Men's Health March 9, 2026 0 Comments

Unlock the 2026 Sunglasses Secrets Every Stylish Man Needs to Know—Editors Won’t Tell You!

As the days grow longer and the sun decides to shine just a bit brighter, it’s time we ask ourselves—are your sunglasses ready to keep up? Or are you still squinting like a stubborn fighter in the ring, missing out on the perfect blend of style and function? The market’s overflowing with legendary stalwarts and fresh upstarts, all claiming to offer the ultimate frame, but cutting through the noise? That’s the real fight. For over a decade, the Men’s Health Style team has been in the trenches, testing, breaking in, and sizing up the best men’s sunglasses—figuring out which brands pack the punch in quality, lens tech, and durability. From the classics like Ray-Ban to the sleek modern vibes of Akila and Jimmy Fairly Paris, it’s not just about blocking the sun—it’s about owning every look and moment under it. Ready to sharpen your vision and your style? Let’s gear up and see who’s really in your corner.

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7 min read

WARMER DAYS AND longer afternoons mean it’s time to start thinking about sunglasses again. The eyewear market is crowded with heritage labels that have been making frames for decades to direct-to-consumer upstarts promising stylish shades for less. Knowing which brands deliver on quality, lens technology, and durability makes the search a lot easier.

For the past decade, Men’s Health‘s Style team has been testing sunglasses and narrowing in on the menswear brands that make the most sense for our readers. That includes heavy hitters like Ray-Ban, whose Wayfarer remains one of the most recognizable sunglasses ever made, or Persol, known for its Italian craftsmanship. From there, newer players and sportswear brands have entered the mix with frames designed for casual wear to long days outside. Below are the sunglasses brands that consistently get it right.

Best Men’s Sunglasses Brands

What to Consider

Style

Classy and Everyday

An everyday pair of sunglasses are those that never go out of rotation. We’re talking aviators, wayfarers, clubmasters, and clean acetate silhouettes. You might also consider neutral lenses and shapes that work with tailored fits, T-shirts, and everything in between. Brands like Oliver Peoples and Moscot do a good job here.

Sport and Performance

These sunnies are built for movement. They prioritize grip, use lightweight materials, and often come with polarized lenses. These are ideal for running, cycling, beach days, or long drives, but a good pair is sharp enough to wear off-duty too. Oakley and Tifosi lead the game here.

Modern

Trendy glasses are always changing. At the time of reading this, you’ll want to consider a chunkier acetate, tinted lenses, and angular or oval shapes. Oh, and if the frames come with an intricate design, even better. These pairs make more of a statement, and sometimes can be the center of a fit. If your wardrobe tends to lean more streetwear or contemporary, brands like Akila and Jimmy Fairly Paris offer bold options without looking clownish.

Fit and Face Shape

Your sunglasses are only as good as they fit. The right pair should sit comfortably on your nose, stay put when you move, and align with your face shape. Pay attention to bridge width, temple length, and lens size. A great frame shouldn’t pinch, slide, or overwhelm your features. Here’s what to look at depending on your face shape:

Round Faces: Angular or rectangular frames add structure.
Square Faces: Round or aviator styles soften strong jawlines.
Oval Faces: Most styles work, avoid frames that are too oversized.
Heart-Shaped Faces: Medium-width frames with softer edges balance proportions.

Value

Like any wardrobe investment, sunglasses can range all over the price spectrum. The smartest buy isn’t always the cheapest, but instead the pair you’ll actually wear.

$ – Budget-Friendly (Under $100)

Solid for trendy frames for half the price. Also great for casual summer use. You’ll find nice styles, but materials and hinges may wear faster.

$$ – Everyday Quality ($100–$250)

This is the sweet spot. Better acetates, sturdier hinges, and polarized lenses. Ideal for your go-to pair that you can wear for years.

$$$ – Premium Craft ($250–$500)

Expect handcrafted frames, premium glass lenses, and intricate detailing. These are the pairs that feel sturdy when you wear them and hold up for years on end.

$$$$ – Luxury Investment ($500+)

At this level, you’re paying for craftsmanship, heritage, and distinct designs. If you wear sunglasses daily, investing in a well-made pair from a trusted brand can make sense—the cost per wear drops quickly when they become your go-to shades.

