How we selected products
crystalfoto/Shutterstock
The primary considerations for this best-of sunglasses story are the cultural relevance, trends, and consumer demand for different styles. Of course, the cool factor is a somewhat subjective topic, so the research touched on trends reported by fashion experts as well as social media activity and user reviews. Analysis of the role of sunglasses has played in Hollywood helped shape recommendations as well.
In addition to timeless sunglasses style and 2022 sunglasses trends, many of the sunglasses include polarization, UV protection, scratch-resistant lenses as well as other functionality features. Lastly, as Glamour notes, buying sunglasses online can prove challenging. To help with that, we’ve included a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles so you can finally find your favorite pair. We’ve included 19 pairs of the best sunglasses for women in 2022. But remember, many of these on-trend sunglasses also come in various colorways and sizes, so there’s truly something for everyone.
Best tortoise shell sunglasses
Warby Parker
Tortoiseshell frames have been a staple in eyewear fashion since the 1920s, according to Retropeepers. So much so that the mottled pattern was all the rage with trending flapper girls and dapper fellas of the time. And, sure enough, the style is now an absolute classic, worn by folks everywhere — even Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
These Warby Parker sunglasses play up the tortoise in a robust-but-far-from-showy frame. Customize the frames by choosing narrow or wide and prescription vs. non-prescription. The lens even blocks 100% of UV rays and is coated to prevent scratches. The Aubrey sunglasses are offered in three variations on Warby Parker, starting at $95.
Best sunglasses for Schitt’s Creek fans
D.L. Life Goods, LLC
Dan Levy — who played David, the delightfully smarmy character on “Schitt’s Creek” — enjoys a family legacy of sorts when it comes to eyewear. His Dad, the iconic comedic actor Eugene Levy, has long been associated with choosing small, statement-making glasses. The younger Levy took it one step further and launched his own line of eyewear.
If you’re feeling a whole “Schitt’s Creek” mood when you scroll through the offerings, that’s not just wishful thinking. In an interview with Vogue, Levy confirmed that “D.L. Eyewear was all over Schitt’s Creek;” both his Dad’s character and Catherine O’Hara’s wore his specs on the show. Dan Levy’s Harper Sunglasses are available at D.L. Eyewear for $135.
Best low-key brag sunglasses
Alexander McQueen
Now known as cat-eye glasses, Vogue reports that this staple silhouette was inspired by “Venetian Harlequin masks,” the ultra-decorative masks worn during Venice carnivals. And, sure, cats have a bit of a reputation for intentionally knocking stuff over (while creepily locking eyes with their human), but that’s all a part of the mystique, of course.
The Alexander McQueen Graffiti Cat-eye Sunglasses take that mystique and pair it with a wink of graffiti street style. The famed fashion house has 11.9 million followers on Instagram, including Diddy. The Graffiti Cat-eye Sunglasses are available at Alexander McQueen for $315.
Best aviator sunglasses for narrow faces
Revo
Of the countless cool moments in Hollywood’s love affair with sunglasses, it’s hard to compete with the time Tom Cruise took us all on a thrill ride to the danger zone in “Top Gun.” The iconic aviator sunglasses Cruise’s character, Maverick, wore in the film elevated an endless list of scenes in the movie. That shirtless beach volleyball scene, where Maverick wears nothing but perfectly distressed jeans, sweat, and aviators? Yes, please.
This pair from Revo fills a much-needed void in the aviators’ market — a smaller fit — and boasts the brand’s “signature NASA-based polarized lens technology.” The Relay Petite Sunglasses are available in three finishes at Revo for $239, and the standard size Relay is the same price.
Best sunglasses for outdoor adventure enthusiasts
Oakley
As it turns out, not everyone is as comfortable playing beach volleyball in jeans à la Tom Cruise in “Top Gun.” For three-time beach-volleyball Olympic Medalist April Ross, comfort and function are essential considerations. And with that in mind, she’s often seen sporting her Oakley sunglasses during competitions.
