Best Polarized Sunglasses: Everyday And Outdoor Use

Ray Ban Aviator Classic Polarized Sunglasses

Let’s kick things off with a pair that I’ve been wearing for the past couple of years – you can’t go wrong with a classic pair of Ray Ban Aviators. They’re great for both men and women, they look really cool and they will never go out of style. So, if you want a pair of polarized sunglasses that will still be trendy in five years, this is what you should get.

Since Ray Ban is pretty much synonymous with sunglasses, there’s no need to dwell on the quality too much. You are getting a premium pair of polarized sunglasses that does an amazing job at reducing glare and allowing true perception of colors.

And not to mention just how great the Aviators are at reducing eye strain; I’ve been able to stare directly at the sun, without having to close my eyes entirely. That’s saying a lot for someone who can’t even look at a fresh coat of snow on the ground.

The main downside of these is that they will get loose over time, especially if you’re not extra careful when you’re wearing them. The temples are really thin, and they’re held in place by two tiny little screws. And if you put them on top of your head too much, they are going to loosen up pretty fast.

But that’s not such a huge deal – mine has been on the loose side for over a year now, and I just can’t be bothered to have them fixed. I don’t really notice it when I’m wearing the glasses; the only time when it actually bothers me is if I look down and the glasses slide down my nose immediately.

O'Neill Offshore Polarized Wayfarer Sunglasses

The Offshore sunglasses by O’Neill are a great option if you’re looking for an affordable classic pair. The Wayfarer design of these is pretty much timeless, and it’s not likely to go out of style any time soon. Which makes these polarized sunglasses a great option if you’re looking to get a pair you will be able to wear for a while.

Another thing I love about these is the price point. They are under $50, which is a really good deal for such a great brand of sunglasses. If you’re on a tight budget, these are definitely one of the best pairs of sunglasses you can get.

The polarized lenses are great at minimizing glare and eye strain. These sunglasses will feel great to wear, but they might not be most comfortable due to the thick earpieces. Bear that in mind, in case you struggle to find sunglasses that you feel fit you just right.

In addition to that, we also need to talk about the frames. They are made from polycarbonate, which is a great material. It is often used in luggage, and some of the best and most expensive suitcases are made from precisely this material. It is lightweight, flexible, insanely durable, and tear-resistant.

But it is also really prone to scratches, so you’re going to have to be a bit gentle with the Offshore sunglasses. And the lenses themselves are coated for scratch resistance, so at least you don’t have to worry about that.

William Painter - The Level Titanium Polarized Sunglasses 

The Level sunglasses by William Painter are a great option if you want something ultra tough. These shades feature aerospace-grade titanium frames that are almost indestructible. Titanium is often used in luggage as well, because of its outstanding toughness and lightweight.

We’ve established that the frames are exceptionally durable – what about the polarized lenses? Well, they are made from plastic so they’re going to feel ultralight. The main lens material is nylon, which features an additional scratch-resistant coating. So, these shades are going to be a bit more durable than other polarized sunglasses with plastic lenses.

And they’re going to perform just as well if not better than those other pairs. The Japanese polarized lenses do an amazing job at reducing glare and minimizing eye strain, even in direct sunlight. You will have nearly perfect visibility with these polarized sunglasses, as long as you take care of them properly so that they don’t get scuffed.

One thing to keep in mind about these shades is that they have pretty wide lenses, so they’re best for people with larger heads. They are nearly a centimeter wider than the smallest Ray-Bans, so definitely skip these if you have a pretty narrow face.

Additionally, it’s also pretty cool that you have a few colors to choose from. And they’re all polarized, so you’re not getting any specific benefits with the different colors.

Plus, all of the color options cost exactly the same, which is also pretty cool. I do wish that these were a little cheaper since they are quite expensive, but I think they are entirely fairly priced considering the exceptional quality of the materials.

Under Armour Unisex UA Igniter Polarized

The Under Armour sunglasses are a great sporty option for outdoor adventures.

The wider lenses of these shades are great at minimizing glare and eye strain, and not just when you’re directly looking at the sun. Because the lenses are wider than usual, your peripheral sight is also protected from glare, ensuring you have excellent visibility no matter where you look.

