The 19 Best Sunglasses of 2024

Sunnies, in all their wonderful shapes, sizes, and colors, are to summer what boots are to winter: needed, wanted, and desired. Not only are they a necessary fashion accessory, they’re also functional, serving the same purpose as sunscreen to protect against UV rays. “You have to be wearing them to be protected, though,” as board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, puts it. 

To ensure you actually wear your sunnies, it’s important to find a pair that you love. Dr. Hilal-Campo says that comfort, style, and durability are the three things you should look for. “Looking forward to wearing your sunglasses will increase your likelihood of putting them on and protecting your eyes,” she says. So with that said, read on for the best pairs that will check all the boxes.

Best Overall

LensDirect Sunglasses

Even if you’re not actually having Breakfast at Tiffany’s, you can pretend with these beautifully crafted LensDirect sunglasses. Timeless and contemporary, the oversized, rounded design draws inspiration from the specs worn by Audrey Hepburn’s character, Holly, in the film. Similar to Hepburn’s memorable soft-wing eyeliner, these sunglasses enhance facial symmetry thanks to their slight lift at the temples and high saddle bridge. 

The frames are also super lightweight and comfortable despite their large size, and look great on every face shape. Available in classic black, dark tortoise, and hot pink, the Holly sunglasses come with UV protection, and a hydrophobic coating. They're even scratch and impact resistant. InStyle Commerce Editor, Mary Honkus, recently wore these on a beach vacation and says they still looked brand new by the end of the trip. “At one point the sunnies got knocked off my face by a rogue wave, but when I pulled them from the water they were still in pristine condition — no scratches or damage in sight.” As an added bonus, LensDirect customers can select an Rx type and lens color for an additional cost, so you can customize the frames to your style and needs. 

Colors: 3 | Shape: Cat-eye | Material: Acetate

Best Budget

Sojos Round Classic Polarized Sunglasses

• They’re polarized. 

Sojos has a bit of a cult-like following on Amazon, and one of those followers includes InStyle senior commerce editor Chloe Anello, who appreciates how reasonable the price is for trendier pieces. “I own nicer, more timeless designs, but I can easily follow some sunglasses trends with this brand without needing to spend too much,” she says. This pair of sunglasses, for example, can be worn on multiple occasions (think outdoor sports, shopping, driving around), thanks to its versatile fit. Plus, for only being a $15 pair, they’re polarized. Customers also confirm that they sit very comfortably on your nose. The frame is made of plastic, however, which makes them a little flimsier than some other options. It’s what makes them so affordable, so if you ask us, you have to pick your battles.

Colors: 7 | Shape: Round | Material: Plastic

Best Splurge

Anine Bing Highland Sunglasses

More from Honkus’ vanity, the Anine Bing Highland sunglasses have been repeatedly making it into her outfits. They take inspiration from the classic aviators, but with a vintage, more rounded-out touch, giving them a shape that’s unique to Anine Bing. “They look and feel luxe. When I wear them I feel like a badass because they have a cool-girl vibe to them that always attracts compliments,” says Honkus. The brand kindly sent her a pair, and they arrived in a leather pouch equally as opulent as the glasses themselves. You can expect to find UV400 protection in the lenses, available in three different colors. What it doesn’t come in, however, are different sizes. 

Colors: 3 | Shape: Aviator | Material: Acetate

Best Multi-pack

Tskestvy Retro Sunglasses

Need a pair or two of sunglasses? How about four? If you’re the kind of person that likes to match their sunnies to every outfit (or tends to lose them — it happens) this affordable set is for you. At just $19, you get four pairs of sunnies in every essential shade, ranging from a soft cream to a classic black, to pair with every part of your wardrobe. Although they’re non-polarized, they do have a UV protection coating, along with reinforced metal hinges and plush nose pads for added comfort.