These Oakley sunglasses are designed to stay in place, even in the most adventurous situations. They boast a lightweight frame, details to prevent slippage, and even features to prevent hair snags. Most importantly, the sunglasses feature Prizm™ lenses, which punch up the visual contrast to ensure your eye-hand coordination is ready for any challenge. The Spindrift Sunglasses are available in four colors (prescription and non-prescription), at Oakley for $178.
Best trendy sunglasses at Target
Target
The frame that Elle dubbed the “it” look for summer 2021 is showing no signs of fading, especially while stars like Dua Lipa keep the style in heavy rotation. One of her Instagram posts featuring the trendy look tipped the social love scales with 4.3 million likes.
Rectangular sunglasses have a ’60s mod-style mojo, and this pair from Target goes with everything. The slim frame makes it easy to stash in a bag or pocket, and guess what? They don’t skimp on peeper protection; each pair offers at least 99% UV-ray protection. The Marble Print Rectangle Sunglasses are available at Target for $12.
Best eco-friendly sunglasses
TJIN Eyewear
Teal just seems to radiate a special aura — even Buddhist monks associate the color with an optimistic, anything-is-possible mindset. After all, it is the color often associated with boundless skies and oceans. So, what can you expect from a pair of teal sunglasses? Well, the sky’s the limit, obviously.
Along with the usual aesthetic dazzle, the Dasha Sunglasses from TIJN are also created with the Earth’s mojo in mind. Using an environmentally-minded acetate, these peacock-colored sunnies are a mindful pop of color. The Dasha Sunglasses are available in four colors at TIJN for $110.
Best splurge-worthy sunglasses
Alexander McQueen
Kate Hudson transformed herself into the character Penny Lane in the movie “Almost Famous.” She personified boho-cool vibes to a T. In an actually famous scene, her character — effortlessly cool in oversized tinted shades — is introduced with the memorable line, “This is Penny Lane, man; show some respect.”
Well, some things never change, and oversized custom tint sunglasses still deliver drama. Clearly, Alexander McQueen understood the assignment. The luxe brand offers these rose-tinted, hexagon-shaped sunnies adorned with a jewel-dabbled beetle. So if you’re in the mood for a splurge, channel your inner Penny Lane with elegant whimsy. The Beetle Jeweled Sunglasses are available at Alexander McQueen for $680.
Best vintage-inspired sunglasses
Foster Grant
A quick visit to Foster & Grant will have your online cart busting at the seams with gorgeous, affordable sunnies. One of their newest partnerships is with the “Modern Family” star Sofia Vergara, and the line has spectacular specs — everything from sunglasses, blue light blockers, and readers. Not only does it feature oodles of cat-eye, vintage, and classic frames, but most are under $35.
But what has the reaction been so far? Well, Vergara’s recent sunny-centric Instagram post has nearly 350k likes. Plus, these trendy sunglasses were designed for durability and boast 100% UV protection. The Sofia Vergara® x Foster Grant Jacinta Sunglasses are available at Foster & Grant for $30.95.
Best sunglasses if you’re all about color options
Moscot
If variety is the spice of life, then Moscot sunglasses are a jalapeno burrito. Case in point, the Lemtosh Sun Sunglasses are available in 20 colorways and four different widths. As a testament to the versatility, you can find celebs as wide-ranging as “Harry Potter”’s Rupert Grint to Johnny Depp rocking the brand’s frames.
In addition to celebrity-cool clout, the brand has been in business for more than a hot minute – 107 years, to be exact. So, it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about crafting crazy-cool sunglasses. And with so many sizes and color configurations, you’ll be happy to know they have a virtual try-on feature. The Lemtosh Sun Sunglasses are available at Moscot for $320.
Best sunglasses that will never go out of style
Raen
If you’re looking to amp up your style with a cat-eye frame but don’t want to go all-in, you can baby-step your way into the feline frenzy with an understated option, like the Nikol from Raen. There are four colors to choose from, but this “papaya” color undoubtedly adds a certain je ne sais quoi.
