Our team recommends products that we love and feel you will too. If you click through links we provide, we may earn a commission.
When the thermostat rises and the sun finally shines again after a frigid winter, there are plentiful ways to meet the moment in style. Style and utility, of course. In the same way you’d carefully select a denim jacket or the perfect T-shirt for comfort, stretch and layering potential, approach your eyewear in much the same manner. And utility is exactly what you’re getting with the best polarized sunglasses for men – that, and serious spring and summer style points, of course. Here are our favorite polarized sunglasses for the season ahead.
The 10 Best Polarized Sunglasses for Men
Best Overall: Tomahawk Shades Wellsprings Sunglasses
Polarized functionality needn’t cost an arm and a leg, and Tomahawk Shades proves that quite handily. Its sunglasses are athlete-tested and approved, with the utility to match, but the Wellsprings take their cues from aviator and pilot sunglasses. That makes them an ideal match for all your favorite spring and summer style picks, from a navy polo and stretch chinos to a rugged henley and light wash jeans. Whatever style you dream up, Tomahawk Shades’ handsome frames can meet the moment.
Best Classic Polarized Sunglasses: Original Polarized Wayfarer by Ray-Ban
When iconic looks meet the polarized utility, that’s the sweet spot as far as we’re concerned. Ray-Ban’s Original Wayfarer has been a legendary style in the sunglasses world for decades, and 13 stylish frame and lens combinations only bolster that appeal. The use of polarized lenses makes them highly useful for sun protection in the high heat of the season. The price tag is a step up from other options when it comes to the best polarized sunglasses, so take heed as you shop.
Best Polarized Sunglasses for Sports: Half Jacket 2.0 XL by Oakley
Polarized sunglasses come in useful in plenty of leisurely warm-weather style situations, but sometimes, the occasion calls for a pair with some seriously sporty appeal. Oakley makes some of the toughest sunglasses on the planet, be it for running, outdoor training, cycling or beach volleyball (and on, and on). The Half Jacket, an iconic Oakley style, gets an update via a super-lightweight frame, interchangeable lens options and durable construction throughout. These can handle just about anything you put ‘em up against.
Best Luxury Polarized Sunglasses: OV1335ST Rivetti by Oliver Peoples
If you’re going to invest in a pair of the best polarized sunglasses, you very well might level things up a notch in terms of designer style. Oliver Peoples makes some of the most premium eyewear on the planet – for a price, of course – and its Rivetti style fits the bill quite nicely. It’s an elegant take on the aviator, and it doesn’t skimp on polarized protection, either. If sophisticated style is what you seek from your eyewear offering – especially polarized frames you can wear with a finely tailored suit – look no further.
Best Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses: Sunseekers by Huckberry
For as classic as some of the best polarized sunglasses can be – with aviator or Wayfarer styles in mind, especially – a stylish change of pace is sometimes needed. And who better to deliver a fresh new take on functional shades than Huckberry? You’re getting plenty of durability and premium materials for under $40, all from a trusted retailer. Better still is the distinctive rectangular shape, one that should wear nicely with everything from a Huckberry henley to a rugged chambray shirt.
Best Circular Polarized Sunglasses: Baia Sunglasses by Sunski
Remember what we said about the need to switch up your style from time to time? Especially when the occasion calls for it – a beach vacation, a rooftop party, even a summer wedding shindig – circular sunglasses can be an eye-catching (pun intended) change of pace. Sunski specializes in accessible, fairly priced shades that draw heavily from coastal style inspiration. The Baia in particular delivers a vintage look in an undersized, circular frame. While they might not be right for all face shapes, they work well for those with a strong jawline or cheekbones.
Best USA-Made Polarized Sunglasses: Saratoga Sunglasses by American Optical
When your wardrobe needs a shot of style inspiration (especially as far as a set of accessories like the best polarized sunglasses are concerned), it’s sometimes best to look to the past. What do we mean by that at The Guy’s List? Well, take the handsome, fashionable Saratoga Sunglasses from American Optical. They’re made the old-school way in America, for one. Beyond that, they’re eternally cool and have the pedigree to match – they were a style worn famously by fashion icon JFK, so try them on for size yourself.
Best Polarized Aviator Sunglasses: RB3625 Aviators by Ray-Ban
It wouldn’t be a guide to the best polarized sunglasses for men without diving into an icon of the category from one of the most famous sunglasses brands on the planet, right? Such is the case with Ray-Ban and its legendary Aviator. The RB3625 Aviators are a spin on a classic, and they don’t sacrifice style or utility. They also feature an updated nose bridge and some small, but stylish, tweaks to the frame. And the combination of silver-blue lenses and a gold frame is about as classically cool as it gets.
