The 5 Best Sunglasses for Women

Best Overall Sunglasses for Women

Ray-Ban Erika

The timeless and versatile Ray-Ban Erika sunglasses provide quality lenses and great style. They are crisp and clear, offering protection in bright light while maintaining functionality when the day gets overcast. Though many pairs we tested have gradients, the Erikas set the bar for what a gradient should be. They're dark and protective on top, without being too dark for lower light, and they transition smoothly to a lighter shade on the bottom without totally losing their protection. The glossy fronts and flexible metal bows feel comfortable, familiar, and secure on the head. They're fairly lightweight at 22 grams, even though their medium-sized lenses and width offer above-average coverage and a style our entire panel of testers loved. “These shades have an understated and incredibly versatile style. I'd wear them to a wedding, a morning run, dinner on the beach, and everything in between,” said our lead tester Kaylee Walden.

Polarized	No
Lens Tested	Brown Gradient
Fit	Medium
Weight	22 g
Frame Material	Injected plastic

Though the particular Grey Gradient lenses we tested aren't polarized, the Erikas come in a wide variety of colors — in both lenses and frames — many of which are polarized. The flexible metal arms are comfortable on the face, but are a tad bit loose for securely wearing on the top of your head. The grey lenses appeared more of a purple hue, though we found ourselves enjoying the extra style and contrast they provide. One tester noted, “While I get that style is personal, I think this pair really stands out with a classy, fun yet feminine look that will appeal to many shoppers.” Though a bit pricey, these shades delivered a top-notch performance across the board for less than many others. Those shopping for protective polarized lenses should check out the Maui Jim Honi. This pair of shades earned top marks in our lens quality metric — just be prepared to shell out some dough. The Vuarnet Legend 03 was also a versatile high-scorer, with highly durable mineral glass lenses that will stand the test of time.

Best Bang for the Buck

CAMP Eyewear Trail

Though they may initially seem to be just another pair of wayfarers, we found much to like about the Camp Eyewear Trail — including their modest price. As one of the pairs of shades we tested that look good on all genders, our team of testers found themselves fighting to wear these sunglasses. They offer solid, all-around performance with quality lenses and comfortable frames. Their glossy finish and wooden bows make for a great look and a fit that works well on a wide range of head sizes and face shapes.

Polarized	Yes
Lens Tested	Basic Polarized Grey
Fit	Medium
Weight	29 g
Frame Material	Plant-based bioplastic, genuine wood inlays

Of course, this glossy finish can be a detriment if you're hot and sweaty, as they may slide down during movement. Additionally, as wayfarers, the Trail sunnies deliver the standard coverage pitfalls common with this shape of sunglasses: medium lenses and relatively flat curvature allow sunlight to sneak in around the edges of the glasses. One tester with a wider head shape commented, “They were a bit tight on my temples and caused light to come in easily, something I often find with wayfarer designs.” They can also result in a fair amount of glare in certain sun angles. But despite these flaws, we love a lot about these unique, lower-cost glasses. Should you require more coverage, you might find the Vuarnet Legend 03 to better fit with higher quality lenses. They topped the list in this metric, but are much less affordable than the Camp Eyewear Trail. For other lower-priced options, it's worth considering the Sunski Baia Polarized, a beachy boho style, or the Sunski Tera Polarized, a glacier-glasses inspired frame with side shields for mountain pursuits.

Excellent and Comfortable Shades

Kaenon Rockaway

The Kaenon Rockaway is a very comfortable pair of sunnies that proved great in almost every situation. They manage to be secure without feeling tight, even on our testers with wide faces. They're lightweight and well-balanced, with rubbery nose pads that keep them securely in place even on sweaty and windy runs. Good quality lenses keep back glare to a minimum, and the Brown 12 lenses we tested enhance contrast and color naturally. Our testing team also liked the look of these shades — they're a light upgrade to a classic and versatile style.