The benefits of polarized lenses and free returns, combined with Popsugar’s continued love of the cat-eye trend, make these sunglasses a real contender. Add to that a review that highlights the IRL benefits: It’s always good to find sunnies that “…actually STAY ON [your] face and [your] head” as well as offer “beautiful style, color, and construction overall.” The Nikol Sunglasses are available at Raen for $184.95.
19 Best Sunglasses For Women In 2022
Jacob Lund/Shutterstock
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. When you pop on your sunnies, no plumber on the planet can stop your drip because you’re automatically cooler. Just think about all the iconic moments burned into our collective memory due to the all-mighty sunglasses. We all owe a debt of swagger appreciation to the original “Top Gun” movie for gifting us a too-cool-to-care Tom Cruise in his aviator sunglasses, which quickly became one of the trendiest types on the market. And if you’re feeling fierce in a pair of oversized, black-framed sunglasses, you’re in good company; the look is a favorite of everyone from Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” to Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who always wears sunglasses.
According to the lecturer, researcher, and expert in fashion theory and visual culture Vanessa Brown, the impact of sunglasses is a scientific fact. In an interview with The Guardian, she explains that “sunglasses were always strongly associated with the glamour and power of modern technology, control of emotion, control of the body and control of interactions with others.” But, in the most straightforward description of sunglasses-mojo, she coined the perfect phrase: “glamorous detachment.” So, prepare to relax, detach, and get your glam on with the best sunglasses for women in 2022.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
According to the lecturer, researcher, and expert in fashion theory and visual culture Vanessa Brown, the impact of sunglasses is a scientific fact. In an interview with The Guardian, she explains that “sunglasses were always strongly associated with the glamour and power of modern technology, control of emotion, control of the body and control of interactions with others.”
But, in the most straightforward description of sunglasses-mojo, she coined the perfect phrase: “glamorous detachment.” So, prepare to relax, detach, and get your glam on with the best sunglasses for women in 2022.
How we selected products
crystalfoto/Shutterstock
The primary considerations for this best-of sunglasses story are the cultural relevance, trends, and consumer demand for different styles. Of course, the cool factor is a somewhat subjective topic, so the research touched on trends reported by fashion experts as well as social media activity and user reviews. Analysis of the role of sunglasses has played in Hollywood helped shape recommendations as well.
In addition to timeless sunglasses style and 2022 sunglasses trends, many of the sunglasses include polarization, UV protection, scratch-resistant lenses as well as other functionality features. Lastly, as Glamour notes, buying sunglasses online can prove challenging. To help with that, we’ve included a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles so you can finally find your favorite pair. We’ve included 19 pairs of the best sunglasses for women in 2022. But remember, many of these on-trend sunglasses also come in various colorways and sizes, so there’s truly something for everyone.
In addition to timeless sunglasses style and 2022 sunglasses trends, many of the sunglasses include polarization, UV protection, scratch-resistant lenses as well as other functionality features. Lastly, as Glamour notes, buying sunglasses online can prove challenging. To help with that, we’ve included a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles so you can finally find your favorite pair.
We’ve included 19 pairs of the best sunglasses for women in 2022. But remember, many of these on-trend sunglasses also come in various colorways and sizes, so there’s truly something for everyone.
Best tortoise shell sunglasses
Warby Parker
Tortoiseshell frames have been a staple in eyewear fashion since the 1920s, according to Retropeepers. So much so that the mottled pattern was all the rage with trending flapper girls and dapper fellas of the time. And, sure enough, the style is now an absolute classic, worn by folks everywhere — even Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
These Warby Parker sunglasses play up the tortoise in a robust-but-far-from-showy frame. Customize the frames by choosing narrow or wide and prescription vs. non-prescription. The lens even blocks 100% of UV rays and is coated to prevent scratches. The Aubrey sunglasses are offered in three variations on Warby Parker, starting at $95.
These Warby Parker sunglasses play up the tortoise in a robust-but-far-from-showy frame. Customize the frames by choosing narrow or wide and prescription vs. non-prescription. The lens even blocks 100% of UV rays and is coated to prevent scratches.
The Aubrey sunglasses are offered in three variations on Warby Parker, starting at $95.
