Best Polarized Sunglasses for Men: Reviews and Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Best Polarized Sunglasses for Men

Polarized sunglasses use a special type of lense which greatly diminishes glare, allowing you to see clearly even on the brightest of days.

They are best suited for outdoor activities, and in particular,  practising snow sports or water sports.

While you may have a dim view of technology while you wear polarized sunglasses, they can make your day to day activities a whole lot easier to do when the sun is out.

Let’s dive into our top polarized sunglasses picks! Here they are…

👑 Our Pick for Best Overall

⭐ Our Other Top Polarized Sunglasses Picks

• Our Top Pick: Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer
• Best Budget Option: Bnus Italy Classic Sunglasses
• Best Luxury Option: Dolce & Gabbana Men’s DG2165 Polarized Sunglasses

Best Polarized Sunglasses for Men Reviews

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer (👑 Top Pick)

The title of best polarized sunglasses for men belongs to the Ray-Ban Original Wayfarers.

As you’d expect from the top eyewear brand, the Wayfarer sunglasses have been designed with great care and boast superior  quality and craftsmanship. What’s more, you won’t have to pay a premium price for these stunning Ray-Ban shades. As far as top polarized sunglasses go, they are relatively affordable, so you get excellent value for your money.

The Wayfarer style of sunglasses from the eyewear titan have actually been around for a very long time (first introduced in 1956), giving them a unique vintage feel about them. Jack Nicholson was spotted wearing them in his heyday, along with other superstars such as Bob Dylan and Billy Joel.

As for practicality, these sunglasses offer 100% UV protection, scratch-resistant glass lenses, and durable acetate frames. They are also available in a wide range of colours so you can pick the ones which best suit your style. Not only in frame, but also in lense, so this makes them suitable for all conditions. Though they aren’t best suited to high-octane snow sports like skiing.

Bnus Italy Classic Sunglasses (💸 Best on a Budget)

The Bnus Italy Classic sunglasses offer great clarity, and a sturdy frame for a fraction of the price of most polarized sunglasses.

These shades are surprisingly sleek, and manage to pull off a premium look at an affordable price. They also do the basics well with 100% UV blockage, and dealing especially well with the blue light that is so common in mobile phone screens. The Corning glass lens is perhaps the standout feature of these sunglasses, and provides extra scratch-resistance. It is also perfect for underwater use, since it’s highly resistant to corrosion.

The frame of these sunglasses is made from TR-90 nylon, which is ideal for everything from sports to everyday activities. This is due mainly to their sturdy build, and heat/cold-resistance. Plus, being made from a synthetic material means they are quite flexible and can be made to fit any face with some alterations.

You can get these sunglasses in more than 30 different colours and lens types, so finding the right pair for your wardrobe shouldn’t be too difficult.

Features:

• Available in 30+ colours
• Corning glass lenses
• Nylon frame
• Blue Mirror Polarized lense

Dolce & Gabbana Men’s DG2165 Polarized Sunglasses (💎 Best Luxury Option)

Just hearing the name Dolce & Gabbana should evoke images of quality and luxury, so it should come as no surprise that our pick for best luxury shades goes to their men’s polarized sunglasses.

These shades take on the style most synonymous with luxury – the aviators. D&G pull off a satisfyingly minimalist look with these aviator shades that should appeal to most. While they won’t necessarily turn heads, they will elevate your style and help you achieve an elegance that isn’t possible with a lot of other shades.

The ultra thin metal frames add a touch of class, and avoid the issue of bulky arms which doesn’t suit every style. These shades would go supremely well with a suit, and any smart look you want to pull off. That makes them the perfect choice for evening strolls along the promenade, fine outdoor dining, and general leisure wear.

Features:

• Ultra thin metal frames 
• Unique aviator aesthetic

Oakley Holbrook Polarized Sunglasses

Oakley are a top brand when it comes to designer shades, and they hit it out of the park with their Holbrook polarized sunglasses. 

The best use for these sunglasses is skiing and snow sports, as that’s what they were designed for. What makes them perfect for hitting the slopes is the 100% UV protection, polarised iridium light coloured lenses, and curved lenses which give you a complete field of vision.

When you think of what makes a solid pair of snow sport-friendly shades, you think of light coloured lenses, side coverage, and great protection from glare. You get all of this neatly rolled up into a stylish frame with the Holbrook sunglasses.

