Best Glasses for Men in 2023: Reviews + Ultimate Style Guide

Best Glasses for Men

A solid pair of eyeglasses can make the difference between looking like you wear glasses because you can’t see well, versus wearing them because they accentuate your facial features and elevate your style.

If you’ve never seen eyeglasses as a fashion accessory before, then you’re missing out. 

Since you have to wear them, why not go for a pair which you can feel confident in and put on with pride every morning?

Let’s dive right into our top glasses picks for guys. Here they are…

👑 Our Pick for Best Overall

⭐ Our Other Top Glasses Picks for Men

• Our Top Pick: Ray-Ban New Wayfarer RX5184
• Runner Up: Tom Ford FT 5478 – B 001
• Best Aviator: Carrera CA1103/V

Best Men’s Glasses Reviews

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer RX5184 (👑 Top Pick)

Ray-Ban rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to producing top quality glasses – both eyeglasses and sunglasses – and the Wayfarer’s are one of the best examples of this.

This particular pair of eyeglasses are the Ray-Ban Wayfarer RX5184s, and they are exquisitely simple but supremely stylish. This more modern take on the classic series from Ray-Ban first came to market in 2016, and have taken the world by storm ever since, consistently selling well and receiving plenty of praise from happy customers.

As a designer pair of eyeglasses, these Wayfarers can stand up against all other premium designs and elevate your style. If you’re looking for a minimal yet elegant design then you won’t be disappointed with these cool frames. 

These standout frames from Ray-Bans’s vast collection adopt a geometric shape, which makes them ideal for oval or pear-shaped faces. They also have incredibly sturdy and robust frames made from a composite plastic that won’t break easily, so you can be sure that they will last a very long time. The slightly chunky design lends itself well to anyone trying to pull off a look younger than their years, or simply looking to pull off a playful or professional look.

The lenses are prescription-ready, so all that’s missing is the perfect lenses for your face and these eyeglasses are ready to wear. You also get a nice case included which is available in a selection of different colours.

Tom Ford FT 5478 – B 001 (🥈 Runner Up)

A close runner up to the outstanding Wayfarers has to be these slick eyeglasses from fashion icon Tom Ford. 

If you’re in the market for a crisp pair of square frames, then this could be just what you’ve been looking for. Square eyeglasses are best for the round shape face, since it provides necessary contrast by adding angles to the curved lines. If you have a square shape face, I sincerely apologise but these eyeglasses probably won’t be a good fit for you. 

This style of eyeglasses is perfect for pulling off the wise and studious look, and it can refine your style without drawing attention away from your clothes. What we particularly love about these designer eyeglasses from the fashion giant is how they manage to look smart without being clunky or blocky. A common problem with square eyeglasses is that they can make you seem more like a character from a Lego film than a man with great taste in fashion. These Tom Ford frames address that issue well, and the slim lightweight frames would work well for a lot of men.

Features:

• Designer square eyeglasses
• Plastic frame and lens
• Non-polarized
• Shiny black colour

Carrera CA1103/V (🕶️ Best Aviator)

Carrera is a big brand when it comes to glasses, and the CA1103/V really nail the aviator design.

If you’re looking to jazz up your look or refine it with a classy pair of eyeglasses, then aviators are your best bet. The style of eyeglasses first made popular by pilots are always going to be a hit, and can create a striking first impression. The style of these particular frames is interesting, as it sits somewhere between being geometric and round. That means they are versatile, and will work as well for oval shaped faces as they will for square shaped faces.

These are the type of eyeglasses that can make you look younger than your years, and can make a bold fashion statement. The slightly chunky frames are satisfying to look at, and provide just the right amount of playfulness and fun to an otherwise classic design. 

One of the best parts of these eyeglasses, apart from the very reasonable price point, is their prescription-ready nature.

Features:

•  Aviator frames
•  Geometric/round glasses
•  Prescription-ready

Ultimate Guide to Buying Glasses for Men

In order to pick out the perfect pair of eyeglasses, there are several key factors you should take into consideration.

While you can decide to simply pick some based on looks alone, you might end up dissatisfied if you disregard other important factors.

For example, say you like a pair of rectangular black eyeglasses so you go ahead and order them. 

What if when they arrive you realise they don’t go well with your face shape? 

What if the frame isn’t flattering and makes you look older than you want to appear? 

What if the material doesn’t match up well with your lifestyle?

To make sure you are completely satisfied with your purchase even without having handled the eyeglasses before, you should consider each of the main factors.

Style

This is the fun part of the decision-making process – picking out the right style of eyeglasses for you.

