It’s sunshine o’clock—do you know where your favorite sunglasses are? Whether you’ve misplaced your faves or never found a pair to love last summer, we’re here to help you pick the best shades.
If you’re like us, chances are your former favorite sunglasses have been lost, damaged, broken, or otherwise compromised since last summer. Or, maybe you just don’t love them as much as you did last year. When you’re busy living life, it’s hard to keep track of something as small as a pair of sunglasses, and shopping for the perfect replacement can seem like an annoying chore.
But wait—put down those “just okay” sunglasses you picked up at the gas station on the way to the beach. We’re here to help you find a pair you’ll love that won’t break the bank, without wasting any precious summertime. Ready to find sunnies that will have you looking cool into September and beyond? This guide is for you.
Style
First, you need to narrow down your list to the kind of sunglasses that speak to you. Deciding on a shape or style is a great place to begin.
Trending shapes change from year to year and, every once in a while, a new, interesting one dominates for a season or two. But there are a lot of timeless styles that look flattering and are never off-trend, like these.
Aviator
Aviator sunglasses were first designed for pilots in need of eye protection, but they quickly became popular with everyone else. Almost 100 years after its invention, this sunglasses style is still going strong.
Wayfarer
Ray-Ban is a company name that has become an everyday word, like Xerox and Kleenex. Although the Ray-Ban brand creates a lot of sunglasses styles (they invented aviators!), they’re best known for the classic, squarish Wayfarer shape. This style has inspired countless knockoffs, many of which look just as good as the real thing.
Clubmaster
Ray-Ban also popularized the Clubmaster style, but you can find the same design from countless brands and at different price points. You might also see this style referred to as “browline.” The heavier frame along the top edge helps define and accent your face, like your eyebrows.
Circle
Round frames always seem to strike the perfect balance between retro and modern. They look chic and classy, but different enough to stand out. Recently, circular shades have been more popular for women’s sunglasses, but they provide a cool, artsy look for men, too.
