Antonia Kraskowski
The best sunglasses are much more than just a fashion statement. Although they’re most often associated with sunny summer months, sunglasses really should be worn all year round, from autumnal days with bright blue skies to dull, grey wintry days. The sunglasses trends 2025 are there to point you in the right direction if you want some fashion-forward frames; however, you really can't go wrong with the classics.
Of course, sunglasses are more than just about style. Giles Edmonds, Clinical Services Director for Specsavers, warns, "UV rays can damage our vision as well as our skin - even in winter. Prolonged UV exposure has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even some types of eye cancer. Sunglasses are not just fashion accessories - it’s particularly important that you wear a good pair that offers high levels of UV protection."
When it comes to buying the best sunglasses for you, consider how frequently you'll wear them (if you do indeed own multiple pairs). A classic square shape will complement a capsule wardrobe and look glam with your best winter coat, while a statement cat eye pair will make a stylish impact with your swimwear on holiday. Whatever you're after, there’s a perfect pair for everyone out there.
Best sunglasses: top 3
Who better to ask for their best sunglasses tips than three fashion editors? Antonia Kraskowki, Paula Moore and I have all offered up recommendations that range from Amazon to Ray-Ban, so you're sure to find something that suits, however much you're looking to spend. We put all three styles to the test, assessing the frames for their style, function, fit and value for money. Here are our thoughts.
Best overall
Antonia is a total pro when it comes to sunglasses. She owns more than a hundred pairs, but narrowing it down to one favourite isn't as tricky as you might expect. Ray-Ban's classic Wayfarers, she says, "can't be beaten".
First released in the Fifties, fast forward a few decades, and the Princess of Wales is a Ray-Ban Wayfarer fan. This is a unisex style, and the squared-off shape will flatter almost everyone, so whilst trends like narrow frames might come and go, you can always rely on these beauties.
They're available in a regular or wider fit, and they sit high on the bridge of the nose so they stay on remarkably well. The frames are substantial but not heavy, and Antonia notes that they offer 100% total protection for your eyes as standard. A polarised version is available, too.
The price might be a little higher than other styles, but Antonia points out the quality and cost-per-wear you can expect to get. The design hasn't dated in decades, and therefore, she concludes there's no other style that matches up to these industry heavyweights.
You can read more in the full Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses review
Best designer lookalikes
Love Bottega Veneta's aviator sunglasses, but not the £490 price tag? Paula found a genius designer lookalike on Amazon, and was pleasantly surprised by how they fared.
For just shy of £15, they offer a strikingly similar design consisting of an oversized silhouette, double bridge, and earring-style teardrop arms. They're available in a variety of colours, both for the frames and the lenses, and they offer UV400 protection, which blocks nearly 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Paula says: "Offering a finishing touch to every outfit, sunglasses are not just for summer. A-list celebs rarely step out without them - not just to dodge the paparazzi but because sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. The skin around your eyes is delicate and vulnerable to sun damage.
"I’ve been coveting the Bottega Veneta drop aviators for ages, but the price tag? Too steep to justify. Luckily, Amazon came to the rescue with a brilliant designer lookalike that ticks all the boxes. These sunglasses feature a sturdy, oversized double-bridge design that provides a secure and comfortable fit, ideal for all-day wear. The large silhouette gives extra coverage while making a bold, fashion-forward statement."
You can read more in the full Myiaur Oversized sunglasses review
Most lightweight sunglasses
Mid-range brands like Meller, Finlay, Jimmy Fairly and Taylor Morris are all great choices when it comes to choosing the best sunglasses. They're not quite as expensive as super high-end designer styles, but you know you're getting really good quality pieces and an impressive level of protection for your eyes.
This is my second pair of Taylor Morris sunnies, and I have to say they did not disappoint. The George Arthur is a bestselling style for the brand, and the slim design means they're so easy to keep in my handbag, ready for whenever I might need them.
In the past, I've always gone for oversized styles, but I love that these are so lightweight I actually forget I'm even wearing them. I've worn them for everything from a sunny hike to driving long distances, and they haven't let me down once. They've got highly scratch-resistant lenses and offer category 3 UV protection, which is perfect for everyday wear.
I'm particularly fond of the minimal branding. If you love the Quiet Luxury look, you'll appreciate the subtle three-metal dot detailing on the arm and the barely noticeable brand logo on the lenses. If people want to know where they're from (which they will!), they're going to have to ask...
You can read more in the full Taylor Morris George Arthur sunglasses review
Best of the rest
The most flattering sunglasses for small faces are typically timeless styles - oval, rectangular, and cat eye frames all work well. If you’re struggling to find frames that fit, look for lenses that are 50-55mm in width and avoid oversized styles.
Cat eye sunglasses will add glamour to even the simplest of outfits, and the metal hearts on the arms of this style will elevate things even further. The shatterproof and scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses are impressive, but be aware that these will feel slightly heavier than some other frames on our list.