As you I’m sure you’re aware if you’ve worn eyeglasses before, there are many styles to choose between.

The style of eyeglasses can vary in a number of ways.

They can be thick or thin, round or rectangular, bold or minimalist and a range of colours.

We’ve rounded up some of the most popular styles to give you a good idea of what options there are available to you.

Classic

We’ll start with the basics, and the classic eyeglass design.

A classic frame is defined by its clean cut image, and timeless design.

These types of eyeglasses will be simple and basic, but are evergreen and should be a very safe long term investment.

They will also go with just about any outfit, from the most formal of suits to a smart casual look. They can form part of a great capsule wardrobe, if you can find a pair that fits your face well.

You’ll often find classic eyeglasses in natural shades like black and brown, so don’t expect anything to bold or bright with this style.

If you’re looking for a staple pair of eyeglasses and you aren’t too fussed about being on trend or wearing colourful frames, then you can’t go wrong with some classic frames.

Vintage

Similar to classic, but with a twist, is the vintage style of eyeglasses.

The vintage style of eyeglasses will offer a bespoke design fit for the Hollywood royalty of years past.

If you’re looking to channel your inner fashion icon of the 70s or 80s, then you’d do well to find a good pair of vintage eyeglasses.

These will add some flair to an outfit, but without being overstated.

If you value past fashion trends and you see yourself as a more classic man in that sense, then vintage might be the way to go.

They can certainly form part of a distinct look, if that’s what you want to achieve.

Coloured

If you want to soften your face and add some youthful exuberance, then a pair of coloured eyeglasses could be just what you need.

Wearing colourful frames lets the world know that you have a playful side, and you’re not afraid to show it.

This style is for the bold personalities and the modern man.

If you have an affinity with a particular colour like a turquoise or deep sea blue for example, then finding a pair of eyeglasses in that colour will make you proud to wear them each day.

You can go bold with some colorful acetate or plastic frames, or you can keep it classy with a more reserved hint of colour in premium frames.

There’s even patterned eyeglasses if you really want to stand out from the crowd and make a bold statement.

Designer

If you like the finer things in life, then it’s hard to look beyond designer eyeglasses.

The designer style is for the man who values fashion and class.

While you can find any old pair of eyeglasses that look good, the Designer seal of approval gives a frame that extra edge. The words Ray-Ban printed on the side of the frame for example lets the world know that you mean business.

This style tends to vary wildly in designs, and many of them will be exclusive or bespoke.

Our favourite designer eyeglasses have to be the Wayfarers from Ray-Ban, which have been around for a very long time, yet still stand out as one of the best pairs of designer glasses around.

Chunky

The density and thickness of the frames can have a big impact on how they look and feel.

A chunky frame is a great choice for looking younger, since it’s bold and not afraid to be seen.

If you pair a chunky frame with a bold colour like a piercing blue or dark green, then you’ll definitely look younger than your years.

Chunky frames look good for most shapes of eyeglass, from rectangular to round, and everything in between.

Slim

Slim or lightweight frames offer a minimalist look for the refined man.

This style of eyeglasses can make you look studious and wise, while also fashion-conscious.

Both incredibly suitable for seeing better, and easy on the eyes in every sense, it’s hard to go wrong with slim eyeglasses.

They can be surprisingly durable too, despite being incredibly thin sometimes.

Frame Design

The frame design is different from the style as it refers to the actual shape of the glasses.

There are a few main frame designs to bear in mind on your hunt for the perfect eyeglasses.

Rectangle

One of the most common frame designs is the rectangular style.

Rectangular eyeglasses provide a classic look that can be both smooth and slender, or more blocky and bold.

It’s a frame design that will cater to most people’s style, and you can pull them off with just about anything.

You really can’t go wrong with this style, and they look great as either lightweight or chunky.

Round

Round frames are another of the classic designs that you’ll have seen countless times.

This style can give the impression of artistry and wisdom, as modelled by the famous musician John Lennon and the mastermind behind Apple Steve Jobs.

If you’re looking to achieve a smart style which will make it look like you’re ready to get down to business, then round frames are a good option.

Oval

Oval eyeglasses are very similar to round ones and rectangular ones, and fit somewhere in the middle of the two.

They are considered to be reasonably fashionable, and can go well with various outfits and looks.

Square

Square eyeglass frames are retro in appearance, and their classic aesthetic lends itself way to the traditional man.

If you enjoy passing time at the library or reading books in a quiet cafe, then this style of eyeglasses will be right up your street.

Aviator 

Aviator eyeglasses are perhaps the most widely known style for people who wear them and those who don’t.

