The Best Sunglasses for Men

Our Picks of Men's Sunglasses

Best Overall Sunglasses for Men

Kaenon Burnet Mid

The Kaenon Burnet Mid delivers superb lens clarity in a comfortable frame. Polarized lenses cut glare, enhance contrast, and boost color without distortion. The frame offers full protection and comfort wherever you go. The strong hinges and durable materials increase their longevity, plus there's a hard case and microfiber bag. The Burnet was a favorite in our testing. Tester Jason Wanlass said, “I wore my Kaenons all day during a four-day backpacking trip, and they blocked the sun perfectly.” The medium frame fits most faces snugly and stays put, while the XL fits well on larger faces.

Frame Material	TR-90 (Thermoplastic)
Lens Tested	Ultra Grey 12
Polarized	Yes
Fit	Medium
Weight	32 g

The Kaenon Burnet has a versatile, semi-sporty design with minimal drawbacks. On slightly larger faces, some users may notice pressure just above and behind the ears. While this was manageable and did not result in pain or headaches, it may be felt by some. One tester noted, “They were a little tight just above my ears, where the arms bend inward, but I like the tradeoff—they really stay put.” The Burnet XL addresses this for larger faces. For a more traditional option with similar lens quality and durability at a lower price, and increased comfort, consider the Kaenon Rockaway.

Best Bang for Your Buck

CAMP Eyewear Trail

We like the Camp Eyewear Trail for its refined, classic wayfarer style, featuring integrated wood earpieces. The design appealed to our entire test team. One tester said, “I like the wood grain; it gives the glasses a distinctive, vintage-inspired feel.” Looks aside, the frames held up when jogging and mountain biking, and were resilient when being jostled around in backpacks. Its bioplastic frame, sturdy spring hinges, and wood inlay proved durable. The spring hinges ensure a snug fit and keep the glasses in place during normal use without undue pressure.

Frame Material	Plant-Based Bioplastic
Lens Tested	Blue Mirror polarized
Polarized	Yes
Fit	Medium
Weight	29 g

Our main issue with the Camp Trail is the lens quality. The lenses block UV and provide only standard coverage, allowing light to pass through on all sides. The Blue Mirror lens we tested showed a blue-green and orange color shift, and lens performance depends on your selected lens option. A notable tradeoff here is the faster wear. We managed to scratch these lenses with regular mountain biking and daily use, more quickly than with other models. The lack of silicone pads also caused the glasses to slip during strenuous or sweaty activities. Despite these drawbacks—lower lens durability and coverage in exchange for a stylish, affordable frame—these shades were still enjoyable for the price.

Best on a Tight Budget

Goodr OG

The Goodr OG belongs on everyone's short list, whether you want a daily driver or a backup. These affordable sunglasses are great for running, trail biking, fishing, or relaxing with a beer at sunset. The classic wayfarer style fits many looks and stays timeless, while the lightweight, silicone-coated frame minimizes bouncing and sliding during activities. Migration is common at this price point. At such a low price point, the OG is in a different class.

Frame Material	Polycarbonate, Siicone
Lens Tested	A unicorn calmity
Polarized	Yes
Fit	Standard
Weight	22g

Entry-level products make compromises for affordability, and Goodr OG is no exception. The lens quality lacks contrast, detail, or color enhancements. The color profile depends on the lens you choose. We tested a black lens, which cut light but muted color. We also noticed the coating scratched more easily than premium models. Despite these compromises, one tester said, “I will always have a pair of Goodr OG's on hand or in the car. They complement my expensive sunglasses, and I'm happy to bike, run, and hang out in them; given the price, it's okay if I get a scratch or two, because they're cheap enough to just buy another pair.” If you want affordable sunglasses for the trails and brewery patio, these are hard to beat. If you can spend more and want the best lenses to boost fall colors, enhance detail in snow, or fit a wider face, check out the Kaenon Burnet Mid.

A High-Performance Investment for Guides or Anglers

Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPop

The Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPop glasses have large glass polarized lenses that wrap around the face (8-base curvature), forming a strong barrier between your eyes and the sun. The ChromaPop lenses are lightweight, polarized, and block all UV rays. They're also anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, smudge-resistant, and moisture-resistant, earning our top lens quality scores. Though, the Kaenon Burnet Mid's synthetic lenses came close to the Smiths, at about two-thirds the price. A tester noted, “They're certainly more expensive, but the Smiths have the clearest lens view.” Designed for anglers but ideal for any activity, Guide Choice uses Smith's iconic temple arms that sit wide and taper at the tips. This extra width merges with the bowed lenses for extra coverage against side glare. We also loved the semi-hard case and innovative leash that plugs into the temple tips.

