.
The Kawika lenses are crystal clear, but these Hawaii Lava ones we tested are two different colors - blue-grey on top and amber on the bottom - which not all of our testers loved.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Bringing up the rear, we feel it is important to recognize the CAMP Eyewear Trail for its effective lenses. The manufacturer offers a handful of different lens options. Ours (the HD Plus Polarized Blue Flash) provided a comfortable hue that let our eyes remain relatively relaxed on sunny days. It didn't score higher marks because its traditional, flat lenses don't block as well from the top and sides.
We loved the CAMP's bright lenses. They were comfortable to look through and did a fair job at blocking direct sun.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Comfort
Ensuring your sunglasses are comfortable enough to wear all day is not a task we take lightly. We considered as many aspects of comfort as possible, measuring every pair and testing their balance on different-sized faces. We wore each pair for hours to see if they became tight, heavy, or uncomfortable. We noted where they touched our faces and if that changed as different people wore them.
We were very impressed by the comfort of the Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPop and the Kaenon Rockaway. Both fit well on all our testers' heads, from those wearing XL helmets to small hats. They manage to fit securely without ever feeling tight. When compared directly against each other, Smith's spring hinges allow it to edge out the Kaenon. They allow their arms to be more easily customized to the intricacies of individual face shapes and sizes. Each pair is lightweight and balanced well enough that we found it easy to forget we were even wearing them. We found this particularly impressive with the Smith pair when considering that its lenses are made of glass, which is heavier than plastic.
The Rockaway fit comfortably on heads of all sizes.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Kaenon Burnet Mid is very comfortable, with a snug, secure fit — they also come in larger sizes for wider faces. We also loved the lightweight fit of the Sunski Tera Polarized. They received top scores for their wear-all-day comfort and near-perfect balance. The Costa Rinconcito is impressively comfortable, too, with flexible frames to accommodate varying head shapes and perfectly placed rubbery padding to keep them in place without squeezing. The Maui Jim Lighthouse stands out here for being absurdly flexible, to the point that they feel strange compared to other glasses. They're ridiculously lightweight and have pliable bows and even nose pads that conform easily to the face. We've never worn another pair that felt like the Lighthouse. Most of our testers loved the feeling, though some didn't enjoy the odd sensations as much.
The Kaenon Burnet's arms aggressively taper inward at the ends. This helps them stay snuggly in place. Despite a tighter fit, most of our testers felt they were surprisingly comfortable enough to wear all day.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Tens Classic and Camp Eyewear Trail are both modern wayfarer styles with just enough extra details that we appreciate. The matte frames and near-perfect shape of the Tens Classic make them well-suited to most shapes and sizes of faces. The Camp Trail has a glossy finish and wooden bows that look good and feel surprisingly comfortable for long periods.
The Smith Lowdown 2 have color-enhancing ChromaPop lenses and a fit and feel we can wear all day.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
The Maui Jim Kawika is more comfortable than anticipated for their style. Though heavy-looking across the brow, these shades are well-balanced and rest close to the face. The adjustable nose pads are comfortable without being intrusive. We also loved the Vuarnet Legend 03 and the Dragon Burgee LL. Each is an easy-to-like pair of sunglasses that are solidly pleasant and lightweight, if not outstanding.
The Dragon Burgee offer a slightly different take on a classic style, spiced up further by a gradient or even a bold pattern.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Style and Versatility
Though style is subjective, some sunglasses look good on many people and in various situations, while others seem to fit only a few or have limited applications. We asked as many folks as we could wrangle up to tell us how they liked the look of every pair. We also considered how well they work in different scenarios, from lounging in the hammock to hiking in the local hills.
If style is your number one priority, it's hard to go wrong with the timeless look of the Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer. These classics have been practically unchanged since their 1950s introduction. They look good on everyone — no matter the gender, age, or style — and have an appearance that goes with many outfits and situations.
We tested the best and coolest, like the Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
For anyone who's a huge fan of the classic wayfarer vibe, the Ray-Ban Aviators brings that to life. Their thin metal frames and oversized, slightly triangular lenses remain a time-honored and well-loved look for a reason. The Maui Jim Kawika is a bit more specific in its look, but many of our testing team also loved its vibe. The red mirror coating of the Hawaii Lava lenses we tested gave a distinctly beachy impression. Their heavy brow with thin metal rims and the metal bridge were fondly described as “nerdy chic” by one of our testing team members.
If you love aviators, then these classics from Ray-Ban may be calling your name.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Camp Trail also earns high marks for style, with its mostly wooden bows and excellent take on a modern wayfarer style. Not far behind are the Tens Classic, with a universally appealing matte finish and near-perfect proportions for faces of all sizes and shapes. In terms of versatility, the Sunski Tera Polarized scored big for its removable blinders that allow it to quickly morph from a stylish daily-wearer to a respectable pair of glacier glasses.
Removable side blinders make the Sunski Teras versatile when it comes to spending time in the sun.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
If you want to match the level of your sunglasses' style to that of your new tailored vest or pressed collared shirt on your European vacation, the Vuarnet Legend 03 is the perfect pair, always on point with premier wardrobe choices. For mixing outdoor and activity performance with style, the Smith Lowdown, Native Eyewear Wells, and Oakley Holbrook Polarized are all solid options. Lastly, although the small round lenses of the Sunski Baia Polarized don't offer the same protection as more comprehensive models in our lineup, we love its Lennon-inspired vibes, which make them a stylish accessory for a broad range of casual activities. Surprisingly, despite their smaller lenses, they do a pretty good job blocking the sun.