What used to be a style of glasses reserved for pilots has become hugely popular, and adopted by big designer brands like Ray-Ban.

If you’re looking for stylish eyeglasses that help you give off a strong first impression, then aviators will do the trick.

Oversized

Oversized frames are for those with larger than life personalities.

They come in all styles, from the retro to the modern. Plus you’ll often find them in all different colour shades.

Geometric

Geometric eyeglasses are those which resemble a sideways 8.

They can be a good choice for accommodating certain face shapes, and are a stylish alternative to more standard frame designs.

Face Shape

Now that you’re familiar with popular eyeglass styles and frame shapes, it’s time to get familiar with your face shape.

It’s critical that you find a style of eyeglasses that best match your face shape if you want the best results.

Different eyeglasses will go well with different face shapes, and this is something that many people ignore, but can help you ensure you get the best possible frames for you.

Oval

If your face is oval in shape, then you’re in luck!

This is the one shape face that will look great with just about any style of eyeglass, from the rectangular to round, geometric to aviator.

With a face that is as wide as it is tall, you have plenty of scope for picking out a good pair of eyeglasses.

You might find that a thick frame is best, since it can add definition and accentuate your facial features.

An oval, round, or aviator style will look especially good too, as it will imitate the curves of the face somewhat and complement it. Though the contrast of a rectangular or square style could be a good way to stand out if that’s what you prefer.

Square

The square face is more tricky to buy eyeglasses for, but you still have some decent options.

Typical features of a square face include a wide chin and strong jaw, which makes rectangular and square glasses a big no-go.

You will probably prefer a slim frame if this description fits your face, since it will soften your features and complement them well.

The contrast provided by frames with curved lines will likely be just what you need, so aim for round or oval eyeglasses if possible.

Round

The round face, unlike the oval, can be tricky to buy for.

Even though the two shapes are similar, whilst the oval has equal measurements up and down and left to right, the round circle face is more stretched out in every direction.

As a result, you should look to add contrast in the form of square or rectangular eyeglass frames. This is the opposite of the square face, which goes best with circular frames.

You should also seek out slim frames, as chunky ones don’t go very well with this shape of face.

Diamond

The diamond face is one suited to circular frames, like oval and round ones. It is also one of the best face shapes for pulling off the classic aviator design, so consider yourself lucky if you have a diamond face shape.

As for the defining characteristics, a diamond face shape will tend to have prominent cheekbones and a rigid, angled jawline. The forehead will be slightly narrow too, and that gives you the diamond shape.

Heart

The heart face shape will have a wide forehead like the top of a cartoon heart, prominent cheekbones which act as the two curves, and then a narrow chin which is the point at the bottom of a heart.

This face shape should be balanced out with a curved style of frame. This includes round eyeglasses, as well as oval and aviator designs.

Pear

While describing things as having gone ‘pear-shaped’ is a common way of referring to something that went bad, having a pear-shaped face is nothing to be ashamed of.

The pear shaped face is characterised by a wide jawline like the base of the fruit, less defined cheekbones and a narrow forehead like the top of a pear.

If this describes your face, then you might want to try aviators or round frames. Though other designs like geometric glasses could also work well.

Colour

Eyeglasses don’t have to be a neutral colour.

There are many more shades than just black and brown, so if you’re open to experimenting with colour and expressing the playful side of your personality then this can be a fun way to do so.

Even if you’re quite reserved and you prefer not to opt for a bold or bright colour for your eyeglasses, there’s another reason to do so.

Having your eyeglasses’ colour match your eye colour is a surefire way to make everybody around you pay attention to your sophisticated style choices and refined fashion sense.

Skin tone can also be a factor in deciding which colour works best for you, as well as hair colour.

Brown

While brown eyeglasses may seem vanilla or plain, they work exceptionally well for some people.

A brown pair of eyeglasses pairs very well with green eyes, and gives off a life imitating nature vibe. 

Brown eyeglasses will also complement black hair nicely, as they provide just enough contrast without going overboard.

Brown is also a very classic colour so it’s hard to go wrong if you’re looking to invest in a pair of stylish eyeglasses that will go with just about anything.

Blue

Blue eyeglasses can provide an exciting pop of colour, as well as being quite relaxing with the right shade.

In terms of eye colour, a blue pair of eyeglasses will highlight piercing blue eyes in the best way possible. If there’s anything better than crisp blue eyes, it’s the sight of blue eyes framed in bold blue eyeglasses.

As for hair colour, you can get away with blue eyeglasses for brunette hair, as well as red hair.