How We Selected

To find the best men’s sunglasses brands, our editors within our commerce and style teams (led by Style and Reviews Director, Christian Gollayan) have taken the time to reflect on brands they’ve worn, tested, and put through the paces over the last few years. It really came down to what we thought were the best sunglasses brands in each of their respective styles and price points.

Different settings require different looks. We looked for fashion forward brands that played well with our office uniforms, and sportswear labels that could keep up with active guys. With the help of Styles and Reviews Editor Joseph Cheatham, we took all of these points into consideration when narrowing down this list. Keep reading to see which brands made the cut.

Ray-Ban

What to Consider

Style: Classy and Everyday
Value: $$ – Everyday Quality

Few brands carry the cultural weight of Ray-Ban. Founded in 1937, its famous silhouettes like the Wayfarer, the Aviator, and even the Clubmaster remain some of the most recognizable in the world. For men, Ray-Ban hits a rare sweet spot: its sunglasses are classy enough to dress down, yet versatile enough wear with a casual fit. Opt for The Aviator if you want that cool, maverick look. Frames are typically crafted from durable acetate or lightweight metal. What makes Ray-Ban so popular is its accessibility and affordability. They’re a brand you invest in when you want to look put-together without overthinking it.

Ray-Ban Clubmaster Square Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Rectangular Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Square Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

Oakley

What to Consider

Style: Sport and Performance
Value: $$ – Everyday Quality

Originally built around athletic use, Oakley has become synonymous with advanced lens tech and durable, impact-resistant frames that stand up to intense activity (think cycling, hiking, running, and more). You’ve got your frames like the Sutro and Radar that feature wrap-around designs so that they don’t fall off. Still, its modern build has them looking good in all types of settings. The Frogskins have become a streetwear staple, while the Holbrook channels more of a surf look with its keyhole bridge and flat lenses. These are the pair you usually see on the golf course. Oakley’s vibe is ideal for active guys who still care about looking clean.

Oakley Eyejacket Redux Sunglasses

Oakley Half Jacket Sunglasses

Oakley Flak 2.0 Low Bridge Sunglasses

Oakley Radar Plate Sunglasses

Read more: Best Running Sunglasses

Warby Parker

What to Consider

Style: Classy and Everyday
Value: $$ – Everyday Quality

While this direct-to-consumer brand is best known for eyeglasses, it’s got plenty of great minimalist sunglasses that offer clean lines and tight proportions in a bunch of colors. The real appeal, is the affordable price tag with the average pair pacing at $95. Frames like the Beale (round, Buddy Holly-inspired) and the Downing (classic square) are versatile styles that most guys will look good in. The brand also offers a trial program, letting you test five frames for free before committing.

Warby Parker Downing Sunglasses

Warby Parker Raider Sunglasses

Warby Parker Callum Sunglasses

Warby Parker Baird Sunglasses

Jimmy Fairly Paris

What to Consider

Style: Modern
Value: $$ – Everyday Quality

Founded in Paris in 2010, Jimmy Fairly has built a following for stylish frames that balance classic French design with accessible pricing. The brand designs its sunglasses in Paris and assembles them at its atelier in Goussainville, drawing heavily from 20th-century eyewear shapes like chunky acetate rectangles, slim metal aviators, and rounded optical styles. Many of its frames use thick Mazzucchelli acetate and tinted lenses that give them a slightly vintage feel, making them a good option if you want something more distinctive than the typical Ray-Ban pair.

Jimmy Fairly Paris The Emmy Sunglasses

Jimmy Fairly Paris The Zany Sunglasses

Jimmy Fairly Paris The Brooke Sunglasses

Jimmy Fairly Paris The Bushwick Sunglasses

Tifosi

What to Consider

Style: Sport and Performance
Value: $ – Budget-Friendly

Tifosi is a go-to brand for guys who want performance sunglasses without paying premium prices. Founded in 2003, the brand focuses on lightweight, sporty frames built for cycling, running, and golf. Most pairs feature shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses with UV protection, along with grippy nose pads and adjustable arms for a secure fit during workouts. Prices typically start around $40, making Tifosi one of the best value brands for active guys who need durable shades they can wear hard without worrying about replacing them.