The polarized lenses are made from polycarbonate, which is a super lightweight and flexible material. They will not break easily, so you don’t have to be too gentle with your sunglasses. In fact, if you’re in need of a very durable pair that can take a beating, this is a great option.

However, polycarbonate is really prone to scratches and if you’re not careful with where you’re putting down the sunglasses, they will wind up looking your cat’s favorite scratch toy. But as long as you store them in a case or a scratch-free pocket on your bag, this won’t be something you will have to worry about.

Additionally, the Igniter shades also feature plastic ArmourFusion frames. They are made from grilamid, which is a pretty new type of transparent plastic. It is remarkably lightweight, really tough, weather-resistant, and not very flammable – when you put all of those features together, you get some excellent frames that are quite difficult to break.

Another thing I like about these polarized sunglasses is their price point. Under Armour is a generally affordable brand, so it’s no surprise that these sunglasses retail for around $60. That’s a really fair price, especially for a pair that can pretty much survive an apocalypse and come out with just a couple of scratches.

Kate Spade Women's Jenae Polarized Sunglasses

Ladies if you’re looking for a really cute and stylish pair of polarized sunglasses, the Kate Spade Janae are an excellent option.

They are available in four different colors, and they feature a very basic design. This is a good thing; the square shape of these is very neutral, and it’s not going to go out of style any time soon.

These feature polycarbonate lenses, and I have to say that I’m not a huge fan of those. Even though they are polarized, they’re just not as good as classic glass lenses at reducing glare. They do a good job, but they are not my personal choice.

However, polycarbonate polarized lenses do have the advantage of being a lot lighter than glass lenses. So, if you don’t like your sunglasses to be on the heavier side, stick with polycarbonate lenses for the best experience. And these at least feature UV ray protective coating, so you are getting the best benefits of glass lenses anyway.

Another thing to keep in mind is that polycarbonate is really prone to scratches, so you will have to be really careful with these sunglasses. Neve put them on a hard surface lens first, and try to always keep them in the protective case if you’re putting them in your bag.

The Janae polarized sunglasses have another big advantage, and that’s the price point. These retail for around $70, which is really great for such a well-established brand. Kate Spade is a well-known name in the fashion industry, so you’re still getting cool designer sunglasses. And for a bargain.

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Polarized Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses are a great option as your everyday shades. They’re cool, comfortable to wear and without a shadow of a doubt, they will perform as well you’d expect them to. The polarized lenses of the glasses do an amazing job at minimizing glare and eye strain, ensuring excellent visibility and premium comfort at all times.

The new Wayfarer features a slightly different shape to the classic, which makes these a better fit for round faces. If that’s your face shape, these should be at the top of your list because they will look absolutely stunning on you.

And these come with glass lenses, as opposed to the plastic lenses on the standard model, which is a huge upgrade. Glass is much more scratch-resistant than plastic, so you don’t have to be extra careful with these polarized sunglasses.

In addition to that, the New Wayfarer features some really durable frames. They are made from acetate like on the classic Wayfarer and let me just tell you that those frames are almost indestructible. I still have my original Wayfarers from over a decade ago, and the frames on those are still good as new.

Another thing that makes these Ray-Bans an excellent everyday option is the wide variety of different colors they come in. You can choose from loads of different lens and frame color combos – just make sure that you select a pair that has polarized lenses because not every single color combo does.

TOREGE Polarized Sports Sunglasses

If you’re on a very tight budget, then the Torege sunglasses are one of the best options for you. They retail for about $20, which is super affordable and suitable for most people’s budget. Just be aware that you are not getting a pair of premium sunglasses.

The frames of the sunglasses are made from EMS-TR90, which is a type of thermoplastic. One of its main characteristics is flexibility, which means that the frames of these polarized sunglasses won’t be easy to break.

The lenses are also made from plastic, and that’s the only thing I don’t like about them. They are prone to scratches and not the best at minimizing glare so keep that in mind. Another important thing to mention is that these sunglasses come with several pairs of lenses, so you can actually change up the appearance of the sunglasses.

