MOST AUSSIES WERE taught the importance of sun protection as kids, which naturally causes sunglasses to filter into mainstream men’s fashion from an early age. But the sunnies that are best at staving off UV rays typically aren’t much more than thick, blockish frames, a style that doesn’t flatter many of us, if anyone.
The key to finding a good pair of sunglasses is understanding that there’s more to them than their function. After all, framing your face is one of the most important steps in completing an outfit, and how you do it can determine whether you’re on point or out of touch.
To help you find a pair of sunglasses that complement your style and meet your sun protection needs we’ve rounded up some of sunglass brands we have on our radar, and their best shades.
Best polarised sunglasses for men
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, polarised sunglasses can be a game-changer. Unlike standard tinted lenses, polarised lenses are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces. They not only improve visibility in bright conditions but also help reduce eye strain.
Oakley Sylas
Best classic sunglasses for men
They may not have the glare reduction qualities of polarised sunglasses or the sun protection benefits of UV varieties, but your standard tinted sunnies can still do plenty for your style. In fact, classic sunglasses are usually more stylish than their counterparts, as their design doesn’t need to accommodate the bulkier frames of polarised or UV shades.
Otis Omar
Best Designer sunglasses for men
Not all sunglasses are worn for their glare-blocking capabilities. Sometimes, shades are simply meant to serve as the perfect complement to an outfit, the type that can tie a whole look together. If that sounds more like your style, these are the sunglasses for you.
Prada Eden Green Lenses
Best UV sunglasses for men
While they do have impactful applications in style, the primary purpose of sunglasses remains to be shielding your eyes from the sun. But while many of them can reduce glare and brightness, not all of them will actually protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. If sun safety is your top priority, look for UV400 or 100 per cent UV protection labelling. Or, you know, you could just pick one of our selections from below.
Black Ice from Phil Wrap
What are the best sunglass brands for men?
Everyone has different tastes, so the best sunglass brands will depend on yours. That being said, quality is an objective trait. If you want the highest quality sunglasses, classic brands like Oakley, Carrera and Ray-Ban are solid bets. But in the up-and-comer category, keep an eye on brands like Hayden, Thunderbirds, Sunny and 85, Oh Hey There and The People’s Frame.
Are polarised or UV protection sunglasses better for sun protection?
For sun protection, UV-blocking sunglasses are the best because they shield your eyes from UV rays, which can cause long-term damage like cataracts and macular degeneration. Polarised sunglasses, on the other hand, are designed primarily to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, roads, and snow. Polarisation itself does not equate to UV protection, but some polarised lenses also have UV filtering. If sun safety is your top priority, always check for UV400 or 100 per cent UV protection labelling.