For brown hair blue offers up an exciting pop of contrasting colour, whereas for red hair this colour of frame will cool down the fiery hot shade of the hair.

Grey

Grey eyeglasses aren’t as common as black or brown, but they do work well for a lot of people.

If you have a fierce eye colour then grey can provide a nice soothing balance and soften the intensity a little while framing them perfectly.

As for hair, grey eyeglasses are a wonderful choice if you have white or grey hair. They can keep things understated and professional if that’s what you prefer.

Green

Green eyeglasses can make a bold statement, so they are typically chosen by those looking to make a striking first impression.

They are best for brown eyes, as they provide a nice warm contrast to them. Brown and green go well together, so this is a good look to pull off if you’re looking for something exciting.

As for hair colour, green eyeglasses go surprisingly well with red hair due to the strong contrast, especially if your hair is a lighter, cooler shade.

Purple

Purple is a bold colour to go for in a pair of eyeglasses, but if pulled off correctly, can really refine a look.

Purple eyeglasses are excellent if you have white or grey hair, since the neutral colour will balance well with the bright and bold splash of purple.

Likewise if you have grey eyes, you could benefit from a pair of purple eyeglasses to brighten things up and make your facial features come to life.

Material

The material used for the frames of a pair of eyeglasses can make a huge difference in how they look, so be sure to pick the right material for your preferences.

While plastic frames are most common, there are other options out there worthy of consideration too.

Plastic

The majority of eyeglass frames will likely be plastic. 

Designer brands like Ray-Ban and Tom Ford often opt for a plastic composite design for the frames, purely because it’s easy to colour and has all the traits you could ever want for some frames.

The downside to plastic frames is that they are liable to break – at least more so than metal for example. They can also fade as a result of exposure to the elements, which isn’t great if you chose a bold colour option.

There are several varieties of plastic used, which you will likely come across in many pairs of eyeglasses you see.

• Zyl. Zyl is an unusual sounding synthetic material that is extremely inexpensive and exceptionally lightweight. It can be laminated too with all the colours of the rainbow, so it’s a great choice if colour is a priority for you.

• Acetate. Acetate is quite common, and is great primarily because it’s hypoallergenic. This means even if you have sensitive skin you are unlikely to experience any kind of allergic reaction by wearing the eyeglasses. This is also a very lightweight material, which makes eyeglasses sit like a feather over your ears as comfortably as you can imagine.

• Nylon. Nylon is another popular plastic material, and provides a strong and sturdy frame. This is the material you want your eyeglass frames to be made from if you’re adventurous and often find yourself in situations where they could fall off your face.

Metal

Metal is about as common as plastic when it comes to eyeglass frames, and this is mainly due to its sturdiness and resistance to corrosion.

What you have to be careful with whenever considering metal frames though is that some alloys – especially those with nickel – can trigger allergic reactions for some people.

• Beryllium. Beryllium is a popular metal which is much more affordable than many others. It’s corrosion-resistant, which makes it a solid option for eyeglass frames that are likely to come into contact with sea water at any point. It’s also surprisingly light and flexible, so if you need any adjustments you won’t have any issues. You can also find them in a variety of colours.

• Titanium. Titanium is universally known for how strong it is as a metal, so you can be sure that titanium frames won’t break easily. It’s also a very attractive metal with a silver like quality to it, as well as being corrosion-resistant. This is the kind of metal that can stand up to extreme heat too, so don’t expect them to melt or fade in the sun. You can get plenty of colours with titanium frames, and they are often hypoallergenic which makes them a popular choice for just about everyone.

Wood

Wood, as you can imagine, isn’t most people’s first choice for eyeglass frames.

However, there are some instances in which it might be worth considering them.

Wooden frames tend to be unique, in that they are handmade by woodworkers, given them a truly special character.

That makes wood a fantastic choice if you want a bold, bespoke look for your eyeglasses that you can be sure nobody else around you can claim.

The downside of course is that wood doesn’t do well when exposures to water or chemicals, and it might not be as comfortable to wear as metal or plastic.

Maintenance

To preserve the pristine nature of your brand new eyeglasses when you get a hold of them, you’re going to want to invest in some cleaning supplies.

I know, this probably isn’t what you want to hear when you’ve just splashed out on eyeglasses, but without proper cleaning they might end up looking more tacky than premium.

Cloth

The most important part of your eyeglass maintenance arsenal should be a standard cleaning cloth.

This might be something you already have at home, so you may not even need to buy a new one.

The purpose of having a cloth is to keep particles off your lenses.

This could be anything from dust to fingerprints, since anything that comes into contact with the lenses could cause a visible mark.

