20 of The Best Sunglasses for Men in 2021

Choosing a pair of sunglasses is like picking a haircut. It’s highly personal. It’s highly subjective. And it can have a considerable impact on the way you are perceived out in the world, especially if you’re a man. But there’s more to finding the best sunglasses for men than how they look. After all, as I’ve quoted Steve Jobs many times on this site, “the design is not just what it looks like and feels like, the design is how it works.” Various considerations come into play when choosing the perfect pair of sunglasses for your manly face. The aesthetics of-course are just the first thing to consider. These days, sunglasses play a vital role in your style. They convey something about your ability to choose something that looks good on your face and goes well with most outfits.

I spent a lot of hours scouring the web and numerous retailers while reading countless customer reviews until my eyes bled. All in an attempt to bring you what I believe are the most stylish and best sunglasses for men in 2020. Before you begin to peruse the list, know that I’ve also created a quick guide on how to pick the perfect pair of sunglasses for men. During today’s oh-so-fine economic environment, I’ve also tried to include sunglasses for men in various pricing brackets. That means you can easily find sunglasses for men under $50 and under $100 on this list. Without further ado, whether you want to look like James Bond or Ethan Hunt, here are some of the best aviators, polarized, wayfarer, sports, and fashionable sunglasses for men I could find.

1. Ray-Ban RB2132 – New Wayfarer Non-Polarized Sunglasses

Ah yes, how predictable. I know what you’re thinking. What kind of a lame-ass way is it to start a list of awesome men’s sunglasses with the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer model? And usually, you’d be right, except that when it comes to the world of sunglasses, is there a better-known brand. And is the Wayfarer model from Ray-Ban perhaps the most famous pair of sunglasses ever made? As a male, of almost any shaped face, and any age, it’s hard to go wrong with these Ray-Ban’s. While these are not the classic wayfarer model, the New Wayfarer uses the same iconic shape of its predecessor, yet it offers a smaller and thinner frame and softer eye shape for a new look. Available in ten different and exciting frame and lens colour options, these sunglasses have prescription-ready lenses.

2. Hugo Boss – Men’s BO879s Rectangular Sunglasses

These rectangular shaped glasses from Hugo Boss are the exemplification of the upper class and stylish chic. With their polarized lenses and unique combination of hard and soft angles, they’ll be right at home on most faces.

3. Persol – 714 Steve McQueen Series

No doubt you’ve heard the name, Steve McQueen. If not, consider this your virtual slap in the face. Perhaps I’m a bit too harsh, and you don’t need to have at least a cursory understanding of who he was. Suffice to say, in his time; he was the epitome of Hollywood cool. Think Brad Pitt, but arguably even cooler. In 1968, Seve McQueen arrived on the set of The Thomas Crown Affair wearing a pair of Persol 714 sunglasses. Now you can own the same pair of ultra-cool sunglasses in four different flavours that are sure to stand out in the crowd. 

4. Oakley – Diecutter

I’ll be the first to admit, these men’s sunglasses from Oakley clearly fall more into the sports sunglasses for men category than purely fashion frames. But if you love the Oakley brand as I do, there’s still something extraordinarily stylish about this pair. With an immaculate and minimalist look, the stainless steel frame includes no-slip ear socks that help increase grip with perspiration. The black iridium polarized lenses complete the dark and foreboding look, which is the way I like my men’s sunglasses.

5. Vuarnet 180° 1931 Mono-Screen Panoramic Sunglasses

Hey, remember when for a very brief time, everyone in grade school, circa the ’90s, wore a Vuarnet t-shirt? No? Well, perhaps you had to be of a certain Generation X age to have gone through that phase of life. In any case, the French brand known as Vuarnet has been on the leading edge creating incredibly fashionable and iconic sunglasses since the 1960s. So it comes as no surprise that these are some of the most badass and frankly out-of-this-world sunglasses I’ve ever seen. Undoubtedly inspired by the shape of skiing glasses, these panoramic sunglasses extend your field of view up to 180 degrees. Available in four colours, including a subtle matte black / grey, you won’t have any trouble turning heads when you wear this pair of funky frames.

