Men’s Sunglasses: A Guide to Styles, Frames, and How to Wear Them

Men’s sunglasses are more than just a functional accessory for protecting your eyes from the sun—they’re a stylish addition to your outfit, offering personality and flair. With so many styles, frame materials, and lens options, choosing the right pair can make a big impact on your overall look. Here’s a comprehensive guide to men’s sunglasses, covering essential styles, frame types, lens options, and tips on how to wear them.

1. Types of men’s sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses are a classic style originally designed for pilots. They feature large, teardrop-shaped lenses and thin metal frames, offering a timeless and versatile look. Aviators suit a wide range of face shapes and are perfect for both casual and semi-formal outfits.

Style tip: Pair aviators with a leather jacket and jeans for a rugged, masculine look. For a more polished appearance, wear them with a blazer and chinos.

Wayfarer sunglasses

Wayfarers are iconic sunglasses known for their thick, square frames and slightly curved edges. They offer a timeless, casual look and suit most face shapes. Wayfarers are versatile and work well with both casual and smart-casual outfits.

Style tip: Pair wayfarers with a t-shirt, denim jacket, and sneakers for a classic, laid-back look. For a smart-casual twist, wear them with a button-down shirt and chinos.

Clubmaster sunglasses

Clubmaster sunglasses have a retro design, with thick, browline frames on the upper part of the lenses and thinner metal frames on the bottom. They offer a vintage-inspired look, making them perfect for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their style.

Style tip: Wear clubmasters with a lightweight blazer and loafers for a sophisticated, smart-casual outfit. They also pair well with more casual looks like a polo shirt and chinos.

Round sunglasses

Round sunglasses are a bold, vintage-inspired style made popular by iconic figures like John Lennon. These sunglasses feature perfectly circular lenses and frames, offering a unique, standout look. Round sunglasses are best suited for men with square or angular face shapes.

Style tip: Pair round sunglasses with a graphic t-shirt, relaxed-fit trousers, and boots for a bohemian-inspired outfit. They also work well with summer styles, like a linen shirt and shorts.

Rectangle sunglasses

Rectangle sunglasses feature long, narrow lenses and are ideal for men with round or oval face shapes. They offer a sleek, modern appearance and are typically less bulky than other styles. Rectangle sunglasses are perfect for sporty or casual outfits.

Style tip: Pair rectangle sunglasses with an athleisure outfit, like joggers and a bomber jacket, for a sporty, modern look. They also work well with casual wear, like jeans and a hoodie.

Square sunglasses

Square sunglasses are a bold, modern style that works well for men with round or oval face shapes. The geometric design adds structure to the face, offering a sleek, contemporary look. Square sunglasses are ideal for both casual and smart-casual outfits.

Style tip: Pair square sunglasses with a casual t-shirt and jeans for an everyday look. For a more polished vibe, wear them with a tailored suit.

Shield sunglasses

Shield sunglasses feature a single, continuous lens that spans across both eyes, offering full-face coverage. These futuristic, sporty sunglasses are ideal for outdoor activities and offer maximum sun protection. They are often seen in activewear or streetwear looks.

Style tip: Wear shield sunglasses with a track jacket, joggers, and sneakers for a sporty, athleisure look. They also pair well with streetwear, like oversized hoodies and chunky sneakers.

Wraparound sunglasses

Wraparound sunglasses are designed with curved lenses that wrap around the face, offering excellent coverage and protection from the sun. These sunglasses are ideal for outdoor sports and activities, offering both functionality and style.

Style tip: Pair wraparound sunglasses with activewear, like shorts, performance t-shirts, and running shoes for outdoor activities like hiking or cycling.

2. Sunglasses frame materials

Metal frames

Metal frames offer a sleek, lightweight design that’s both durable and versatile. Common metals used for sunglasses frames include stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum. Metal frames are often seen in aviators, clubmasters, and other classic styles.

Style tip: Choose metal frames for a clean, polished look that can be dressed up or down. They pair well with both casual and formal outfits.

Plastic frames

Plastic frames are lightweight, durable, and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Acetate, a high-quality plastic, is often used for more premium frames, offering a luxurious feel with a range of finishes. Wayfarers and square sunglasses often feature plastic frames.

Style tip: Opt for plastic frames in bold colors for a fun, casual look. Classic black or tortoiseshell frames offer a versatile, everyday style.

Wood frames

Wooden frames are a unique, eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials. They offer a rustic, natural look and are often handcrafted for a bespoke feel. Wooden sunglasses are ideal for casual, laid-back outfits.

Style tip: Pair wooden frames with casual, earthy outfits, like a linen shirt and chinos, for a relaxed, nature-inspired look.

Carbon fiber frames

Carbon fiber frames are lightweight and incredibly strong, making them perfect for sporty or performance sunglasses. These frames offer a sleek, modern design and are ideal for outdoor activities.

