These are the best men’s sunglasses for summer 2021
From a modern spin on the classic Aviator to a pair of film-inspired frames, here are the best men's sunglasses for summer...
Words: Jonathan Wells
Photography: Jack Wilson
Come summertime, there’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with a few friends. Petrol in the tank, wind in your hair, sun in your eyes…
Although that last one could cause some problems. Few things put the brakes on a summer roadtrip like bad visibility. That’s why, ahead of sunny months spent motoring around the country, we’ve picked out our eight favourite frames to shade your eyes behind the wheel.
We’ve got reliable round lenses from Monc, Oscar Deen and The Bespoke Dudes Eyewear. There’s a nifty wire-framed design from Cubitts — a riff on the classic Aviator. We’ve even included the iconic Ray-Ban Clubmaster style if you’re looking for a time-tested, traditional pair. Discover your new summer sunglasses below…
Cubitts Collier sunglasses
If you’re feeling the need for speed this summer, what better style of sunglasses to buy than these Aviator-style frames from Cubitts? Crafted carefully in the Top Gun tradition, the angular shape of the lenses particularly complement oval or round face shapes. And that simple, bridgeless design ensures that they’ll can deflect flare without being too flashy.
Oscar Deen Pinto sunglasses
With lenses made from organic plastic, Oscar Deen’s ‘Pinto’ frames are highly sustainable. But they’re recycled in more ways that one; with the design itself borrowed from a classic French frame called the ‘Crown Panto’. A slight misreading here, a modern recreation in lightweight Mazzucchelli acetate there — and the Italian-made ‘Pinto’ pair was born.
Monc Løkka sunglasses
With their subtle blue marble colouring, these quirkily styled, round frames are the jewel in Monc’s expansive, impressive collection of sunglasses. Like Oscar Deen’s ‘Pinto’ frames above, the focus here is on sustainability. The lenses are mineral glass, the frames crafted from bio-acetate — and the case and packaging made from sustainable leather and recycled coffee cups.
The Bespoke Dudes Eyewear Pleat sunglasses
Tortoiseshell makes for a classic summer sunglasses style. But these statement sunglasses, from Milan-based The Bespoke Dudes Eyewear, put a signature spin on the traditional tortoiseshell. The simple clip-on lenses offer not only protection from the sun — but also a glint of idiosyncratic gold to the otherwise conservative design. Practical; personal.
Cutler and Gross 1365 Aviator sunglasses
Ultra-modern and extra-slick, Cutler and Gross’ contemporary take on the Aviator style is a lightweight frame crafted from Italian titanium. That’s right; precious metal is the order of the day here — with the strong material hewn into a brow-heavy style and fitted with acetate lenses. Add two simple rubber nose pads, and you’ve got the least-traditional, most-transportable pair of sunglasses on this list.
Persol 714SM Steve McQueen sunglasses
A summer sunglasses list wouldn’t be complete without a pair of Persols. And this isn’t any old pair. Inspired by perhaps the most famous proponent of the brand, Steve McQueen, these folding frames are crafted in the iconic pilot shape (slightly rounder than Aviators), and bear the name of the iconic American actor. They required ten additional manufacturing steps to get just right.
Ray-Ban Clubmaster Classic sunglasses
Another classic. The Clubmaster style was inspired by the fashions and designs of the 1950s — and these retro frames will pair perfectly with any vintage-tinged outfits you throw together this summer. Whether styled alongside a leather jacket or a camp-collar shirt, Ray-Ban’s enduring, iconic frames have made a lasting impression for a reason.
Oliver Peoples Gregory Peck sunglasses
And, finally, another nod to a style icon of the past; this time, Gregory Peck. Designed in collaboration with the Peck Estate, these simple, subtle frames were inspired by the signature style that the actor wore in To Kill A Mockingbird. They’re soft of silhouette, comfortably classic and as dependable as the lawyer that landed Peck an Oscar.
Looking to upgrade your entire summer wardrobe? Here are the best swim shorts to make a splash in 2021…
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Further reading
Nick Wakeman, founder of Studio Nicholson, on kickstarting her brand as a one woman show
Filippo Pignatti, founder of Gentleman's Gram, shares his secret style codes