The most impressive feature though has to be the 6 base lens curvature. Since you want the best peripheral vision possible to see your surroundings, you won’t be disappointed with these curved lenses. They will give you a wide field of view to enjoy as you cruise down the snow-covered slopes. 

These shades are also impact-resistant and highly durable. This means dropping them won’t necessarily mean game over, although if you do drop them in the snow, you might struggle to find them.

Features:

• Available in various colours
• Polarized iridium lense
• 100% UV protection
• Curved lens
• High definition optics

Costa Del Mar Saltbreaks Sunglasses

Costa Del Mar is a brand which excels at making water-resistant gear to use while out in the water. Their Saltbreaks sunglasses are an excellent addition on any excursion out to sea.

If you like the occasional fishing trip, surf session, or boat excursion, then you’ll love these Saltbreaks shades. If you spend a lot of time around H2O, you’ll know just how damaging and irritating the light reflecting off the water surface can be. As a result, you’ll probably want a pair of shades that have been specifically designed to deal with that and withstand corrosion from sea water.

With the Saltbreaks you can expect 100% UV protection, and incredible clarity which is vital for sea exploration. This is due to their patented technology which will block out the majority of blue and yellow lights.

You can also expect a very comfortable rubber frame which will endure all but the most testing conditions. The frame is injected with Hydrolite too, so you can rest assured they won’t slip off your ears – even if they get wet.

These shades are available in a large variety of colours so there should be something for everyone, and they might even match your trunks if you’re lucky.

Features:

• Available in a large variety of colours
• Hydrolite-injected rubber frames
• 100% UV protection
• Includes case and cleaning cloth

Under Armour Octane Wrap Sunglasses

With an outstanding reputation for sportswear and accessories, you could do a lot worse than going with Under Armour for your next pair of sport-friendly polarized sunglasses.

These Octane wrap around sunglasses boast 100% UV protection, and perfectly fit around your head making them ideal for all kinds of sporting activity. What’s great about these shades is how wide they are, which provides you with complete protection from just about any potential harm to your eyes. Whether it’s low hanging branches as you run around, or the midday sun beating down and reflecting off the ground, you can still perform your best.

The ArmourSight technology used for the lenses sums up the purpose of these shades: full protection and clear, unobscured vision wherever you are. These sunglasses also benefit from AutoGrip frames which hug your temples, so there’s no chance that you’ll lose them in the middle of the action. You can even adjust the nose pad the Octane wraps, just in case you need a slightly different fit.

There are three bold colour schemes available for the Octane wrap sunglasses, each bringing their own unique style to the playing field.

Features:

• Available in 3 colour combinations
• UA storm lens
• UA AutoGrip temples
• UA ArmourFusion frames
• Adjustable nose pad

Carrera Men’s CA8014/S Polarized Sunglasses

Carrera is known for its stylish shades, and the CA8014/S polarized sunglasses are no exception.

If you’re looking for a cool new pair of shades to wear out and about, then this pair could be just what you need. With metal, rectangular frames, these shades from Carrera capture a timeless style and would match perfectly with formal attire. Even if you’re dressed casually and just meeting up with friends for the afternoon in the sun, these shades can elevate your style while protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays.

The flex-fit and three different frame colours help you to pick the perfect pair to compliment your face, and wardrobe. There’s also a gradient tint to the polycarbonate lenses that will make it easy to see your surroundings however bright it is out.

Features:

• 3 different frame colours
• Metal, rectangular frames
• Polycarbonate lens
• Flex-fit

Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

If you’re going to invest in a quality pair of polarized sunglasses that both protect your eyes and refine your style, then you’re going to want to make a well-informed decision.

When it comes time to part with your hard-earned money, you’re going to want to know you’ve researched the sunglasses to the point at which buying them doesn’t seem like a gamble or risk.

To know everything there is to know about buying polarized shades, you need to consider everything from how they fit your face, to the best materials, styles and even the lense colours. That’s not even taking into account what you intend to use them for most.

This ultimate buyer’s guide should at the very least help you move a step closer to finding the perfect pair of shades to complete your summer look.

Fit

While it isn’t the most exciting factor to consider when looking for a brand new pair of shades, the fit is the most important hands down.

If you are walking down the street constantly needing to adjust your shades it’s not a great look. Not to mention the discomfort that comes with having shades that are too tight over your ears.

So how can you ensure you get the perfect fit every time?

