Certain brands of women’s designer sunglasses have a reputation for being on trend and in style year after year. These designers effectively transform sunglasses into more than just a functional accessory. The greatest designer sunglasses, in fact, may set the tone for a whole outfit. Here are our top five designer sunglasses brands for women:
1. RAY-BAN
When most people hear the phrase “sunglasses,” they instantly think of Ray-Bans. Aviator sunglasses, Wayfarers, and the Clubmaster are all thanks to this legendary brand. Ray-Ban has continuously produced attractive women’s sunglasses, which is quite an accomplishment considering that handsome Hollywood fighter pilots were many people’s first introduction to the brand.
2. STELLA MCCARTNEY
How can one emerge from the shadow cast by her rock famous father? Launching a fashion line did the trick for Stella McCartney. Her designer sunglasses combine elegance with daring details like gold accents along the brow and temples. While this brand isn’t as ancient as others on our list, Stella McCartney sunglasses have a distinct look.
3. SAINT LAURENT
Saint Laurent has a decades-long track record of climbing to the top of the fashion world with inventive creations. Saint Laurent sunglasses, which range from quirky to futuristic, maintain this reputation. Glitter frames, round suns, and huge square lenses that shield your eyes from UV rays and monotonous style are available to the discriminating fashionista. If history is any guide, Saint Laurent will remain a dominant brand in women’s designer sunglasses for many years to come.
4. GUCCI
Gucci is synonymous with haute fashion, and the Italian powerhouse brand earns the distinction. For years, it’s purses, outfits, and shoes have adorned cinema stars. That glitz shines through in its collection of luxury sunglasses for ladies. Gucci sunglasses are easily recognized due to their oversized, shield-like lenses, crystal-covered frames, and unique spins on classic components such as the brow bar. Without them, no list of the greatest women’s designer sunglasses would be complete.
5. CHLOÉ
Chloé, another world-famous Parisian fashion business, rounds off our list. Its selection of trendy, playful-yet-refined sunglasses has something for every lady, including dual rims, octagon lenses, and seashell-shaped frames. Chloé has produced a distinct aesthetic more than any other designer on our list by traveling into new terrain where others had not thought to search for inspiration.
The definitive guide to selecting the best sunglasses
1. Choose sunglasses with high UV and light protection.
Sunglasses’ principal function is to shield your eyes from the sun’s damaging UV radiation. That implies you should prioritize UV protection in your lenses.
Look for glasses that indicate “100% UVA and UVB protection” or “UV 400,” which Dr. Le says filters out all ultraviolet radiation. “The UV level tells us what frequency range the glasses can block out,” she explains. “LT (visible light transmission) categories tell us how much light the sunglasses block out on a scale of 0-4. The more light is shut off, the higher the category.”
Consider the following while selecting UV-protected sunglasses:
- Darker lenses do not inherently imply protection. Keep an eye out for that UV level label, ideally one that says UV 400.
- Dr. Le recommends using glasses with a category 3 or lower for light reduction: “You can drive with up to a category 3 but a 4 should never be used for driving because it blocks out too much light.”
- Invest in polarized sunglasses for glare reduction on bright beach and lake days. These decrease light reflection, allowing you to see better in bright, sparkling situations. We like these GreenTree Polarized Sunglasses ($19) as an inexpensive choice. Alternatively, invest in some real, long-term protection, such as Amavii Philip Frames ($255), which plant a tree for every pair purchased.
2. Determine the form of your face
The lines and angles of your essential features, such as your forehead, cheeks, and chin, shape your face. According to Dr. Le, the general form of your sunglasses might affect how they fit and appear, so keep this in mind when purchasing.
If you don’t know what your face shape is, don’t worry—there are some easy ways to figure it out. “Does your hairline appear rounded or straight? Does your chin have a sharp or rounded shape? “We need to compare the width and height of your face to determine whether it is more oval or round,” explains Dr. Le. “Does your cheek extend past your jawline?” Is the gap between your brow and jaw longer or shorter than the breadth of your face? Putting all of these together can help you determine your closest facial shape.”
Here’s how to pick a frame once you’ve discovered your facial shape:
Round face:Dr. Le suggests using a frame with obvious, defined angles, such as square-shaped sunglasses or a vintage cat-eye frame, to create some contrast.
Square face:Dr. Le recommends choosing sunglass frames that soften the angles of your face, such as a ’90s-inspired round shape or a classic aviator.
Heart-shaped face:Choose a frame that has a larger top and a narrower bottom to match the contour of your face. Cat-eye sunglasses or frames with a thick, prominent brow are recommended by Dr. Le.
Oval face:You’ve come to the right place. Dr. Le’s oval-shaped face complements almost every frame, so take your pick.
3. Trends are wonderful, but invest in a pair that you’ll wear beyond one season.
Maybe don’t get those itty tiny sunnies you see on TikTok, or the huge, plastic ’80s-style sunglasses you’ll wear once on the slopes. “The more wearable your sunglasses are, the more likely you are to use them for both protection and style,” Dr. Le explains.
If you’re willing to spend the money, go for a more traditional look. Dr. Le suggests the Heywear Donovan ($100) sunglasses, which have an adaptable, well-sized metal frame. Rivers ($125), which fits almost every face shape, and Penn ($125), which features an over-sized acetate frame for enhanced UV protection, are other favorites.
4. Size is important
When it comes to sunglasses, the larger the frame, the better the protection. “The larger the better because it provides more protection for the sensitive structures of your eyes as well as your lids,” Dr. Le explains. Small, narrow frames do not provide the same level of UV protection as a big aviator. Go a size higher to protect your delicate eyes (and eyelids, which can burn!).
5. Put on sunglasses early and frequently.
To keep your eyes healthy, use sunglasses as often as possible outside. Sunglasses, especially on bright, sunny days when glare might cause us to squint and strain, can help us avoid inflicting additional harm.
If you haven’t been a regular wearer of sunglasses, it’s never too late to start. The sooner you can get your hands on a pair, the better: “We actually absorb the majority of our sun exposure before the age of 18 and see the cumulative damage as we age,” explains Dr. Le. “It’s critical to start wearing sunglasses early.” Invest in some kid-friendly frames for your youngsters, such as the Polarized WeeFarer Sunglasses ($35) from Amazon. The Cocosand Baby Sunglasses ($20) have a strap to keep them in place for picky toddlers.