6. Ray-Ban – Clubmaster Aluminum Square Sunglasses

Ray-Ban likes to describe these sunglasses as some sort of mixture of vintage and modern. And while I agree with that general assessment, I’d also have to say that there is something a touch futuristic-looking about them. These popular sunglasses for men are one of Ray-Ban’s top-selling models. Made from aluminum metal, the Clubmaster is an exceptionally lightweight frame and come in a variety of colours and finishes. Refactored for the modern world from the classic Clubmaster shape, you can’t go wrong with a traditional yet contemporary pair of Ray-Bans.

7. Shwood – Canby Wood Sunglasses

Shwood is a Portland-based company that, in 2009, began with a simple pair of wooden sunglasses. In the following eleven years, the company has experimented with a wide variety of materials. Their lineup of wood frames, however, remains my favourite. The Canby sunglasses for men come in two wooden finishes, a light-coloured Walnut, which you can see in the image above, as well as a darker distressed Walnut colour. This pair is Schwood’s flagship model and offers some pretty classic styling that looks good on almost any shaped face. With a tremendous amount of attention to detail, this is one of the nicest men’s wooden sunglasses you can own.

8. ROKA – Phantom Titanium Aviator Sunglasses for Men

This pair of men’s Aviator sunglasses are different. Their heritage is not purely formed out of the world of fashion. It’s a sort of hybrid that you don’t often see in the world of men’s sunglasses. Perhaps that’s why since their introduction only a mere three years ago, they’ve been bestowed a ridiculous amount of accolades and awards. What I meant by hybrid is that they are obviously inspired by the iconic pilot’s frame, but have the pedigree of sunglasses designed for an athlete. Constructed with a ridiculously light titanium frame and infused with advanced lens coatings as well as sweat-proof, the Phantom Titanium is available in four different frame and lens combinations.

9. SunSki – Seacliff Men’s Sunglasses in Mist Brown

These polarized shades are made from recycled materials, which is a bonus in this day and age. But that’s not the only reason you should consider them as your next pair of sunglasses. First of all, the shape is nearly perfect. They are also available in four different colour combinations and, without a doubt, would look at home on the face of someone like Ryan Gosling. Look cool without really trying is what these sunglasses say to me. They’re a medium-sized frame with small-to-medium coverage, meaning they’ll likely look best on small to medium-sized faces. Oh, and they also come with a lifetime warranty, which is fairly rare in the sunglasses racket.

10. Oakley – Apparition Men’s Sunglasses

If you’re looking for a durable and trendy pair of men’s sunglasses that ooze plenty of cool, you’ve come to the right place. The Oakley Apparition shades combine sporty and fashion-first aesthetics through a combination of shape and options. With a massive selection of frame colours and lens technologies, you can get just the look you’re looking for. Pictured above in the Satin Black Ink frame colour and Prizm Ruby lens colour, these sunglasses create a universally flattering silhouette. The combination of lightweight materials with stainless steel strength means you won’t have to worry too much about babying these sunglasses while out and about in the world.

11. Vuarnet – Legend 02 Sunglasses

This pair of men’s sunglasses from Vuarnet is probably the most aptly named pair of shades you’ll find anywhere. After all, this pair was worn by Olympic ski champion Jean Vuarnet in 1960 and was quickly adopted as “THE” pair of shades to wear by celebrities like Mick Jagger. Now available in a massive seventeen different frame and lens combinations, you’re not going to go wrong wearing this pair of men’s sunglasses. Practical for nearly any casual or formal setting.

12. Carrera – Hot Aviator Sunglasses

While the word Aviator graces the formal product name of these sunglasses from Carrera, they more resemble a slightly modified aviator shape. In any case, the resemblance is close enough to give this product that moniker. But while the form does, in fact, more or less match the class aviator shape, there are other design flairs here that I like more. First is the unique hinge system that, instead of trying to de-emphasize that part, works to capitalize on it. Next is the silver-coloured line that runs the length of the temple and the Carerra logo on the bridge of the glasses. Overall, a nice pair of shades for a man that doesn’t mind a bit of shine on their sunglasses.