Tifosi Swick Sport Sunglasses

Tifosi Vogel SL Sport Sunglasses

Tifosi Swank Sunglasses

Tifosi Intense Golf Sunglasses

Persol

What to Consider

Style: Modern
Value: $$$ – Premium Craft

Founded in Italy in 1917, Persol is one of the most storied names in eyewear, known for its rich acetate frames and signature Meflecto flexible temple system, which helps the arms adapt comfortably to your face. The brand became a cultural icon when Steve McQueen wore Persol sunglasses in the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair, helping cement its reputation for understated luxury. Classic styles like the PO0649, PO3048S, and PO2445S lean into timeless shapes and deep colors like tortoiseshell, Havana brown, and black—frames that look just as good with suits as they do with a simple tee.

Persol PO0649 Aviator Sunglasses

Persol PO1018S Ida Sunglasses

Persol Po3019s Square Sunglasses

Persol PO3333S Elio Sunglasses

Oliver Peoples

What to Consider

Style: Modern
Value: $$$$ – Luxury Investment

Founded in Los Angeles in 1987, Oliver Peoples is known for subtle designs and high-end craftsmanship. Many styles are produced in Italy or Japan, with slim acetate builds, refined metal details, and minimal branding that gives the brand its quiet-luxury reputation. The lineup focuses on timeless silhouettes—aviators, classic round frames, and clean rectangular styles. Signature models like the Sheldrake and the Gregory Peck (a P3-style frame inspired by the actor) have become staples for guys who want polished sunglasses without flashy logos.

Oliver Peoples Gold Calidor Sunglasses

Oliver Peoples Black & Yellow Emryn Sunglasses

Oliver Peoples Black & Gray Ryce Sunglasses

Oliver Peoples Gregory Peck Sun Sunglasses

Moscot

What to Consider

Style: Modern
Value: $$$ – Premium Craft

Founded on New York’s Lower East Side in 1915, Moscot is one of the city’s most recognizable heritage eyewear brands. The family-run company is known for classic, slightly oversized frames made from premium Italian bio-acetate and finished through a detailed, hands-on process that includes cutting, polishing, and hand assembly. Many of the brand’s styles lean vintage, with thick frames and keyhole bridges. The Lemtosh remains Moscot’s signature silhouette—a timeless shape that has become a favorite among actors, writers, and downtown creatives for decades.

Moscot Lemtosh Sun Sunglasses

Moscot Zolman Sun Sunglasses

Moscot Shtarker Sunglasses

Moscot Billik Sun Sunglasses

Akila

What to Consider

Style: Modern
Value: $$ – Everyday Quality

Los Angeles-based Akila is a newer name in eyewear, but it has quickly built a following for bold frames that still feel wearable. The brand blends retro influences with modern shapes—think oversized squares, geometric frames, and updated aviators—often made from plant-based acetate for a more sustainable build. Most styles land in the $120 to $220 range, giving them a premium look without the luxury markup. Standouts include the square Apollo and the rounded Luna, both of which capture the brand’s relaxed West Coast aesthetic.

Akila Trivia Sunglasses

Akila Mal Sunglasses

Akila Cascade Sunglasses

Akila Nebula Sunglasses

Shop More of Our Favorite Menswear

Josiah is the Digital Content Producer for the commerce team at Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Runner’s World, and Bicycling Magazine. He also writes for “BIO Buys”—a column on Biography.com—giving readers the lowdown on what products their favorite celebs are using. In another life, Josiah was an editor at ThePioneerWoman.com, where he sharpened his expertise on all things lifestyle, food-news, and entertainment. Outside work related matters, he’s a fan of Studio Ghibli films, unimportant reality TV drama, and melancholy Lorde songs.

Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.