Travel Products We Tested 21 Pairs of Women’s Sunglasses to Find the Best Ones to Shop Right Now These are the most stylish, sporty, and versatile sunglasses for women. By Anna Popp Anna Popp Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 4, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Other Sunglasses We Liked Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker While everyone has style preferences when it comes to choosing a pair of sunglasses, there are several key factors to consider when shopping for sunnies. Of course, sizing and fit are important for both comfort and style, but one of the most important standards to look for are lenses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection to keep your eyes safe from harmful sun rays. With activities like hiking, fishing, walking, or everyday accessorizing in mind, we thoroughly researched and tested 21 pairs of shades to test in the real world. We analyzed the fit, appearance, performance, value, and quality of each pair during the two-week testing period to determine the best of the best for both everyday life and outdoor activities. Although it comes down to style preference and intended use for choosing the right pair of sunglasses, we’re certain you won’t want to leave the house without a selection from our list below. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Eleventh Hour Essential Polarized Sunglasses at Hsn.com Jump to Review Best Budget: I-Sea All Aboard Polarized Sunglasses at I-sea.com Jump to Review Best Cat-eye: Indy Nolita Sunglasses at Indysunglasses.com Jump to Review Best Circular: Randolph Elinor Fusion Polarized Sunglasses at Framesdirect.com Jump to Review Best Retro: Le Specs Unreal! Sunglasses at Amazon Jump to Review Best Rectangular: Illesteva Wilson Sunglasses at Illesteva.com Jump to Review Best Splurge: Maui Jim Capri Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Outdoor Activities: Smith Caper Sunglasses with Chromapop at Amazon Jump to Review Best Oversized: Quay Australia After Hours 50mm Square Sunglasses at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Overall Eleventh Hour Essential Polarized Sunglasses 4.9 Eleventh Hour View On Hsn.com View On Shopeleventh.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Appearance 4.5/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Love It The slight cat-eye lenses are sharp and the acetate frames have the perfect balance of flexibility and sturdiness. What to Consider The frames might be a little large on some face shapes. When it comes to comfort, these stylish sunglasses from Eleventh Hour are made with handmade acetate frames that are thick and sturdy but extremely lightweight and feel nearly weightless, especially while wearing them for long periods of time. The arms have just the right amount of give so they won’t press against your temples but they still feel secure on your head. Although the bridge doesn’t have any padding, the sunglasses comfortably sit on the nose without causing any pinching or sliding down. We tried the white frames with brown lenses and black frames with gray lenses, and both colors offered excellent clarity in both bright and dim weather conditions. Plus, the lenses are polarized to reduce glare in bright settings and the lenses have 100 percent protection against UVA and UVB rays. With a subtle cat-eye shape in the lenses and slightly oversized frames, these shades offer the best of two trendy styles without leaning too heavily toward one style. And with the polarized and UV-protected lenses, these sunnies can be worn for activities ranging from having brunch on a patio to lounging lakeside. Price at time of publish: $85 The Details: Polarized | 52 millimeter lens | 19 millimeter bridge | 143 millimeter temple | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | Acetate frame Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio Best Budget I-Sea All Aboard Polarized Sunglasses 4.5 I-Sea View On I-sea.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Performance 4.5/5 Quality 4.5/5 Appearance 4.5/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Love It The metal frames are lightweight and the circular lenses are big enough to cover your eyes for extra protection. What to Consider The arms feel a bit flimsy. These wallet-friendly shades are super lightweight and easy to toss in a carry-on for your next vacation. The circular lenses are polarized and come with 100 percent UV protection, and we love that you can protect your eyes for a variety of activities without having to spend too much. Thanks to the lightweight metal frames, the shades are easy to slip on and the ends of the arms have rubber grippers for comfort and sturdiness. Although the frames are a little flimsy or loose-feeling, the arms don’t press into your temples and the bridge doesn’t pinch at the top of your nose. These sunglasses are best suited for more leisurely activities like walking, commuting, or sitting outside due to the looser fit, but the large smoke-colored lenses do an excellent job of blocking the glare from the sun. Price at time of publish: $28 The Details: Polarized | 22 millimeter bridge | 142 millimeter temple | 100 percent UV protection | Metal frame Best Cat-eye Indy Nolita Polarized Sunglasses 5 Indy View On Indysunglasses.