The main way is to take some measurements. Don’t worry, it’s less stressful than it sounds, and it actually won’t take too long. Once you have the measurements, you will never have to worry again when it comes to buying sunglasses, hats, and other accessories for your head that fit perfectly.

1. Measure Your Face

Grab a tape measure, and go through these steps to measure each part of your face for sunglasses, to find the perfect style and fit:

• Jaw

First up, it’s the jaw. In order to accurately measure your jawline, you’ll need your tape measure since a ruler won’t be able to wrap around.

Going under the chin, you’ll want to stretch the tape measure out from the bottom of each ear to the other. This should mark the limits of the jawbone on either side of your face.

Take a note of the measurement, and that’s one less part of your face to worry about.

• Forehead 

The forehead is up next.

This one is straightforward, all you need to do is measure from one side of your forehead to the other, using your hairlines as a solid indicator of where to start and end.

The forehead measurement is important because it will tell you how long the frame of your sunglasses need to be to fit comfortably over your ears.

• Face 

When it comes to measuring the length of the face, you probably want to bring in an extra pair of hands. You can do it alone in front of a mirror, but for the most accurate reading it’s worth asking someone to help you out.

For face length, have a friend measure from the top of your forehead (the hairline), to the base of your chin. This comes into play when looking at what height you want the lenses to be.

• Cheeks

Last up, you have to measure the width of your face from one cheekbone to the other.

To do so, take your tape measure and place it in the ridge above your cheekbones and below your eyes. This is the last number you’ll need to take down.

Once you’re done with this, you probably won’t ever need to take your face measurements again unless you undergo cosmetic surgery.

Now that you have all your face measurements in one place, you’ll want to put a picture together of the shape of your face, as this could influence the style that best suits you.

Different styles of sunglasses go well with different shapes of face. For example, a more square shaped face will probably look better with rectangular glasses, while an oval shaped face could pull off aviator glasses 

2. Use Current Shades as a Reference

The other method you could try to ensure you get the perfect fit for your next pair of shades is to take a look at your current pair.

This method assumes that you have a pair of sunglasses that fit your face well, so if you don’t then you can skip this section.

Easier than taking measurements of your face, and much quicker, you can take your current sunglasses and check the frame size. This tends to be on either the arm or the nose bridge.

There should be three numbers in a horizontal line. The first number you will see will be the lens size, then the bridge size, and finally the temple size. Use these numbers to determine what would be the best size to go for in your next pair of sunglasses.

Obviously it is best to have the measurements of your face written down so you can know definitively, but if you have a pair right now that fit like a glove then they can be very helpful.

Material

The next factor you should concern yourself with is the material the sunglasses are made from.

Both the frame and the lenses of sunglasses can be made from a variety of different materials with a range of unique characteristics. To best determine what material will be best for your stylish shades, you’ll have to take a few things into consideration.

1. What Style Do You Prefer?

A lot of the time when we invest in a new pair of shades it’s partially because we want to level up our style.

While this isn’t always the case, a nice pair of sunglasses can add character and elegance to an outfit in a way not many accessories can.

The material affects the style greatly, so you want to make the right choice the first time of asking.

With regards to lenses you have to go for glass if you want to be taken seriously in a fashion sense. Plastic or polycarbonate just won’t do if you want to give off the impression that you know what you’re doing when it comes to style.

As for the frame, the best materials tend to be those metals which are highly durable and resistant to a variety of substances. Titanium is a solid choice, but other metals like aluminium can contribute to a unique aesthetic if that’s what you’re going for. Again, avoid plastic here if you want to make a statement.

2. Do You Need Them to be Durable?

The next question to ask with regards to the material is whether or not it is durable, and if that’s something that’s important to you.

Depending on what you wear your shades for, you will need a different level of durability.

If you don’t care too much about the durability, then you can go for a more affordable plastic frame. Asides from being cheaper, this type of frame will be light as a feather and perfect for casual wear.

However, if you use your sunglasses with any regularity, or you wear them for sports, then it’s important you find a pair that are durable enough to withstand some punishment.

The most durable materials used for sunglasses are of course metals. There are a variety of metals that will serve this purpose and hold up to wear and tear, these include everything from stainless steel to beryllium.

3. Is Resistance Important to You?

If you’re going to be practising any kind of water sports, or spending time near the water, then water-resistance will be an important characteristic you should look for in the material.

If you want a pair of sunglasses that are water-resistant, then you should opt for a polycarbonate as the material for the lense, since it should be able to hold up in wet conditions.

