Best Sunglasses for Men in 2022: Brands, Styles & More

When choosing the best sunglasses for men in 2022, you have to think about comfort, eye protection, and aesthetics. 

When you find comfortable glasses, you’ll wear them without fail. They will become part of your year-round wardrobe, keeping you stylish while protecting your eyes. 

If you plan on wearing sunglasses for sailing, golfing, running, or other sports, keep your specific needs in mind. This may influence which glasses you ultimately choose. 

No matter whether you want to flatter your face or create a trendy look, make sure to check the UV ratings on sunglasses. Pick sunglasses with maximum UV protection and take care of your eye health.

We’ve outlined the best sunglasses for men in 2022 below.

Ranking the Best Overall Sunglasses for Men

• Ray-Ban Justin Classic: Ray-Ban is a classic brand that has been making great sunglasses for men since the 1930s. The modern shape of this classic frame flatters just about every man’s face for $155.
  
• Maui Jim Kawika Polarized Sunglasses: Maui Jim’s have high-quality polarized lenses that cut out 99.9% of glare. These sunglasses cost $316.
  
• Oakley Gascan Steel Frame: At $190, these sunglasses are great for sports and other activities. These rugged performance specs stay put even in the sweatiest and most extreme conditions.
  
• Knockaround Pacific Palisades Sahara Horizon: At $28, these sunglasses are available at a price you can’t beat, especially if you are prone to losing your glasses. These sunglasses also feature UV400 protection.
  
• Persol 714SM: These unique folding glasses have a pilot shape and collapsible technology, so you can easily fold them into your pocket. The 714 is the same frame worn by Steve McQueen. At $507, looking stylish comes at a steeper price, but they also come with a two-year warranty.

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What to Consider When Buying Sunglasses for Men

About half of people who wear sunglasses don’t check the UV ratings. This means that their eyes may be unprotected from the sun’s harmful rays.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), it’s essential to check ultraviolet (UV) ratings before you buy a pair of sunglasses. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is dangerous and linked to eye growth, cataracts, and cancer. Additionally, UVB rays are considered more dangerous to the eyes and skin than UVA rays.

Check the UV rating before you buy a pair of sunglasses. Pick glasses that offer 100% UV protection. Some manufacturers label this as “UV400,” which means the same thing as 100% protection.

AAO recommends getting familiar with these terms so you can make the best choices when shopping for sunglasses for men:

• Ground and polished lenses: These lenses are of higher quality and offer clearer vision.
• Impact-resistant: Check for scratch-resistant coatings so your sunglasses last longer.
• Polarized: These lenses can reduce reflected glare.
• Photochromic: These types of lenses adjust to different light conditions.
• Wraparound: These sunglasses protect your eyes from all angles. They work particularly well for sports and other outdoor activities.
• Gradient lenses: These lenses may be useful for some activities, like driving, as they generally offer darker tint on the top of the lens and lighter tint on the bottom.
• Mirror coated: This type of lens reduces some light but may not protect against UV rays.

In addition to protection, sunglasses help you express your personal style. As you pick the best glasses for you, consider the following:

• Do the glasses enhance your face structure?
• Do the glasses flatter your face shape?
• Are the sunglasses reflecting your personal style?
• Are the sunglasses versatile?
• Are the sunglasses best for your lifestyle and sports activities?

Polarized vs. Not Polarized Sunglasses for Men

Polarized lenses are treated with a special chemical to filter light. 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology compares the polarization filter to hanging a miniblind over a window. The filter enables only certain light to go through the openings.

This kind of filtering is very useful for people who are playing sports or working in high-glare situations. Polarized sunglasses may work particularly well for these activities:

• Fishing: Polarized glasses cut the glare and help people see into the water while fishing.
• Biking: Polarized glasses can help cyclists see less glare during daytime biking.
• Boating: With polarized sunglasses, sailors and boaters can see below the water without having glare interfere.
• Golfing: Golfers may find that polarized sunglasses reduce glare on the course. If your golf ball lands in the water, it can be easier to see with polarized sunglasses.
• Snow sports: Skiers and snowboarders often prefer polarized glasses to reduce glare. 

Polarized glasses are not recommended for looking at smartphones, ATMs, or other LCD screens. Non-polarized glasses may be a better choice for driving at night since polarized sunglasses reduce the amount of light you see.

Finding the Best Sunglasses for You

There is no shortage in options when it comes to sunglasses for men in 2022. 

The key is to assess your needs and ensure the sunglasses you’re looking at meet those needs. Whether you’re looking for everyday sunglasses or models that work well for particular activities like skiing, outdoor running, or driving, you can find plenty of options that will work well.

Then, consider your personal style and the look you’re hoping to achieve with your sunglasses. Most online sunglass retailers offer robust return policies, so you can easily exchange your sunglasses if you find you don’t like how they look or feel once you receive them.

References

1. Tips for Choosing the Best Sunglasses. (June 2021). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

2. Downloadable Infographics: Sun Smart UV Safety. (June 2022). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

3. The Sun, UV Light and Your Eyes. (June 2020). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

4. Recommended Types of Sunglasses. (December 2015). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

5. What Are Polarized Lenses For? (June 2022). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

6. Sports and Your Eyes. National Eye Institute.

7. Night Driving Glasses May Hurt, Not Help. (January 2018). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

8. Contrast Sensitivity and Reaction Times with Polarized and Tinted Lenses in a Driving Environment. (April 2009). Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.