Just like the best designer handbags, when it comes to the best designer sunglasses there are many contenders. Some of our favourites include Prada, Miu Miu and Gucci but there’s something so chic about Chanel's shades. The brown tortoiseshell finish is a little less harsh than black, and the double C logo on the sides is instantly recognisable.
One of the most iconic sunglasses shapes, Aviators were first designed by Ray-Ban for the US Military in 1935. Since their inception, the combination of gold wire frames with a green teardrop-shaped lens has proved popular with the style set. Many top designer brands regularly create their own version, but it doesn't get better than the originals.
Just like finding great gym kit, it’s important to wear the correct eyewear as you run in order to make your run enjoyable. SunGod’s sunglasses are specifically designed for sports such as running, biking and skiing while also remaining stylish. Their TR90 Polymer frame is ideal, as lightweight frames will bounce less as you travel along your route.
Polarised sunglasses may be an expensive option, but the protection they offer your eyes is worth every penny. The lenses will not only help to reduce vision strain but also prevent excessive wrinkling around the eyes from squinting by reducing reflective glare.
The best sunglasses brands
The best sunglasses brands combine top-notch UV protection and super stylish frames, and there are an array of brands out there that do just that.
When it comes to designer frames that last, one brand that always remains top of its game is Ray-Ban. Crafting stylish sunnies since the 1930s, Ray-Ban sunglasses have been worn by everyone from Jennifer Aniston to Kate Middleton, with their iconic Wayfarers and Aviators being the most recognisable around the world.
Sunglass Hut offer a great selection of high-end designer shades that steal the limelight, including Prada, Chanel, Tom Ford, Miu Miu and Le Specs.
For more budget-friendly options, Quay Australia has a collection of trendy and timeless frames with a festival aesthetic, and Mango has a cool and classic collection that is very affordable.
How to choose the best sunglasses
With a plethora of styles out there, it can be quite the style challenge to shop for sunglasses. Our advice is to order and try on as many as you can. Finding the best sunglasses for you is dependent on several factors, with three key things to consider:
- Colour: If you're looking to splash out on some sunnies that will last from one year to the next, it's better to stick with a simple colour palette rather than going for a bold red pair that won't necessarily go with every outfit. Neutral hues such as brown, black, gold, and silver are failsafe options that are easy to coordinate with your look. Classic and timeless, tortoiseshell frames are also a safe bet.
- Material: Most sunglasses use acetate or metal. Acetate frames are lightweight and hypoallergenic, so perfect for sensitive skin. They are a lot more durable than regular plastic and flexible, too, making them an ideal choice for frames. Metal frames are typically made from stainless steel, titanium, and aluminium, all of which are lightweight and robust. If you have allergies, look for titanium as it's hypoallergenic, so that it won't irritate the skin. Metal frames tend to be thinner than acetate ones and are generally used for styles such as aviators. This also means that some metal frames might not be able to accommodate stronger prescription lenses. Metal frames have nose pads that can be adjusted to fit, whereas acetate frames don't. Both materials are comfy to wear, so it generally comes down to personal preference and style choice.
- Lenses: Most importantly, they need to offer 100% UV protection. The frame should have the CE UV400 mark to show that it conforms to the EU standards. Lenses also come in a range of different categories, depending on how dark they are - 0 being the lightest and 4 being the darkest. Category 4 is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, but not recommended for driving. Category 3 is the most commonly used in everyday sunglasses. Edmonds offers this advice: "Sunglasses don’t need to be expensive, but they should always conform to agreed safety standards. Look out for a CE (European Community Standard), BSEN1836 (British Standard) or UV400 markings and aim for a pair that offer 80% light reduction." Another aspect to consider is polarised sunglasses. Although they're more expensive, they eliminate glare with super clear visibility, which is excellent for driving.
FAQs
What sunglasses suit me?
When it comes to your chosen style, it’s worth considering the latest sunglasses trends for inspiration. While some styles never fall out of fashion, such as oversized shapes, tortoiseshell and timeless frames, you may find yourself drawn to a pair you’ve previously not considered. If you find yourself asking what sunglasses suit me, the general rule is to go for a shape that balances out your facial features.
For example, square faces should opt for softer shapes, such as round and oval styles. Whereas the best sunglasses for round faces are square and rectangular frames.
If you have a heart-shaped face, then bottom-heavy, rounded or cat-eye styles will be your go-to. Diamond face shapes should veer towards oval and rectangular frames. And finally, lucky oval faces can pretty much wear any frame with aviators and bold shapes looking particularly chic.
How should sunglasses fit?
When you’re trying on sunglasses, a well-fitted pair should distribute pressure evenly to the nose, head width, and ears to avoid any aches behind the ears and red marks on the nose.
“The top of your frames should be no higher than the line of your eyebrows, and the bottom edge of the frames shouldn’t sit on your cheeks; otherwise, they will start to rub against your skin and cause irritation," explains Dan McGhee, Director of Professional Services at Vision Express.
