Shady business: The best men’s sunglasses for spring, summer and beyond
A good pair of shades is the perfect finishing touch for any great outfit
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
Can you feel it? Spring is (almost) in the air. The days are getting incrementally longer, brighter and, occasionally, warmer, and as springtime tentatively approaches, ushering away the doom and gloom of cloudy skies and freezing months, with it, sunglasses season follows.
Personal style philosophies aside, everybody knows that a great pair of men’s sunglasses is the perfect finishing touch to any good outfit. And we mean everybody: actors, athletes, princes and politicians all know the sartorial power of popping on a pair of polarised peepers.
James Bond always seems to have a pair of classic frames close at hand, whether chasing down bad guys (also usually sporting their own) or seducing his way through some far-flung locale. Lewis Hamilton is rarely seen without his – even going on to release a capsule of his own with luxury Italian accessories brand Police – and Royal style maven King Charles III is an avid fan, too, having finished off his look with a pair of timeless sunnies on many occasions.
The good news is that there’s a frame to suit all. From round and square, to retro Aviator or D-frames, there’s not much room for error – bar the dreadful wraparound styles our dads were so inexplicably fond of 20 years ago – and most shades are classic enough to stand the test of time. So whether you’re jetting off for some well-deserved sun, or looking to add to your collection, read on for Luxury London’s pick of the best men’s sunglasses.
Monc BELLEVILLE SUNGLASSES
Paying homage to the style made famous in Europe in the 1960s, Monc’s Belleville design features a slightly oversized frame with a rounded Panto shape. We love the thick burgundy frames, rounded lens profile and elegant flick that leads to the temple, while the mineral glass lenses will keep your eyes protected all day long.
Jacques Marie Mage Vendome sunglasses
Jacques Marie Mage handcrafts its luxury eyewear in Japan with influences drawn from around the globe. The Vendome style has a distinctive round frame, inspired by the Swinging Sixties and perfect for adding some sophistication to your summer wardrobe. Made from a dark brown cellulose acetate (a plant-based material that’s durable and hypoallergenic), they’re finished with gradient lenses and gold-toned hardware for a sleek and versatile choice.
Burberry check sunglasses
Featuring the brand’s signature check, these square framed sunglasses by Burberry are a statement-making choice for the sartorially savvy gent. A subtle nod to the logomania trend, the printed acetate frames are embellished with polished metal stripes and will earn you major taste points among the street style set.
Cartier Eyewear Première de Cartier aviator sunglasses
The French accessories house has not held back with its statement Première de Cartier aviators. Crafted at the brand’s workshop in scenic Sucy-en-Brie, the bold, brown-tinted lenses are complemented by sleek gold-tone hardware and logo-engraved tips.
Taylor Morris George Arthur sunglasses
Taylor Morris’ retro-inspired men’s sunglasses are lent a modern touch with the addition of vibrant yellow acetate frames. Providing 100 per cent UV protection, the lightweight, shades have been expertly cut to eliminate visual distortion while their classic style guarantees they will stand the test of time.
Cutler and Gross 1402 sunglasses
Handmade at the brand’s Italian atelier, these 1402 frames by Cutler and Gross pay homage to the 1970s. A classic D-frame in a tortoiseshell acetate brings a retro style, perfect for dressing to impress from sunny mornings to balmy afternoons.
Garrett Leight Hampton X sunglasses
As the son of the founder of Oliver Peoples, Garrett Leight was always going to have an eye for opticals, so the success of his eponymous brand has been no surprise. Since its first collection in 2010, the Hampton sunglasses have been a bestseller, striking a balance between casual and refined, classic and contemporary with a retro, rounded silhouette and fresh colour combinations.
Gucci Eyewear Aviator-Style Sunglasses
Gucci’s chunky aviator frames make a true style statement. Made from tortoiseshell acetate with thick, curved edges and wide arms, the oversized, empowering silhouette make the perfect accessory for a day spent sipping espresso on the Piazza del Duomo or cruising through the city.
Moscot Mizer sunglasses
Founded in 1915, family-owned Moscot has been providing New Yorkers with impeccably crafted opticals for five generations. Staying true to the brand’s DNA, each design harks back to the timeless styles that make up the family archive. These dapper and bold frames, handcrafted from metal and Italian acetate, take their inspiration from Lower East Side regular Samuel Kaufman with their reverse Windsor rim, double-bar nose bridge and notable street cred.
Ray Ban transparent RB4323 sunglasses
There’s a reason practically everyone has a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers in their collection. Versatile and timeless, the style has come to be one of the brand’s most iconic. Crafted from semi-transparent grey tortoiseshell and with tonal gradient lenses, this contemporary take lends a fresh, modern feel to the classic shades.
Bottega Veneta rectangle frame sunglasses
Deep chocolate brown lenses, gold-tone hardware and a slick, slim rectangular shape afford an air of nonchalance to these everyday frames. Imbued with Bottega Veneta’s signature insouciance, these men’s sunglasses will look just as good even after the sun has set.
bloobloom The Astronaut
For something a little more bold, set your sights on Bloobloom’s Future collection, made with the help of AI. The Astronaut square-framed shades are crafted from ultra-light aircraft-grade titanium and available in three different colours. Silver is our pick of the bunch, but act fast, they’re a limited edition of 35.
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