The best sunglasses for men and women: 27 favourites with UV protection

Finding the right sunglasses can feel overwhelming — they sit front and centre on your face all summer and can be as practical as they are expressive. They offer a chance to add colour or a dash of personality while protecting your eyes. Check frames for a CE, UKCA or UV400 mark to ensure adequate protection; if you’re unsure, contact the brand.

Trying sunglasses on in real life is best, ideally with an honest friend, though virtual try-ons can help when you can’t visit a shop. For this guide I scoured the market and spoke to friends with different styles, budgets and face shapes to assemble 27 favourites.

Women’s picks include the Cos oversized square-frame aviators, Mulberry Mara, & Other Stories angular cat-eye, Le Specs Outta Love, Folc Mika and Meller Oba. Men’s highlights include Le Specs Bandwagon polarised, the Ray-Ban x A$AP Rocky Wayfarer puffer, Vans Wheeling, Ace & Tate Oshin, Izipizi Sun and Uniqlo narrow, alongside other classic and sustainable options.

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