Polarized	Yes
Lens Tested	Brown 12
Fit	Medium
Weight	29 g
Frame Material	TR-90 (thermoplastic)

On the other hand, the Rockaway sunglasses aren't exactly pushing the bounds of fashion. One tester noted, “I'd consider these the 'safe' option in terms of style — they don't really stick out from the crowd.” The Brown 12 lenses we tested have a protective VLT of just 12%, yet they somehow feel a bit lighter to look through compared to other lenses with the same VLT rating. This didn't hamper our vision, but it was noticeable compared to other models. We're also bummed that, unlike other Kaenon glasses we've tested, the Rockaway didn't come with a zippered hard case; just a microfiber drawstring bag. But at the end of the day, we love these easy-to-wear sunnies' fit, feel, and function — and the price isn't bad either. If you prefer dark lenses with a more adaptable style, the Ray-Ban Erika is right up your alley. Those who like the Rockaway will probably also like the understated and versatile style of the Smith Lowdown 2.

Best for Bold Style

Costa del Mar Fernandina

For those with slender and smaller faces, the Costa del Mar Fernandina are the shades for you. Many of our testers have wanted to find a pair of aviators that look awesome without being too large or poorly fitted to their faces. Enter the Fernandina, with their versatile and appealing shape. The dark, polarized lenses and mirror coating provide superb protection from the sun. While nose pads are notorious for getting caught in the hair, the intensely squishy pads on these easily bend and are even made to pop out (and then easily back in again) under pressure. Tester Maggie Nichols reports: “Even with my narrower face and smaller head overall, I never had concerns about these falling off.”

Polarized	Yes
Lens Tested	Green Mirror 580P
Fit	Small
Weight	32 g
Frame Material	Monel. metal with acetate temples

The Fernandina fell a bit short when heading directly into a low sun. At this angle, the rays of light seem to reflect around inside the Green Mirror 580P lenses we tested, creating an illuminated layer in the lens that made it difficult to see with clarity. “I definitely experienced significant glare under those specific conditions,” noted our lead tester. While these are a dream fit for narrow faces, those with a wider build lamented the narrowness of these small frames. So they're not for everyone. But for most of our testers, these were the pair we grabbed whenever we wanted to feel bold, fashionable, and downright cool. Another stylish pair we love for wider faces is the Smith Lowdown 2, which looks just as at home on the trail as in town. For a pop of color and a slightly thicker frame that looks good on a variety of face shapes, we also love the Dragon Waverly.

A Timeless Classic

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic

The Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic has been in style for decades, looking as fly today as when it was first released in 1952. Across the board, these shades look good on just about everyone, no matter what take on fashion they may be representing that day, be it dresses, board shorts, ripped jeans, or three-piece suits. They're built to last, with a whopping seven barrels on each hinge and some serious heft to their robust frames. One tester who travels often commented, “I can trust that these aren't going to break, and know they will go with just about anything; they're the perfect accessory for travel and my go-to when I don't exactly know what my days will bring.”

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

However, the tradeoff for all this sturdiness is a heavier weight. At 45 grams, the Original Wayfarer is one of the heaviest pairs of sunglasses we tested. If you can get over just how heavy these are on your face, they are quite comfortable to wear. As the OG wayfarer shades, they have an exaggerated forward slant to their lenses, which contributes to their style but also leaves an oversized gap at the top of the lenses, letting light in when the sun is high. So they are unlikely to be the best choice for mid-day outdoor pursuits over the summer or sunny winter days. Critiques aside, if you've been coveting this look, we think you'll be happy with the performance these classic shades offer. Another stylish and lightweight pair we dig is the Ray-Ban Erika, which is half the weight of the Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic. The Tens Classic is another wayfarer style we loved, with slightly less tilt to the frame.

