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13 Best Designer Sunglasses Worth the Investment
Spending a little more will serve you so much better in the long run.
I'm a sunglasses person, and let me tell you something that I've learned over the years. In the long run, you're going to be much better off with a pair of expensive designer sunnies than you are with a pair of cheapo, random sunglasses that are going to break on you after, like, a week. Designer sunglasses bring it all in terms of style and longevity. They're worth the investment, and if you're looking for a new pair to add to your wardrobe, the very best ones are right here.
All of the picks on this list are of the highest quality, so it all comes down to what you want in terms of looks. Maybe you want a colorful statement pair to pull out every now and then; maybe you want a basic staple pair to put on every day. If you're a logomaniac, there are picks here for you, but if you prefer something more subtle, we've got that, too. From the handcrafted precision of Jacques Marie Mage to the unending playfulness of Loewe, shop these designer sunglasses, and then kick back, relax, and get ready for the sun to come out—you're already well prepared.
Jacques Marie Mage Alta Aviator-Style Sunglasses
Jacques Marie Mage Alta Aviator-Style Sunglasses
Pros
- Timeless yet modern look
- Handcrafted with gold- and silver-toned details
Cons
- One of the pricier options
For unlocking your inner billionaire media mogul. These Japanese-made frames feature bamboo-chipped temples, sleek architectural details, and over 300 individual steps in their making.
Celine Homme Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
Celine Homme Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
Pros
- Simple silhouette
- Can wear with everything
Cons
- Narrow fit
Celine Homme is the unofficial provider of Cool Guy Glasses (not trademarked). Just look to guys like Timothée Chalamet—if you want something simple and sleek that'll make you look like an A-list celebrity off duty, these are the sunnies for you.
Gucci Square-Framed Sunglasses
Gucci Square-Framed Sunglasses
Pros
- Multiple color options
- Enamel logo on the sides
Cons
- Oversize fit isn't for everybody
Gucci hits the nail on the head when it comes to a classically cool square-shaped frame. These are timeless, versatile, and—true to Gucci's ethos—just damn cool.
Louis Vuitton LV Urban Round Sunglasses
Louis Vuitton LV Urban Round Sunglasses
Pros
- Unique, stylish colors
- Perfect for summer
Cons
- Orange might not be your everyday choice
Few things have us wishing for sunny days as much as Louis Vuitton's new frames do. With orange-hued lenses (which can be swapped out as you please), a tiny LV monogram on the hinges, and a contemporary, rounded silhouette, these are definitely gonna stay in your back pocket, if not on your face.
Prada 06YS 53MM Sunglasses
Prada 06YS 53MM Sunglasses
Pros
- Versatile AF
- Universally flattering
Cons
- Fits narrow
If you're the kind of guy who likes a rectangular frame, you'll love this pair from Prada. If the tortoiseshell frames didn't already exude luxury enough, the Prada logos on the arms certainly will.
Tom Ford Jaden 60mm Polarized Navigator Sunglasses
Tom Ford Jaden 60mm Polarized Navigator Sunglasses
Pros
- Polarized lenses reduce glare
- Adjustable nose pads
Cons
- Rose-gold hardware can be difficult to match
Everything Tom Ford manages to look sleek, expensive, and elegant—and these sunglasses are no exception.
Balenciaga Rectangle Mirror B Acetate Sunglasses
Balenciaga Rectangle Mirror B Acetate Sunglasses
Pros
- Saddle nose bridge is super comfy
- Has wide arms for support
Cons
- Too much of a statement piece to wear every day
At the end of the day, sunglasses are an accessory as much as they are a necessity, so you may as well have some fun with them. Balenciaga certainly isn't afraid to, with these funky black-and-white frames, complete with a big ol' B logo at each arm.
Burberry Peter 51mm Square Sunglasses
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Logo stamped at the temples
Cons
- Thin arms are more delicate
Sleek, polished, and classic—the Burberry way. These frames can (and should) go with you anywhere, from a vacation in Europe to a Monday at the office.
Dior Eyewear Blacksuit R7U Sunglasses
Dior Eyewear Blacksuit R7U Sunglasses
Pros
- Lightweight
- Unique look
Cons
- Limited color options
These frames have it all and still manage to look classy. From the metal brow bar to the stitch-inspired hinges, if you want to make a sleek, smart statement, this is how it's done.
Loewe 56MM Oversized Square Sunglasses
Loewe 56MM Oversized Square Sunglasses
Pros
- Funky, fresh look
- Branding at the temples
Cons
- Thick arms may be uncomfortable
Why not have some fun with it? Loewe certainly is. These oversize frames with tinted lenses are one of the only pairs of sunglasses in the world that make you look stylish instead of asshole-y when you choose to keep 'em on indoors.
Versace Rock Icon 58mm Sunglasses
Pros
- Iconic Medusa hardware on the arms
- Universally flattering shape
Cons
- Only one color option
Meet the sunglasses you can (and should) wear everywhere. Versace's frames are all about understated elegance that can rise to every occasion.
Cartier Eyewear Aviator-Style Sunglasses
Cartier Eyewear Aviator-Style Sunglasses
Pros
- Cursive Cartier signature inscribed on each arm
- Available in gold or silver hardware
Cons
- Pricey
Cartier's elevated, luxurious look and feel carry over to the world of eyewear, too. These sunglasses may look delicate, but with Cartier's superior manufacturing, they're anything but.
Off-White Virgil 145MM Square Sunglasses
Off-White Virgil 145MM Square Sunglasses
Pros
- Metal logo at the temples
- Plenty of color options
Cons
- Bulkier than other styles
Streetwear fans will know that nothing completes a fit quite like Off-White sunnies. With tinted lenses that you can sport inside or outside and thick, dark frames, these are IG grid-ready at all times.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We're not going to say something is great unless it's actually great. Every product in Esquire's roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to designer sunglasses, you can rest assured that we're hand-selecting styles that we've personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear. We've had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these picks are the ones that are simply the best.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don't, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you're looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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