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Your lenses might be filtered, but your fun in the sun doesn’t have to be. Eyewear
Summer calls for sunglasses, specifically polarized sunglasses. You know, the filtered-lens versions of your regular old sunnies, the ones that minimize all that sunshine-induced glare and allow you to see better. Summer is full of beautiful things—swimming and golfing and all the joys of being outside—and with the perfect pair of polarized sunglasses, you can really soak it all in.
Below, we've curated the best polarized sunglasses out there. Whether your budget is $20 or $600, whether you like acetate or metal frames, whether you prefer something sleek and round or something oversize and squared, we've got all the best options here. Dress them up or down—just know that where you go, your sunglasses go, too. And with any of these choices, there's no going wrong.
It doesn't get much easier than these basic sunglasses that have a timeless silhouette, a lightweight design, and polarized lenses—all for under 20 bucks.
Personally, I'll be wearing my polarized frames from Salt all summer long. Why? They're cool, sleek, and unbelievably comfortable to wear—it's no wonder this brand is known to be a celebrity favorite.
If the devil does indeed wear Prada, then the devil is enjoying some polarized, chic frames. In elegant tortoiseshell, these rectangular sunnies are perfect for everyday wear, with subtle branding at the temples to add some extra flair.
If aviators are your vibe, you'll love this pair from Sojos. Not only is the price great, but the lightweight frames, simple look, and reinforced hinges ensure you can—and will—wear them for a long time to come.
Simple, chic, and protective—everything sunglasses should be. This pair from Neven is under 100 bucks, but it's packed with style that makes it look much more expensive. Dress these up or down; just be ready to wear them all the time.
If comfort and style are features you value in sunglasses (and they very much should be), turn to Persol. The brand takes the cake in terms of easy, elevated vibes, and with a lightweight frame and timeless looks, they'll be something you wear for years to come.
Diff is all about crafting cool, contemporary frames that become everyday staples in your life. These sunglasses, for example, have round lenses that are effortlessly cool, plus sturdy, lightweight frames.
Another pair of damn cool aviators, but this time with slightly squared lenses. These sunglasses have a luxe, masculine look that never goes out of style.
Take it back to the early 2000s with these retro-inspired, rectangular sunglasses. Think Beckham at the airport with Posh Spice—if any glasses are worth avoiding the paparazzi in, it's these.
For a healthy dose of luxury, Zegna has you (and your eyes) covered. These sunnies feature metal bar accents at the temples, a cool, modern silhouette, and a sharp, high-end look that you'll never tire of.
If you're looking for a no-nonsense pair of sunglasses, you've found them here. These are timelessly cool and endlessly comfortable, so make sure you have 'em with you before you leave the house.
Tom Ford does polarized sunglasses as Tom Ford does all things—with unequivocal chicness. These sleek shades are refined and elegant, with a butterfly silhouette and a subtle logo at the temples.
From Oliver Peoples and Roger Federer come squared aviators that are endlessly cool. With a brow bridge that adds some extra flair, these shades leave you in good hands.
From Oakley come sporty, dynamic sunglasses that you can take anywhere. With their three-point-fit design for all-day comfort, you'll start to wonder how you ever survived summer without these.
Simple and stylish—that's the TAG Heuer way. Designed with semimatte carbon fiber, these glasses toe the line between sporty and sophisticated, so you can dress 'em up or down with ease.
No sunglasses list is complete without Ray-Ban. Last but certainly not least, these stylish, metal frames that go with just about anything, from a casual workout look to an upscale dinner fit.
Size: Depending on your face shape, you're going to want to opt for lenses that are either wider or narrower. Typically, wider sunglasses are more flattering on wider faces; the larger your head, the larger your lenses should be. Pay attention to the size (and shape!) of your glasses to get the very best pick for you.
Features: Not all polarized sunglasses are made alike, so pay attention to which features you want when buying. Some of these can withstand salt water, and some can't. Some of these are great for sports, and some aren't. Some have adjustable nose pads—others don't! The features you choose are entirely down to preference, but your life will be so much easier if your sunnies have everything you want them to.
To put together this list of our picks, I chose polarized sunglasses I've personally tried, tested, and loved—including the options from Salt, Ray-Ban, and Persol—as well as sunglasses that my fellow Esquire editors have tried, tested, and loved. I also scoured the reviews of thousands of online customers for every pair here. Trust me when I say you won't find sunglasses that have gone through this many checks anywhere else.
Long story short: Polarized sunglasses are anti-glare sunglasses. You know when you can't see two feet in front of you, even though your shades are on? Yeah, you won't have that problem with polarized sunglasses. The lenses are coated in a chemical filter that promotes clarity by blocking out horizontal light—that's what causes glares from car windshields, electronic screens, et cetera.
Do polarized sunglasses look different from non-polarized sunglasses?
The answer is sometimes. They don't look different from the outside, but you'll be able to tell when you're looking through polarized lenses, because they look a little bit different from non-polarized lenses. Basically, you'll be able to see clearer because all the glare around you is reduced. But when you look at a screen, it might appear entirely dark—that's because the whole thing is pretty much one big glare.
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