The best parts about spending time outdoors are the fresh air, stunning views, and soaking up vitamin D. Enjoying time in the sunshine comes with some challenges, however, like shielding your eyes from bright light, glare, and UV rays. Luckily, there’s a quick and easy fix — sunglasses.

　　These days, there are thousands of womens sunglasses options to choose from. Some womens sunglasses are specifically designed strictly with fashion in mind, others are created for high-intensity activities, and many occupy the happy middle ground where style meets performance. At GearJunkie, were active folks who still want to look good, so we focus on the latter. With so many options out there, we know it can be difficult to determine which pair is best suited to your needs — especially if you’re shopping online.

　　Like most people, our expert testers have been playing outside and wearing sunglasses for decades. Our lead tester lives in Oahu, Hawaii, where the sun regularly shines, making sunglasses an essential piece of her wardrobe. She wore them hiking, running, standup paddling, kayaking, biking, and more, and she put these glasses through the wringer to bring you the best of the best. 

　　Below, we’ve rounded up the best sunglasses for women of 2024, which are both stylish and functional. To help you find the best women’s sunglasses for your specific needs, we’ve put together a buyer’s guide, a comparison table, and a section with answers to frequently asked questions.

　　The Best Sunglasses for Women of 2024 Best Overall Sunglasses for Women: Smith Wander Best Budget Sunglasses for Women: Goodr OGs Best Sunglasses for Women for Water: Costa Del Mar Catherine Most Timeless Sunglasses for Women: Ray-Ban Erika Classic Most Sustainable Womens Sunglasses: Revo Daphne Best Lightweight Womens Sunglasses: Oakley Spindrift Best Budget Running Sunglasses for Women: Tifosi Swank Another Great Value: Knockaround Premium Polarized Best Overall Sunglasses for Women Smith Wander Sunglasses Specs Frame Material Evolve bio-based frame, stainless steel temples Polarized Yes Lens Color Tested Chromapop Brown
 Lens Height 47 mm
 Bridge Width 18 mm 
 Temple Length 140 mm

　　

　　

　　Pros ChromaPop polarized lenses
 Six lens color options
 Nose pads help prevent the glasses from slipping Cons Don’t come with a hard travel case 
 Might fit small on larger faces Rebecca Parsons The Smith Optics Wander ($205 $215) sunglasses bridge the gap between style and functionality. The classic shape makes for a great, classic aesthetic, while the slim frames and thin stainless-steel temples give them a lightweight feel.

　　The Wander sunglasses come with Smiths ChromaPop polarized lenses, which reduce glare and enhance color. Chromapop is Smiths proprietary lens enhancement technology, and it is among the best weve tried for increasing contrast and keeping the optics super sharp. They also reduce glare very effectively around water and are great for beach days or boat days. The lenses come in six different color options, so picking the color best suited to your needs is easy.

　　Our tester found that the glasses fit well on her face, and the nose pads helped prevent them from slipping during bouncing exercises or when sweaty. She wore them for biking, hiking, running, stand-up paddling, and hanging at the beach, and she felt that they worked well for all purposes. The Wander glasses just look and feel good, which is why they were our top pick. 

　　The Smith Wander glasses are sold for $205 to $215 with the higher price for models with flashier mirrored coatings. We tested the Polarized Brown lens and loved the warm hues and preferred the looks of the less reflective outer lens. Regardless of your lens choice, the Wander is a premium option for anyone wanting to look great and see clearly during any outdoor activity.

　　$164 at evoCheck Price at Smith Optics Best Budget Sunglasses for Women Goodr OGs Specs Frame Material Not specified Polarized Yes 
 Lens Color Tested Teal 
 Lens Height 42 mm 
 Bridge Width 12 mm
 Temple Length 141 mm

　　

　　Pros Super affordable Lightweight and comfortable Stable on the face Lots of frame colors and other styles to choose from Cons Not the most durable Rebecca Parsons At just $25 for a pair of polarized sunglasses, we were initially quite skeptical of Goodr’s quality. But after spending a couple of months testing the Goodr OGs ($25), it’s safe to say that we are fans of these budget-friendly shades.

　　Our tester will be the first to admit that she is not good about storing her sunglasses in their case, so they often get scratched. Its sad to see your expensive sunglasses get ruined, so $25 a pair for polarized sunglasses makes the Goodr OGs hard to ignore. Plus, you can get roughly eight pairs for the price of some other brands, so it’s not as detrimental if you scratch them. You can almost treat them like disposable sunglasses — not that you should.

　　The Goodr OGs are lightweight and comfortable. The frame fits snugly (but not too tight), and the grip coating on the frame helps prevent slipping. The polarized lenses block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, and the pink frames we tested are head-turners. Our tester wore these sunglasses for running, hiking, kayaking, and stand-up paddling and loved how comfortable and secure they felt during every activity. 

　　Goodr makes the OGs in a huge range of frame color options (almost too many to count) and offers numerous lens colors and tints. In addition to the OGs, they also make a number of different frame styles to suit varying preferences, head shapes, and activities — all of which are sold at very reasonable prices.

　　Now, you wont confuse the Goodr OGs for a much more expensive pair of sunglasses. The optics are good, but they arent quite on par with the best of the best. The frames and lens coatings also feel a little cheaper compared to glasses that cost 6 to 8 times as much. But unless youre trying them back to back with higher-end glasses, we doubt thats something that most people will notice.

　　If youre forgetful, rough on your gear, or just tired of ruining your fancy $200 glasses, check out Goodrs reasonably-priced shades. They look good, work well, and wont make you cry when you inevitably scratch, lose, or break them.

　　$25 at REI Best Sunglasses for Women for Use on the Water Costa Del Mar Catherine Specs Frame Material Bio-acetate Polarized Yes
 Lens Color tested Polarized gray glass
 Lens Height 47 mm
 Bridge Width 17 mm
 Temple Length 143 mm

　　

　　Pros Durable, scratch-resistant lenses
 Polarized 100% UV protection
 Glass lenses have excellent optics Bio-based frame material Wide fit Cons Heavier weight
- not great for impact activities Not a great fit for narrow faces Rebecca Parsons Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, Costa Del Mar makes sunglasses for life on the water. The Costa Del Mar Catherine ($269) is no exception. While these may be the best womens sunglasses we tested for use on the water — Costa sunglasses also top our charts for the best fishing sunglasses — they work well in most other places, too.

　　The Catherines have a wider fit, meaning they have larger lenses and cover more of the face. We found that a wider fit can offer more sun protection and ensure that your eyes are completely protected, but they often work better for those with larger facial structures. Our tester has a narrow face, and these sunglasses were just a little big for her. If, like her, you have a narrower face, you’d probably be better off with shades that come in smaller sizes.

　　The Catherines have premium 580G polarized glass lenses with 100% UV protection and super-crisp optics. Given Costas water focus, they only make sunglasses with polarized lenses. While most brands use polycarbonate for their lenses these days, Costa still uses glass for many of its lenses, and they are very clear and reduce glare as well, or better, than any other polarized lenses weve tried. They are treated with a C-Wall coating for extra scratch resistance and have a barrier that repels water, oil, and sweat, making them easy to clean and keep your vision clear. 

　　Our tester wore the Catherine sunglasses while hiking, kayaking, and standup paddling. The glass lenses add a bit of weight, which is comparatively noticeable for high-intensity or impact activities like running. That said, they worked very well for slower-paced adventures like paddling and hanging at the beach. Plus, the cat-eye lenses and subtle patterning on the frames make for a cool aesthetic. 

　　The Costa Del Mar Catherine sunglasses certainly arent cheap, but if youre looking for the best womens sunglasses for fishing, paddling, or life on the water, we think theyre among the best youll find.