Compare Products

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	Score	Product	Price
	85	Ray-Ban Erika Best Overall Sunglasses for Women	$176
	81	Maui Jim Honi	$279
	80	Kaenon Rockaway Excellent and Comfortable Shades	$150
	76	Vuarnet Legend 03	$265
	71	Tens Classic	$121
	69	Smith Lowdown 2	$205
	67	Maui Jim Kawika	$319
	64	Costa del Mar Fernandina Best for Bold Style	$295
	62	CAMP Eyewear Trail Best Bang for the Buck	$79
	61	Sunski Baia Polarized	$98
	59	Sunski Tera Polarized	$98
	59	Persol PO3108S	$398
	58	Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic A Timeless Classic	$180
	57	Ray-Ban Aviator Classic	$230
	56	Maui Jim Lighthouse	$189
	55	Dragon Waverly	$160

How We Tested

To help find the best sunglasses for every lifestyle, activity, and budget, we spent hours researching the most promising pairs on the market before choosing these top contenders for head-to-head testing. Over the past several years, we've taken test pairs worldwide to every kind of environment, from the equator to the North Pole. We've driven across the country and back, gone out to brunch, paddled across lakes, napped on beaches, and hiked up peaks, assessing lens and frame quality and evaluating comfort across an array of face shapes.

Our testing of women's sunglasses is divided across five different metrics:

• Quality of lenses (30% of overall score weighting)

• Comfort on nose and ears (25% weighting)

• Versatility (20% weighting)

• Quality of frame (15% weighting)

• Face coverage (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Our testing team is comprised of reviewers Maggie Nichols and Kaylee Walden. Maggie has worked in sunny outdoor environments for over 20 years, from being a kayak guide in the Caribbean and leading students snorkeling along the equator to backpacking the sunny Sierra Nevadas and researching wildlife on the African savannah. Kaylee works on the opposite end of the environmental spectrum, spending her winters backcountry ski guiding in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, which get an average of 300 days of sun per year, before heading up to Alaska to guide on glaciers into the summer. Solid eye protection is essential wherever she goes, and finding a great pair of shades makes every day easier to navigate and a little more fun.

Analysis and Test Results

To thoroughly analyze contenders, we divided our assessments into five separate metrics. By combining the outcomes of tests in each metric, every pair of women's sunglasses ends up with an overall score that makes them easily comparable. Here we tease apart each metric and discuss the top contenders in specific areas.

What's the Best Value?

Finding a great pair of women's sunglasses doesn't have to cost a fortune. While, in general, clearer, more protective, and better-contrasting lenses cost a little more, there are plenty of high-performing shades that buck this trend.

The Camp Eyewear Trail sunnies have decent lenses in quality frames that provide comfort without sacrificing fashion — all while costing less than most. While the Ray-Ban Erikas are a bit pricier, they still come cheaper than many others, were our favorite to wear, and have scored the highest in our tests for years. The Kaenon Rockaway is an excellent pair of performance shades that are comfortable to wear, while the Tens Classic is a solid, classic-looking contender, and both are sold at a fair price. We've also tested a carefully selected group of top cheap sunglasses, if you want to find other budget-friendly options.

Lens Quality

Lens quality is the single most important aspect of any pair of glasses. To test this, we considered a wide range of attributes. We compared our lineup of sunglasses side-by-side in bright and harsh lighting, noting clarity, contrast, and color distortions. We also checked each pair for back reflections, that annoying phenomenon of seeing your face reflected at you.

The Maui Jim Honi have some of the most protective and pleasant lenses to look through. Made of their proprietary SuperThin glass, the shade of brown we tested (Blue HCL Bronze) has just a hint of color and contrast enhancement. We tested the Hawaii Lava colored lenses in the Maui Jim Kawika, which are made of a proprietary polycarbonate called MauiPure that proved polarizing. Though they offer excellent clarity, protection, and minimal back glare, they are blue-grey on top and amber on the bottom, which some of our testers didn't mind and others found distracting. We also love the HCL Bronze lenses of the Maui Jim Lighthouse, another pair from Maui Jim's more recent line of non-glass MauiPure polycarbonate lenses that still maintain the top-notch lens performance the brand is known for across the rest of their lineup.

