Words: Zak Maoui
Welcoming the longer summer days and much needed sunlight can only be a good thing. Your happiness levels elevate, while that dose of vitamin D has a profound effect on your general health. Meanwhile, the move into summer means (for those of you who don't wear them all year round), that you can invest in a new pair of sunglasses.
So, we've done a deep dive into the best sunglasses brands and selected the timeless frames that we reckon will last this year, next year and beyond. Whether its a pair of classic Wayfarers from Ray-Ban or a pair of chintzy golden sun blockers from Celine, these are the best sunglasses you can buy right now...
Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses
A classic! Unbeatable! The Wayfarer has been worn by everyone from Colin Farrell and Jake Gyllenhaal to Tom Cruise (notably in 1983 flick Risky Business) and Taylor Swift. Characterised by a square frame and made popular in the 1950s and 1960s by music and film icons such as Buddy Holly and James Dean, the Wayfarer's staying power is all too evident.
Celine Triomphe D-Frame sunglasses
Designed with all the Parisian flare you'd expect from LVMH-owned brand Celine, these sunglasses are cast from a gold-tone metal, and feature the Maison's "Triomphe" motif on the sides. Modern, yet with a touch of the 1970s about them, these exemplify Celine's ability to transcend eras.
Moscot Lemtosh sunglasses
Moscot is a five-generation business, and has been designing sunglasses since 1899. The New York-based brand is known for its classic eyewear and the Lemtosh, which is defined by it recognisable round frames and was introduced after WWII, is an instant classic.
Jacques Marie Mage
Austin Butler and Samuel L Jackson-favoured Jacques Marie Mage is US-based brand that specialises in Japan-made sunglasses, influences by cinema, art and cultures around the globe. Nearly 100 artisans ends up working on a pair of sunglasses, which is why they end up being a little more expensive than your standard pair of designer frames.
Cubitts Gerrard sunglasses
Cubitts was established in 2012 and is an eyeglass manufacturer based in Kings Cross. The independent label creates sunglasses with an edge, such as these narrow-framed shades, which features a blocky saddle bridge and tapered temples.
David Beckham Eyewear DB 1128/G/S sunglasses
David Beckham's sunglasses range has been going from strength to strength since it launched in 2020. Made with Italian eyewear manufacturer Safilo, DB Eyewear is based around the former football player's own favourite designs. These gold Havana frames come with green tinted lenses, while a David Beckham wordmark is found on the inside of the temples.
Jimmy Fairly The Fox M sunglasses
Designed in Paris, Jimmy Fairly's sunglasses are exactly what you want from stylish sun protection. They do the job, look great and, what's more, when you buy one pair, Jimmy Fairly will donate another to someone in need.
SunGod x McLaren Zephyrs sunglasses
Designed in collaboration with Lando Norris, the SunGod x McLaren Zephyrs sunglasses are carbon neutral, ultralight, and feature an 8KO lens which, if they're good enough for racing, are good enough for you.
Tom Davies Money sunglasses
Based in London, Tom Davies is quietly changing the sunglasses game. The label only uses the finest materials, including premium acetate, pure titanium, natural horn, precious metals and stones, and these sunglasses are exemplary of its commitment to creating excellent eyewear.
Persol Ida sunglasses
When in doubt, head to Persol. Founded in 1917 by Giuseppe Ratti, Persol originally catered to pilots and sports drivers, but now its offering is for everyone. Yet, its sunglasses are still made with the precision and care needed for those aforementioned professions.
Interested in giving your style a revamp? Shop the 24 essentials every man should have in his wardrobe
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