Colors: 4 | Shape: Rectangular | Material: Plastic

Best Cat-Eye

Gentle Monster Terra Cotta T1

Trends come and go, but cat-eye sunglasses have been, still are, and will always be iconic. The sultry look was first introduced in the '30s, but they experienced their prime glory days in the '60s. We continue to adore the pointy shades, and the Gentle Monster T1 series keep the classic look relevant, thanks to the many trendy colors it comes in. Not only that, but you can add your prescription, right on the product page as well. You can’t, however, adjust the sizing in any way, so read the measurements before you purchase.

Colors: 6 | Shape: Cat-eye | Material: Acetate

Best Polarized

Quay Polarized Level Up Sunglasses

Leave it to the country of sunshine to create effective ways to block out the sun — in style, of course. Australian label Quay has quite the collection of sunglasses, but it’s these polarized ones that we’ll be reaching for in the summer. The extra large brim covers a good chunk of the face, adding to the protection. It’s true that the large frame might not suit small faces all too much. But thanks to their virtual try-on camera, you can test them out before committing to them. And if you’re not absolutely in love, you can return them within 30 days. 

Colors: 7 | Shape: Square | Material: Acetate

Best for Large Heads

Warby Parker Beale Sunglasses

Found under Warby Parker’s “wide frame width” section (also available in extra narrow, narrow, medium, and extra wide), the Beale glasses are ideal for anyone with a larger head, which they measure at 142 mm in width (be aware that they are only offered in this size). If you’re unsure what size you are, however, the brand offers at-home try-ons, where you can select a few sunglasses for free and return the ones you don’t want to keep. Once you’ve settled on your decision, you’ll be happy to find your lenses to be polarized and scratch-resistant. And of course, at Warby Parker, you can always customize your order to include your prescription. 

Colors: 3 | Shape: Square | Material: Cellulose acetate

Best for Small Heads

Knockaround Vintage Rose Sunglasses

Knockaround also lets you shop by head size, providing options from small, medium, to large.  We particularly liked these universal wayfarers, and if you’ve been struggling to find the well-loved style on your petite frame, we’re pleased to introduce you to these ones. While we love this dusty rose color, they’re of course also offered in a more traditional black (amongst other colors spread across the site). Not only are they polarized and cute, but at $32, they’re affordable as well.  

Colors: 29 | Shape: Wayfarer | Material: Plastic

Best Aviator

Banbé Eyewear The Hosk

If you were wondering where all the Instagram girlies are getting their sunnies from, the answer is Banbé Eyewear. They have a plethora of trendy yet sophisticated-looking sunglasses that look like they’re in the $200 range but are usually under $80. And while we love their wide range of stylish designs, you can truly never go wrong with some aviators. The menswear-inspired look always looks sleek and just plain cool. These ones come with thin frames to keep things lightweight and retro-looking. We only wish it came in more color options.

Colors: 1 | Shape: Aviator | Material: Metal steel

Best Prescription

Warby Parker Callum Sunglasses

Yes, we've already talked about this brand, but Warby Parker has arguably one of the best craftsmanship when it comes to prescription glasses. Their styles are hand-crafted in-house with special materials — like ultra-lightweight TR90 nylon, a dense, durable, and flexible thermoplastic material — to provide better quality and appearance. The Callum sunglasses, in particular, are perfectly round with soft rubber pads along the nose bridge for a more comfortable fit. This feature alone makes the prescription sunnies ideal for those with active or performance-based lifestyles. The lenses are also made from impact-resistant polycarbonate – a material that blocks out the sun’s rays and provides maximum clarity. Be aware that these ones are extra lightweight, and might not have that substantial, traditional sunglasses feel.

Colors: 3 | Shape: Round | Material: Nylon

Best Oversized

Chimi 08 Black Sunglasses

Dial the mystery up a few notches with oversized sunglasses. These ones from Chimi also come with extra dark lenses (for added discreteness), that are scratch-resistant and UVA and UVB protected. In other words, the sun doesn’t stand a chance at blinding you. The Swedish brand is already a celebrity favorite, with stars like The Weeknd and Kendall Jenner sporting their pieces. It’s one of those if-you-know-you-know brands, allowing you to fulfill your quiet luxury dreams. Considering that they need to be flown in across seas, it’s likely they will take a little longer to arrive.  