Micro fiber is best if you were wondering about material, since it will do the job well without leaving any lint in its wake.

Lens Spray

Lens spray is a more specialty cleaning item, and is probably something you wouldn’t have lying around at home.

This spray is designed to work specifically on glass lenses, and won’t contain any ammonia or alcohol which could compromise the lense.

This is one of those products that will have people asking how you keep your eyeglasses looking so immaculate every time you leave the house.

Wipes

Cleansing wipes are just as important as having a good cloth, since they can take care of smudges or stains on glass without damaging it.

They also happen to work very well on technology screens, which makes them an essential investment for the majority of households.

Case

While not intended for cleaning, a case is absolutely essential to the preservation of eyeglasses.

Without one, your glasses will be exposed to all the nasty particles flying around that could affect the lenses.

A lot of eyeglasses will come with a case when you buy them, but if they don’t, a hard shell case is a sound investment to make.

Repair Kit

A repair kit is just what you imagine it to be, a wonderful way to troubleshoot and deal with any issues you may have with your frames.

This includes everything from you could ever need to fix loose screws and any other issues that arise.

Finding the Perfect Fit

Picking out a pair of glasses that are perfectly suited to your face shape, a great colour for your hair and eyes, and in your absolute favourite style is pointless if they don’t fit perfectly.

It’s a risk to assume that a pair of eyeglasses should fit your face, without knowing a bit about what you’re actually looking for.

Here’s a few ways in which you can determine whether or not the eyeglasses are the perfect fit for you.

Eyes

While this might seem like something you could intuitively figure out, there’s logic behind how the eyeglasses should fit with your eyes.

The frames of the eyeglasses should line up perfectly horizontally with your eyes, without going above your eyebrows.

Nose

As to how the eyeglasses fit around your nose, it should be minimal contact.

The frames should lightly rest on the bridge of your nose, without slipping down over time as this can get very frustrating very quickly.

Cheeks

A good test you can do to see if the eyeglasses fit well with your cheeks is to smile broadly.

If the frames sit on your puffed out cheeks as you do so, then you need to keep looking for a better size.

Ears

This is an important part you need to get right for the perfect fit, since the glasses will be sat on top of your ears for a long time.

The arms of the frames should extend beyond your ear towards the back of your head for the most comfortable fit.

Temples

As for your temples, you should aim to find some eyeglass frames which lightly touch the skin on either side of your head.

This is the perfect fit and will ensure the glasses look just as they should when you wear them.

Related: Best Wallet for Men

Frequently Asked Questions About Men’s Glasses

What kind of glasses are in style for 2020?

As with any fashion trends, the types of glasses that are in style are always changing.

2020 is no exception, and brings to the table a whole host of new trends featuring a mix of contemporary and classic styles.

This ranges from the modern trend for clear glass frames, to the vintage round glasses that have had a resurgence in popularity recently.

As always, aviator glasses are still very much on trend, and it’s unlikely that they will go out of fashion any time soon.

Which is the best eyeglass brand?

It’s no surprise that the best eyeglass brand is one that’s almost universally known. Ray-ban is hard to beat when it comes to top quality eyeglass frames and sunglasses too.

What makes it such a great eyeglass brand is its commitment to delivering the very best frames which sport both great visuals and durability.

If you invest in a good pair of Ray-ban eyeglasses, they will likely be a very safe long term investment that could last you long into the future.

Ray-ban is most famous for its striking aviator sunglasses, and they have a pair of eyeglasses to match.

The wayfarer series is also incredibly popular amongst Ray-ban customers, and is our top pick for men’s eyeglasses.

What glasses make you look younger?

If you’re looking for a pair of eyeglasses that roll back the years and give your face a more youthful appearance, then there are several frames to keep an eye out for.

For a start, it’s often a good idea to opt for a bold, chunky frame for your glasses.

This gives off the impression of youthful exuberance and shows that you don’t need delicate or dainty eyeglasses. 

If you’re a fan of colour, this can help too.

A deep green or navy blue can make your eyeglasses come alive and add a splash of character to your face, which an ordinary black pair of glasses might not. It shows off a more playful side to your personality too.

Round glasses are a good choice too, since they are a classic design that highlights the eyes and can help you appear warm and approachable.

Round glasses are a good choice too, since they are a classic design that highlights the eyes and can help you appear warm and approachable.

Related: Best Men’s Belts

A Final Word from the Trending Man

It’s time to stop seeing eyeglasses as being purely functional.

They can provide both style and substance, and can add a touch of glass or elegance to your look.

Pick the right pair and you’ll be amazed the difference it can have in your confidence and appearance.