Contrary to popular belief, sunglasses are not just for when it’s warm. Here at Ape, we’re constantly baffled as to why the squinting masses don’t just commit to a great-looking pair of shades and carry them everywhere as a daily essential – just like they do with regular spectacles.
Not only are sunglasses a constantly neglected chance to add flair, personality, and a general sense of unwavering cool to an outfit, but they’re also imperative for keeping your eyes healthy. Blocking damaging UV rays – whether on an unexpected sunny winter’s day or at the height of summer – is important. Doing it in style is even better.
Comprising timeless designs and contemporary icons, we’ve pulled together our edit of the best sunglasses styles for this spring/summer. Trust us, all that squinting is going to give you wrinkles.
Johann Wolff
Key Frame: Martin Sunglasses
There’s a distinct 1950s jazz influence to these dashing shades from Johann Wolff. The Martin sunglasses feature bold lines and vintage styling cues, with frames inspired by the traditional silhouettes of the post-war golden age of jazz. Picture smoky basements and bone-rattling drum rhythms.
The sunglasses feature polarised lenses with an anti-reflective coating for 100% UV protection and the full package includes vegan leather case, microfiber cloth and atomiser cleaning spray. A stylish fit for medium to large faces.
Buy now at Johann Wolff
Meller
Key Frame: Endo
Geometric-shaped frames are a low-key flex that you don’t see enough of. Meller’s Endo in all black is a great expression of the style. Minimalist, with thin coined profiles and slender temples.
The stainless steel arms are thin and light for a comfortable fit, with lenses boasting UV400 category 3 protection as well as TAC polarised lenses with anti-scratch and a hydrophobic coating to avoid moisture and fogging up. A fresh, daring choice for square, oval or heart-shaped faces.
Buy now at Meller
The Resort Co
Key Frame: Riviera Honeycomb
The Resort Co has just the thing for your next sun-bleached getaway, keeping your eyes safe and your face stylish when you get off the plane. The Riviera sunglasses in honeycomb acetate are a bright, slightly chunky frame with flat, anti-reflective D-shaped lenses that suit most faces.
The lenses feature Cat 2 protection with a smoky green gradient, anti-reflective coating and UV protection. The sunglasses themselves are crafted in Italy and come in a complimentary case.
The hardware also speaks for itself, whether five-barrel hinges with real rivets or the ribbed temple tips. A versatile all-rounder that, owing to the lightness and comfort of the frames, makes for a superb travelling option
Buy now at The Resort Co
Jacques Marie Mage
Key Frame: Jagger Aviator
For the uninitiated, Jacques Marie Mage is a maker of rare, collectable eyewear that combines historical motifs with precious materials and innovative production techniques. They’re proud of their business ethics and the resultant spectacles are special. The Jagger aviator is classic JMM, giving serious rockstar energy. Cast from gold-tone metal with silver inserts at the temples, the aubergine gradient lenses are a real head-turner.
For that price you’ll be happy to know they come with a case and lenses are 100% UV protected. We’d recommend an equally loud jumper to bring out the purple in those lenses.
Buy now at MR PORTER
Dior Eyewear
Key Frame: CD Diamond S4U
We’re extremely fond of these Dior Eyewear CD diamond sunglasses. There’s so much to unpack, but let’s start with those lenses. 100% UV protected, with bold gradient CD diamond print, they’re very cool and as far as novel gradients go, they’re up there with the boldest of styles.
Every pair of Dior Eyewear’s sunglasses start as sketches in their Paris studio, with the final product crafted in their Thelios workshops in Northern Italy. This style features silver-tone metal with classic D-shaped frames and the all-important acetate tips. You’re going to want to keep them in that protective case when they’re not on your face.
Buy now at MR PORTER
Nordgreen
Key Frame: Samsø Havana Classic
Nordgreen is renowned for its high-quality, minimalist watches, and now the Copenhagen brand has applied the same design ethos to its first-ever line of sunglasses. Taking inspiration from Denmark’s small but picturesque islands, the Sunwear Collection features three classic frame shapes updated via contemporary materials and colourways.