As for the frame, it’s very popular to go for TR90 thermoplastic, or a titanium alloy since these will be best suited to time spent under the water.

If you spend a lot of time in the scorching sun, you’ll want a more heat-resistant frame for your sunglasses.

Plastic frames can be prone to melting, so that’s the last thing you want if you’re living in a hot climate.

In this case, a sturdy metal material would probably be your best bet, such as stainless steel.

Most Popular Lense Materials

Now that you have an idea of why it’s important to choose the material of your sunglasses carefully, we can take a look at some of the most popular materials used for the lense.

1. Glass

Glass lenses are by far the most popular choice, and it’s easy to see why.

Not only do they suggest a premium level of quality, but they are also capable of standing up to general wear and tear.

Glass provides you with a strong, scratch-resistant lense, which will last as long as you want it to – unless you drop the shades!

The only downsides to this style of lense are the more premium price associated with it, and how easy it is to shatter it if dropped or stepped on.

2. Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate lenses are the far more affordable option. They can withstand being dropped and perhaps even being stepped on, so that makes them a solid choice for the clumsy man.

They can also prove to be a great option for water-resistant shades, so if you do a lot of water sports it’s worth considering them.

On the downside they won’t be as impressive to look at as glass lenses, and they can get scratched up quite quickly.

Most Popular Frame Materials

There are quite a few options when it comes to picking out the material for the frame of your sunglasses. You can choose from a variety of metals, but there are also a few alternative options that offer different qualities.

1. Plastic

First up, plastic frames are a lightweight and durable option for your sunglasses.

They typically won’t break the bank, and should be perfectly fine for outdoor use and casual wear.

You can also use a plastic frame as a bespoke part of your look, since there will be more customization options when it comes to the colour and style.

However, you’re unlikely to steal the show with this type of frame (with a few exceptions), and they can melt if you spend too long in the scorching sun. This makes them unsuitable for very hot climates.

2. Metal

Metal is the most popular choice for men’s polarized sunglasses, not least because it can turn them into a killer fashion accessory.

The type of metal you go with should have a lot to do with the level of durability you need as well the style you prefer.

•  Titanium

Titanium is one of the most common metals used for sunglass frames.

It’s a popular choice with a lot of eyewear brands due to how strong yet light it is. You get the best of both worlds in this sense, a lightweight pair of shades that look and feel robust.

It is also corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic, so if you have any kind of allergy to nickel or other metals you won’t need to worry about flare ups.

Titanium is ideal for everyday use, and especially for sports and other activities that require a sturdy pair of shades.

•  Monel 

Monel is a mixture of metals that is extremely common as a material for sunglasses’ frames.

This metal mixture provides a decent amount of flexibility, and is also corrosion-resistant.

The one thing to bear in mind with this metal is that they could contain traces of nickel, so if you are allergic, it might be best to find a different material for the frame.

Monel is a great option for a reliable pair of sunglasses that you can wear day in day out without too many signs of wear and tear.

•  Stainless Steel

As I’m sure you’re well aware, some of the most resilient pots and pans in your kitchen are made from stainless steel, so that goes some way to demonstrating the durability of the metal.

Stainless steel will give you a strong and sturdy frame that feels light to the touch, and is more affordable than some of the other metals on this list.

Heat-resistance is another feature of this metal. If it can withstand the heat from your oven or hob, then it will be fine for even the hottest of conditions outside.

Stainless steel is an ideal frame material if you want the durability and aesthetic of a metal without having to shell out too much cash.

•  Beryllium 

Beryllium is a more affordable alternative to titanium, and gives you a similar amount of flexibility and durability.

Due to how corrosion-resistant it is as a metal, sunglasses with a beryllium frame can stand up to hours of time spent underwater.

Beryllium frames are best for water sports and beach time.

•  Aluminium 

Aluminium is the last main frame metal we’ll look at in this guide, and can be a great accent piece for an outfit.

While it is a little weak on its own, aluminium is sometimes combined with other metals to add durability.

This type of frame is ideal as that unique accessory that helps make an outfit pop.

Special Considerations For Different Uses

Depending on what you intend to use polarized sunglasses for, you might need to take into account some extra factors.

The pair of polarized sunglasses you would want to wear to go skiing for example will be a lot different from the ones that would be comfortable to wear for an afternoon drive in the sun.

