The 6 best designer sunglasses for men: Brands to watch in 2024

Sunglasses are an essential accessory not just for style but also for maintaining eye health–this is no more true than in the blinding dog days of summer.

A pair of cheap shades might be able to do the trick in an emergency but they will never match a quality designer pair. Designer sunglasses are often made with higher quality materials–not to mention they’re extremely recognizable. There’s just an undeniable “coolness” factor you get when wearing designer sunglasses.

So right now, you might be asking yourself, “Which brands are actually worth the money?” Well, this list breaks down some of the best designer sunglasses for men to pick up this year. You can choose from a variety of styles, including classics and moderns.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at these options and find the perfect pair for you.

The Key Takeaways

When compiling this list of designer sunglasses for men I considered brand, style and lenses.

The Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer sunglasses are among the most famous. These shades have a classic yet modern design that suits so many lifestyles.

Oakley Sphaera sunglasses is another excellent choice. They are specifically designed for athletes.

Why they’re great: The Original Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses are what put this brand on the map – and for good reason, too. This is an iconic pair, instantly recognisable around the world for its timeless design. The lenses are 100% UV protected, and the acetate frames are lightweight but durable.

What are they for? The Wayfarer shades are ideal for Ray-Ban lovers or those who want to emulate a timeless style. You can also customize your own pair of sunglasses on the Ray-Ban site.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. These sunglasses are relatively thick, so you will likely be conscious of them while they’re on your face. Depending on your nose shape, you may also need to adjust them for a perfect fit. However, they still come out on top of this list of men’s designer sunglasses.

Frame Size 41 mm (Height), 133 mm (Width) | Lens: Classic/Chromance/Gradient | Colors Available: 13 | PolarizedOptional

Why they’re great: Meller, a brand of sunglasses that is younger than the rest, offers a variety of styles including Chauen. These glasses have polarized lenses that are scratch-resistant and UV400 protected. These glasses have a hydrophobic layer that allows for crystal-clear vision in rain or snow.

What are these for exactly? The sunglasses are available in over a dozen colors, so you can find one that matches your wardrobe. They’re some of the best designer sunglasses for men and an excellent choice for those who want plenty of useful technology incorporated into their shades.

The flaws are not the end of the world Although these sunglasses are offered in an array of colorways, it’s important to note that the exact shade might be a little different in-person compared to the colors shown online.

Frame Size 42 mm (Height), 136 mm (Width) | Lens: Mirrored | Colors Available: 15 | Polarized: Yes

Why they’re great: Armani Exchange is designed for a younger market, and offers budget-friendly options to Armani’s more expensive products. These matte black shades feature a stylish design with 100% UV-protected lens.

The price is probably the biggest perk for these men’s designer sunglasses, offering name-brand recognition at a fairly inexpensive price point.

Who are they for? This pair of classy and affordable sunglasses will certainly get you some compliments when you put them on.

The flaws are not the end of the world These are the best designer shades for men. There is only one size available: 62mm. If you have trouble finding glasses that fit your head, this is something you should keep in mind.

Frame Size 62 mm (Height) | Lens: Mirrored | Colors Available: 2 | Polarized: Yes

Why they’re great: Gold Frame Sunglasses from Versace, another designer heavyweight, are a good choice. The design of these shades is super unique and elegant–like something from the future. The Versace shades also feature subtle baroque patterns.

Who are they for? These sunglasses are perfect for those who want to stand out with a pair of futuristic and sleek shades.

The flaws are not the end of the world These are some great designer sunglasses for men. However, they have a relatively thin and delicate frame, so it’s probably a good idea to use a case when you’re not wearing them to ensure that they never get damaged.

Frame Size: 40 mm (Height), 135 mm (Width) | LensSolid Tint | Colors Available: 1 | PolarizedNo

Why they’re great: Gucci is one of the most popular designers in the world. These Square Frame Sunglasses represent the pinnacle of luxury. The shades are primarily brown and gold in color, making them sophisticated yet retro.