Best Everyday Polarized Sunglasses: The SeaPorts by Tomahawk
Polarized sunglasses can come in handy in many a situation, especially for daily wear. And if you’ve got a rotation of multiple pairs of polarized sunglasses, perhaps you’re searching for one you can wear day in and day out, to the office on your commute and out for rooftop drinks afterwards without missing a beat. The SeaPorts check every box in that regard, with a versatile square shape and easy-to-style frame color. They’re also durable yet fairly priced, so you needn’t worry about wearing them out (or wearing them too often, for that matter).
Best Sunglasses for Outdoor Adventures: Surf Aviators by Vallon
The best polarized sunglasses naturally have stylish protection and performance built right in, but some frames are simply just built different. Be it rocky beach hikes or afternoon surfing sessions, there’s a time and a place for sunglasses built for outdoor adventures that are a bit off-grid. Vallon designs its aptly named Surf Aviators with those pursuits in mind. The acetate frame is highly durable, while the extended bridge offers added protection. They’re also built with full-force UV400 protection for the ultimate in sunny-side performance.
Polarized sunglasses are sunglasses made with lenses specifically engineered to cut down on glare and harmful, bright rays from the sun. Polarization comes in different categories and refers to the design of the lens.
How to tell if sunglasses are polarized?
When shopping for sunglasses, pay close attention to the lens specifications to ensure your sunglasses are polarized. Polarized sunglasses will also offer a clearer, less bright view as they cut down on harmful rays from the sun.
What color lens is best for polarized sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses come in a variety of lens colors, but experts agree that lens colors like grey or amber are most useful for polarized performance. Grey lenses adapt to a variety of light situations and conditions, as do amber lenses.
Is there a downside to polarized sunglasses?
Polarized lenses in sunglasses ultimately change how you see and cut down on light sources, making it difficult to view your surroundings in certain conditions. Because of this technology, polarized sunglasses are also more expensive than non-polarized options.
What’s the difference between UV and polarized sunglasses?
Polarized and UV sunglasses are different in their functionality. Polarized sunglasses cut down on the glare from light sources, while UV sunglasses specifically target UV rays in terms of protection.
Are expensive polarized sunglasses worth it?
If you’re looking for a performance-focused pair of sunglasses, expensive polarized sunglasses can be worth it. If you opt for a versatile frame shape in a classic design, your investment in some of the best polarized sunglasses will surely pay off stylishly.
How do I choose a pair of polarized sunglasses?
There are a few key considerations to keep in mind when choosing polarized sunglasses. Pay close attention to your face shape when selecting your frame, and consider how you intend to wear your sunglasses. Some are best for sporting pursuits, and others are made for daily styling (like a classic pair of polarized aviators).
Want More From The Guys List?
The details make the difference — in matters of style, taste, design and your daily wardrobe. And at The Guy’s List, we look to equip fellas everywhere with the right tools for the job. Whether you’re scouring the market for new sunglasses, selecting a stylish pair of dress pants or looking for a cool date night spot in your city, The Guy’s List is a one-stop shop for everything you might need in your 9-to-5 and beyond. Stick around for tips on grooming, menswear, accessories, city guides and much more at The Guy’s List.
Beau Hayhoe, the fashion guy, is our expert in all things men's fashion and grooming. Over the years Beau has written for some of the largest men's magazines and gained a deep understanding of the best brands, styles, and products for guys. You can catch Beau on his social media listed on his author page or by reading the rest of his catalog here on The Guy's List.
Remember what we said about the need to switch up your style from time to time? Especially when the occasion calls for it – a beach vacation, a rooftop party, even a summer wedding shindig – circular sunglasses can be an eye-catching (pun intended) change of pace. Sunski specializes in accessible, fairly priced shades that draw heavily from coastal style inspiration. The Baia in particular delivers a vintage look in an undersized, circular frame. While they might not be right for all face shapes, they work well for those with a strong jawline or cheekbones.
When your wardrobe needs a shot of style inspiration (especially as far as a set of accessories like the best polarized sunglasses are concerned), it’s sometimes best to look to the past. What do we mean by that at The Guy’s List? Well, take the handsome, fashionable Saratoga Sunglasses from American Optical. They’re made the old-school way in America, for one. Beyond that, they’re eternally cool and have the pedigree to match – they were a style worn famously by fashion icon JFK, so try them on for size yourself. 