Style tip: Choose carbon fiber frames for sporty outfits, like performance wear or athleisure looks. They pair well with wraparound or shield sunglasses for outdoor activities.

3. Sunglasses lenses

Polarized lenses

Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and glass, making them ideal for outdoor activities. These lenses offer enhanced clarity and reduced eye strain, making them a popular choice for sports or driving sunglasses.

Style tip: Polarized lenses are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or cycling. Pair them with sporty frames for maximum functionality.

Mirrored lenses

Mirrored lenses feature a reflective coating that reduces glare and adds a bold, futuristic look. These lenses come in a variety of colors and are ideal for making a style statement while providing sun protection.

Style tip: Wear mirrored lenses with streetwear or athleisure outfits for a bold, modern look. Pair them with shield or wraparound frames for a sporty vibe.

Gradient lenses

Gradient lenses are darker at the top and gradually lighten towards the bottom, offering sun protection while allowing better visibility for reading or driving. They add a sophisticated touch to any sunglasses style.

Style tip: Pair gradient lenses with aviators or wayfarers for a refined, versatile look that works well with both casual and smart-casual outfits.

Photochromic lenses

Photochromic lenses automatically darken in bright sunlight and lighten in low-light conditions. These lenses offer convenience and versatility, making them ideal for those who transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

Style tip: Photochromic lenses are perfect for daily wear. Pair them with classic frames like aviators or square sunglasses for a seamless day-to-night transition.

Tinted lenses

Tinted lenses come in various colors, from brown and gray to blue and green. Different tints offer different benefits—brown enhances contrast, gray maintains true color, and blue or green adds a stylish pop of color.

Style tip: Wear tinted lenses in bold colors like blue or green for a playful, modern look. Stick to classic tints like brown or gray for a more versatile, everyday option.

4. How to choose sunglasses for your face shape

Oval face

Men with oval faces can wear almost any style of sunglasses due to their balanced proportions. Rectangular, square, or aviator sunglasses work well for this face shape.

Recommended styles: Aviators, wayfarers, round sunglasses.

Square face

Square faces feature strong jawlines and angular features. Sunglasses with round or oval lenses help soften these angles, creating a more balanced look.

Recommended styles: Round sunglasses, aviators, clubmasters.

Round face

Men with round faces should look for sunglasses with angular or geometric frames to add structure to their look. Rectangular and square frames help elongate the face and create balance.

Recommended styles: Wayfarers, rectangle sunglasses, square sunglasses.

Heart-shaped face

Heart-shaped faces are wider at the forehead and taper down towards the chin. Sunglasses with wider bottoms, like aviators or round frames, help balance the proportions of this face shape.

Recommended styles: Aviators, round sunglasses, wayfarers.

Oblong face

Oblong faces are longer than they are wide, so sunglasses with larger frames or wide lenses help create the illusion of width. Oversized or wraparound frames are ideal for this face shape.

Recommended styles: Oversized sunglasses, wraparound sunglasses, square sunglasses.

5. How to style men’s sunglasses

Casual looks

Outfit idea: Pair wayfarers with a white t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers for a classic, everyday outfit.

Outfit idea: Combine aviators with a leather jacket, slim jeans, and boots for a rugged, casual look.

Outfit idea: Wear round sunglasses with a linen shirt and shorts for a relaxed, summer vibe.

Smart-casual looks

• Outfit idea: Pair clubmasters with a blazer, chinos, and loafers for a polished, smart-casual look.
• Outfit idea: Wear gradient-lens aviators with a button-down shirt, tailored trousers, and loafers for a sleek, elevated outfit.

Sporty looks

• Outfit idea: Wear wraparound sunglasses with performance shorts, a moisture-wicking t-shirt, and running shoes for outdoor activities.
• Outfit idea: Pair shield sunglasses with a track jacket, joggers, and sneakers for a sporty, modern look.

6. Sunglasses dos and don’ts

Do:

• Choose the right fit: Make sure your sunglasses sit comfortably on your face without slipping down your nose or pinching your temples.
• Consider UV protection: Always choose sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection to protect your eyes from harmful rays.
• Match your style: Coordinate your sunglasses with your outfit and personal style. Classic frames like aviators and wayfarers are versatile, while bold, oversized styles make a statement.

Don’t:

• Wear sunglasses indoors: Unless medically necessary, wearing sunglasses indoors can come off as impractical or unpolished.
• Ignore face shape: Avoid styles that don’t complement your face shape, as the wrong sunglasses can throw off your proportions.
• Choose overly flashy frames for formal settings: Stick to classic, understated frames for formal or professional occasions to maintain a sophisticated look.

7. Final thoughts

Men’s sunglasses are an essential accessory, offering both style and sun protection. By understanding the different styles, frames, and lens options, you can find the perfect pair to complement your face shape and personal style. Whether you prefer classic aviators, trendy round frames, or sporty wraparound sunglasses, the right pair of sunglasses will enhance your look and provide the protection you need from the sun.