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Gucci branding on each arm also makes it clear to everyone exactly what you’re wearing. These glasses come with a velvet-lined satin case to protect them wherever you are. What are some of the best designer sunnies for men? Certo.

What are they for? These sunglasses will appeal to anyone who is looking for a pair of quality eyewear as well as a designer label.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. These sunglasses are very expensive for what they are, but that shouldn’t be much of a surprise coming from Gucci. The brand name of these sunglasses is included in the price.

Frame Size 46 mm (Height), 142 mm (Width) | Lens: Solid Tint | Colors Available: 1 | PolarizedNo

Why they’re great: Oakley has decades of experience and research behind it. The Sphaera is made of a lightweight matte carbon frame.

The lenses are not only impact-resistant but also feature Oakley’s Prizm polarization, which can handle a variety of light conditions.

What are they for? These are some of the best designer sunglasses for men and an ideal choice for athletes or athletic individuals seeking eyewear that’s virtually “weightless.”

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. At this time, the Sphaera sunglasses aren’t offered with prescription lenses. This is something to keep in mind if you typically don’t wear contacts while exercising.

Frame Size 50.4 mm (Height), 134.2 mm (Width) | Lens: Mirrored | Colors Available: 11 | PolarizedYes

Men’s Designer Sunglasses: What to Look for When Buying?

Brand

The brand is the first thing to look at when selecting the best designer shades for men. It can be difficult to define what exactly qualifies as designer brands. As a rule, designer brands will usually feature a well-known designer either in the name or on the team.

It is true that people have differing opinions about what a designer’s brand really means. You’ve got the usual suspects like Gucci Versace is a popular brand, but there are other brands that also make great designer sunglasses but may not be so well-known.

Always make sure to consider the pros and cons of the brand you’re planning to buy from, especially when it comes to sunglasses.

Style

The style of your sunglasses is also an important factor to consider, regardless of whether they’re from a designer brand or not. There are many different styles of sunglasses, some of which are tailored to specific tastes.

A classic pair of Aviators, for example, might pair well with an outfit that is casual and rugged, but they may be difficult to match with a suit. Some sunglasses also work better on certain hairstyles and head shapes.

Be sure to choose a pair that best suits your style and looks before you check out.

Lenses

Lastly, it’s pretty much a given that all of the best designer sunglasses for men have high-quality lenses. Lenses are the most important aspect of any sunglasses because they’re the main reason for wearing them in the first place. With that in mind, there’s an array of different lenses out there intended for different usages.

In general, polarized lenses are the best option because they reduce sun glare. You can also choose from mirrored, solid-tinted, or gradient lenses. Each of these offers its own advantages.

How We Selected

Designer sunglasses are not the only designer brand available. With most of these offerings being fairly expensive, it’s important to vet each product to ensure you get your money’s worth.

Each of the choices on this list was evaluated according to the criteria below for consideration as the best men’s designer sunglasses.

Brand Reputation Is the brand well-known? Is it a specialist in sunglasses?

Customer Reviews Do most customers regret their decision or stand by it? Reviews that are negative will always be there, but do they have any validity?

Personal Experience Has the brand or product in question been a good fit for me personally?

Why trust Us?

Ryan Jamison’s insightful contributions to FashionBeans are underpinned by a decade of hands-on experience and diligent product testing, cementing his status as a trusted authority in men’s fashion and grooming.

His reviews cover everything from travel clothing to the best EDC basics, demonstrating a thorough understanding what men are looking for.

Ryan’s meticulous approach to evaluating men’s attire and accessories ensures that each recommendation is both practical and stylish, making his guidance invaluable for readers seeking to enhance their style.

This blend of personal experience, customer insight, and extensive research makes Ryan’s advice a valuable asset to the modern man. His analysis of the top designer sunglasses for men was certainly influenced by all of this.

Final Verdict

The Original Ray-Ban Wayfarers, in short, are among the best designer shades for men. These are an iconic style that’s truly timeless and well worth the investment for most men out there. Oakley Sphaera are a great choice for men who lead very active lives.