　　$249 at AmazonCheck Price at Costa Del Mar Most Timeless Sunglasses for Women Ray-Ban Erika Classic Specs Frame Material Plastic (not specified), metal temples Polarized Polarized and non-polarized options Lens Color Tested Polarized Brown
 Lens Height 46 mm
 Bridge Width 18 mm
 Temple Length 140 mm

　　

　　Pros Lightweight
 Cute style Polarized
and non-polarized lens options 20 color choices Cons Slide around a tad during exercise Rebecca Parsons You’d be hard-pressed to find a more timeless sunglasses brand than Ray-Ban. Founded in 1937, Ray-Ban has been in the business longer than almost any other sunglass manufacturer, and their quality sunglasses are a testament to their experience. 

　　The Ray-Ban Erika Classic ($166 $186) blends style and performance, making them a pair of shades that you can wear virtually everywhere. To the beach, on a hike, out to dinner, you name it. These shades fit right in. Thanks to the sleek metal arms coupled with the minimalistic frame design, the Erika Classic sunglasses are incredibly lightweight. They’re so light, in fact, that you’ll barely notice them on your face.

　　The Erika Classics come in twenty different color options, so you can be sure to find an option that works for you. They are also sold with polarized or non-polarized lenses in a range of different tints. The polarized lenses set you back an additional $20 but may be worth the added expense for many people. We liked the look of the polarized brown lenses, which worked well in medium light conditions. We found that it provided ample protection without making the world seem too dark.  

　　Our tester has a small face and felt that these glasses fit well for the most part. However, they did slide down her nose a bit when exercising —nothing some small adjustments can’t fix. The timeless style of the Ray-Ban Erika Classic makes them an excellent option for hanging at the beach and cruising town, while the lightweight design and quality lenses make them equally well suited for hiking, stand-up paddling, and other outdoor activities. 

　　Check Price at GlassesUSA Most Sustainable Sunglasses for Women Revo Daphne Specs Frame Material Bio-acetate Polarized Yes
 Lens Color Tested Evergreen Lens Height 46.3 mm
 Bridge Width 15 mm
 Temple Length 145 mm

　　

　　Pros Frame made from 100% biodegradable materials
 Provides a sharp optics Great color boost and contrast Cons Too large for narrow faces (a petite option is available)
 Scratch easily Rebecca Parsons Innovation has always been at the core of Revo’s ethos. In 1985, NASA astrophysicist and optical engineer Dr. Mitch Ruda was working on a project for NASA when he began wondering if the coating used on satellites could also be used to shield our eyes from the sun. He used the coating on a pair of sunglasses, creating a pair of polarized lenses. And just like that, Revo was born.

　　To this day, Revo is focused on delivering the latest in lens and frame technology. To that end, the Revo Daphne ($199) sunglasses sport a modern, cat-eye shape and high-quality lenses, but they are sustainably made with plant-based bio-acetate frames made from 100% biodegradable materials. 

　　Our tester has a narrow face and found that the regularly sized Daphnes were a little on the large size for her face. Luckily, Revo sells a petite version of the Daphne for those with smaller facial structures. Additionally, the nose pads and temple tips are comfortable and help prevent the glasses from sliding around. 

　　The Daphne sunglasses come in three frame colors, each with a different polarized lens. The lenses are available in either evergreen, champagne, or Graphite. We had the opportunity to test the brown/green Evergreen lenses, which deliver a boost of warmth, contrast, and high-definition colors while outdoors. Our tester wore the Daphnes for both hiking and standup paddling and was impressed with their quality construction and sharp optics. 

　　$199 at AmazonCheck Price at Revo Best Lightweight Sunglasses for Women Oakley Spindrift Specs Frame Material O-Matter Polarized Options for polarized or non-polarized lenses
 Lens Color Tested Prizm rose gold
 Lens Height 47.2 mm 
 Bridge Width 18 mm
 Temple Length 140 mm

　　

　　Pros Reliable no-slip nosepads
 Lightweight
 Multiple lens and frame color options Cons Don’t come with a hard case Polarized lenses cost $50 more Rebecca Parsons Part of Oakley’s Women’s Collection, the Spindrift ($185 $235) glasses are designed to deliver the perfect performance fit. The frame of the glasses is incredibly durable and lightweight, making for an impressively comfortable pair of shades.

