How to Choose Sunglasses for Men: A Step-by-Step Buying Guide
Quick Answer
To choose sunglasses for men, work through five checks in order: full UV400 protection first, then lens type (polarised for driving and water, plain tinted for everyday, photochromic for mixed light), then frame size matched to your face width, then frame material for how you will treat them, and finally style. Done that way, a good pair of sunglasses for men costs $20–$60 and lasts several summers.
Key Takeaways
- UV400 is non-negotiable; a dark tint without it is worse than no sunglasses at all.
- Polarised lenses cut glare off roads and water but can dim some phone and dashboard screens.
- Frame width should roughly match face width; the lenses should not touch your cheeks or brows.
- Nylon or TR90 frames suit sport; acetate and metal suit everyday and dress wear.
- Most sunglasses for men worth buying cost $20–$60; above that you pay for glass lenses or coatings.
Step 1: Confirm UV Protection
Lens colour and darkness say nothing about UV filtering. Look for "UV400" or "100% UVA/UVB" on the lens or listing. This matters more for sunglasses for men who drive, fish, cycle or work outdoors for hours, because the pupil opens behind a dark lens and lets in more light. Our explainer on what UV400 actually means covers the detail.
Step 2: Pick the Lens Type
Lens technology is the second decision for sunglasses for men, and it should follow how you spend your time outdoors.
| Lens type | What it does | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinted (non-polarised) | Reduces brightness evenly | Everyday, walking, city | Glare off water and bonnets remains |
| Polarised | Blocks horizontal glare | Driving, fishing, boating, snow | Some LCD screens look dark or patchy |
| Photochromic | Darkens in UV, lightens indoors | Cycling, mixed shade and sun | Slow to react behind car windscreens |
| Mirrored | Reflects extra light off the lens surface | High-altitude, beach, very bright days | Coating scratches more easily |
| Gradient | Dark at top, lighter at bottom | Driving, reading a dashboard | Less protection when looking down |
Tint colour is a separate choice: grey keeps colours true, brown boosts contrast, yellow helps in low light. Our lens tint guide matches colours to driving, sport and sun.
Step 3: Get the Size Right
Most sunglasses for men list three numbers on the arm, such as 55-18-145: lens width, bridge width and arm length in millimetres. Use them like this:
- Measure your face width across the temples with a ruler, in millimetres.
- Add lens width twice plus the bridge. That total should be within about 5 mm of your face width.
- Check the bridge. A narrow nose needs a smaller bridge (16–18 mm) or adjustable nose pads; a wider nose suits 19–22 mm.
- Check arm length. 140–145 mm suits most men; arms should curve just behind the ear without pressing.
- Check clearance. Lenses should not touch your cheeks when you smile.
Face shape then fine-tunes the outline. Our face shape guide explains which frames balance round, square, oval and long faces.
Step 4: Choose the Frame Material
- Nylon or TR90: light, flexible, nearly unbreakable; the default for sport and travel.
- Acetate: richer colours and a solid feel; heavier and can snap if sat on.
- Metal (stainless or alloy): slim and adjustable with nose pads; can bend out of shape in a bag.
- Polycarbonate: cheap and impact-resistant; scratches unless coated.
Lenses follow the same logic: polycarbonate for impact resistance and light weight, glass for scratch resistance and clarity at the cost of weight.
Step 5: Settle the Style
Only now choose the look. Square frames and aviators suit most sunglasses for men buyers; wraparounds are for sport; round shapes suit square or angular faces. Keep lens size proportional to the face.
What to Expect at Each Price
| Price band | Typical sunglasses for men | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| $10–$20 | Polycarbonate lenses, UV400, basic nylon or plastic frames | Lens scratches; hinges loosen; no case |
| $20–$40 | Polarised polycarbonate lenses, TR90 or acetate frames, case and cloth | Coatings may wear; limited sizing |
| $40–$80 | Interchangeable or photochromic lenses, metal or premium acetate, adjustable pads | Heavier metal frames; more to lose |
| $80+ | Glass or premium polymer lenses, hand-finished frames, long warranties | Paying for brand and finish more than protection |
The $20–$40 band is where polarisation, a decent frame and a case arrive together, and it is where most sunglasses for men should be bought. Spend more only for interchangeable lenses, photochromic tech or a frame you will keep for years.
Safety and Care Notes
- Never rely on sunglasses for men without a UV rating; dark lenses alone increase UV exposure.
- Do not look at the sun through any sunglasses, including during an eclipse.
- Polarised lenses can hide ice patches on roads and dim some car displays; test before a long drive.
- Rinse salt and sweat off with water, dry with a microfibre cloth and store in a case.
- Replace lenses scratched across the centre; scratches scatter light.
Summary
Choose sunglasses for men in this order: UV400, lens type, size, frame material, style. Match polarised lenses to driving and water, nylon frames to sport, acetate or metal to everyday wear, and buy to your measured face width. Follow those steps and sunglasses for men in the $20–$40 band will do everything a far more expensive pair does.
Sunglasses for Men at Global Swanky
Active listings in our store, each with its lowest current price.
Square Polarized Sunglasses for Outdoor and Daily Wear
The Square Polarized Sunglasses for Outdoor and Daily Wear is $17.16, and suits men who want one polarised everyday pair at an entry price.
Classic Square Frame Sunglasses UV400 Protection Polarized
The Classic Square Frame Sunglasses UV400 Protection Polarized is $21.22, and suits most face shapes with a timeless square frame and full UV400 lenses.
Polarized Sunglasses for Driving, Fishing, and Outdoor Sports
The Polarized Sunglasses for Driving, Fishing, and Outdoor Sports is $21.32, and suits drivers and anglers who need glare cut off roads and water.
Polarized Sunglasses for Men Women, Cycling Fishing Driving Shades
The Polarized Sunglasses for Men Women, Cycling Fishing Driving Shades is $25.61, and suits active men who want one pair for the bike and the car.
Rimless Beveled Sunglasses with UV Protection for Outdoor Use
The Rimless Beveled Sunglasses with UV Protection for Outdoor Use is $27.14, and suits men who prefer a light, minimal frame for smart-casual wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are polarised sunglasses always better?
For driving, water and snow, yes. For reading phone or dashboard screens, non-polarised sunglasses for men can be more practical.
What do the numbers on the arm mean?
Lens width, bridge width and arm length in millimetres, in that order. Lens width times two plus bridge should roughly equal your face width.
Is darker always more protective?
No. UV protection comes from the lens material and coating, not the tint. A light UV400 lens protects more than a dark lens without a rating.
Which lens colour is best for driving?
Grey or brown. Grey keeps traffic lights true; brown adds contrast in flat light. Avoid very dark or blue lenses behind the wheel.
How long do sunglasses last?
Two to five years with a case and proper cleaning. Replace them when lenses scratch across the centre or hinges will not hold.