Our pick of the three is the Samsø, a modern yet timeless unisex style characterised by its round lenses. Crafted using premium-quality bio acetate based on renewable sources, with lenses made of bio-based polyamide, they come with full UV protection and are shipped in ethical packaging, so you can purchase guilt-free.
Buy now at Nordgreen
Cutler and Gross
Key Frame: 1387 Square Sunglasses-Granny Chic
Established by opticians Mr Cutler and Mr Gross in 1969, Cutler and Gross have been at the forefront of optical design for over 50 years.
The 1387 Square Sunglasses-Granny Chic is based on the humble design elements of the brand’s original 0524, but with a new design elevated with the addition of new details, including increasing the eye size to 52mm, adding the vintage-inspired oyster pins and the ‘arrowhead’ temple design last seen on another Cutler and Gross icon, the 1346.
Buy now at Cutler and Gross
Ray-Ban
Key Frame: Folding Wayfarer Classic
Times may change, sea levels may rise, and the doomsday clock may continue to tick… but no matter what happens, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer will be a foolproof choice that never dates.
Opt for classic tortoiseshell frames with light brown gradient lenses and you’ll be in good company: everyone from David Beckham to JFK to Leonardo DiCaprio has been seen sporting them over the years.
We’ve chosen the practical, foldable option, as it’s a lifesaver to be able to slot them into a pocket when you’re on the move.
Buy now at Ray-Ban
Saint Laurent
Key Frame: SL 1
Known for its unconventional shapes, oversized silhouettes and refined take on luxury, Saint Laurent’s shades have been firm favourites of A-listers and fashion insiders for decades. Granted, many of the styles take some profound confidence to pull off, but not all high-fashion frames are exercises in outlandishness.
Take the SL 1, for example. This oversized, contemporary take on a classic Wayfarer style somehow manages to be both bold and restrained. It’s simple, but it commands attention, which is perhaps why it’s one of the Parisian brand’s most popular and iconic designs.
Buy now at Sunglass Hut
Persol
Key Frame: 714SM Steve McQueen
Originally a maker of eyewear for pilots, Persol’s bread and butter is lightweight aviator shades. Steve McQueen’s choice of sunglasses, the brand has released a limited-edition version of its iconic 714 frames, featuring the exact details of the original model sported by the actor in The Thomas Crown Affair (1999).
If they’re good enough for The King of Cool, they’re good enough for us.
Buy now at Persol
Gucci
Key Frame: Aviator
Like many fashion houses, Gucci began life producing luxurious luggage for the upper classes. Today, it’s a multifaceted high-fashion powerhouse that produces, among other things, some of the world’s most sought-after shades.
Gucci’s take on the classic Aviator style has long been the label’s signature frame. It’s been reimagined in chunky acetate, subtle wire and just about every colour of the rainbow. Still, for what it’s worth, this simple gold version, complete with brow bar, is the clear winner for us.
Buy now at Gucci
Garrett Leight
Key Frame: Brooks Sun
Los Angeles, California. People call it the City of Angels, but we think the City of Sunglasses would be equally fitting. LA’s position as the global capital of film has seen it become a hotspot for celebs in shades, but also for the brands that make them. Garrett Leight is one such name.
Named after its founder and son of fellow LA eyewear label Oliver Peoples, Garrett Leight produces some of the finest frames in not just the city but the world.
Take the Brooks Sun, for example. This square-framed style is one of Garrett Leight’s bestselling models, featuring a distinctive key-hole shape.
Buy now at Garrett Leight
Thom Browne
Key Frame: Round Frame Flip-Up Sunglasses
When it comes to interesting and stylish round lens sunglasses, Thom Browne is the master. Combining minimal metal frames with contemporary twists on shape, the American designer’s circular shades demand a double take.
