Vetted

2022-06-16 15:32:41 By : Mr. Jacky Lau

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Sunglasses are stylish yet functional, sharpening up your fashion look while also shielding your eyes from damaging UV rays. The best sunglasses are the ones you’ll actually wear: Anything that pinches the bridge of your nose or digs into the sides of your head will just sit in a drawer or be shoved into a car glove compartment, never to be worn again. Comfort is, therefore, key. The fashion aspect is easier to negotiate.

Tom Cruise at the Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. ... [+] (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

While everyone has an opinion on which frames look best on different face shapes, the trick is simply to create contrast—if you have a round face, balance it with rectangle or square-shaped glasses; if you have a wide, boxy face, go for rounder, aviator styles. Lifestyle factors might also be important to you: If you plan on wearing your shades while running or hitting golf balls on the green, lounging at the pool or traveling, you’ll want to prioritize different criteria—specifically, the size, weight and lens quality. With that in mind, we analyzed the options on the market to find the best sunglasses for men, depending on price points and needs. Here, 9 Vetted editor-approved pairs.

Why it’s great: Time-tested and stylish, Ray-Bans got its start in the 1930s providing frames for Air Force pilots. New York-based stylist Audree Lopez considers this pair the perfect addition to one’s collection. The lenses are scratch resistant, UV-protected and have a modern and minimal shape, which flatters almost every face shape, says Lopez. Key criticism: You can add customized options yet doing so increases the price. Other options: This pair is available in five colors, making it a versatile choice at a reasonable price, or consider the Wayfarers or Clubmasters.

Why it’s great: A lot of brands offer polarized sunglasses—which get rid of glare that washes out colors and fatigues your eyes—but Maui Jim’s are among the best for its specific technology. They’re lenses eliminate 99.9% of glare, including horizontal glare that reflects from any flat, smooth or shiny surface. There’s also a bi-gradient mirror applied to the top and bottom of the lens, which “squints” for you to reduce the brightest light from above and below, allowing your eyes to relax. Key criticism: The high quality lenses drive up the price. Other options: These sunglasses are available in four different frames and lens colors. We also like the Relaxation Mode and Kiawe styles.

Why it’s great: If you tend to lose your sunglasses (or sit on them) and don’t want to invest in an expensive polarized pair, Knockaround’s are a good alternative. They include basic amber polarized lenses, which provides full UV400 protection, and are molded out of high quality materials, so they can handle wear and tear. Key criticism: These frames are on the larger side so they might be difficult to fit in a pocket. Other options: Check out the Torrey Pines frames for a bold look or the Premiums for something more practical.

Why it’s great: A bestselling from the brand known for performance sunglasses, Oakley’s Gascan frames have been tested and retested under extreme conditions to ensure they stay put on the bridge of your nose and temples without pressing too hard. You can customize the lenses, including adding polarization and prescription features. Key criticism: These glasses tend to run on the small side. Other options: Our top picks include the Half Jacket 2.0 and the Straightlink.

Why it’s great: If your head is on the larger size, sunglasses often fit uncomfortably or stretch out over time, which weakens the materials. Costa’s sunglasses come in various sizes—from small to XXL—which you can filter on their site, along with features such as lens color and material and frame style. The Switchfoot has blue mirror polarized lenses, which are best for bright light and reducing glare off the water. Key criticism: These are meant for a high nose bridge (meaning the bone extends up higher up than the curve of your pupils) so they might not fit securely on those with flatter noses. Other options: For a sporty version, try the Reefton Pro and the Sampan for an XXL size.

Why it’s great: San-Francisco-based Huckberry makes sunglasses with durable materials and quality lenses that aren’t super expensive, which makes them great to take on the road when traveling. The Weekenders have a lightweight, sturdy construction won’t snap easily. And in case you need a spare (or leave them behind in a hotel room,) Huckberry offers a discount—you can buy two pairs for $60. Key criticism: These glasses don’t come with a carrying case so make sure they’re protected when in your bag. Other options: These shades come in 10 colors but if none of those work for you, consider the Cruisers.

Why it’s great: Persol sunglasses are pricey but deliver a lot of Italian craftsmanship. The 714 frames—the same that Steve McQueen regularly wore—stand out for being the first-ever folding glasses model. The sunglasses have a pilot shape, keyhole bridge and collapsable bridge that allows you to fold them and put them in your pocket; that technology requires ten additional manufacturing steps (which explains the higher price tag). Fashion stylist Lopez is a fan and also likes that pair come with a two-year warranty. Key criticism: The price point. Other options: For more classic styles, check out the 649 and PO3285S.

Why it’s great: Raen’s sunglasses are handmade from zyl acetate and built to last with five barrel hinges, a wire core embedded in each temple for strength and polarized lenses that give you 100% UVA/UVB protection. They’re stylish at a reasonable price and you can experiment with bolder options with the virtual try-on feature that works remarkably well. Key criticism: These glasses have a slightly narrow fit so keep that in mind when ordering. Other options: For more stylish pairs, consider the Adin or the Myles.

Why it’s great: Warby Parker simplifies the process of getting stylish prescription sunglasses, with their free Home Try-On option. The brand also gives back—for every pair purchased, it distributes a pair to someone in need. These frames have clean lines and a flat brow for modern look. Key criticism: The price increases with the more customization you add on (the base price with a prescription is $195). Other options: We also like the Haskell and Raider frames.