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Appearance 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It These statement sunglasses have a sleek and flattering 1950s cat-eye frame. What to Consider We found a small scratch on the lens after the two-week testing period. Cat-eye sunglasses will never go out of style, and we highly recommend this sleek pair from Brooklyn-based eyewear brand, Indy. Slightly different from the typical sharp-cornered cat-eye lens, these have a softer oval shape that gives them a more modern edge. The dark gray and brown lenses boast polarization and 100 percent UV protection, and while they’re quite fashionable, they’re also practical for all sorts of activities when you travel. These sunnies come in one size but the acetate frames have enough flexibility and sturdiness that they didn’t feel too tight or too loose on either of our testers. They aren’t the most lightweight sunglasses but the dense material feels extremely durable and we didn’t experience any discomfort or sliding while wearing them. There was a tiny scratch on one of the lenses at the end of the testing period, but if you’re cautious with the glasses and keep them in the case when not in use they’ll be less likely to get damaged. Price at time of publish: $79 The Details: Polarized | 52.6 millimeter lens | 20.6 millimeter bridge | 144.7 millimeter temple | 100 percent UV protection| Acetate frame Travel + Leisure / Jessica Vadillo Travel + Leisure / Jessica Vadillo The 13 Best Places to Buy Sunglasses of 2023 Best Circular Randolph Elinor Fusion Polarized Sunglasses 4.8 Randolph View On Framesdirect.com View On Randolphusa.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Performance 4.8/5 Quality 4.5/5 Appearance 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Love It The 23-karat gold metal frame is delicate but sturdy. What to Consider The price is on the higher end. Made with 23-karat gold and metal frames, these luxe circle glasses from Randolph are polarized and have 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. There are seven different colored frames and lenses to choose from, and each lens is made with the brand’s ultra-lightweight Skyforce nylon material which boasts blue light-blocking filters and anti-glare coating. The sunglasses passed our polarization test with flying colors and proved to be excellent shades for all-day wear in bright and sunny weather. To match the extremely lightweight lenses, the metal frames feel delicate and light while remaining sturdy and secure on your head. The bridge has adjustable pads that rest comfortably on top of your nose and prevent the glasses from sliding down or pinching. Plus, these sunglasses come with both an embossed hardshell case and a soft case for protection against damage, and they also include a generous lifetime warranty. Although the price point is a little steep, these U.S.-made sunglasses have a premium feel that matches the cost. Price at time of publish: $329 The Details: Polarized | 57-millimeter lens | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio Travel + Lleisure / Alessandra Amodio Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio Best Retro Le Specs Unreal! Sunglasses 4.8 Le Specs View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Lespecs.com Our Ratings Fit 4.8/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Appearance 4.8/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The oval frame is flattering on a range of face shapes. What to Consider The arms felt a bit stiff behind the ears at first. Celebrity-loved eyewear brand Le Specs has a slew of timeless sunglasses styles, including these retro shades that are Lizzo- and Gigi Hadid-approved. Size-wise, these glasses are on the smaller end but they proved to be plenty comfortable after an initial break-in period where the arms felt slightly tight behind the ears. After several wears, the shades loosened up while still feeling secure and without causing any discomfort around the ears or on the bridge of the nose. These dark-tinted glasses aren’t polarized and have category three UV protection, which are intended more for everyday sun protection rather than outdoor activities like hiking or swimming. However, if you’re looking for that ‘90s supermodel style for strutting around the city, these sturdy and comfy sunglasses are your best bet. Price at time of publish: $79 The Details: Not polarized | 52 millimeter lens | 16 millimeter bridge | 140 millimeter temple | Polycarbonate plastic frame Travel + Leisure / Phoebe Sklansky Travel + Leisure / Phoebe Sklansky Best Rectangular Illesteva Wilson Sunglasses 4.8 Illesteva View On Illesteva.com View On Revolve Our Ratings Fit 4.7/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Appearance 4.7/5 Value 4.7/5 Why We Love It The oversized rectangular frames come in 17 different colors and patterns. What to Consider The arms are a little uncomfortable resting behind the ears. If