The Vuarnet Legend 03 lenses are another favorite. Made of mineral glass, they are not polarized, yet they come in a superb shade with excellent mirroring and a dual gradient (darker on top and bottom for sun and glare), making them protective and comfortable. The Ray-Ban Erika is another pair with well-designed polycarbonate lenses. The Grey Gradient lenses we tested aren't polarized but are a clear, contrasting shade of blue-grey with a precise top-down gradient transition that feels good to our eyes. The Kaenon Rockaways have great lenses of proprietary plastic called SR-91 Resin. They come with enhanced contrast, yet still look natural, and offer good protection with minimal back glare. Not far behind are the Smith Lowdown 2, with a slightly darker tint to their polycarbonate lenses and a touch less “pop” to their ChromaPop than some models we've seen. The Original CR39 lenses of the Tens Classic we tested were dip-dyed to create rich red-amber tones that deliver a pleasing shade through which to view the world. Their subtle gradient helps cut down glare, while their darker hue makes them an excellent choice for very bright days, despite not being polarized.

The Camp Eyewear Trail also has solid lenses, in this case made of a lightweight triacetate cellulose material in a comfortable grey color without any major flaws. Similarly, we liked the Ray-Ban Aviator's plastic polycarbonate lenses — we tested the Green Classic G-15, which cast a grey hue. They felt darker than many others, possibly due to the contrast between the lenses and the open sides. Still, they're good lenses with minimal back glare — a difficult feat for a pair of shades with so much open space for the sun to sneak in. In most situations, we like the mineral glass lenses in the Costa Fernandina, other than when heading directly into the setting or rising sun. We found it very difficult to see much through these lenses at such low angles of light, even if they excel at midday.

Comfort

Our entire panel of testers evaluated every pair of sunglasses in our lineup to assess comfort. We noted where each pair touched the face and if it was distracting. We checked which are adjustable and how well that adjustability lets each wearer dial in their unique comfort needs. We also considered rubber cushioning and special nose pads and wore every pair for hours to see if they squeezed or fell off.

We're very impressed by the easy comfort of the Kaenon Rockaway. These unassuming shades provided a secure fit on every tester who tried them, thanks to their comfortable grip, lightweight design, and great balance. Rubbery nose pads keep them pleasantly perched on the nose even when sweaty. Another of the most comfortable pairs we tested is the Ray-Ban Erika. The lightweight nylon frame rests comfortably on the face, and its metal bows are flexible enough to offer security and a versatile fit. These are truly a pleasure to wear, and our entire team of testers loved the feel of these sunnies. The Maui Jim Honi frames have perfectly placed embedded nose pads, flexible hinges to accommodate heads of various sizes, and a shape that's easy to forget you're wearing.

The Tens Classics are comfortable in the way of the best wayfarers we've tested, with a bonus of a silky matte finish that feels oh-so-good on your face. The Maui Jim Kawika are far more comfortable than we expected for a pair of sunglasses with adjustable nosepads and such a bold frame. They're well-balanced and a delight to wear. It's also hard not to love the featherweight feel of the almost absurdly light Maui Jim Lighthouse. Even without any adjustability of their nose pads or bows, these hyper-flexible shades seem to fit everyone. The Persol PO3108S also fit very well (on small-medium width heads), with adjustable nose pads and three lines of added “Meflecto” flexibility to each of the bows. The Costa Fernandina sunnies are surprisingly comfortable and secure, especially for a pair of aviators, though they also fit narrower heads best.

Style and Versatility

While there's no true test for what is “stylish,” we asked our panel of testers which sunglasses they preferred and assessed the potential versatility of every pair for use at varied events and locations. We noted trends — where they existed — of pairs that were well-loved or those that weren't. We assessed which were best for certain face sizes and which were just great all-around glasses. We also considered functionality across different activities, noting which pairs stayed put when sweaty and which moved about or became annoying with heavy motion.

