Need New Sunglasses? Shop Our 21 Favorite Sunglasses of the Summer

Sunny weather equals sunglasses, right? Wrong. Sort of. Yes, sunglasses are the perfect summer accessory (next to flip-flops). However, you can and should wear sunglasses all year long. Sunglasses protect your eyes from damaging UVA and UVB rays, prevent premature wrinkling and crow’s feet and can mitigate hangover headaches. Plus, they make you look cool.

In ancient Rome, Nero used emeralds as sunglasses when he watched gladiators perform. In China, they used flattened smokey quartz for their lenses, which became popular a little before the 12th century. During the 20s, Hollywood’s new movie stars starting wear sunglasses, and a modern trend was born.

If you’re upgrading your eyewear, it’s important to pick the right style of shades for your style and face. The best men’s sunglasses will add the finishing touch to any summer outfit.

How To Pick The Right Sunglasses for Your Face Shape

There are five basic face shapes: oval, round, rectangular, square and diamond.

• Square face shapes have a defined angular jaw and can wear any type of men’s sunglasses. For reference, celebrity square-faced gents include Brad Bitt, Dwayne Johnson and Matt Damon.
• Round face shapes are well, roundish in shape. To make a face seem longer, opt for square or rectangular-shaped sunglasses. Celebrities with round faces include Leonardo Di Caprio, Jeremy Renner and Jack Black.
• Oval face shapes are evenly proportioned, and like the squared face, can wear any men’s sunglasses style. Jude Law and James Franco have oval faces.
• Rectangular face shapes have cheekbones, jawlines and temples of the same width. Idris Elba, Robert Downey Jr. and Adam Levine look mighty fine with that face shape. Wear rounded, hexagonal, oversized and square-shaped glasses.
• Diamond face shapes have a narrow forehead and chin, with wide cheekbones. Johnny Depp wears round-shaped sunglasses, Ryan Reynolds likes aviators and square frames with rounded bottoms, while Robert Pattinson wears anything from round frames to aviators to square and hexagonal-shaped sunglasses.

The Best Men’s Sunglasses for Summer 2021

A lot of the Summer 2020 men’s sunglasses trends are back for Summer 2021. The aviator is still a huge eyewear trend. Honestly, it’s such a classic style, it will never go out of style. Whether you call them navigators or aviator sunglasses, they’re really the same style. Pilot sunglasses have a frame that’s square, but they still give off that “too cool for school” vibe.

Oversized sunglasses are back this summer. Tom Ford has made some especially stylish oversized sunglasses for men. However, we’re also seeing oversized sunnies in tons of colorful hues. And a few of those colorful frames have the hues toned down because more than a few eyewear designers are making colored see-through frames, which makes the hues become diffused. Some oversized sunglasses have tonal or mismatched colored lenses.

Other popular styles this summer include sporty looks that were mined from the 70s tennis looks, wraparound shades, mixed fabrications and of course, retro eyewear that runs from the 50s to the 80s. We’re talking everything from cat-eye, to round, to the classic heavy square frames like the ones that Buddy Holly wore.

What’s really surprising is the emergence of colored lenses. You can find colored lenses in every shade you can imagine, and some you’d rather not. As mentioned earlier, some designers are mismatching lens colors with frames, and some like everything to match. Tomahawk Eyewear features an olive-toned pair of sunglasses with, of course, matching lenses.

Even though spring and summer haven’t started, we’ve noticed that sunglasses are already on sale. There’s a good chance that you might find your favorite pair at a lower price than expected. We’ve also found some great-looking sunglasses, ones that look like they could come from a high-end optical boutique for less than $30.

Start scrolling through to find the best men’s sunglasses to buy right now.

1. Cloos X Brady Espresso Sunglasses

BEST OVERALL

We need to stop asking what Tom Brady can’t do, because the answer is he can do anything, and do it ridiculously well. Take his Cloos X Brady sunglasses collection for instance; we’ve covered the launch, and they’ve quickly become our favorite pair of sunnies. Each pair in this celebrity-branded collection is made from biodegradable Italian acetate, has polarized lenses and comes in black and gray. We can’t promise you that you’ll end up with a golden arm like Brady’s when wearing them, but you will look pretty cool.

2. Ray-Ban RB3025 Aviator Classic Sunglasses

RUNNER UP

Ray-Ban sunglasses never really go out of style, and there’s never a bad time to buy Ray-Ban Wayfarer shades. However, if you’re looking for the best men’s sunglasses for summer 2021, you have to go with these gold-frame aviator shades. Every men’s sunglasses roundup always contains at least one pair of aviator glasses and one pair of Ray-Bans, and we’re getting both out of the way at the jump. These sunglasses are truly iconic, as this exact pair, the Ray-Ban RB3025, is the style that Tom Cruise wears in the upcoming Top Gun: Maverick movie.

