I'm a sunglasses expert and these are the 6 best styles for summer 2026

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, including on dull, grey days, to protect your eyes from UV rays and prevent you from squinting.

Rav Basra, Divisional Ophthalmic Business Partner from Vision Express, tells me: “UV exposure doesn’t just affect your skin - it can also contribute to long-term eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration, even on cloudy days when UV rays still penetrate cloud cover. Wearing UV-protective lenses or sunglasses year-round is a simple step that can help protect your long-term eye health.”

When it comes to buying the best sunglasses for you, there are several factors to consider: First, think about how frequently you'll wear them and for how long - lightweight frames are less likely to slip on hot days or cause discomfort on pressure points. Next, the fit. While many sunglasses come in standardised sizes, some brands offer petite or wide-fit frames. Certain shapes can also help sculpt your facial features, as Rav explains: "The best frame shapes tend to balance and complement natural face proportions. Softer, curved styles can add contrast to angular features, while more structured frames can help define rounder face shapes. Ultimately, comfort, fit and personal style are just as important as face shape when choosing eyewear."

While different frame shapes flatter specific face shapes more than others, a classic square shape will complement your spring capsule wardrobe but also look equally glam with your best winter coat. If you want something a little more feminine, a statement cat's eye pair is another style that is universally flattering and will add a touch of glamour to your best summer outfits. Whatever you're after, there’s a perfect pair for everyone out there.

The quick list

Who better to ask for their best sunglasses tips than three fashion editors? Caroline Parr, Paula Moore and I have all offered recommendations that range from affordable options at Amazon to a designer pair by Gucci, so you're sure to find something that suits, however much you're looking to spend. We put all six styles to the test, assessing the frames for their style, function, fit and value for money. Here are our thoughts.

Best sunglasses: tried and tested

Best sunglasses overall

As a fashion editor who owns more than a hundred pairs, there isn't a frame shape or style that I haven't tried, but when it comes to narrowing it down to one favourite, there's no contest. Step forward, Ray-Ban's classic Wayfarers.

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.

Rav says: "Square and wayfarer-style frames are considered some of the most versatile eyewear shapes because their balanced proportions suit a broad range of face shapes and personal styles. Their timeless design makes them an easy everyday option for many wearers."

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 I love that they offer 100% total protection for your eyes as standard. A polarised version is available too. The classic frame comes in a variety of coloured acetates and lenses so that you can truly personalise your approach to your eyewear.

The price might be a little higher than other styles, but they're worth the quality and cost-per-wear that you can expect to get with a timeless style. While there have been fun limited edition collaborations, the classic Wayfarer design hasn't dated in decades, and I'll happily still be wearing these sunglasses in decades to come.

You can read more in the full Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses review

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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 nose bar detail and earring-style teardrop arms that peek through below your ears like jewellery. 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."

With four lenses and frame combinations to pick from, these are a brilliant budget-friendly alternative to Bottega Veneta's aviator sunglasses.

You can read more in the full Myiaur Oversized sunglasses review

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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.

Caroline says: "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."

If you're wondering what to wear in the heat, a pair of lightweight sunglasses is key. Heavier frames might slip, but not the George Arthur. Caroline says: "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."

This pared-back frame is also a great choice for fans of minimal branding. The subtle three-metal dot detailing on the arm and small brand logo on the lenses are barely visible. As Caroline points out: "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

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Best Oval Sunglasses

If you fell down a Nineties fashion rabbit hole after watching Ryan Murphy's series Love Story, you're not the only one. Fashion-loving viewers were obsessed with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's carefully curated minimalist wardrobe, but for me, it was her perfect oval sunglasses that caught my eye.

Scouring the internet, I quickly found the Le Specs Outta Love frames that are an excellent designer lookalike if you want to recreate CBK's cool style at a fraction of the cost.

Available in 12 colour combinations, these chic oval sunglasses have an elongated, almost rectangular shape that makes them a perfect choice for those with narrow or longer faces who want to create a shortening effect for balance.

While Le Specs might sound continental, don't let the name fool you - the brand was founded in 1979 in sunny Australia, meaning they know a thing or two about what makes for good eye protection.

You can read more in the full Le Specs Outta Love sunglasses review.

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Best designer sunglasses

You know a style is a classic when you find yourself tempted by a third pair in a new colourway. Having previously already owned two pairs of Gucci Cat's Eye sunglasses, I recently decided to invest in a classic all-black colourway.

