The Best Men’s Sunglasses You Can Buy Under $100

Finding a good pair of sunglasses isn’t too difficult, but finding one for an affordable price gets tricky. Don’t be mistaken, we’re not glossing over the intricacies that go into crafting high-quality eyewear, as there is a very thorough process behind it. In addition to that, some companies use better materials than others, be it Italian-made acetate or glistening beta titanium. On the contrary, though, some people just want to protect their pupils, which is the quintessential element behind picking up any pair of sunglasses. While finding a pair of sunglasses you love for under $100 might be easier said than done, that’s no excuse to go about without some shades in the summer sun. So go ahead and take a look at our widespread guide to the best men’s sunglasses under $100 currently on the market.

What to look for

UV Protection: This is almost nonnegotiable, and you want at least 99% UV protection. It’s essential for protecting the health of your eyes, and makes seeing in bright conditions a lot easier.

Polarization: Polarized lenses aren’t quite as essential as UV protection, but they’re still convenient (and highly recommended), as they reduce glare. Also, if you’re driving or doing any serious activities in the sun, you don’t want to take any chances.

Durability: Sunglasses made of mostly plastic can get the job done (and many are quite durable), but if you want extra protection, then look for sunglasses made with metal, or options that include metal hinges.

Style: Sunglasses come in countless shapes and sizes, and while you shouldn’t let anything stop you from getting your favorite pair, you might want to know which style suits you best. Our best sunglasses guide dives into different sunglasses and which head shapes they’re ideal for, and it’ll provide more information if you’re interested.

Are Expensive sunglasses better?

Really, the main differences between cheap and expensive sunglasses (besides the price) have to do with durability and style, as cheaper sunglasses still offer the same protection from the sun (although new technology and material construction have given cheaper options some more durability).

The price range

We’ve kept the picks in this guide between $50-$100 because it’s a budget-friendly range that still includes high-quality shades. If you’re looking for even cheaper picks, then check out our best cheap sunglasses guide, which keeps the options at around $50.

Blenders Eyewear Zero Gravity

The Starters: This San Diego-bred manufacturer is adept at making impressively affordable sunglasses. Blenders’ spacey aviator-shaped shades boast eye-popping, polarized lenses that offer 100% UV protection. The gradient-colored temple tips fade from a light shade of purple to a bright pink hue for an added touch of color to match the lenses, a unique feature that shows thoughtful design and excellent attention to detail.

Le Specs Bandwagon

The Best Round Sunglasses: Le Specs sunglasses have reached international fandom, having been worn by A-list celebrities around the world, going to show that these are appropriate for the likes of anyone and everyone. Moreover, we’re hopping on the bandwagon in celebration of the Bondi Beach-based brand’s Bandwagon silhouette. This particular pair boasts vintage-inspired details that look relatively similar to classic Persol silhouettes. The sunglasses are rounded out with a keyhole nose bridge and polarized lenses to diminish any eye fatigue.

CAMP Arrowcrest

The Best Camping Sunglasses: CAMP Eyewear’s eclectic collection of sunglasses is geared toward the outdoors, going to show that it fully embraces its namesake. The sustainably-crafted Arrowcrest shades boast plant-based bioplastic frames, stainless-steel spring hinges, and genuine walnut inlays. The stylish silhouette is rounded with either CR-39 or TAC polarized lenses, depending on which color you select.

J.Crew Dock Sunglasses

The Best Keyhole Bridge Sunglasses: You may be more familiar with buying closet essentials from J.Crew on your trips to a local shopping center, but the New York-based retailer is also a consummate accessory manufacturer. These dock sunglasses are another one of J.Crew’s handcrafted silhouettes, equipped with UV-protective lenses and a keyhole bridge. These summer-appropriate shades are available in a trio of chic colors, so tailor it to the rest of your J.Crew attire.

Sunski Treeline Polarized Sunglasses

The Best Outdoors Sunglasses: Price aside, these are some of the coolest shades around. Any choice from Sunski would be appropriate here, but its uber-unique Treeline silhouette is one of the sleekest you’ll find in this price bracket. Its durable, flexible frames are crafted from recycled polycarbonate and weigh less than a sole ounce. As far as vision is concerned, the polarized lenses reduce any sense of glare, and the shades boast Sunski’s proprietary Magni-Snap Sidekicks shields that easily detach when you don’t need additional protection.

AKILA Edra

The Best Square Sunglasses: Akila is a SoCal-based label that knows a thing or two about what it takes to craft high-quality eyewear at an affordable price. And these square-frame shades are no exception; they’re minimal yet bold, and made with eco-conscious acetate. They’re also durable, with 5-barrel hinges and stainless steel temple cores. Additionally, Akila plants a tree for each pair of sunglasses purchased through the brand’s site.

Quay Nightfall

The Best Oversized Sunglasses: QUAY is an Australian brand based around summertime fun and head-turning style, and the NIGHTFALL is a perfect fit no matter what time of day it is. As one of the more fashion-forward choices that you’ll find here, it is an extremely unique choice to pick up. The sunglasses boast a one-piece lens and come available in a sprawling ensemble of color schemes, with two polarized options available. The blacked-out choice is our personal favorite, serving as a paparazzi-approved set of eyewear.

Warby Parker Barkley

The Best Customizable Sunglasses: The ever-so-cool Warby Parker Barkley silhouette is eerily similar to your average pair of square-shaped specs, but it’s the meticulous craftsmanship that sets them apart from the norm. The frames are crafted with hand-polished cellulose acetate and made durable with akulon-coated screws. Lastly, the scratch-resistant CR-39 lenses assist in blocking out every bit of the sun’s UV rays.

Arnette Catfish

The Best Wrap-Around Sunglasses: Arnette has been delivering exquisite, sustainably-made sunglass silhouettes for three decades on the dot, and this stylish example is yet another hit. The Catfish is a wrap-around pair of sunglasses with oval lenses and comes in four distinct colorways for an unabashed sense of fashion-forwardness. By fusing top-tier materials, streetwear-inspired styling, and widespread accessibility, the California-based marque checks all the boxes.

The Best Men’s Aviator Sunglasses Available

Looking to step up your sunglasses game even more? Then perhaps the best route is to go with a pair of aviators. We’ve rounded up our favorite pairs on the market in our guide to this iconic silhouette.