If you go ahead and buy some new shades without first thinking about when you will be wearing them, you could end up needing to shell out money for an extra pair down the line. Take care to pick out the pair which best align with your needs, and that way there’s no risk of being disappointed.

Water Sports

The first category we’re going to take a look at is water sports. The reason why it’s especially important to get the right pair for anything you do in the water is due to the intense reflection of light off the sea.

If you plan on SUP boarding, surfing, or even just taking a small boat out onto the open water, you’re going to need some sunglasses that will be able to significantly block out the reflection of light from the water.

You might even find that even just going to the beach to sun lounge or play volleyball warrants a specialist pair of polarized sunglasses to deal with the special kind of glare from the water.

The UVA/UVB rays from the sun that bounce off the surface of the water can actually be incredibly dangerous for your eyes if you aren’t wearing the right kind of sunglasses.

With all that said, what factors should you pay close attention to when you look for polarized sunglasses suitable for practising water or beach sports?

1. 100% UPF

100% UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is crucial in any pair of sunglasses you plan on using at the beach or in the sea.

This will ensure your eyes are fully protected from the sun’s glare, so you shouldn’t have to worry about long-lasting damage as a result of overexposure.

Especially if you spend a lot of time in the water practising sports, it’s not worth the risk settling for anything less than 100% UPF.

2. Water-resistance

Another factor to look out for is water-resistance.

This may seem obvious, but if you don’t check to make sure the polarized sunglasses you’re looking at have this feature, then you could end up damaging them by using them in and around the water.

3. Wrap Around Design

While it isn’t imperative that you get a pair of wrap around sunglasses for water sports, full coverage of the eyes is recommended.

This is ideal for a few main reasons.

First, if your sunglasses don’t fully cover your eyes, then it doesn’t matter what the UPF factor is, your eyes will be exposed to glare and potential damage in the long term.

Second, on a more practical level, if you plan on playing sports then you will want to make sure you have sunglasses that stay on as you run, swim, or paddle around. The last thing you want is for your expensive new shades to fall off as you’re riding a wave.

Snow Sports

Snow sports are a different story altogether when it comes to polarized sunglasses, and you’ll need to consider different factors if you want to get the perfect pair for the job.

If you regularly ski, snowboard, or participate in other snow-based sports, then you’re going to want to pay attention to not only the coverage and fit of the sunglasses, but also the colour of the lenses.

The benefit of wearing polarized sunglasses on the slopes is that they can help you see clearly as you cruise down an incline. To better be able to identify patches of ice you’ll need sunglasses that can block out reflected light well, which is what makes having polarized lenses essential.

The advantage of wearing polarized lense sunglasses over ski goggles is that you will be able to see better, and they will be much more comfortable to wear for a casual ski or snowboard session.

The main factors to consider are as follows:

1. Light Lense Colour

The number one consideration for polarized shades to use for snow sports is the colour of the lense.

You can’t just wear any colour lense you prefer in this case.

You should pick from light colours like yellows and golds. The kind of lenses you’re probably accustomed to seeing on snow sports athletes and at the winter Olympic Games.

This is because you need to be able to see your surroundings with enough brightness to detect patches of ice which could prove very dangerous.

If you don’t like the idea of having to buy a pair of polarized sunglasses for casual use, and a separate pair for snow sports, there is a solution.

A lot of top sunglasses brands come with interchangeable lenses, meaning you can switch out lighter colours for darker colours easily. This will save you money and make your life a lot more convenient if you regularly need shades for snow sports and general outdoor use.

2. Side Coverage

While it’s important to have full coverage of your eyes for water sports, with snow sports it’s the side coverage that you should be concerned about.

Side coverage is essential for snow sports since it will protect your eyes from air whipping, and will make sure you have great periphery vision as you’re racing down the slopes.

3. Perfect Fit

Lastly, like with water sports, you want to make sure you find the perfect fit for your face.

All other factors become irrelevant if your shades don’t fit your face well, since they could fall off mid slope run which would be devastating.

To make sure you get it right the first time you should take the time to measure your face properly so that you don’t have to go in store and try on a bunch of different sizes.

Driving

Driving when the sun is especially bright can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have the right eye protection.

Not only could you cause damage to your eyes by not covering them adequately, but you could also have reduced visibility as a result of glare reflecting off the road.

The most important thing to consider when buying polarized glasses for driving is that they are comfortable, and will give you full unobscured visibility of the road ahead.