After trying on hundreds of pairs, I can confidently say that Gucci's classic square-cat's eye hybrid is the most universally flattering shape around.

Whilst you might think that the oversized fit would only suit those with a wider face, this classic shape suits even those with the slimmest of faces. Unlike oversized, round styles that can look comically owl-ish, this structured shape strengthens softer facial lines, adding definition to features.

It's no wonder this cat's eye style of sunglasses is a celebrity favourite - the timeless style adds a touch of Hollywood glamour to every outfit, from your best wedding guest dresses to casual outfits like jeans and a blazer.

Rav Basra agrees that they're a classic, flattering look: "Cat’s eye frames are one of the most universally flattering styles because the uplifted corners naturally draw the eye upwards, helping to add definition and lift to a wide range of face shapes. They can work particularly well for softening round faces while also complementing more angular features. "

You can read more in the full Gucci Cat's Eye sunglasses review.

Best Celebrity-Approved Sunglasses

Finlay & Co's cool Henrietta sunglasses first went viral in 2019 when Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wore them at Wimbledon. With a sweeping uptick cat's eye shape, black frames and black lenses, they are a style that oozes Hollywood starlet glamour.

The cat's eye shape is universally flattering for all face shapes, including oval, heart-shaped and round as well as petite facial features. The Finlay & Co website advises that cat eye sunglasses will soften a rectangular-shaped face, too.

Rather than a pointed uptick of a traditional cat's eye frame, this style has a softer, more subtle cat eye shape with the corners that are squared off but still pack a punch in the style stakes.

While tortoiseshell frames are generally a softer, more forgiving frame choice as they have a warming base hue, it's hard to deny that there's something about the all-black design that makes you feel like an A-lister. With eight different frame and lens colour combinations to choose from, you're bound to find the perfect complementary colour for your skin tone.

You can read more in the full Finlay & Co Henrietta sunglasses review.

What brand of sunglasses is the best?

While there's no single brand that can be defined as the best sunglasses brand, it's worth noting that the best sunglasses brands combine top-notch UV protection and super stylish frames - there's 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.

Vision Express offer a great selection of high-end designer shades that steal the limelight, including Prada, Tom Ford, Gucci and Ray-Ban.

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.

If you're looking for lightweight styles, Izipizi's collection is one to check out - their bio-based frames are not only so light that you'll forget you're wearing them, but you can also match with the whole family as selected stylish frames are repeated in a core set of colours as well as mini versions for children.

Best of the rest

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, althugh many brands now offer state of the art virtual try ons too.

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. A chic alternative to black, tortoiseshell frames are also a safe bet. If you want a more warming hue, look for Havana tortoiseshell, which is a brighter and lighter version of the timeless classic.
• Material: Most sunglasses use acetate or metal to form their frame. 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 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 often also have additional nose pads that can be adjusted to fit, whereas acetate frames usually 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 classic frames such as Wayfarer shapes, 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. These will complement stronger features such as square jawlines.

The best sunglasses for round faces are square and rectangular frames, as these will help bring definition to your facial features, balancing softer curves. Rav says: "Square frames are often recommended for round faces because the sharper lines and structured edges help create contrast, adding definition and balance to softer facial contours."

If you have a heart-shaped face, most shapes will suit you, but you may find bottom-heavy, rounded or cat-eye styles to be the most flattering. If you prefer aviators, avoid oversized frames as these may create an imbalance with narrower chins.

Diamond face shapes should veer towards oval and rectangular frames, as they will create a narrowing effect at the widest point of your face for facial harmony.

Finally, lucky oval faces can pretty much wear any frame they like, with aviators and bold shapes looking particularly chic, or why not try a rounder frame, as Rav suggests: "Round frames can work particularly well on oval and slimmer face shapes, as the softer curves help add balance and can create a more relaxed, classic look."

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. If you feel like you're being pinched at the temples, look for a wider fitting frame to alleviate pressure.

If you have a narrower face, you may find that a simple adjustment to the tightness of the tiny screws in the hinges helps to stop your sunglasses sliding down.

Look at where the frame sits on your face, too - the top of the frame shouldn't be higher than the line of your eyebrows, while the bottom should sit above your cheeks. If you find that they're resting on your skin, they may rub and cause irritation.