They do require a bit of squinting from time to time, but the Sunski Bajas are a great stylish option. They're great when hitting the city streets, and they still provide a fair amount of protection.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Frame Quality
We scrutinized every frame. No one wants broken glasses after a few months. We looked into construction materials and inspected hinges. We checked the lenses' fit and each model's overall flexibility. We scoured the internet for recurring complaints from other users to see if we could replicate their issues.
Three models stand out here for their beefy and durable frames: the Kaenon Burnet Mid, Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPop, and Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer. All are thick and feel strong and sturdy in hand, with wide hinges and very solid builds. Though slightly less burly, the more flexible Costa Rinconcito also stands out. The Rinconcito feels durable despite slightly thinner frames. They have rubbery, well-attached pads and flexible spring hinges that accommodate overextension. The Kaenon Rockaway isn't quite as beefy as the Burnet Mid but is still built solidly with good quality, durable materials.
No worries about durability here, in the Kaenon Burnet Mid.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
The Vuarnet Legend 03 also features solid construction that doesn't loosen with regular wear and has just the right level of flex to be adaptable. The Maui Jim Kawika may look delicate, but every thin metal component we tested proved sturdy and strong. Unlike some models with adjustable nose pads, we weren't left worried that we would snap the Kawika's right off.
All the Kawika components seem solid and sturdy - even the little metal arms holding the nose pads.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Camp Eyewear Trail frames are thick and solid, with treated wood making up a portion of the bows around a stabilizing metal skeleton. They also boast some of our favorite over-extendable hinges, both in their exaggerated beefy build and with their ideal pressure that's comfortable and secure. The Tens Classic and Smith Lowdown 2 are also built well, with sturdy frames that have a small amount of give. The Classic has regular hinges that feel solid, while the Lowdown 2's auto-locking hinges make it even easier to put them on.
The wooden bows of the Camp Eyewear Trail proved NOT to be a weak point during our testing
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Coverage
Leaving large gaps around the edges of lenses can completely defeat the purpose of wearing sunglasses in the first place. We tested coverage across various face sizes and shapes to see which keeps you covered and which don't quite cut it. We also tested how well they stay put once you start sweating on a hot summer day.
Models with the most coverage combine large lenses, face-hugging curves, and a close-fitting frame. We found the best, most consistent coverage from the Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPop. Its curved glass lenses and extra-thick arms offer some of the best protection from the sun at all angles.
The broadly curved lenses of the Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPops integrate seamlessly into its extra-wide arms, providing a dense fortress against the sun.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Kaenon Burnet Mid, Costa Rinconcito, Sunski Tera Polarized, and Vuarnet Legend 03 also offer large, rectangular lenses in frames that wear comfortably close to the face, nearly sealing edge gaps without any of them being full wraparound models. Equally effective are the Sunski Tera. They don't offer curved lenses but use removable side shields that form a formidable barrier against the sun.
Although it has thinner arms than the Smiths pair, the Kaenon Burnet's lenses wrap nicely around the face, offering a significant amount of coverage.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Modern wayfarer-style sunglasses like the Tens Classic and Camp Eyewear Trail — and even the not-quite-a-wayfarer, Dragon Burgee LL — provide pretty good coverage, with wider frames and medium lenses, though they leave obvious gaps around their edges because of their flatter shapes. The Smith Lowdown 2 glasses are about on par with wayfarers for coverage, falling somewhere between the lens shape of sportier glasses but with a slightly flatter fit like wayfarers.
The CAMP lenses have a straighter profile, but they still provide a decent amount of protection for wayfarer-style shades.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Other strong contenders are the Native Eyewear Wells, Oakley Holbrook Polarized, and Kaenon Rockaway. Each offers larger-than-average lenses and decently face-hugging base curves. These models are simply a bit smaller than our top performers, providing a bit less coverage, but they still do an adequate job at keeping the sun out of your eyes.
We tested all of our sunglasses and then compared them side by side to determine the best of the bunch.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How to Choose the Best Sunglasses for Men
Not all sunglasses are the same. So before buying your perfect pair, it's important to do some homework. Your eyes will thank you for it. While this isn't a comprehensive list, here are a few basics.
How Much Protection Do You Need?
At a minimum, the glasses you're considering should provide 100 percent protection against UV rays from the sun. These are the same rays that result in sunburned shoulders, so UV lenses are like sunscreen for your eyes. All of the shades in our lineup provide this important protection.
UV protection is crucial, especially if you plan to be outside for long periods of time.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Why Would You Want Polarization?
Although not everyone thinks polarized lenses are necessary, they offer considerable defense against sun glare, especially from water. Polarized lenses do not provide UV protection, rather, it is a manufacturing technique that cuts down on reflections, and similar disturbances, that can affect clear vision.
Polarization can be detected by simply holding your glasses in front of a computer screen and turning them sideways. Good polarization will result in a blackout effect on your lenses.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How Big Should You Go?
Although not always the most stylish, larger lenses are better at blocking out the sun's harmful rays. Particularly larger lenses that curve or wrap around the face. They may not have classic vibes or fashion flair, but they're still the best glasses for your eyes.
Big and beautiful. Larger lenses and frames like these create maximum protection for your eyes.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Conclusion
We know there are a ton of sunglasses out there to choose from, so we've spent months — in some cases, years — wearing, testing, and comparing the ones in our lineup to help you find an ideal pair for your lifestyle and your budget. Now go out and soak up some vitamin D!