you’re looking to level up your accessory game, these rectangular sunglasses from Illesteva are as stylish as they are durable and comfortable. There are 17 colors to choose from so you can opt for a sleek pair of black shades or branch out with a pair of pink frames with matching pink lenses. No matter which color you get, the slightly oversized frames feel sturdy and thick so they won’t snap or break easily if you leave them out of the hardshell and soft case they come with. The glasses only come in one size so you may feel a bit of tightness behind the ears, but the discomfort is so minimal that it’s not a deal breaker by any means. Although the lenses aren’t polarized, they have 100 percent UV protection so they’ll still protect your eyes and they do a solid job of reducing the glare on both bright and overcast days. Price at time of publish: $250 The Details: Not polarized | 51 millimeter lens | 22 millimeter bridge | 145 millimeter temple | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | Acetate frame Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada The 5 Best Smart Glasses for Travel in 2023 Best Splurge Maui Jim Capri Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses 4.9 Maui Jim View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Abt.com Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Appearance 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The gray-tinted lenses are impeccably clear and sharp. What to Consider The frames are intended to have a snug fit. From hiking in the morning to brunching at a restaurant in the afternoon, these versatile Maui Jim sunglasses are both protective and stylish. The cat-eye frames and polarized lenses both look and feel premium thanks to the sleek black acetate material and thin glass frames that offer superior clarity compared to other sunglasses we tried. The tinted lenses offer impressively clear vision on both sunny and cloudy days despite the darker gray and purple-ish hue from the glass. The lenses are also designed to be shatter- and scratch-resistant, and after lots of use in and out of the hardshell case provided, we didn’t notice any damage to the durable lenses or frame. One thing to note is that these sunglasses are designed for smaller heads, so the fit is on the tighter end. Price at time of publish: $349 The Details: Polarized | 51 millimeter lens | 21 millimeter bridge | 145 millimeter temple | Acetate frame Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp Best for Outdoor Activities Smith Caper Sunglasses with Chromapop 4.9 Smith Optics View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Backcountry.com Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Appearance 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The frames don’t slip off when your face gets sweaty and the lenses boast excellent clarity and a helpful anti-glare coating. What to Consider The arms may be a little tight for wider heads. Smith’s Caper Sunglasses feature the brand’s ChromaPop lenses for boosting natural colors, protecting the eyes from UV rays, and reducing the glare from the sun. The sharp color contrast and sun protection from the lenses makes these ideal for outdoor activities, especially hiking, kayaking, or boating where you may be exposed to harmful sun rays or experience more glare. The hearty frames are equally as impressive as the lenses and they feel exceptionally durable, so you can toss them in a backpack (while inside the included case, of course) without worrying about them breaking or scratching easily. Best of all, they still have a chic look to them with a circular shape and four color options to choose from, so you can wear these versatile shades both on a camping trip and for everyday wear. Price at time of publish: $189 The Details: Polarized | 53 millimeter lens | 19 millimeter bridge | 145 millimeter temple | 100 percent UV protection Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price From Spacious Towels to Sturdy Umbrellas, These Are the Best Beach Accessories Best Oversized Quay Australia After Hours 50mm Square Sunglasses 4.6 Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Quayaustralia.com Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Performance 4.3/5 Quality 4.5/5 Appearance 4.5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The large square lenses do an excellent job of blocking out the sun and wind. What to Consider The lenses are not polarized and could be slightly more clear. Despite the oversized fit of these square-shaped sunglasses, they are extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The gray-tinted lenses aren’t polarized but they do offer 100 percent UV protection, so these fashion-forward glasses are plenty protective for most outdoor activities. Whether you’re running errands or hiking, the sunglasses will rest securely behind your ears and will stay comfortable on the bridge of your nose, since the arms aren’t too tight and the frames are impressively lightweight without feeling flimsy. The oversized square shape means that a huge portion of your face will be protected from the sun and wind, so we