13. Warby Parker – Fletcher Sunglasses

The deceivingly simple look of these modern sunglasses may have you question whether they belong on this list of best sunglasses for men, but I assure you they do. Here’s why. First, the Wayfarer shape instantly warms a soft spot in my heart. Next, the super clean lines worked into the entirety of the body make for a pleasant minimalist aesthetic that is also near and dear to my heart. And this being Warby Parker, you get to choose these frames in either medium, wide, and extra-wide options. This is great because, after all, some of us are just graced with gigantically broad faces, aren’t we?

14. Shwood – Francis Wood Sunglasses

Another terrific pair of wood sunglasses for men comes from Shwood. With a rounded silhouette and keyhole bridge, this pair is instantly flattering on a wide variety of face shapes. Big, small, round, square, it doesn’t matter. This pair has been designed to be more of a Unisex style that can accommodate almost anyone. With a classic but modern look, the Francis is available in a Dark Walnut, and Walnut finish with grey polarized or non-polarized lenses.

15. Persol – 649 Series Sunglasses

Persol is an iconic shades maker. As a result, they have a long-list of famous eyewear in their product lineup. This is one of them. The 649 Series of Men’s sunglasses was originally designed in 1957 for Turin tram-drivers. It became infamous when legend Marcello Mastroianni wore it in the classic movie: Divorce, Italian Style. Available in five distinct colour combinations, the 649 Series is one of Persol’s best-selling pair of sunglasses.

16. Ray Ban – Original Wayfarer Sunglasses

What else is left to say about possibly the most iconic pair of sunglasses ever made? They’ve been around for nearly seven decades, and the only thing that’s changed about them is that they are now synonymous with the look of cool in the summer months. Musicians, celebrities, artists and those with impeccable fashion sense have all embraced this classic throughout the years. So why not you?

17. Vuarnet – Legend 03 – The Dude’s Sunglasses

Vuarnet seems to have a real knack for creating eyewear that appears to resonate with the Hollywood types. The Legend 03 is inspired by an original 1960’s design but didn’t take off in popularity until a particular Coen Brothers film was released. One of my favourite movies of all time, The Big Lebowski, features Jeff Bridges as “The Dude” wearing this pair of Vuarnet men’s sunglasses. Available in seven different colour options, this pair of shades offers the usual gamut of Vuarnet lens technologies you’ve come to expect from this French sunglasses manufacturer.

18. Warby Parker – Durand

This somewhat strangely shaped pair of sunglasses tries to straddle the line between square and round. It does that by striking a remarkably subtle balance, which leads it to land on this list of the best sunglasses for men. Available in five different colour options, including the above clear frame and dark grey lens combo. The Durand is also available in a surprisingly feminine choice for any ladies that want to take a pair of these beautiful sunglasses home. As with all Warby Parker glasses, the Durand has scratch-resistant lenses that block 100% of UV rays.

19. Vuarnet – Swing 1611

I can’t say with any level of certainty what the name of these sunglasses seems to imply. But with the French and their historical predilections for such things, I wouldn’t put it past them to have named these shades for such scandalous/fun activities. In any case, this pair of beautiful aviator sunglasses are designed to be almost all lens. With their ultra-thin frame and temple supports and made of titanium, they’re an attractive option for any man looking for a lightweight pair of shades with plenty of style and attitude.

20. Warby Parker – Raider Sunglasses

I’m going to finish off this list of what I consider to be some of the most fashionable and frankly, attainable men’s sunglasses by saying that despite featuring all manner of shapes here, I think I may have under-represented the Aviator style. This vintage-inspired pair of shades from Warby Parker will get you one step closer to sporting that Dirk Diggler look (that’s a reference to the movie Boogie Nights for all your philistines or Millennials)

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