We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
As the summer rolls on and the heat turns up, there are a few essentials needed to keep you cool—teeny-tiny bikinis, Havaianas flip-flops, big hats, and the most important accessory—a solid pair of sunglasses. I’m a selective shopper when it comes to shades, mostly because they’re the one accessory I wear almost every day. The right pair has to check multiple boxes. Yes, design matters—but so do the details: lens tint, UV protection, polarization, and sport performance.
If you're wondering what's trending for sunglasses this year, here's what I’ve been seeing: classic aviators for that relaxed, bohemian vibe à la Chloé; sleek metal frames that feel spacey; and ridiculously oversized, buggy, face-swallowing shapes. Or take a note from Addison Rae and her Tumblr-era geometric frames. The common thread? A lot of drama mixed with a little humor.
Beyond the trend cycle and cultural cues, the best sunglasses are the ones you reach for again and again—pieces that last through seasons and shifts in style. They should feel like part of your uniform, not just a finishing touch.
From sporty wraparounds to sharp cat-eyes and oversized bug-eyes to geometric shapes, these are the best sunglasses to keep you covered all summer—and well into what’s next.
This pair nails polarized lenses, UV protection, quality, and standout design—making it the best all-around choice. The style channels ’90s Prada with a modern, futuristic twist, blending cool with everyday practicality. It’s a bit of a splurge, but one that pays off for daily wear.
Specs:
- Frame material: Metal
- Polarized: Yes
- UV Protection: 100 percent UVA/UVB protection
For less than the cost of your daily coffee, you can own the very same sunglasses worn by Paris Hilton. These Y2K shield-style shades not only make you feel glam, but they offer full-face coverage while remaining lightweight.
Specs:
- Frame material: Polycarbonate
- Polarized: No
- UV Protection: Full UV protection
The number one feature I look for when purchasing sunglasses is a wrap-around frame. This style hugs the natural contours of your face and looks flattering on every face shape. I'm also drawn to the tortoiseshell design that mimics codes of the '90s.
Specs:
- Frame material: Acetate
- Polarized: No
- UV Protection: 100 percent UVA/UVB protection
On those days when my eye bags are impossible to hide, I grab a pair of sunglasses that cover half my face—including dark lenses to shield my eyes completely. When I put them on, my delusions are fed, and suddenly I'm a Hollywood starlet dodging fake paparazzi. Le Specs is my go-to for this little fantasy, offering classic styles at an affordable price, all while using at least 20% post-consumer recycled material.
Specs:
- Frame material: Acetate
- Polarized: No
- UV Protection: Category 1 with warning
If you liked the aviators that walked in the Chloé show, and are looking for dependable, no-frills shades— look no further. Banana Republic nails clean designs that are made to last.
Specs:
- Frame material: Metal
- Polarized: No
- UV Protection: 100 percent UV protection
It's normally hard for me to find a pair of polarized sunglasses that still feel cool with a unique design. This pair to me encapsulates both, proving that you can protect your eyes without having to sacrifice design.
Specs:
- Frame material: Metal
- Polarized: Yes
- UV Protection: 100 percent UVA/UVB protection
Lean into the bold cat-eye style by choosing an equally loud red color. These thick acetate frames are made to turn heads, like a bombshell entering the Love Island villa.
Specs:
- Frame material: Acetate
- Polarized: No
- UV Protection: UV protected
These sunglasses are great for sports and performance, featuring a ventilated rubber nose bridge to minimize fogging and ensure durability. Not only are they made to endure activity, but I also like seeing them paired with a day dress or an outfit that doesn’t traditionally match the sporty vibe. Someone who does this well is content creator and stylist Michelle Li, a great person to look to for versatility when styling these outside the realm of sports and fitness.
Specs:
- Frame material: Acetate
- Polarized: No
- UV Protection: Not listed
Add some drama to your summer with these geometric, art-deco sunglasses. I like the designs of the Tory Burch eyewear collection because they all have a touch of old Hollywood. I've tried these on before and can attest that they make you feel a little like Jackie O.
Specs:
- Frame material: Acetate
- Polarized: No
- UV Protection: Not listed
Los Angeles Apparel is my go-to for all the wardrobe basics you could ever need, without breaking the bank. While you're there, add these sunglasses to your cart—a sleek rectangular shape, bold black frame, and a pop of color lenses. Plus, with a lighter frame like this, they’re not just good for wear in the sun—but can easily double as an indoor optical.
Specs:
- Frame material: Metal
- Polarized: No
- UV Protection: Full UV protection
If you haven’t heard of the eyewear brand Elisa Johnson, now’s the time to get acquainted. The Black-owned label merges creative design with quality and heritage—making each pair a worthy investment. This style specifically has been worn by Kendall Jenner and Dixie D’Amelio.
Specs:
- Frame material: Metal
- Polarized: No
- UV Protection: UV400 and UVA/UVB protection
A camera and eyewear combined? Fully worth the splurge. Since their release a few years ago, these smart sunglasses have been gaining traction as more brands join the Meta movement — with Oakley launching soon and Coperni partnering with Ray-Ban for their first-ever fashion collaboration.
Specs:
- Frame material: Acetate with ultra-wide 12MP camera and five-mic system
- Polarized: No
- UV Protection: 100 percent UVA/UVB protection
Jessica (aka Jess) is a Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, working across both fashion market and styling for print stories, as well as digital fashion and commerce coverage. Prior to joining Cosmo, she worked in fashion at Vanity Fair. Jess lives in New York City and loves spotlighting emerging designers you might not have heard of yet—while also being an unabashedly devoted Love Island fan (dating back to Season 1 of Love Island UK, that’s how serious). See more of her work here, and follow her on Instagram if you love her.
Readers Also Read
58 Stocking Stuffers for All the Men in Your Life
66 Tasteful Gifts for the Woman Who Has Everything
50 Best Small Gifts to Fill Her Holiday Stocking
46 Best Luxury Gifts for Her, This Way!