Best sunglasses for Schitt’s Creek fans
D.L. Life Goods, LLC
Dan Levy — who played David, the delightfully smarmy character on “Schitt’s Creek” — enjoys a family legacy of sorts when it comes to eyewear. His Dad, the iconic comedic actor Eugene Levy, has long been associated with choosing small, statement-making glasses. The younger Levy took it one step further and launched his own line of eyewear.
If you’re feeling a whole “Schitt’s Creek” mood when you scroll through the offerings, that’s not just wishful thinking. In an interview with Vogue, Levy confirmed that “D.L. Eyewear was all over Schitt’s Creek;” both his Dad’s character and Catherine O’Hara’s wore his specs on the show. Dan Levy’s Harper Sunglasses are available at D.L. Eyewear for $135.
If you’re feeling a whole “Schitt’s Creek” mood when you scroll through the offerings, that’s not just wishful thinking. In an interview with Vogue, Levy confirmed that “D.L. Eyewear was all over Schitt’s Creek;” both his Dad’s character and Catherine O’Hara’s wore his specs on the show.
Dan Levy’s Harper Sunglasses are available at D.L. Eyewear for $135.
These budget-friendly sunnies are a one-and-done way to nail the 90’s look, which Refinery29 claims is all about balancing minimalism and a wink to futuristic vibes. (Oh, and butterflies.) So, since you’ll save a bunch of money on these sunglasses, you could splurge on some bedazzled butterflies to really seal the deal.
Best low-key brag sunglasses
Alexander McQueen
Now known as cat-eye glasses, Vogue reports that this staple silhouette was inspired by “Venetian Harlequin masks,” the ultra-decorative masks worn during Venice carnivals. And, sure, cats have a bit of a reputation for intentionally knocking stuff over (while creepily locking eyes with their human), but that’s all a part of the mystique, of course.
The Alexander McQueen Graffiti Cat-eye Sunglasses take that mystique and pair it with a wink of graffiti street style. The famed fashion house has 11.9 million followers on Instagram, including Diddy. The Graffiti Cat-eye Sunglasses are available at Alexander McQueen for $315.
The Alexander McQueen Graffiti Cat-eye Sunglasses take that mystique and pair it with a wink of graffiti street style. The famed fashion house has 11.9 million followers on Instagram, including Diddy.
The Graffiti Cat-eye Sunglasses are available at Alexander McQueen for $315.
Best aviator sunglasses for narrow faces
Revo
Of the countless cool moments in Hollywood’s love affair with sunglasses, it’s hard to compete with the time Tom Cruise took us all on a thrill ride to the danger zone in “Top Gun.” The iconic aviator sunglasses Cruise’s character, Maverick, wore in the film elevated an endless list of scenes in the movie. That shirtless beach volleyball scene, where Maverick wears nothing but perfectly distressed jeans, sweat, and aviators? Yes, please.
This pair from Revo fills a much-needed void in the aviators’ market — a smaller fit — and boasts the brand’s “signature NASA-based polarized lens technology.” The Relay Petite Sunglasses are available in three finishes at Revo for $239, and the standard size Relay is the same price.
This pair from Revo fills a much-needed void in the aviators’ market — a smaller fit — and boasts the brand’s “signature NASA-based polarized lens technology.”
The Relay Petite Sunglasses are available in three finishes at Revo for $239, and the standard size Relay is the same price.
Best carefree festival sunglasses
Best sunglasses for outdoor adventure enthusiasts
Oakley
As it turns out, not everyone is as comfortable playing beach volleyball in jeans à la Tom Cruise in “Top Gun.” For three-time beach-volleyball Olympic Medalist April Ross, comfort and function are essential considerations. And with that in mind, she’s often seen sporting her Oakley sunglasses during competitions.
These Oakley sunglasses are designed to stay in place, even in the most adventurous situations. They boast a lightweight frame, details to prevent slippage, and even features to prevent hair snags. Most importantly, the sunglasses feature Prizm™ lenses, which punch up the visual contrast to ensure your eye-hand coordination is ready for any challenge. The Spindrift Sunglasses are available in four colors (prescription and non-prescription), at Oakley for $178.