Though most of our panel of testers have never been big “aviator people,” all loved the style of the Costa Fernandina. They have slightly thicker bows than average aviators, with a splash more fun: funky patterning, shorter lenses, and an attractive shape. If you like the classic shape and oversized look of old-school aviators, the Ray-Ban Aviators may be more your vibe. The Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer also made every test team member feel “cool,” as though their whole look went up two style points just by putting them on.

The Persol PO3108S and Maui Jim Kawika are also impressively stylish, though not quite as universally loved as the Fernandina and Original Wayfarer. The Persol look is bold without being “too much” and works just as well with cut-offs as with a cocktail dress. The Kawika has distinctive spring break vibes when paired with the red mirrored Hawaii Lava lenses we tested and a frame that one of our testers described fondly as “nerd chic.” Among the options of polarized sunglasses for women, we enjoyed wearing the Sunski Tera Polarized, which has a hip style reminiscent of old-school glacier glasses gone modern.

The Ray-Ban Erika and Camp Eyewear Trail are well-loved styles by most testers. Though they're two different vibes, both of these shades look good on a wide variety of face sizes and shapes. The Maui Jim Honi pairs fashion with function, though their smaller size relegates them to work best on smaller and narrower faces. The Dragon Waverly brings a very distinctive look to the lineup, with a thick-framed style that one tester described as “hippie gone modern.” We found it hard to hate the Tens Classic on pretty much any face or gender. Though they lack the flair of the Camp Trail wooden bows, the Tens Classic look is still a step above your “average” wayfarer and is a great size most people find appealing.

Frame Quality

A good pair of frames goes a long way toward making your sunglasses last. We poked, prodded, and pulled every part of these glasses, checking screws and wiggly bows. We examined them for scratches and assessed their flexibility.

While a heavier-weighted material can often correlate with a higher degree of durability, it's worth noting that some products constructed with lightweight frame materials are also built of sturdy stuff. For example, the Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic is one of the sturdiest, beefiest frames we tested and weighs in as the heaviest of the lot at 45 grams. But its fashionable, feminine sibling, the Ray-Ban Erika, is also an excellent quality frame offering just the right level of flexibility and solidity — it felt good on our faces and easily stood up to all our testing without harm — and, it weighs in at less than half (22 grams). The Kaenon Rockaway and Vuarnet Legend 03 frames (at 29 and 37 grams, respectively) sit in the middle of the two Ray-bans when it comes to weight but nabbed top scores for quality as well, sporting solid TR-90 (thermoplastic) or bio-nylon constructions that stay tight throughout use with just the right amount of flex. Meanwhile, the Dragon Waverly is among the heaviest in the lot at 44 grams; yet, it scores toward the bottom of the list for quality, proving there are no guarantees that heavier-grade materials assure a longer-lasting, more durable frame.

The Tens Classic and Camp Eyewear Trail proved above-average against other wayfarers in the lineup when tested for frame quality, not only performing consistently well on many faces but also while carried in bags, worn on top of heads, or chucked on a car's passenger seat. We found the Smith Lowdown 2 also delivered above-average results, although it lacks rubber nose pads, which may be a complaint for some wearers. At first glance, the Maui Jim Kawika frames look suspiciously delicate, with components like adjustable nose pads and a wire bridge. But in testing, all parts proved to be deceptively strong, with their flex hinges allowing for overextension without breakage.

Though we don't expect it from glasses with such thin wires, the Costa Fernandinas are also impressively durable. They've been reinforced at typical aviator weak points, like the bows and hinges. They also have unique nose pads that are extremely flexible and made to pop in and out of the frames easily, so they never get seriously tangled in your hair. We also appreciated the lightweight durability of the metal frames on the Sunski Baia Polarized, and the small, intricate design details incorporated to add a touch of fashion.