Each pair of lenses is best suitable for a specific activity, and you can read more about them on the link below. But the most important thing to keep in mind is that not all of the lenses are polarized. Only the black lenses are polarized, so make sure you select a color combination that includes them.

In addition to that, it’s also worth noting that the lenses on these sunglasses are extra wide. And that’s a good thing – it ensures that your eyes are protected from peripheral glare as well. This is especially helpful in situations where you’re moving around a lot, and the sun is hitting you from different sides.

Oakley Men's Holbrook Polarized Rectangular Sunglasses

The Oakley Holbrook sunglasses are another really great option. This particular model of men’s shades is just as popular as Ray-Bans, so I assume you’re already aware of their existence. And in case you’re not, I’m happy to introduce you to the amazing Holbrook shades!

The thing that I like the most about these is that their shape is very similar to the Wayfarer. It means a classic design that doesn’t go out of style and which looks good on nearly all faces.

These are entirely made from plastic, which is a shame. I don’t like that the lens is made from plastic because that means they will get scratched really easily if you don’t take good care of them.

If you want them to look brand new for a while, you should be very careful what you put them down on, and make sure to store them in the case whenever you take them off.

However, it is important to note that both the frames and the lenses are made from very specific types of plastic. The frames are made from Oakley’s injection molded thermoplastic known as O Matter. It is very lightweight and durable, as well as stress-resistant.

And the lenses are actually Plutonite lenses, which are made from polycarbonate. That is a very tough and durable material, so it is unlikely that the lenses will break easily. Plutonite lenses provide protection from UV rays including UVA, UVB, and UVC, and they do a really good job at reducing glare and minimizing eye strain.

Michael Kors Women's Chelsea Polarized Sunglasses

The MK Chelsea sunglasses are a great option for ladies who want a stylish pair of sunglasses. They feature a pretty standard aviator design that looks great on round and angular faces, which basically means that the sunglasses will look good on anyone.

One thing to keep in mind is that only the silver and brown lenses are polarized, so be very careful when choosing a color. The colorful shades with mirrored lenses are also pretty good at reducing glare, but they are not polarized.

These shades feature composite lenses, which are pretty durable. They are made from a mixture of ophthalmic materials for the best performance and toughness. Polycarbonate is part of the lenses, so expect the lenses to be ultra-lightweight and very flexible.

But also be prepared to take really good care of these sunglasses because polycarbonate gets scratched easily.

This means you should always put them in a soft case as soon as you take them off your head, and you should never place the lens directly on a hard surface.

The frames, on the other hand, are made from metal. That’s another plus in my book; metal frames are super thin and lightweight, as well as suitable for people with smaller heads and sensitive ears. They won’t bother you or feel uncomfortable, thanks to the impressive thinness.

Additionally, I think you will really like the price point of the Chelsea shades. They’re incredibly affordable at around $70, especially for a pair of designer sunglasses. You’re getting premium-quality and outstanding durability for a bargain, and that’s really cool.

Oakley Crankshaft Polarized Sunglasses

The Crankshaft sunglasses by Oakley are a really good versatile option.

They feature a very basic design that is perfectly suitable for everyday wear, with a hint of a sporty edge. And that sporty edge is exactly what makes this pair of sunglasses suitable for all sorts of outdoor adventures, and not just the basic everyday tasks like driving.

The lenses of the sunglasses are polarized, for best performance in harsh sunlight. The shades actually feature Iridium lenses, which refer to the extra anti-glare coat on them. They do a really good job at reducing glare, which ensures that you won’t have to strain your eyes when you’re wearing the Crankshaft sunglasses.

Not only do these have extra-wide lenses, but also frames that will reduce glare even in your peripheral sight. Because of that, the Crankshaft shades are an excellent option for sporty activities, as they ensure you have great visibility even when you’re constantly on the move.

In addition to that, the shades actually feature Oakley’s proprietary O’Matter frames, which are both ultralight and incredibly durable. They are made from injection molded thermoplastic with excellent stress resistance, so there’s really no doubt about the toughness of this pair of sunglasses.

However, the plastic is a bit prone to scratches, so just be sure to take good care of these shades if you want them to look shiny and new. The lenses have decent scratch resistance, but I would still advise you to put them in a protective case as soon as you take off the shades.