Our pick of the bunch above is handmade in Japan using titanium and silver-toned metal and features subtle yet striking brow bar detailing as well as Browne’s signature tricolour stripes. A modern classic.
Buy now at FarFetch
Moscot
Key Frame: Zolman Sun
Iconic eyewear from an iconic New York family. For decades Moscot have created some of the most immediately recognisable spectacles on the market, adorning the faces of Big Apple royalty and trendsetters alike. The Zolman Sun is a classic round lens style from the brand’s archive that is great for square and oval face shapes.
We particularly like the clear frame version with green glass lenses, handcrafted using Italian acetate and incorporating subtle Moscot branding to the arms.
Buy now at Moscot
Tom Ford
Key Frame: Marko Aviator Polarised
You can’t beat Tom Ford when it comes to tinted aviator swagger. The designer’s Marko shades are made in Italy and ooze 1970s cool, coming in on-trend rose gold with green gradient polarised lenses.
Ideal for longer and rectangular faces.
Buy now at Tom Ford
Oliver Peoples
Key Frame: Cary Grant Sun
Oliver Peoples has been producing meticulously crafted eyewear since 1987. The brand continues to design and create its glasses in its studio in West Hollywood, California.
The Cary Grant Sun is inspired by the signature style worn by its namesake in the 1959 cinematic classic North by Northwest. Custom design details help to maintain the integrity of the original model. Still, quality is given a substantial upgrade thanks to the use of handcrafted custom acetate, hand-laid functional pins and polarised lenses.
Buy now at Oliver Peoples
Monokel
Key Frame: Barstow
It’d be nice if we could all spend upwards of £150 on sunglasses. Sadly, that’s not the world we live in, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for less. If you struggle to find a quality frame within your budget, allow us to point you in the direction of Swedish manufacturer Monokel.
Using premium plant-based acetate, Monokel creates stylish sunglasses that keep prices down without compromising quality. With its chunky, circular silhouette, the Barstow is one of the brand’s hero styles and looks particularly handsome in trending yellow tortoiseshell frames.
Buy now at Monokel.
Cubitts
Key Frame: Tonbridge
Founded in King’s Cross, London, in 2013, fledgling British brand Cubitts prides itself on craftsmanship. Every pair of sunglasses undergoes 50 stages of production over a six-week period.
Its Tonbrudge design has been inspired by modern literary figures of the 1960s and features a flat brown bar and keyhole bridge, adding a point of difference to an otherwise round shape. Available in 11 colourways, the slate grey version offers a versatile alternative to classic black frames.
Buy now at Cubitts
Kirk Originals
Key Frame: Hays
Another iconic sunglasses brand that prides itself on frames handmade in England, Kirk Originals is a go-to if you’re looking for classic shapes in timeless tortoiseshell colourways.
Extremely wearable and with a satisfying weight, its Hays model is a slightly oversized, round-lens silhouette that is as dynamic as it is elegant.
We particularly like the dark blue gradient lenses.
Buy now at Kirk Originals
Mykita
Key Frame: Perry
German eyewear brand Mykita specialises in cutting-edge styles distinguished by a progressive approach to form, construction, and materials. The result is genuinely distinctive designs that you will not find elsewhere, all featuring the latest in eyewear technology.
Handcrafted in Berlin, these Perry sunglasses are made from lightweight stainless steel in a not-often-seen navy shade. They feature silicone temple tips and nose pads for comfort and a patented spiral hinge that makes them individually adjustable for a secure fit.
Buy now at Mykita
Purchase Considerations
Here are several things you should consider carefully before committing to a new pair of sunglasses, from face shape to lens quality.
Face Shape
Kirk Originals
The sunglasses face shape debate is a minefield, but there are certain conventions to follow. If your face is longer than it is wide – with softer lines around your cheeks and jaw – the last thing you want to do is make it appear longer, so avoid anything too small or John Lennon-like. Luckily, the rest of the sunglasses world is your oyster, so feel free to choose between square and rounder styles, with oversized and drop (think aviators) silhouettes working particularly well too.
