The Best Men’s Sunglasses for Sharper Vision

Our top tips for picking the best men’s sunglasses, plus our favourites on the market today.

By Jasper Fellows | Updated Jul 22, 2021 4:46 PM EDT

Gear

An erson who wears dark glasses, with a white t-shirt on a pond of water holding a large fish in his hands.

The best sunglasses to choose depend entirely on the activity. Thirdman, Pexels

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

The sunglasses market is vast, there are literally thousands of brands each offering tens, if not hundreds of different designs. So how do you pick through the chaff to find a truly great pair?

Well, first you need to work out exactly what you are looking for in your next pair of shades. Are you looking for a hardy pair for use on the trails? Or for something more suited to keeping down the glare as you sip espresso on a Parisian street corner? Your own use case should be a determining factor in your choice of eyewear.

When picking your next pair, consider these points.

UV Protection: Always check the UV protection level of the lenses when looking for a new pair. Glasses with 100% UV400 protection will provide the maximum level of protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Polarisation: Polarized lenses block out horizontal waves of light. This is very effective for reducing glare, like from the bonnet of your car when driving, or even from the surface of water when fishing. However, polarized lenses are often more expensive than their non-polarized counterparts.
Lens size: If you are particularly worried about glare, such as when skiing, then sports glasses that completely enclose the eyes are a must. Though you may not need to worry so much if you are looking for a fashion accessory rather than a piece of sporting equipment.
Style vs Fit: A pair of aviators might look great if you are relaxing between F-16 sorties, but they probably won’t stay on your face for long when you’re reeling in that next monster salmon on the Tay. It is all about finding balance. Look for something that suits your style, and your sport.