When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Andrea Bossi/Insider Sometimes I forget that by constantly wearing shades to avoid making eye contact with people, I’m doing something beneficial for my health.
Whether you keep yours on rotation or are faithful to a single pair, sunglasses are the coolest fashion item you can wear because of how many things they do at once. They literally make you look cool (and more attractive, according to science). But maybe even better than that, they protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays that can otherwise cause eye cancer and eye damage.
There are so many options when it comes to sunglasses, from Amazon’s cheapest pairs to designer and small luxury brands. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to invest in your first pair or are well-versed in the landscape, making the right choice can be overwhelming. As you think about which shades will best grace your face, keep in mind your personal style and some key facts we discuss in the FAQ section below.
Ask yourself questions like, do you like wearing items that are flashy or lowkey? Do you want to hide your eyes or have more transparent frames? Below, we share the best places to buy sunglasses along with our top picks per store. 13 of the the best places to shop for sunglasses in 2022:RaenRaenRaen founders describe their sunglasses as bridging the space between high fashion and everyday style. Each frame is infused with the flair of Southern California, rooted in a feeling of brightness and independence.
The handmade acetate frames come with free shipping, free returns, and a year-long warranty in case of any craftsmanship issues. Raen customers appreciate how well the sunglasses complement their face and reel in compliments. A case and cloth with each pair helps you take care of them and extend their life.
Le SpecsLe SpecsFor more than 40 years, Le Specs has established itself as a place to find stylish sunglasses, whether on-trend or timeless, without the designer markup. Founded in Australia, the storefront has grown to be globally known and even worn by megastars like Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Bella Hadid. Fans of Le Specs love the frames and silhouettes that easily become summer staples.
GlassesUSAGlassesUSAAs one of the largest online eyewear retailers, GlassesUSA offers a swath of options across categories. From sports glasses to multifocal lenses, the digital storefront is known to be a source of any eyewear you need. Its sunglasses are no different.
When shopping for shades from GlassesUSA, it’s easy to narrow down your search to find just what you want. You can include prescription lenses, clip-ons, and other special lens types. Depending on your budget and style, you can go for classic Ray-Bans or elevated Prada pairs.
Plus, with the free shipping, free return policy, frequent sales, and one-year warranty, shopping for sunnies at GlassesUSA is mostly risk-free. You can read our full review of GlassesUSA here. Ray-BanRay-BanThere are few sunglasses brands as iconic as Ray-Ban, which began making eye-protecting shades for the U.
S. Air Force in 1937 before branching out to the general public. Throughout the decades, Ray-Ban has toyed with trends while staying true to timeless styles, establishing its classic wayfarer and aviator silhouettes.
Today, these remain some of the best sunglasses on the market. However, most pairs don’t come with polarized lenses, meaning you’ll have to upgrade and pay extra for the feature. Shop all Ray-Ban sunglasses here.
Quay AustraliaUnder ArmourWhen you’re looking to branch away from the traditional silhouettes, you can turn to trends and current fashions with Quay. The brand is focused on fashion-forward shades that bring out your personal style. While you can find classic aviators and round shapes, for example, you can also find colorful shades with funky shapes and gradients.
Quay sunglasses are usually under $100, even for the trendiest pairs with polarized lenses. Shop all Quay sunglasses here. Warby ParkerWarby ParkerThere are few brands for which this is true, but any time a friend buys a pair of Warby Parker glasses or sunglasses, they rave about them.
It’s not just because of the effortless style, but fans of Warby Parker especially appreciate the fit and flexibility of the frames. Warby Parker’s goal is to be an alternative to expensive sunglasses brands while still excelling in quality, fit, and experience. The idea was born when one of the founders lost his glasses on a trip but couldn’t replace them for months because the price was too high.
At Warby Parker, you’ll find classic styles at great value with all the customization options you may need for your vision. This includes hand-polished cellulose acetate, scratch-resistant frames, and various prescription options. Warby Parker uniquely lets you try out 5 pairs for free before picking your favorite pairs or passing up altogether.
Shop all Warby Parker sunglasses here. TJ MaxxWarby Parker/Business InsiderBefore TJ Maxx sold items online, you’d have to shop in-store and be lucky enough to snag a designer pair. You’d be even luckier to find its accompanying accessories, like its carrying case and cloth.
But now, TJ Maxx (and Marshalls) is a fantastic destination to shop when you’re looking for designer frames at a discounted price. At TJ Maxx, you’ll come across a range of styles and brands, from classics to trendy pairs from previous seasons. (Though don’t let that deter you – it doesn’t matter if something is out of season if it speaks to your style.
)Shop all TJ Maxx sunglasses here. Sunglass HutShopbop/FacebookAlthough Sunglass Hut started as a small family business running out of a Miami mall kiosk, it’s now a spot where you can find almost any shades under the sun (pun intended). The global brand offers rewards and perks for shopping with them, which can be helpful if you like to try out a variety of different brands.
Sunglass Hut carries iconic brands like Ray-Ban as well as designers like Versace, Gucci, and Prada. Shop all Sunglass Hut sunglasses here. Eleventh HourGlassesUSAFounder Carli Mink created Eleventh Hour when she realized everything comes in sizes except sunglasses.
From coffee cups to jeans, we can choose the things that serve us best. But usually, sunglasses come in one size, making them either a perfect fit or not as flattering as they could be. Eleventh Hour offers various classic silhouettes and color options with three size options each.
On top of everything, these sunglasses are made with quality materials, from handmade acetate to steel hinges, that makes them last longer for a price that’s always under $100. For the quality, style, great price, and great fit, Eleventh Hour is a top choice when it comes to value. Shop all Eleventh Hour sunglasses here.
Coco and BreezyCosta Del MarCoco and Breezy offers ridiculously stylish and creative choices that are perfect for finding unique shades that speak to you. Plus, the brand often collaborates with other brands like Hershey’s, Jack Daniels, and Ciroc for special releases. Across all styles, shades come with a protective case and cleaning cloth that help maintain the longevity of your sunglasses.
While all Coco and Breezy sunnies have 100% UV protection, they’re not usually polarized. Shop all Coco and Breezy sunglasses here. OakleyOakleyOakley is where sunglasses meet sportswear.
The brand is known for making durable sunglasses designed to stay put during sports activity and withstand any potential impact. You won’t find the trendiest and most colorful sunglasses at Oakley, but you’ll still find classic shapes and more experimental options. Where some brands may not sell replacement lenses, or they make it very hard to obtain them, Oakley is all about longevity and ease, offering easy to find replacement lenses and a service to keep your shades in shape.
Shop all Oakley sunglasses here. NordstromNordstromFrom under-$20 options to designer brands, Nordstrom offers a wide range of sunglasses in price, style, brand, and shape. If you’re looking for a large selection and like shopping multiple brands, Nordstrom is a great place to go.
From shades made of at least 50% recycled materials to those just released from your favorite designer, Nordstrom offers a great variety. Shop all Nordstrom sunglasses here. Privé RevauxPrivé RevauxCo-founded by sunglasses industry veterans and frequently working with celebrity partners like Jamie Foxx, Privé Revaux calls itself the brand that offers sunglasses without the sticker shock.
Privé Revaux sunglasses are crafted with polarized lenses, full UV protection, and handmade acetate. These sunglasses are where style meets affordability – they check all our boxes while being sold at a price that’s on the lower end of this list. Shop all Privé Revaux sunglasses here.
FAQsWhat type of sunglasses lens is best?If you see a pair of sunglasses with anything less than 100% UV protection, run. Your lenses should have full UV protection. Another common option in lenses is polarization, which helps you see clearer and can alleviate eye strain that you may experience with non-polarized sunglasses.
Polarization prevents glare that can be dangerous while driving, for example. Always look for 100% UV protective glasses. We think polarized glasses are usually better, but they’re not a must-have for everyone.
How long should sunglasses last?The general recommendation is to switch your sunglasses out every two years because the protective UV coating degrades over time. If you wear yours very frequently, it may be better to switch them out before two years. (You can even test to see how strong the UV coating is.
)Here’s the thing: you don’t have to throw them away completely. You can keep the frames and switch the lenses, the part with the essential UV protective coating. How will I know if my sunglasses fit?Personally, I tend to just go with the flow, and many people do.
But if you want to get that perfect fit, then you need to measure the width of your face in millimeters. Sunglasses, whether in-store or online, list their width. Find a pair that matches yours or is just a couple millimeters larger.
You can go more in depth with this guide from Ray-Ban. How important is it to wear sunglasses?Sunglasses aren’t just about looking cool. They’re critical to protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause eye damage in a similar way that they can burn your skin.
Excessive UV radiation in your eyes can lead to an increased risk of developing cataract and macular degeneration. It doesn’t matter the season. It’s always important to wear sunglasses.
In the summer, UV radiation is present at higher levels than during winter, for example, but it’s still important to protect your eyes year-round. Read the original article on Insider.
From: insider
URL: https://www.insider.com/guides/style/best-sunglasses-for-women