For the rest of us, the rules are a little trickier. Round and curved styles help soften sharper facial features such as pronounced cheeks and square jaws. Square frames with rounded corners can also work, but too much geometric shaping can emphasise your angles and appear brutal.
Square faces (similar length and width) lend themselves to rounder styles, while rounder faces will benefit from a bit more structure and definition. If ever in doubt, the classic Wayfarer is a universal style that works for almost all men, so start from there.
Frames
Cubitts
When comparing frames, consider colour, material, and detailing. Certain features, such as a double bridge or thicker rims, will accentuate particular parts of the face, drawing attention to a bushy brow or chiselled cheek bones. Bold colours have a similar effect, although it’s easier to get away with a splash of colour on a thinner frame. Tortoiseshell, black, and metal frames are timeless options that will never go out of fashion.
Acetate and metal are the go-to frame materials for most (read: high-quality) sunglasses on the market; the former being stronger and lighter than cheap, moulded plastic versions, ensuring increased durability and comfort. Metal frames, meanwhile, offer increased malleability and adjustability, lending themselves to thin and minimal designs.
Any eyewear brand worth its salt will provide you with a free protective case, so use it. It will limit scratching and damage to both your frames and lenses, ensuring longevity.
Lenses
Oliver Peoples
The bottom line when it comes to lenses is protection. Opt for those that offer full spectrum (100%) UV protection, checking for the “CE” logo, which guarantees they meet fundamental protection standards.
Polarised lenses are designed to block glare and help with contrast, as do some tinted versions. Mirrored and coloured lenses provide a fashionable option and feature heavily in this season’s collections. However, be aware that what is trendy today will usually fall out of favour tomorrow, so if you want value for money stick with traditional lens colours like black, grey, green and brown gradients.
Key Sunglasses Trends
Coloured Acetate
Kirk Originals
Traditionally speaking, sunglasses have always been pretty straightforward in terms of colour variations. Your choices are typically limited to black or tortoiseshell. With this in mind, it was only a matter of time before people began to demand something bolder and brighter – and their calls are finally being answered.
You probably think this isn’t the eyewear trend for a discerning fellow like yourself, but remember, colourful doesn’t need to be a synonym for crude. Think earthy browns and greens, translucent navy and grey, burnt orange and maroon. Exercise restraint and it’s a great way to bring a pop of personality to an otherwise minimalist outfit.
Transparent
Oliver Peoples
Naturally, sunglasses are transparent. Were they not, we’d routinely bump into things and get lost on the way to the shops. Well, that’s true in terms of lenses, but frames, on the other hand, have always tended to be opaque.
Not anymore. For a few years now, see-through frames have been on the rise, and this year, they’ve been firmly established as one of the key eyewear options worthy of consideration.
It’s simple yet different, plain yet striking, and a nice way of lending classic silhouettes a contemporary edge.
Sporty Silhouettes
Mykita + Maison Margiela
The endless trend cycle is unconcerned with our opinions. No matter how much we might want to believe that certain styles are beyond revival, they’ll bob back to the surface sooner or later. Case in point: sporty, aerodynamic shades.
Nobody is going to tell you that wraparound shades are timeless or essential. What they are, however, is one of the biggest eyewear trends of the moment. If you’re keen to retain your dignity, it’s probably best to avoid restocking your entire sunglasses collection with frameless Oakleys. But on the plus side, your cycling outfit just got slightly cooler.
Geometrics
Ray-Ban
Round or square. Unless you’re Elton John, that pretty much sums up the realistic options when it comes to picking a frame shape. But that’s all beginning to change.
Geometric sunglasses are emerging as a significant trend. It might sound tacky, but many subtler styles with softened corners and hexagonal frames are surprisingly wearable. Ray-Ban has some excellent examples, or if you’re after something a bit more striking, take a look at the jagged, angular frames now offered by the likes of Saint Laurent and Burberry.