You will also need to factor in the colour of the lense as this can play a significant role in how well you see, due to the windshields potentially clashing.

1. Comfort

If you buy some polarized shades for driving purely on the basis that they look cool, then you might find that they’re not the most comfortable.

If that’s the case, then you might find yourself wanting to adjust them as you drive or simply be irritated by them, which is an unnecessary distraction when you want to give the road your undivided attention.

Make sure you invest in some shades that you can see yourself wearing for an extended period of time comfortably.

2. Lense Colour

To be on the safe side, you should probably consider darker lense colours for polarized sunglasses you’re going to use for driving around.

This includes colours like brown and copper, since these dark shades will better reduce glare and won’t clash with the tempered glass of a windshield.

If you want versatility in your sunglasses, then opt for some with interchangeable lenses so you can switch it up when you change activity.

Casual Wear

The other main reason you’d want to wear polarized sunglasses is for casual everyday use.

There’s no denying that a well-made pair of shades can refine a man’s look and really help you stand out in a crowd for your sense of style.

The main considerations for casual wear shades are that they should match well with your outfits, while still providing sufficient eye protection and reducing the glare you encounter on a sunny day.

1. Style

The main factor for picking out a pair of casual polarized sunglasses that match your wardrobe is the style.

There are a whole host of different styles to choose from, so it really boils down to personal preference.

There’s rectangular frames, aviator frames, wrap around, and more classic designs. Whichever style best completes your look is the one you should go for.

2. Brand

If you stick to the most reliable brands, and those that are widely recognised for their high quality shades, then you should find a pair that not only look great but withstand prolonged use too.

There are the instantly recognisable top brands such as Ray-Ban, Carrera, and Oakley, and then there are the slightly lesser well known but no less reliable brands such as Costa Del Mar and Bnus.

Related: Best Sunscreen for Men

Best Brands

While every now and then a new brand emerges offering up top quality polarized sunglasses, it’s fair to say that there are a select few that always come up with the goods.

While we don’t suggest you only stick to one brand, or consider a pair of shades purely because of the brand and nothing else, it can be useful to know which ones are known for reliability and quality.

If you’re willing to put the money down for a great pair of shades, then you want to know that they’re going to be exactly what you need them to be. You want to know that they’ll serve the purpose you need them for, and that they’ll last you a very long time.

The following brands are those which have a strong reputation for putting out high quality sunglasses that are well-received by the people that wear them regularly.

Ray-Ban

Ray-Ban is quite possibly the most widely known sunglasses brand that exists. 

If you haven’t heard of it, then you’re likely in the minority.

What makes this such an excellent eyewear brand is that it is just that. Ray-Ban doesn’t pretend to be great at making clothes, bags, or other accessories, it just focuses on what it does best: sunglasses and other eyewear.

If you invest in a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses, it’s usually to upgrade your overall look and refine your style. While it does make some shades suitable for sports, the majority are purely for aesthetics and sun protection.

The best pair it manufacturers has to be the Wayfarer shades, which we gave top spot in this guide of the best polarized sunglasses.

Other great polarised sunglasses it produces include the Aviator Classics, the Clubmaster Classics, and the Nomads.

Oakley

Oakley is an excellent brand for sunglasses that’s synonymous with a classic style and a focus on quality.

The brand is based out of California and is committed to creating the very best in sports gear and lifestyle accessories.

If you were considering a pair of Oakley shades for your next ski trip, then you’re in safe hands. The company started to sponsor the US Olympic Team in the 2012 game, and are still backing them to this day.

As further evidence of their dedication to the athlete, Oakley tests all of its sunglasses in the field in a variety of weather to ensure they can withstand any conditions.

The best example of polarized sunglasses from Oakley is the Holbrook design which we review in this guide, but others worthy of note include its Mainlink sunglasses and its Turbine glasses.

Costa Del Mar

Costa Del Mar, if you’re unfamiliar with sunglasses brands, might be a new one to you.

However, just because you might not have heard of it, it doesn’t take anything away from its supremely stylish shades.

Costa Del Mar, as you can guess from the name, produces polarized sunglasses that are best suited for water sports and long days spent at the beach.

It focuses its energy as a brand on creating everything you could need to live your dream life down by the sea, including incredible sport performance sunglasses.

We love the Saltbreaks shades it offers, since they not only look the part, but are made with Hydrolite which will keep them secure on your face regardless of your level of activity.

