What is trending in men’s sunglasses, and which pair will you still enjoy wearing in a few years? Trends change quickly, but the basic shapes have stayed the same for decades. Here you can read which shapes and styles last, how to find the best sunglasses for men and which models are available now.
Key points at a glance
- A few basic shapes keep coming back: aviator, Wayfarer, round, slim rectangle and sport styles. They will still look good in a few years.
- The shape should suit your face. Contrast usually works best: round faces can take angular frames, angular faces soft curves.
- There is no single best pair of men’s sunglasses. What counts is UV400 and the CE mark, fit, lenses and how you use them.
- Further down you will find 10 models from Ray-Ban, Oakley and Prada that are available now.
Trending sunglasses for men: which shapes last
A trend is over quickly, a shape rarely is. If you stick to the classics, you will wear your sunglasses for longer and combine them more easily. These five styles of men’s sunglasses keep coming back:
| Shape | Look | Suits especially |
|---|---|---|
| Aviator | teardrop lenses, usually metal, often with a double bridge; sporty yet elegant | oval, angular and heart-shaped faces |
| Wayfarer and square | wide, angular and distinctive; a classic since the 1950s | round and oval faces |
| Round and panto | soft, retro and timeless | angular and oval faces |
| Slim and rectangular | understated and minimalist, reminiscent of the 90s | round faces; best avoided with long faces |
| Sport and shield | large, curved lenses and a secure fit | cycling, running and active days outdoors |
Which shape suits you depends mostly on your face. All six face shapes are explained in the guide What Glasses Suit My Face? Frames for Every Face Shape. For the aviator and the second bar above the nose, read Double Bridge Glasses: Styles, Fit and Cut-Out Frames.
Cool sunglasses for men: colours and lenses
Colour and lenses let you steer the look without the shape having to stand out.
- Black goes with almost everything and looks clean and modern.
- Havana and tortoiseshell are soft brown tones that leave room for the face. They are a calmer alternative to black.
- Metal in gold or silver looks light and elegant, especially on aviator and panto shapes.
- Colour accents in the frame or lenses, such as blue, green or a mirror finish, are for anyone who wants to stand out.
Grey lenses show colours neutrally, brown ones look warmer. Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflections, for example on water or a wet road. Mirrored lenses are mostly a question of style. More important than any colour is UV protection: good sunglasses carry the UV400 marking and the CE mark.
Which sunglasses suit me? Size and fit
The best shape only works if it fits. The measurements are printed on the inside of the arm, for example 55□18 145: lens width, bridge width and arm length in millimetres. Compare them with a pair of sunglasses or glasses that fit you well. The frame is about as wide as the widest part of your face, and the arms neither press nor splay outwards.
If you have a large or broad head, look at the overall width of the frame and the arm length. You will find measurements and tips in the article Glasses for big heads, which also covers sunglasses. Some classics come in several sizes, at Oakley for example the Holbrook is also available as the larger Holbrook XL.
Best sunglasses for men: what to look at when comparing
There is no pair of sunglasses that is best for everyone. Even a “test winner” says little about your face and your daily life. These five points help you compare:
- UV protection: UV400 and the CE mark are the minimum, whatever the brand or price.
- Fit: The frame sits firmly without pressing and does not slip when you look down.
- Shape: It should suit your face and the style you feel comfortable in.
- Lenses: Tint, polarisation and mirror finish depend on what you use the sunglasses for.
- Use: For city and everyday wear, classics are a safe choice; for sport, a secure fit and large lenses count.
Top 10 sunglasses for men: models available now
These ten models are not a ranking but a cross-section by style from the current men’s selection in the shop. The sunglasses brands for men here are Ray-Ban, Oakley and Prada. Not every model is available in every colour.
- Ray-Ban Wayfarer (RB2140): the angular classic of them all.
- Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal (RB3025): the classic aviator with a double bridge.
- Ray-Ban Cats 5000 (RB4125): teardrop lenses with a relaxed look.
- Ray-Ban Justin (RB4165): a bold plastic frame in several colours.
- Oakley Holbrook (OO9102): an angular everyday classic in several colours.
- Oakley Holbrook XL (OO9417): the larger version for broader faces.
- Oakley HSTN (OO9242): an Oakley for everyday and leisure.
- Oakley Radar EV Path (OO9208): a sport model, available in many colours.
- Oakley Eyejacket Redux (OO9438): a sporty look with a retro touch.
- Prada PR 17WS: designer sunglasses for anyone who wants something more refined.
There are also, among others, the Oakley Terraforma, Latch Beta and Sylas, the Ray-Ban Zuri, Bill and Daddy-O, and more Prada models such as the PR 02ZS, PR A16S, PR B06S and the sporty Prada Linea Rossa. Designer sunglasses in neutral colours such as black or dark brown work from the office to the weekend.
Oakley EYEJACKET REDUX (OO9438 943805)£117.87 P
Ray-Ban BILL (RB2198 129251)£95.64
Ray-Ban CATS 5000 (RB4125 710/51)£95.64
Oakley RADAR EV PATH (OO9208 920847)£115.40
Ray-Ban BILL (RB2198 901/R6)£91.47
Ray-Ban RB3928 001/S2£113.40
Oakley HOLBROOK (OO9102 9102D6)£125.07 P
Oakley EYEJACKET REDUX (OO9438 943801)£92.01Frequently asked questions about men’s sunglasses
What is trending in men’s sunglasses right now?
Proven styles are the aviator, Wayfarer, round and slim frames, and sport models. Details such as colours, lenses or the size of the frame change, but the basic shapes stay. The most popular sunglasses for men are therefore usually classics.
Which sunglasses suit which face?
Round faces can take angles, for example a Wayfarer or a rectangle. Angular faces look softer with round, oval and aviator shapes. Oval faces suit almost any shape.
What should I wear if I need a prescription indoors?
You need eyeglasses with prescription lenses. The article Modern Glasses for Men explains which trending and which lasting shapes, materials and sizes suit a male wearer.