3. Opolis Bio Collection Largo Sunglasses

BEST SUSTAINABLE

Want to look good and help the world at the same time? Opolis has a transparent supply chain and creates eyewear using bio-acetate and recycled plastics. Their Largo sunglasses are from the company’s Bio Collection. The acetate frames are plant-based and are created with cottonseed, hemp and red pulp; that means they’re biodegradable. The core and hinges are made from upcycled materials too. Largo’s lenses are scratch-resistant, polarized and provide UVA/UVB protection. For every frame sold, Opolis donates to the 1% of the Planet and other nonprofits.

4. Le Specs Paradox Sunglasses

BEST DAILY PAIR

These classic sunglasses from Le Specs will always stay in style. Their Paradox sunnies have a tortoiseshell frame, a touch of metal at the bridge, and the rounded cat-eye frame looks great on everyone. The lenses also have a UV coating.

5. Eye Buy Direct – Sun Soar Geometric Sunglasses for Men

BEST GEOMETRIC

One of the biggest styles for spring and summer 2021 is hexagonal-shaped sunglasses, usually with a dark lens. Popular in the late 60s, this style is making a major comeback. These black lensed frames come in gold, black or silver frames. And at just $30, these hexagonal sunglasses are also some of the best deals you’ll find this summer.

6. Gucci Aviator-Style Tortoiseshell Sunglasses

BEST DESIGNER SUNGLASSES FOR MEN

Hankering to add something designer to your wardrobe, but want to make sure the new addition seamlessly matches with what you’ve already got? You can never go wrong with a pair of designer sunglasses. And lately, anything that Gucci creates is the best mix of old and new, so you can wear these sunglasses for seasons to come. The arms sport Gucci’s logo in the middle of the brand’s distinctive stripes, and the frames come in either black or brown. Made in Italy, the lenses provide 100% UV protection and come with a plush burgundy case.

7. MVMT Rival Sunglasses

BEST RETRO

You’ve probably seen the ads for MVMT’s watches, but did you know they also have a line of sunglasses? Their sunglasses collection is a mix of new and revitalized retro styles like this pair. The style was popularized by Buddy Holly back in the 50s, and they’re still cool today.  These square-shaped sunglasses have a combination of acetate and metal frame, with contrast colored lenses.

8. GLCO (Garret Leight California Optical) Clement Sun

BEST WEST COAST VIBE

GLCO is frequently inspired by playwrights, authors, musicians and artists as well as the milieus they inhabited. This frame, the Clement Sun, is an homage to Andy Warhol. The thick acetate frame is reminiscent of the ones that Warhol sported. Clement sun has glasses lenses that provide UV protection and have an AR coating in pure green. These sunglasses also come in four other colorways, including clear.

9. Smoke X Mirrors Everyday

MOST LIKELY TO BE MISTAKEN FOR DESIGNER

Two-tone tortoiseshell frames have been popping up in both eyewear and sunglasses, it’s a micro-trend that’s starting to blow up. These French-made sunglasses not only capture that trend, but they also exude A-lister style. The round frames house anti-reflective coated CR-39 lenses that have 100% UVA/UVB Category 3 protection. They also come in solid black and in an amber-toned tortoiseshell.

10. Tomahawk Eyewear Tamboras Sunglasses

LIFETIME WARRANTY

Created by twins who were fed up with paying a lot of money for sunglasses, they created their own line of premium eyewear that doesn’t have a premium price tag. Along the way, they’ve worked with athletes like Matt Martin, Kylie Ohlmiller, super bowl champion Chris Hogan and lacrosse player Kyle Harrison (both Hogan and Harrison are part owners). Tomahawk’s Tamboras sunglasses have polarized UV400 lenses that are FDA-approved impact resistant. These sunglasses are covered by the brand’s lifetime warranty. Tomahawk will replace lost, broken or stolen sunglasses up to two times. That’s pretty impressive.

11. SHEIN Flat Top Sunglasses

BEST FLAT-TOP SUNGLASSES

Looking like a pair of aviator sunglasses from the future, or an 80s sci-fi flick? Well, then you’re in luck. This is one of the biggest styles of the season. The squared-off frame is highlighted in gold-toned metal that contrasts nicely against the black metal. The gradient lenses add a touch of movie coolness. Best of all, the price is so wallet-friendly, that you could pick up a couple of backups in case you lose or break a pair, and you still wouldn’t break a twenty-dollar bill.