Colors: 8 | Shape: Rounded square | Material: Acetate

Best Designer

Saint Laurent Slim Oval Acetate Sunglasses

The sunnies that Hailey Bieber can’t. stop. wearing. Seriously, she's worn them about seven times to our count. I mean can you blame her when you look this good in them? The ultra-slim shades you constantly see her in are these oval acetate sunglasses from Saint Laurent. Yes, they’re a splurge, but seeing how sleek and stylish they are, it’s likely you’ll get tons of wear out of them (like Hailey is). The thicker frame ensures they’ll also last all your excessive wear, and you can proudly show off your purchase thanks to the designer logo on the sides. Of course, the very slim oval shape might not be the most ideal in blocking out the sun, but hey, you’ll at least look very cool. 

Colors: 1 | Shape: Oval | Material: Acetate

Best Retro

Le Specs Unreal! Sunglasses

• They’re unisex.

• They’re not polarized.

Say, Saint Laurent is not exactly in your price range, we'd love to introduce you to this similar, more affordable option as an alternative. The retro sunglasses aren’t quite as slim but definitely have that narrow, peeking-over-the-rim appeal. They function wonderfully as a fashion accessory for both men and women, with a sleek design and dark lenses. They aren’t, however, polarized, and are therefore maybe not the best option for someone sensitive to bright lights. 

Colors: 1 | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Plastic

Best for Low-Bridge Noses

Covry Maia Black Sunglasses

Something we can all agree on is that we do not want our sunglasses sliding down our noses. Covry, therefore, made sure all their sunglasses go through a smile test to ensure that the sunglasses don’t rest on your cheeks when you laugh. Combined with adjustable silicone nose pads and a flat front design, these shades, which come with either polarized or non-polarized lenses, are ideal for people with a low-bridged nose. Even with such large frames, you can expect these not to slip and slide on your face.  

Colors: 1 | Shape: Cat-eye | Material: Acetate, metal

Best Sports

Alo Yoga Speed Sunglasses

Sporty sunglasses, albeit functional, never really appealed to us in terms of style in the past. That is until these retro sunglasses were reimagined, revamped, and reintroduced as a futuristic, sporty-chic look. Now you can find these on every it-girl, both as a fashion statement and as fantastic tennis accessories. It makes sense, therefore, that movement lifestyle brand Alo engineered and perfected the look with these Speed sunglasses. The only con? It doesn’t come with a security band to hold them in place at the back, but you can always buy one separately just in case.

Colors: 1 | Shape: Oversized | Material: Nylon

Best Square

Crap Eyewear The Downtown Purr

These sunglasses make a serious statement. With its square shape that commands attention and the oversized fit, the pair will stand out amongst others. The brand recommends them for mid to larger faces, as the shades might be a little too much for smaller visages. If you fit in this category, you will love how protective (100 percent UVA and UVB blocking) and well-constructed (we're talking stainless steel hardware) they are. Did we mention they’re also sustainable? The brand crafted these with biodegradable, plant-based materials, so you can feel good about wearing them, too.

Colors: 2 | Shape: Square | Material: Bioacete

Best Lightweight

Jins Amber Sunglasses

If you want the exact opposite of the previous option, then these thin, round, and lightweight glasses are just for you. The Tokyo-based designer created these frames from an airframe material, which is a combination of aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. Known for its strong yet lightweight characteristics, they have a barely-there feel that might be hard to beat. But optically, the glasses look just like any other — you'd never know they feel weightless. Because of the lightweight design, however, make sure to store it in a safe place so as not to accidentally deform the glasses.

Colors: 3 | Shape: Round | Material: Airframe

Best Round

Privé Revaux The Maestro x Classic Sunglasses

Co-founded by Jamie Foxx, Privé Revaux has an abundance of smart and stylish sunglasses to shop for. Their pieces are so well designed and constructed, that you would never believe they’re under $45. We particularly love these classic round sunnies, as they’re offered in nine colors (at different price points), are polarized, and come in a beautiful case complete with a cleaning cloth. It’s a shape that doesn’t go out of style either, so even though it’s not a splurge piece, you’ll still be able to wear it for years to come. 