Frame Material	Evolve (bio-based with minimum 55% castor oil)
Lens Tested	ChromaPop Polarized Brown
Polarized	Yes
Fit	Large
Weight	37 g

Besides the higher price, we disliked the hinges on the Guide's Choice. They squeaked every time we moved them. For the price, we wanted a smoother pivot. We don't believe this is a structural issue, but it could be better. The sporty style also lacks formality, so these might not suit dressier events. Still, we could wear these sunnies all day, and their lenses let our eyes relax, even in bright sun. They're excellent for almost any use, but we think they're especially good for casual users, guides, and anglers seeking lasting, professional-level craftsmanship. The Costa del Mar Rinconcito is also a great choice but with less protection.

Great for Boating

Costa del Mar Rinconcito

The Costa del Mar Rinconcito is ideal for anyone spending time on or near water. These lenses are darker than average, offer full polarization, and block 100% of blue light. Few in our testing showed as little reflection on the lens backs. For anglers, the Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPop is the best. Small rubber pads in the Rinconcito's nose pads and bow backs keep them secure while boating, canoeing, and water skiing. The curvature adds extra coverage to the medium-large lenses where needed.

Frame Material	Nylon / Bio-Based Nylon (Plastic)
Lens Tested	Blue Mirror 580P
Polarized	Yes
Fit	Medium
Weight	28 g

The Rinconcito are among the sportiest-looking shades we tested. If that's your style, there's no issue, but they likely won't fit formal settings. The less-versatile look and high price are the only drawbacks. One tester shares, “I don't mind the sportier look, and enjoy wearing them just about anywhere.” All told, this is a comfortable and versatile pair of shades that will keep your eyes well-protected when taking the boat out.

Superior Lightweight Protection for Snowy Terrain

Sunski Tera Polarized

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.

Frame Material	SuperLight Recycled Plastic
Lens Tested	Silver CAT 4: Mirrored, Grey tint
Polarized	Yes
Fit	Medium
Weight	26 g

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 plastic side shields are a weak point on the frame and require attention and care. 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.

A Timeless Classic

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic

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.

Lens Tested	Green Classic G-15
Polarized	No
Fit	Medium
Weight	45 g
Frame Material	Acetate

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. 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.

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.

Analysis and Test Results

We demand a lot from our sunglasses, and you should, too. We assessed their competence and performance across five metrics for each 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.

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.

For under $50 Goodr OG is an incredible value due to its attractive price and highly functional design. We really appreciate the silicone coating and defined curve on the earpices to provide a secure fit. Goodr strives to be a value-based brand, and Goodr Circle G follows suit, embodying the same feature set in a different style.

Lens Quality

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 compared to others we tested. 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.

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 on the backs of the lenses and do extremely well in bright lighting, though not quite as well in lower light.

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.

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.

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, though this wasn't too bothersome. The Smith Lowdown 2 also features excellent amber lenses with a very pleasant combination of color enhancement and clarity, making them very easy to wear in the sun.

The Smith Parallel 2 includes a second pair of lenses for low light conditions. We appreciated this for low-light hiking and biking purposes, where the wind protection and detail enhancement provide a safer and more enjoyable experience. These polycarbonate lenses meet the ANSI Z80.3 standard for impact resistance.

Polarized lenses are increasingly the standard, as the technology can significantly reduce glare from light reflecting off horizontal surfaces, enhance detail, and improve color. This can be very helpful when driving, fishing, and skiing. Polarization is helpful across most components of daily life. In our daily and comparative testing, the lenses on the Kaenon Burnet, Smith Guide Choice Pro, and Costa del Mar were among the most effective at reducing glare from car hoods or water while accentuating the world around us without distortion.

No Sunglasses Kaenon Polarized Lens

Comfort

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 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 Camp Eyewear Trail has a modern wayfarer style with just enough extra details that we appreciate. It has a glossy finish and wooden bows that look good and feel surprisingly comfortable for long periods.

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. Each is an easy-to-like pair of sunglasses that is solidly pleasant and lightweight, if not outstanding.

Have you ever been on a run or doing your favorite activity and had your sunglasses bounce around like a bobblehead? We sure have, and those models rarely make it back to our rotation. The Smith Parallel 2 features an autolock hinge and a lightweight frame that provides a snug hold and eliminates bounce, without the need for larger eapieces that can cause headaches. The Goodr OG and Circle G also resist bouncing but employ different tactics. Both use a lightweight silicone-coated frame and deeper curves along the earpieces to accomplish the snug fit.

Style and Versatility

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. The Goodr OG also uses this classic style that fits any aesthetic at a low cost.

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.

The Camp Trail also earns high marks for style, with its mostly wooden bows and excellent take on a modern wayfarer style. 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.

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, 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.

Frame Quality

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.

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.

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 Smith Lowdown 2 and Smith Parallel 2 are also built well, with sturdy frames that have a small amount of give. They also have auto-locking hinges make it even easier to put them on.

Coverage

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 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.

Modern wayfarer-style sunglasses like the Camp Eyewear Trail 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.

Other strong contenders are the 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.

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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.

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!

To complete your summer getup, check out our comprehensive reviews ranging from top men's flip flops to boxer briefs and hiking shorts.