Other great models from Costa Del Mar include the interestingly named Rinconcitos, Fantails, and Tuna Alleys.

Under Armour

Known for their excellent sports apparel and equipment, Under Armour’s reputation for quality expands to their sunglasses.

While you might just know the brand for its sportswear and clothing suitable for the gym, Under Armour has proved that it can excel in various areas of men’s sports fashion.

If you’re looking for a pair of polarized sunglasses that will stand up to rigorous sporting action, while keeping your eyes safe, then there are few better brands to look at.

One pair of polarized sunglasses produced by Under Armour stands out in particular for their high quality: the Octane Wraps.

We also like the Road Strive sunglasses, the UA Rivals, and the UA Glimpse model.

Carrera

Carrera is a well-known brand which produces both regular sunglasses, as well as shades suitable for playing sports in.

This is one of those brands that has received a lot of public attention due in no small part to their appearance on the faces of big celebrity names like Brad Pitt and Britney Spears, as well as in blockbuster films like Scarface.

Our favourite pair of Carrera polarized sunglasses is the Men’s CA8014/S model, but some others worth mentioning include the Pilot CA1005/S and the Rectangular CA5039/S.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polarized Sunglasses

What are the best polarized sunglasses for the money?

The best value for money polarized sunglasses have to be the Bnus Italy sunglasses.

While the brand name might not sound familiar to you, these shades from Bnus provide excellent value for money.

They provide perfect protection from UV sources, and are fitted with incredibly scratch-resistant lenses which makes them very resilient.

You can even use them for exercise and sports since their frames are made from durable TR-90 nylon, which should stand up to a lot of wear and tear.

What color polarized lenses are best?

The purpose of polarized lenses is to limit the amount of glare you’ll receive when out in the sun. The colour of the lense will determine how much light gets through to your eyes, so it’s important to choose based on your own light sensitivity and preference.

Generally, the darker colours like greens, browns, and greys tend to be best suited for going about your day to day business. They help significantly reduce glare so that you can do what you need to do without squinting a lot in the sun.

Lighter colours, including yellows, golds, and others will be best for snow sports like skiing. You’ve probably noticed the top snowboarders and skiers wearing shades with lighter coloured lenses, and it’s because they brighten everything you see so you get a clear picture of your surroundings.

So the real question to ask yourself here is whether you’re going to be using your polarized sunglasses mainly for regular activities and outdoor use, or if you’re planning on hitting the slopes with them. 

The answer to this question will let you know which colours are best suited for you. Then when you’ve narrowed it down to dark or light shades it’s more or less a case of choosing the colour you like best.

Are polarized sunglasses the best?

Polarized sunglasses are the best for reducing the amount of glare you get while you’re out in the sun.

This isn’t to say that they’re the best type of sunglasses overall, but they are definitely the number one choice for seeing outside without squinting or feeling uncomfortable.

Using a filter, polarized sunglasses will block out the reflected light which can cause you so many problems when the sun is out in full force. This is especially useful for anyone who enjoys water sports, since the sun can reflect off the water and make it extremely difficult to navigate a boat or smaller vessel.

Another instance in which they are the best choice is for anyone who does snow sports, either casually or professionally. This is because on the slopes you need to be able to see areas of reflected light so you can avoid dangerous ice patches.

What polarized sunglasses definitely aren’t the best for is operating your gadgets and devices. As you might imagine, blocking out light is good for some reasons but not so great for others. You will get a much dimmer view of your phone screen for example, which might make navigating with your polarized sunglasses a little tricky.

What are the highest quality sunglasses?

It depends what you’re looking for, but in our view you can’t go wrong with the Oakley Holbrooks, Ray-Ban Wayfarers, or Dolce & Gabbana men’s sunglasses.

All three of these pairs of polarized sunglasses are made by top brands who know how to make a quality pair of shades.

If you want the highest quality and a reliable pair of sunglasses that will last anywhere up to a lifetime, then any of these will do the job.

While the Oakley Holbrooks are the highest quality for skiing, something like Costa Del Mar’s Saltbreaks might be the highest quality option for doing water sports.

The Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Dolce & Gabbana pairs are best suited for casual, everyday wear if you’re looking for quality in that context.

A Final Word on Polarized Sunglasses for Men

To get the right polarized sunglasses, you need to do things right. Take your face measurements, consider the style you prefer and what you want to use them for, then pick accordingly.