These Oakley sunglasses are designed to stay in place, even in the most adventurous situations. They boast a lightweight frame, details to prevent slippage, and even features to prevent hair snags. Most importantly, the sunglasses feature Prizm™ lenses, which punch up the visual contrast to ensure your eye-hand coordination is ready for any challenge.
The Spindrift Sunglasses are available in four colors (prescription and non-prescription), at Oakley for $178.
Best trendy sunglasses at Target
Target
The frame that Elle dubbed the “it” look for summer 2021 is showing no signs of fading, especially while stars like Dua Lipa keep the style in heavy rotation. One of her Instagram posts featuring the trendy look tipped the social love scales with 4.3 million likes.
Rectangular sunglasses have a ’60s mod-style mojo, and this pair from Target goes with everything. The slim frame makes it easy to stash in a bag or pocket, and guess what? They don’t skimp on peeper protection; each pair offers at least 99% UV-ray protection. The Marble Print Rectangle Sunglasses are available at Target for $12.
Rectangular sunglasses have a ’60s mod-style mojo, and this pair from Target goes with everything. The slim frame makes it easy to stash in a bag or pocket, and guess what? They don’t skimp on peeper protection; each pair offers at least 99% UV-ray protection.
The Marble Print Rectangle Sunglasses are available at Target for $12.
Best eco-friendly sunglasses
TJIN Eyewear
Teal just seems to radiate a special aura — even Buddhist monks associate the color with an optimistic, anything-is-possible mindset. After all, it is the color often associated with boundless skies and oceans. So, what can you expect from a pair of teal sunglasses? Well, the sky’s the limit, obviously.
Along with the usual aesthetic dazzle, the Dasha Sunglasses from TIJN are also created with the Earth’s mojo in mind. Using an environmentally-minded acetate, these peacock-colored sunnies are a mindful pop of color. The Dasha Sunglasses are available in four colors at TIJN for $110.
Along with the usual aesthetic dazzle, the Dasha Sunglasses from TIJN are also created with the Earth’s mojo in mind. Using an environmentally-minded acetate, these peacock-colored sunnies are a mindful pop of color.
The Dasha Sunglasses are available in four colors at TIJN for $110.
Best splurge-worthy sunglasses
Kate Hudson transformed herself into the character Penny Lane in the movie “Almost Famous.” She personified boho-cool vibes to a T. In an actually famous scene, her character — effortlessly cool in oversized tinted shades — is introduced with the memorable line, “This is Penny Lane, man; show some respect.”
Well, some things never change, and oversized custom tint sunglasses still deliver drama. Clearly, Alexander McQueen understood the assignment. The luxe brand offers these rose-tinted, hexagon-shaped sunnies adorned with a jewel-dabbled beetle. So if you’re in the mood for a splurge, channel your inner Penny Lane with elegant whimsy. The Beetle Jeweled Sunglasses are available at Alexander McQueen for $680.
Well, some things never change, and oversized custom tint sunglasses still deliver drama. Clearly, Alexander McQueen understood the assignment. The luxe brand offers these rose-tinted, hexagon-shaped sunnies adorned with a jewel-dabbled beetle. So if you’re in the mood for a splurge, channel your inner Penny Lane with elegant whimsy.
The Beetle Jeweled Sunglasses are available at Alexander McQueen for $680.
Best goes-with-everything sunglasses
Best vintage-inspired sunglasses
Foster Grant
A quick visit to Foster & Grant will have your online cart busting at the seams with gorgeous, affordable sunnies. One of their newest partnerships is with the “Modern Family” star Sofia Vergara, and the line has spectacular specs — everything from sunglasses, blue light blockers, and readers. Not only does it feature oodles of cat-eye, vintage, and classic frames, but most are under $35.
But what has the reaction been so far? Well, Vergara’s recent sunny-centric Instagram post has nearly 350k likes. Plus, these trendy sunglasses were designed for durability and boast 100% UV protection. The Sofia Vergara® x Foster Grant Jacinta Sunglasses are available at Foster & Grant for $30.95.