think these statement sunglasses are equally functional, too. Price at time of publish: $65 The Details: Not polarized | 50 millimeter lens | 24 millimeter bridge | 150 millimeter temple | 100 percent UV protection Travel + Leisure / Anna Knief Travel + Leisure / Anna Knief Travel + Leisure / Anna Knief Travel + Leisure / Anna Knief Other Sunglasses for Women We Liked We tested plenty of women’s sunglasses that scored highly, but there were a few that fell short due to some issues with comfort and fit. Here are some of the glasses that didn’t quite make our list of the top picks, but are still worth an honorable mention. Vincero Collective The Quinn: They are very lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods of time, but the arms are on the wider side so the sunglasses didn’t always feel secure. Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox Féroce Heather: These uniquely shaped sunglasses are meant to be worn as more of a statement piece so they aren’t as versatile as other pairs we tested, but the frames feel sturdy and the lenses are clear. They’d still make an excellent fashion accessory for sunny days. Travel + Leisure / Elise Wojczyk Wang Chimi Tom Greyhound: Sleek, sturdy, and stylish, these cat-eye glasses scored highly for comfort, fit, and durability thanks to the lightweight frame and tinted lenses, but the price point was a little steep compared to other cat-eye glasses we tried. Travel + Leisure / Jessica Vadillo Our Testing Process We sent 21 pairs of sunglasses out into the real world to be worn for activities like driving, walking dogs, skiing, and everyday accessorizing. We each tested two sets of shades and used two testers per pair to thoroughly compare fit, appearance, performance, value, and quality over a two-week period. All of the sunglasses are currently being tested for 6 more months so we can continue to provide up-to-date insights on the longevity and functionality of each pair of sunnies. The sunglasses earning the highest praise for sizing and fit had comfortable and flattering positioning on the face and they didn’t press too hard on the sides of the head or pinch the bridge of the nose. Our favorite sunglasses had some flexibility when we bent the arms but proved to be made with a durable frame and lens materials that didn’t damage or scratch easily. To make sure the lenses were polarized, we rotated the sunglasses vertically about 90 degrees to check if the lenses darkened. Whether it was bright and sunny or slightly cloudy outside, we noted if the lenses (regardless of color) were sharp without compromising clarity. Tips for Buying Sunglasses for Women Think about your intended use Whether you’re using sunglasses for rigorous outdoor activities or as a fashion accessory, you’ll want to choose the right style for your intended use. Cat-eye and circular-shaped sunglasses might be better suited for leisurely activities, and wayfarer or sport sunglasses work well for hiking or biking. And if you plan on being outdoors, opt for a pair of polarized sunglasses to reduce the glare from bright light. Look for polarization and UV protection features Contrary to popular belief, polarized sunglasses don’t necessarily mean they’re better than non-polarized glasses. Polarized lenses reduce glare from the sun while UV protection stops harmful rays from damaging your eyes, so the two features are very different. If you’re planning on using sunglasses for outdoor activities, polarized lenses (paired with UV protection, too) are better and in general, you want all of your sunnies to have UV protection. Check the sizing Everyone has a different face shape and size so it’s important to double-check lens, bridge, and temple sizing to make sure the fit of the glasses won’t be too small or too big. Oftentimes, the sizes will be listed in millimeters, and the brand may also indicate which face or head shape the glasses could be best suited for. Frequently Asked Questions How will I know if a pair of sunglasses will fit properly? If you already have a pair of sunglasses or eyeglasses you love, measure the lenses, bridge, and temple length to have an idea of the measurements that are comfortable for you. Most brands will list the measurements of the sunglasses in the specifications section along with other information like the type of face shape or size the glasses could work well with. How do I clean sunglasses? It’s crucial to follow the instructions provided when you purchase the glasses to make sure you don’t accidentally scratch or damage the lenses. Most sunglasses will come with a microfiber fabric swatch to use to gently clean fingerprints or dust off of the lenses. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Commerce Writer Anna Popp reviews travel products and writes almost all of the team’s tested content. She participated in this test by trying out three pairs of sunglasses while traveling, hiking, and running around New York City. Anna worked with our editors and sifted through thorough testing insights to compile this list of the best sunglasses for women. The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit