We Tested 21 Pairs of Women’s Sunglasses to Find the Best Ones to Shop Right Now (2024)

Our Top Picks

Raen's Keera Sunglasses are about to be your new favorite go-to pair of sunglasses — no matter what color you choose. The subtle cat-eye design with square bottom edges are extremely chic and elevate your look whether you're wearing them to brunch, poolside, or to the office. They're very sturdy and fit securely, even after six months of wearing almost daily. The arms are easy to unfold and sturdy without being stiff.

The oversized frames are also extremely comfortable and don't pinch near the nose or ears, even after wearing for long periods of time. And while the lenses aren't polarized, they do block glare and aren't so dark that you'll want to remove them if you move into a shady area. When it comes to travel, the Raen Keeras come with a slim, protective case that is easy to put into just about any bag or purse without taking up too much space. For this reasonable price and high-quality design, these shades are a bargain that you'll definitely want to bring on all of your upcoming adventures.

The Details: 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | Recycled acetate frame

When it comes to comfort, these stylish sunglasses from Eleventh Hour are made with handmade acetate frames that are thick and sturdy, but are also extremely lightweight and feel nearly weightless, especially while wearing them for long periods of time. The arms have just the right amount of give so they won’t press against your temples but they still feel secure on your head. After wearing these almost daily for six months (and sliding them up onto our heads), we did need to slightly tighten the stems, but not an extreme amount. Although the bridge doesn’t have any padding, the sunglasses comfortably sit on the nose without causing any pinching or sliding down.

We tried the white frames with brown lenses and black frames with gray lenses, and both colors offered excellent clarity in both bright and dim weather conditions. Plus, the lenses are polarized to reduce glare in bright settings and have 100 percent protection against UVA and UVB rays. With a subtle cat-eye shape in the lenses and slightly oversized frames, these shades offer the best of two trendy styles without leaning too heavily toward one or the other. And with polarized and UV-protected lenses, these sunnies can be worn for activities ranging from brunch on a patio to lakeside lounging.

The Details: Polarized | 52 millimeter lens | 19 millimeter bridge | 143 millimeter temple | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | Acetate frame

Cat-eye sunglasses will never go out of style, and we highly recommend this sleek pair from Brooklyn-based eyewear brand, Indy. Slightly different from the typical sharp-cornered cat-eye lens, these have a softer oval shape that gives them a more modern edge. The dark gray and brown lenses boast polarization and 100 percent UV protection, and while they’re quite fashionable, they’re also practical for all sorts of activities when you travel.

These sunnies come in one size but the acetate frames have enough flexibility and sturdiness that they didn’t feel too tight or too loose when we tried them on. They aren’t the most lightweight sunglasses, but the dense material feels extremely durable and we didn’t experience any discomfort or sliding while wearing them. In fact, after six months of frequent use, these sunglasses have held their shape well; the frames only have one minor scratch that they suffered when thrown into a bag without a case. There was a tiny scratch on one of the lenses at the end of the testing period, but if you’re cautious with the glasses and keep them in the case when not in use, they’ll be less likely to get damaged.

The Details: Polarized | 52.6 millimeter lens | 20.6 millimeter bridge | 144.7 millimeter temple | 100 percent UV protection | Acetate frame

Made with 23-karat gold and metal frames, these luxe round glasses from Randolph are polarized and have 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. There are seven different colored frames and lenses to choose from, and each lens is made with the brand’s ultra-lightweight Skyforce nylon material which boasts blue light-blocking filters and anti-glare coating. The sunglasses passed our polarization test with flying colors and proved to be excellent shades for all-day wear.

To match the extremely lightweight lenses, the metal frames feel delicate and light while remaining sturdy and secure on your head. After six months of use, the arms are still rigid and secure. The bridge has adjustable pads that rest comfortably on top of your nose and prevent the glasses from sliding down or pinching. Plus, these sunglasses come with both an embossed hardshell case and a soft case for protection against damage, and they also include a generous lifetime warranty. Although the price point is a little steep, these U.S.-made sunglasses have a premium feel that matches the cost.

The Details: Polarized | 57-millimeter lens | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection

Celebrity-loved eyewear brand Le Specs has a slew of timeless sunglasses styles, including these retro shades that are Lizzo- and Gigi Hadid-approved. Size-wise, these glasses are on the smaller end but they proved to be plenty comfortable after an initial break-in period where the arms felt slightly tight behind the ears. After six months of wear, the shades still feel secure without any discomfort around the ears or on the bridge of the nose. They also still look brand new even after regularly tossing it into a bag without its case. These dark-tinted glasses aren’t polarized and have category three UV protection, which are intended more for everyday sun protection rather than outdoor activities like hiking or swimming. However, if you’re looking for that ‘90s supermodel style for strutting around the city, these sturdy and comfy sunglasses are your best bet.

The Details: Not polarized | 52 millimeter lens | 16 millimeter bridge | 140 millimeter temple | Polycarbonate plastic frame

If you’re looking to level up your accessory game, these rectangular sunglasses from Illesteva are as stylish as they are durable and comfortable. There are 17 colors to choose from so you can opt for a sleek pair of black shades or branch out with a pair of pink frames with matching pink lenses. No matter which color you get, the slightly oversized frames feel sturdy and thick so they won’t snap or break easily if you leave them out of the case. After wearing these shades regularly for six months, we love them as a fun statement option that still protects your eyes from the sun. The glasses only come in one size so you may feel a bit of tightness behind the ears, but the discomfort is so minimal that it’s not a deal breaker by any means. Although the lenses aren’t polarized, they have 100 percent UV protection so they’ll still protect your eyes and they do a solid job of reducing the glare on both bright and overcast days.

The Details: Not polarized | 51 millimeter lens | 22 millimeter bridge | 145 millimeter temple | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | Acetate frame

Smith’s Caper Sunglasses feature the brand’s ChromaPop lenses for boosting natural colors, protecting the eyes from UV rays, and reducing the glare from the sun. The sharp color contrast and sun protection from the lenses make these ideal for outdoor activities, especially hiking, playing tennis, kayaking, or boating where you may be exposed to harmful sun rays or experience more glare. The hearty frames are equally as impressive as the lenses and they feel exceptionally durable. After six months of tossing them in a backpack or tote, they didn't suffer any breaks or scratches — no worries about tucking these into a tennis bag. Best of all, they still have a chic look to them with a circular shape and four color options to choose from, so you can wear these versatile shades both on a camping trip and for everyday wear.https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-sunglasses-for-women-7485138The Details: Polarized | 53 millimeter lens | 19 millimeter bridge | 145 millimeter temple | 100 percent UV protection

Despite the oversized fit of these square-shaped sunglasses, they are extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The gray-tinted lenses aren’t polarized but they do offer 100 percent UV protection, so these fashion-forward glasses are plenty protective for most outdoor activities. Whether you’re running errands or hiking, the sunglasses will rest securely behind your ears. The arms aren’t too tight and the frames are impressively lightweight without feeling flimsy. After wearing these for six months, we loved that these statement sunglasses were equally functional for a variety of adventures (especially driving), and protected us from both sun and wind.

The Details: Not polarized | 50 millimeter lens | 24 millimeter bridge | 150 millimeter temple | 100 percent UV protection

You'll want to wear these classic tortoise shell print or black sunglasses for every occasion from brunch to jetting off on your next vacation. Not only are they stylish, but they're extremely comfortable as well – we even wore them hiking and they were sturdy and protective all day. While the lenses aren't as dark as other options we tested, they offer the perfect amount of coverage for daily use. The sunglasses have a comfortable, slightly high nose bridge that doesn't leave marks even after all-day wear, and the arms are sturdy and tough. After regularly wearing these sunglasses for six months including in Costa Rica and Egypt, they don't have any scratches on them and that's even after tossing them straight into purses without a case and dropping them on the ground quite a few times (they tend to slip off your head if you place them up top for storage, so beware of falls).

The Details: Polarized | 22 millimeter bridge | 140 millimeter temple | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | Acetate frame

These wallet-friendly shades are super lightweight and easy to toss in a carry-on for your next vacation. The circular lenses are polarized and come with 100 percent UV protection, and we love that you can protect your eyes for a variety of activities without having to spend too much. Thanks to the lightweight metal frames, the shades are easy to slip on and the ends of the arms have rubber grippers for comfort and sturdiness. Although the frames are a little flimsy or loose-feeling, the arms don’t press into your temples and the bridge doesn’t pinch at the top of your nose. After three months of wearing these around and having them loose in backpacks and purses, there are no scratches at all, and they still feel quite durable. These sunglasses are best suited for more leisurely activities like walking, commuting, or sitting outside due to the looser fit, but the large smoke-colored lenses do an excellent job of blocking the glare from the sun.

The Details: Polarized | 22 millimeter bridge | 142 millimeter temple | 100 percent UV protection | Metal frame

Frequently Asked Questions

• How will I know if a pair of sunglasses will fit properly?

  If you already have a pair of sunglasses or eyeglasses you love, measure the lenses, bridge, and temple length to have an idea of the measurements that are comfortable for you. Most brands will list the measurements of the sunglasses in the specifications section along with other information like the type of face shape or size the glasses could work well with.

• How do I clean sunglasses?

  It’s crucial to follow the instructions provided when you purchase the glasses to make sure you don’t accidentally scratch or damage the lenses. Most sunglasses will come with a microfiber fabric swatch to use to gently clean fingerprints or dust off of the lenses.

• What are polarized sunglasses?

  Polarized sunglasses have a special coating over the lenses that affect the way they filter light. While they won't protect your eyes from UV damage more than non-polarized sunglasses, they do reduce glare which helps you see more clearly and reduces eye strain.

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