Colors: 9 | Shape: Round | Material: Tritan plastic, cellulose propionate

What to Keep in Mind

Shape

Protection is key, but you also want your sunglasses to flatter your face shape, too. Whether you’re into cat eye or rectangular frames, the key to selecting the right shape is finding what works best for you and what is practical with your usual attire. “If you're purchasing an everyday style, I'd go with something classic and versatile — like an aviator, or a round or rectangular acetate frame,” recommends Silberman. Think Banbé Eyewear The Hosk, Privé Revaux The Maestro x Classic Sunglasses, and Le Specs Unisex Unreal Sunglasses. “If you're going for something a bit trendier, be sure to think about what you'd wear them with. Maybe a pair of vintage fire-engine-red cat eye sunnies look cute in theory, but think about if you actually have things you'd wear them with.” You can skip the fire red color, and still have fun in these cat eye sunglasses from Gentle Monster. 

Price

“Sunglasses vary in price depending on the materials, style, and designer, but the most important aspect to consider when purchasing sunglasses is the quality of the lenses,” explains Dr. Hilal-Campo. “Polarized lenses, in addition to UV 400 protection, use a special film to further filter reflected light and reduce glare. Investing in a good pair of sunglasses is very important to protect your eyes from the harmful ultraviolet rays which can cause skin cancer of the eyelids, cataracts and promote macular degeneration.” She also says that sunglasses with built-in UV protection “are an absolute must” to invest in. Options like the Crap Eyewear The Downtown Purr and the Quay Polarized Level Up Sunglasses are great examples of such. 

Size

While the style of frames you choose is important, their size is critical. “The larger your sunglasses, the more area you can cover and protect,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo. This means that there is no harm in investing in an oversized pair of sunglasses, as they offer more coverage and protection from UV rays. 

Tint 

“Lens colors affect how much visible light reaches your eyes, how well you see colors, and how well you see contrast,” explains Dr. Hilal-Campo. “When choosing a lens color, it is wise to select the color based on your lifestyle.” Dark colors like brown, gray, and green are ideal for everyday use and outdoor activities because they cut glare and reduce eye strain in moderate to bright light conditions. While light colors like yellow, amber, and rose are better for moderate to low light conditions. 

Your Questions, Answered

How do you find the best sunglasses for your face shape?

“It's all about trial-and-error and getting to know what you like and don't like,” says Silberman. “Try on the sunglasses you currently own, or go into a department store with a robust eyewear section. Take a selfie wearing each pair, look at the photos, and ask yourself which looks the most flattering. Then, lean into that shape. I have a rounder face, and I've learned that aviator styles and oversized cat-eye shapes are the most flattering on me.” Warby Parker offers try-at-home services, where you can select a few to test at home and send back the ones you don’t like. 

How do you clean sunglasses?

Use a soft, microfiber cloth (they usually come with the sunglasses on purchase) or rinse with warm water and then wipe gently. Though you may be tempted to use your clothes to quickly wipe away any smudges, it’s best not to because some fabrics can leave lenses blurred or scratched. 

Should I buy a case for my sunglasses?

A sturdy, hard-bound case is recommended to protect your sunglasses from scratches, dust  damage. But the good news is many of these cases are compact and can easily be popped into your handbag. Plus, a well-built case ensures that the sunnies are safely stowed, preserving their shape and lens. 

Why Shop With Us

Madison San Miguel is a contributing writer for the commerce team at InStyle and has covered everything from fashion week to beauty product reviews. Her work has been published in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, Bustle, Elite Daily, V Magazine, and other lifestyle publications. Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer at InStyle, covering the best fashion and beauty finds. Together, they selected the best sunglasses currently on the market. In addition to their research, San Miguel contacted styling experts, Maxine Wylde and Lindsay Silberman, and ophthalmologist, Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, MD to find the best sunglasses for every face type.

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