A few pairs we tested have some minor but potentially large flaws that we feel are worth mentioning. The Maui Jim Lighthouse has extremely lightweight, flexible frames that we greatly enjoyed wearing, but we worry about the longevity of the design. We found many user testimonies complaining of these breaking where the bridge connects the two lenses, and we note that their intensely pliable frames make us fear we'll accidentally crush them while in use. And while we love the quality of the Maui Jim Honi frames, they lose some points due to the tendency of the translucent frames to create a blinding glare below the lens in certain angles of light. Similarly, the Sunski Tera Polarized delivered average results for quality. Still, we suspect they may experience some durability issues over time, given user complaints about the side shields or hinges breaking (although, notably, we did not experience such issues ourselves).

Coverage

To evaluate coverage, we looked into the base curve of each pair of glasses to see how well they hug the face or if they leave large gaps. We considered lens size and effectiveness. We also asked people with different face shapes to note where the sun could sneak around the edges and creep inside.

We got the best coverage out of glasses with large lenses and curved frames that sit close to the face. The Vuarnet Legend 03 fit this profile. If coverage is your number one concern, these are the best in our lineup. The Maui Jim Honi combines more reasonably sized lenses with a close-fitting face-hugging curve, helping to keep the eyes decently enclosed. Though they're not as curved as the others we've mentioned, the Ray-Ban Erika has medium-sized lenses that provide extra coverage — just not from the sides since the lenses are flatter and have very narrow bows, a combination that does little to block side light. Similarly, the Dragon Waverlys have large lenses and thick frames that add more protection, although they are still on the flat side, letting some light creep in through the sides. The Sunski Tera Polarized provided excellent coverage, amped up by side shields to block the sun effectively from all angles.

The Kaenon Rockaways have a curved shape with decent coverage, but they let some light in on the sides if the sun hits you at a harsh angle. Many wayfarer styles we tested are the next best regarding coverage, including the Tens Classic, Smith Lowdown 2. On wider faces, we found that the Camp Eyewear Trail let glare in through the top and sides. These three have similar lens sizes and shapes, and similar fits that offer solid coverage, but they all have the same downfalls as one another: open sides and a high potential for gaps on the top and bottom (depending on how you prefer to wear them).

How to Choose Women's Sunglasses

Especially when purchasing online, it can be challenging to find sunglasses that work well for your face shape, style, and activity needs. We try to break down the basics to help you hone in on the best frames for you.

What Size Lenses Suit You Best?

Lenses come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, serving different functional and style needs. From a style perspective, you'll want to consider which will best complement your features and face shape. Round faces typically work well with angular frames, while square faces are often well-suited to rounder styles. It is also worthwhile to consider if you want a frame that's timeless and classic, or if you want something more fun and trendy. Sunglass styles can come and go, but some simpler looks, like wayfarers, are always in style across many looks, activities, and occasions.

How Much Protection Do You Need?

The primary reason to buy sunglasses is for eye protection. Every pair in this lineup has 100 percent UV protection, an essential for eye health. Trust us – you don't want to sunburn your eyes, so choosing high-quality options is always worthwhile in the long run.

Where Will You Be Wearing Your Sunglasses?

You'll also want to consider the intended use of your sunglasses. Some glasses are best for everyday and lifestyle wear, while others are very specialized for athletic pursuits (like cycling) or mountaineering.

Conclusion

There seems to be an endless sea of sunglasses out there to choose from, and it can be challenging to evaluate the style and best use just from online. Sunglasses can be a tough purchase depending on your face shape, style preferences, and lens needs.

We put every one of the frames in this review to the test to bring you an accurate and thorough picture of which pairs perform the best and which will look best on your face. Ready to go seek out some sun? Aside from sunglasses, you'll want to check out the best sun hats and sun hoodies to protect yourself from the sun.