12. Adidas Originals 54mm Round Sunglasses

BEST MATCHED

Trust Adidas to come out with a pair of sunglasses that are sporty, trendy and oh, so wearable. These rounded square frames are made to look nifty on every face shape. Comfort’s built into the frames with a keyhole bridge. The frame is a matte blue, and the lenses are blue mirrored and provide 100% UV protection. A metal plaque engraved with the brand’s name and iconic logo sits at the temples. They also come in a black-on-black combination.

13. Paradigm 20-50 Sunglasses

BEST USE OF NEGATIVE SPACE

Paradigm sunglasses are designed in Kentucky, made in eco-friendly facilities, with ethically sourced raw materials. The frames and packaging are created with recyclable materials. In a market full of eco-friendly sunglasses made from wood and other natural materials, that’s not so unique. What is unique about these sunglasses? Oh, yeah, they’re cutting-edge cool. These squarish frames are highlighted by the negative space at the top of the frame, and they also come in silver. Thanks to the unique design, these are hands down some of the best men’s sunglasses for summer 2021.

14. Pixel Eyewear Asper Sunglasses

BEST ALL-AROUNDER

Sometimes called “The English Schoolboy,” this mixed fabrication (stainless steel and acetate) are the all-rounder because the lenses are non-reflective on both sides, polarized, and also block blue light. They come in black too.

15. Shady Rays X Series Black Emerald Sunglasses

BEST MEN’S SUNGLASSES FOR SPORT

The X series Black Emerald wraparound men’s sports sunglasses protect your peripheral vision with lenses that have a hydrophobic and anti-reflective coating and are polarized with 100% UV protection. The frame was designed to stay on no matter what sport you indulge in. The frames come in black or clear. Choose lenses in matte black, black, blue, or emerald green.

16. Ironman Black Blade Sunglasses PP05

SPORT GLASSES RUNNER UP

Named after the insanely rigorous triathlon, these tinted sunglasses are designed to hang on during outdoor training sessions or long runs. This wraparound style has adjustable nose pads and rubberized temple inserts to create a comfortable fit. The lenses are scratch and impact-resistant and offer 100% UV protection. Ironman is a division of Foster Grant eyewear, so you know you’re getting quality sunglasses at an affordable price.

17.Etnia Barcelona Kobe Sun

BEST INDIE BRAND

Indie eyewear company Etnia Barcelona’s designs are always on the cutting edge. Could be one of the reasons why celebrities like Brad Pitt, Liam Hemsworth and Jay-Z wear them. Their Kobe Sun sunnies tick all the 2021 trends: bright acetate frames with matching bright lenses, a sporty frame with a pop of contrasting trim for added wowness. Etnia Barcelona Kobe Sun also comes in three other colorways.

18. MeetSun Polarized Unisex Sunglasses

BEST UNISEX

These polarized sunglasses are slightly oversized with rounded edges, so they’ll work with every face shape. There are almost 3000 reviews from men and women who’ve raved about the quality of the polarized lenses and the way the frames fit. They have a composite frame and mirrored triacetate cellulose lenses. There are 14 — yes, 14 — color combinations. Everything from the classic black frame and black lens combination to a clear frame and mirrored purple lens combo. the lenses also have blue light rays protection.

19. Arnette Men’s Sunglasses

MOST FUTURISTIC

As mentioned earlier, one of the hottest sunglass trends for the summer is the wraparound. Arnette’s wraparounds are slightly futuristic yet sporty looking. Their mirrored lenses are gradient with shimmery tones scattered throughout. Also on trend is the clear frame. Often worn by athletes, they’re trendy looking but have solid construction.

20. Discount Glasses Westend Savannah Sunglasses

TRENDY YET AFFORDABLE

Looking for sunglasses that are both on-trend and not too showy? Discount Eyeglasses Westend Savannah’s are the best of both worlds. The rectangular frame is see-through gray and the contrast gray pink lenses is that mixed color combo that’s in right now. Speaking of lenses, they provide 100% UVA/UVB protection. Discount Glasses offers virtual try-ons so you can get an idea of how they’ll look in real life. For more foolproof shopping, Discount Glasses has an option to shop by face shape. This way, the only sunglasses you’ll see are the ones that’ll look good on you.

21. Sungait Ultra Leightweight Polarized Sunglasses

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT

Billing themselves as almost weightless sunglasses, these luxe-looking men’s sunglasses are also very affordable. The polarized lenses offer 100% protection against UVA/UVB/UVC rays. They also come in 10 colorways. Each pair of sunglasses comes with a sunglass case, cleaning cloth and mini screwdriver.

*Disclaimer: Looking for Spy Optic? Click here: https://www.spyoptic.com.

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