But what has the reaction been so far? Well, Vergara’s recent sunny-centric Instagram post has nearly 350k likes. Plus, these trendy sunglasses were designed for durability and boast 100% UV protection.
The Sofia Vergara® x Foster Grant Jacinta Sunglasses are available at Foster & Grant for $30.95.
Best multipack for people who always lose their sunglasses
This multipack of minimalist retro cat-eye sunnies has a whopping 12 pairs of sunglasses. So, it’s an almost guilt-free scenario should you lose a pair here and there. But with multiple Taylor Swift references in the reviews, you’ll want to hold on tight. One reviewer said she “Used these as part of a Taylor Swift-themed birthday party. These glasses were much nicer than [she] had expected.”
Best smart sunglasses for capturing life’s most spontaneous moments
Most recently, Ray-Ban has put a lot of innovative energy into smart sunglasses, which allow you to capture photographs, video, and sound in real-time. So if you’re into spontaneous creative content creation and want to join what one user calls a technological “revolution,” these tech-trendy sunglasses are worth a looksie.
Best sunglasses if you’re all about color options
Moscot
If variety is the spice of life, then Moscot sunglasses are a jalapeno burrito. Case in point, the Lemtosh Sun Sunglasses are available in 20 colorways and four different widths. As a testament to the versatility, you can find celebs as wide-ranging as “Harry Potter”’s Rupert Grint to Johnny Depp rocking the brand’s frames.
In addition to celebrity-cool clout, the brand has been in business for more than a hot minute – 107 years, to be exact. So, it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about crafting crazy-cool sunglasses. And with so many sizes and color configurations, you’ll be happy to know they have a virtual try-on feature. The Lemtosh Sun Sunglasses are available at Moscot for $320.
In addition to celebrity-cool clout, the brand has been in business for more than a hot minute – 107 years, to be exact. So, it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about crafting crazy-cool sunglasses. And with so many sizes and color configurations, you’ll be happy to know they have a virtual try-on feature.
The Lemtosh Sun Sunglasses are available at Moscot for $320.
Best sunglasses that will never go out of style
Raen
If you’re looking to amp up your style with a cat-eye frame but don’t want to go all-in, you can baby-step your way into the feline frenzy with an understated option, like the Nikol from Raen. There are four colors to choose from, but this “papaya” color undoubtedly adds a certain je ne sais quoi.
The benefits of polarized lenses and free returns, combined with Popsugar’s continued love of the cat-eye trend, make these sunglasses a real contender. Add to that a review that highlights the IRL benefits: It’s always good to find sunnies that “…actually STAY ON [your] face and [your] head” as well as offer “beautiful style, color, and construction overall.” The Nikol Sunglasses are available at Raen for $184.95.
The benefits of polarized lenses and free returns, combined with Popsugar’s continued love of the cat-eye trend, make these sunglasses a real contender. Add to that a review that highlights the IRL benefits: It’s always good to find sunnies that “…actually STAY ON [your] face and [your] head” as well as offer “beautiful style, color, and construction overall.”
The Nikol Sunglasses are available at Raen for $184.95.
Best ultra-modern sunglasses with a shield frame
According to The Zoe Report, styles may come and go, but at the foundation of coolness is confidence in self-expression. A pair of shield-style sunglasses are a great way to balance trend and individuality.
Best carved wood sunglasses for an outdoorsy vibe
One reviewer mentioned, “They are very well made and have surprising ‘heft’ for being made with bamboo frames.” So, when you add in the six-color and carving varieties, these sunnies check off a lot of boxes. Plus, on any given day, you’ll likely see wood-frame-wearing celebrities such as Beyonce switching up their sunglasses game to include an outdoorsy vibe.
Best larger-than-life statement sunglasses
Whether your burning need for maximalism is a fabulous personality trait or the result of pandemic fatigue-driven fashion trends, this $20 purchase is “bold, classy, and sassy,” according to one fan. “If you’re that bold & confident woman who loves a nice pair of stylish sunglasses, you can’t go wrong with these!”