　　The Spindrifts sport no-slip nose pads that do their due diligence in helping keep the frames securely on your face during all activities. They also have rubber on the arms that is molded onto the temple tips to help provide further security without getting tangled in your hair. Thanks to the combination of their light weight and well-placed nose and temple pads, these shades are barely noticeable in use and dont budge during impact activities like trail running or hiking.

　　The Spindrifts come in multiple frame and lens color options, making it easy to find a pair that is best suited to your style and needs. Our tester tried the matte brown tortoise frame with the Prizm rose gold lenses and found that they were a great help while driving but also worked well for hitting the trails. The round frame adds style points, and the everyday comfort is incredible.

　　The Oakley Spindrift glasses cost $185 with standard, non-polarized Prizm lenses or $50 more with polarized Prizm lenses. Either way, youve got a number of lens tints to choose from, and Oakleys Prizm lens enhancement provides incredible high-definition optics for any acitivity.

　　$185 at AmazonCheck Price at Oakley Best Budget Running Sunglasses for Women Tifosi Swank Specs Frame Material Grilamid TR-90 Polarized No
(polarized version available) Lens Color Tested Blackout
 Lens Height 42 mm 
 Bridge Width 14 mm
 Temple Length 137 mm

　　

　　Pros Lightweight
 Affordable
 Shatterproof lenses Lots of frame color and lens options Cons Not polarized
 Doesn’t include a hard case Rebecca Parsons Tifosi knows a thing or two about making sunglasses for people who like to move, and the Tifosi Swank ($25) is no exception. Tifosi Optics has made a name for itself by producing quality eyewear at a fraction of the cost of the higher-end competition, and the Swank is another example of the exceptional value this brand offers.

　　Although the Swank glasses we tested weren’t polarized, the lenses offer 100% UVA/UVB protection from UV rays and have a built-in glare guard. Tifosi also sells a polarized version that costs $20 more — which is still a great deal. The lenses are also shatterproof and work well in conditions ranging from sunny to cloudy. Our tester found herself regularly reaching for the Swank for hiking, playing tennis, and running on both sunny and overcast days. 

　　The lenses work great but, not surprisingly, dont offer the contrast boost or optical clarity of some of the higher-end options. Still, at $25, they dont leave much to complain about, and you can get several pairs to match different outfits or for different lighting conditions. Tifosi sells the Swank in a dizzying number of frame options and lens tents in both standard and polarized lenses.

　　At 22 grams, the Tifosi Swank is lightweight and has a low profile on your face. The nose pads are comfortable and help maintain a secure fit while working out. If youve got a larger face, the Swank XL has larger coverage and a wider bridge fit. On the flip side, the Swank SL shaves a few grams and has a slightly different look by ditching the lower half of the frame. Either way, you cant go wrong with a pair of Tifosi Swanks at this price.

　　Check Price at Tifosi Optics$25 at Amazon Another Great Value Knockaround Premiums Polarized Specs Frame Material Not-specified Polarized Yes
 Lens Color Tested Amber
 Lens Height 51 mm
 Bridge Width 19 mm
 Temple Length 143 mm

　　

　　Pros Very affordable Lots of frame color and lens options Stable and comfortable on the face Knockaround is Plastic Neutral Cons No hard case Not the lightest Rebecca Parsons When we first hit the trails in the Knockaround Premium Polarized ($35 to $38) sunglasses, we weren’t aware that they were budget sunglasses. That’s because they look good, are well constructed, and deliver clear optics.

　　The glossy black and tortoise shell frames, coupled with the polarized amber lenses, make for a cool aesthetic and great vision. The UV 400 lenses provide ample sun protection while greatly reducing glare from the ocean where we tested. The Knockaround sunglasses come with a storage pouch but no hard case, which isnt all that surprising given the wallet-friendly price.

　　Our tester mainly wore these sunglasses while hiking and found them to be secure and comfortable. They weren’t noticeably heavy or lightweight — they fell comfortably somewhere in the middle. Whether hiking through the woods or chilling at the beach, the Knockarounds exude a laid-back, casual style that seems to blend in seamlessly wherever you are. They also come in a huge selection of colors and lens tints to coordinate with your personal style or preferences.

　　And, if the Premiums dont fit your face or aesthetic, Knockaround makes a number of other frame styles to choose from that might work better — all of which cost around $35. Of course, the optics cant quite match the clarity and contrast of the premium brands, but thats not too surprising, given the bargain price tag. Plus, you wont feel half as bad when you scratch or lose them — which is pretty likely, for us anyway.

　　Lastly, the Knockaround Premiums are shades you can feel good about wearing. In 2022, Knockaround became Plastic Neutral, meaning that for every pound of plastic they use, they remove one pound from the environment. Knockaround also utilizes recycled packaging, uses recycled materials in their products whenever they can, and never uses single-use plastics. Bravo. 

　　Find out more in our full review of Knockaround sunglasses.

　　$35 at REICheck Price at Knockaround Womens Sunglasses Comparison Chart

Sunglass Model	MSRP	Frame Material	Polarized	Lens Color Tested	Lens Height	Bridge Width	Temple Length
Smith Wander	$205 $215	Evolve bio-based frame, stainless steel temples	Yes	Chromapop Brown	47 mm	18 mm	140 mm
Goodr OGs	$25	Copolyester	Yes	Teal	42 mm	12 mm	141 mm
Costa Del Mar Catherine	$269	Bio-acetate	Yes	Polarized gray	47 mm	17 mm	143 mm
Ray-Ban Erika Classic	$166 $186	Plastic (not specified), metal temples	Polarized of non-polarized options	Polarized Brown	46 mm	18 mm	140 mm
Revo Daphne	$199	Bio-acetate	Yes	Evergreen	46.3 mm	15 mm	145 mm
Oakley Spindrift	$185 $235	O-Matter	Polarized or non-polarized options	Prizm Rose Gold	47.2 mm	18 mm	140 mm
Tifosi Swank	$25	Grilamid TR-90	No (polarized available)	Blackout	42 mm	14 mm	137 mm
Knockaround Premium Polarized	$35 $38	Not specified	Yes	Amber	51 mm	19 mm	143 mm

How We Tested Womens Sunglasses The crew at GearJunkie knows a thing or two about spending time outside in the sunshine. Over the years, weve learned that protecting our eyes from the sun is very important, no matter the activity. Whether were driving to the trailhead or heading out for a bike ride, we pretty much live in sunglasses. Weve also been testing and reviewing sunglasses for years and our experts have written buyers guides for other activities like cycling, fishing, driving, and general outdoor use.

　　Our lead tester is Rebecca Parsons, an avid outdoorswoman living in Oahu, Hawaii. Rebecca has been a freelance writer for over a decade and has spent the last two years exclusively testing and reviewing gear, so she knows quality when she sees it.Rebecca spends every hour that she isn’t on her computer outside hiking, running, surfing, and standup paddling, among other things. To test the women’s sunglasses on our list, she spent a few weeks in each of the shades, doing multiple activities in each to see how they fared across the board. Throughout her testing, Rebecca noted how stylish each pair of sunglasses was, how comfortable they felt, how they fit, the lens color, optical quality, and how secure they felt during both high and low-intensity activities. She hit the trails and the water and wore the sunglasses when it was sunny, cloudy, and misty to see how they performed in a wide spread of conditions.

　　

　　From hikes and trail runs to standup paddling and lounging at the beach, author Rebecca Parsons, seen here wearing the Oakley Spindrift, tested these womens sunglasses while doing a wide range of activities near her home in Hawaii; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Buyers Guide: How to Choose Womens Sunglasses With hundreds, if not thousands, of womens sunglasses on the market to choose from, finding the perfect pair can be a challenge. With different styles, sizes, lenses, and price points, figuring out exactly what you want and need can feel like trying to solve a mystery. To help, weve compiled a handy guide to inform you of important factors to consider when searching for you next pair of shades.

　　Lenses Sunglass lenses come in many different tints. You may think the lens tint is simply for style, but different tints serve different purposes.Additionally, different lenses allow varying amounts of light to transmit through them for use in different lighting conditions. Similarly, lenses come in both polarized and non-polarized options, so you can choose what works best for your needs.

　　Lens Tints

　　

　　There are lots of options when it comes to lens tint and color. The Chromapop Brown polarized lens of the Smith Wander are a highly versatile option that works well in conditions ranging from bright and sunny to overcast; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Grey/Black A neutral choice, grey and black lenses are one of the most popular sunglass lens options. The subtle tint minimally alters the outside world and provides true color perception with more of a cooling effect. They can also help minimize glare off the water and help reduce eye fatigue with their dark tint. They are a good pick for a wide array of uses but are especially popular for driving as they provide a balanced view of the road while reducing glare.

　　Brown/Amber Brown and amber lenses work to enhance contrast by blocking blue light. They amplify contrast and depth perception, making them a good pick for overcast conditions. Where grey lenses tend to provide a cooling effect, brown and amber lenses are more warming. They are a popular pick for hiking, fishing, and skiing.

　　Rose/Red If you spend a lot of time on your computer or your phone outside, rose/red lenses could be a good pick for you as they filter out blue light. They also help filter out natural blue light rays emitted by the sun, so they’re a popular driving option. Finally, they improve visual depth, reduce eye strain, and offer more contrast than any other lens color.For this reason, they are often a good choice for doing activities in lower-light situations and are popular with mountain bikers and others who spend time in the forest in mixed-lighting conditions

　　Blue/Purple Blue and purple lenses have the unique ability to filter out the infrared spectrum of light. They also can help reduce glare, define contours, and enhance color perception. They also tend to work well in areas with lots of blue hues, making them a popular choice for water sports.

　　Yellow Yellow lenses work well in low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk, or foggy/stormy weather. They help enhance depth perception and visibility where there is minimal natural light. They are popular for snow sports like skiing and snowboarding and for precision sports like hunting, shooting, and mountain biking.

　　Green Green lenses strike that happy medium between color accuracy and contrast enhancement. They have a soothing effect on the eyes and can help reduce eye strain and help your eyes feel more comfortable during long periods exposed to sunlight. They are a popular pick for sports like tennis, golf, and cycling.

　　Visible Light Transmission (VLT)

　　

　　Lenses come in a variety of differents tints and coatings that result in different levels of visible light transmission. By considering the lighting conditions and activities where youll be using your sunglasses, a certain VLT may be better than others; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) The amount of visible light that a lens allows to pass through it is known as the Visible Light Transmission, or VLT. This is typically expressed in a percentage, with higher numbers allowing more light through and vice versa. What works best for you depends on your eyes sensitivity to light, the light conditions, and possibly the activities that youre doing. For bright conditions, a lens with a lower VLT — in the 10 15% range — will block more light but may be too dark in dimmer lighting. A lens with a higher VLT may be preferred for activities in mixed light or dimmer conditions but may not be dark enough for super bright conditions. For example, many mountain bikers will use rose or yellow tinted lenses with VLTs in the 40 60% range while riding in the forest. Many will even opt for totally clear lenses on cloudy days or when riding around dusk.

　　Most, but not all, manufacturers post the VLT percentages for their lenses so you can easily find the best option to suit your needs. Smith Optics is a good example, as they have a VLT scale on their website that shows the percentage for each lens option along with the conditions for which it is best suited.

　　Polarized

　　

　　Polarized lenses, like those in the Goodr OGs, help to reduce glare and reflections from surfaces like water and are a great choice for those who like to spend time paddling, fishing, or hanging at the beach; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces by filtering out horizontal light rays. This is of particular importance for activities like fishing or watersports, as they allow you to see into the water due to the reduction of glare. As a result, most glasses designed for fishing or use on the water are polarized. Conversely, they can make it more difficult to see the screen of your phone or cause distortion when looking through some car windows.

　　Many brands offer lenses with or without polarization or as an option when buying. For premium brands, polarized lenses often cost a bit more than non-polarized options. Ultimately, its up to the user to decide what works best for their needs.

　　Fit

　　

　　We al have different head shapes and facial features, so its important to find sunglasses that fit right. The Ray-Ban Erika Classic fit our tester perfectly, making them super comfortable for any activity; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Fit is important, especially if you plan on wearing your sunglasses while you work out. Many of the sunglasses on our list include sizing guidelines on their website, which are worth checking out if you don’t have the opportunity to try on your sunglasses in person.Whenever possible, we recommend trying glasses on to ensure that they will fit your face.

　　Our tester has a narrow face and found that most of the medium frames were a little big on her face and slid down her nose while working out. Glasses like the Revo Daphne also come in a petite size, which is great for those with a narrow face. Similarly, the Tifosi Swank comes in an XL size for larger faces and an SL version for lighter weight and smaller facial structures. For individuals with a wider face, wider glasses like the Costa Del Mar Catherine could be a great fit.

　　Bridge Width The bridge width refers to the distance between the two lenses. It’s the part of the sunglasses where the frame rests on your nose. The bridge width affects the overall fit and comfort of the sunglasses depending on the width of your nose bridge.

　　Lens Height/Width Lens height refers to the distance from the top of the lens to the bottom, while lens width is the distance from the left side of the lens to the right side. These measurements help you determine how large the glasses will look on your face and how much coverage they provide.

　　Temple Length This measurement refers to the length of the temples, or arms, of the sunglasses. This measurement is taken from the hinge to the tip of the temple. This measurement is important as it helps ensure that the sunglasses are long enough to extend behind your ears without poking too far out.

　　Nose Pads

　　

　　Nose pads and rubberized temples help keep sunglasses secure during impact activities like trail running or when perspiration comes into play. Our tester loved running in the Tifosi Swank glasses when she was bouncing down the trail; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) The purpose of nose pads on sunglasses is twofold — they are helpful for both comfort and security. Nose pads help take pressure off the nose where the glasses hit by distributing it more evenly across a wide surface. This is particularly important if you’re wearing your sunglasses for extended periods. Nose pads are also made from grippy rubber and can help prevent your sunglasses from sliding down your nose, which is especially useful when exercising.

　　Storage and Cases Most sunglasses come with a bag, but not all come with a hard case. A storage bag is nice for daily use as well as for cleaning smudges off your glasses. But, if you plan on doing any traveling with your shades, you’ll want a more reliable “hard case” to store them in. About half of the sunglasses on our list came with a hard case, with many of the cheaper sunglasses simply coming in a bag. If it’s important to you, be sure to check what’s included with the glasses before purchasing.If the glasses you want dont come with one, hard storage cases can also be purchased separately to protect your investment.

　　Style

　　

　　Look good, feel good. Style is personal, but thankfully, there are plenty of choices for everyone to find sunglasses that suit their personal aesthetic. And you dont have to spend a fortune to get shades that look great, as evidenced by the budget-friendly Knockaround Premiums pictured here; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) Style is subjective. In general, sunglasses are not a one-size-fits-all in terms of fit or aesthetics. Maybe they’ll fit, but certain sunglasses look better on different shapes of faces, and certain colors look best with different hair and skin tones.

　　Generally speaking, a good bet is to pick sunglasses that are the opposite shape of your face. You can also pick a timeless option that is sure to remain in style for years, like the Ray-Ban Erika Classic sunglasses. Pairing sunglasses with your skin tone and hair color usually comes down to personal preference. Thankfully, there are literally hundreds of options to choose from. Most of the models we tested come in several frame and lens color options, and several come in a vast array of colors to suit every preference under the sun. Find the shape, size, and color that works best for you, and rock it like you mean it.

　　Value

　　

　　Premium lens and optics often come at a premium price. The Costa Del Mar Catherine glasses are one of the most expensive we tested, but they sure are nice; (photo/Rebecca Parsons) There is a wide range of prices for sunglasses. The models we tested cost between $25 and $269. Whats the difference, and are more expensive shades worth the extra cost? Weve found that when it comes to optics, the more established brands have put more time and money into creating excellent lenses. Technologies like Oakleys Prizm and Smiths Chromapop really do provide sharper optics, enhanced contrast, and boost colors better than cheaper glasses can. Of course, you pay a premium for that technology, and probably a bit of that is for the brand name alone. Still, the lens coatings and frames tend to be a bit more durable, and most will last for you or several years of use if treated with a reasonable amount of care.

　　

　　The Knockaround Premium Polarized shades look just like more expensive sunglasses, but theyre so affordable that you can multiple pairs and it will still cost less than most of the premium models; (Photo/Rebecca Parsons) Several brands are disrupting the market by offering sunglasses at dirt-cheap prices. Goodr, Tifosi, and Knockaround are good examples of brands that are undercutting the competition by selling good sunglasses at a fraction of the cost of the premium brands. Are they as good as more expensive sunglasses? Almost. Will you notice the difference between a $25 pair of glasses and a $200 pair of glasses? Some will, and some wont. Honestly, these glasses work well, even if they arent perfect. If youre prone to scratching, crushing, or losing your sunglasses, then these affordable shades have your name written all over them. They look good, come in various styles, and the optics are good enough that most people wont notice the difference. You can get five to eight pairs of them for the price of some of the premium models.

　　What are we buying? Well, were GearJunkies, of course. We generally prefer the premium optics and feel of brands like Oakley, Smith, Costa Del Mar, and Ray-Ban. That said, we also love a great value and that brands like Goodr, Tifosi, and Knockaround exist for those who arent willing or able to shell out the big bucks for high-end shades.

　　FAQ

　　What if I wear prescription sunglasses? If you wear prescription sunglasses, you’ll want to double-check that the brand/style you are choosing has a prescription option. If it does, you can report your exact prescription so that the manufacturer can swap out the lenses for your prescription. Prescription lenses cost more but are worth it. Most premium brands have a prescription option for those who dont want to or cant wear contact lenses.

　　What’s the difference between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses? Polarized sunglasses have a special coating on the lens that filters out horizontal light waves, like those that bounce off water or the road. In doing so, they help reduce glare, resulting in a crisper view in high-glare situations. All these factors combined help reduce eye strain. Polarized sunglasses can be especially useful if you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially around water.

　　Non-polarized sunglasses don’t have a polarizing filter on the lenses, so they don’t provide as much glare reduction. However, they still help provide shade and protect your eyes from the sun — they just dont reduce glare to the same level as polarized sunglasses. Non-polarized lenses are often a bit less expensive.

　　Which lens tint should I get? Great question! Many people think lens tint is simply a fashion statement, but different colored lenses serve different purposes. The benefits of each lens color are detailed at the top of our buyer’s guide.

　　Whats the difference between mens and womens sunglasses? Most sunglasses are unisex, so assuming they fit you and you like the style, you can wear any sunglasses you want. Most sunglasses that are made for women, however, often have styling and shapes that are more feminine and come in fame colors that may suit ladies preferences better. Additionally, many womens sunglasses have been made to fit slightly smaller head and facial structures due to the fact that womens heads and faces and generally smaller than those of men.

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