12 Classic Sunglass Styles for Men

Photo by Platinum Pixel, CSA Models: Model Bryan O’donoghue wears ‘Real’ Club Master sunglasses by V SHADES.

The world of men’s fashion has been cracked wide open with the emergence of social media in recent years; and right along with it has come a surge of lifestyle hacks pertaining to things they should know while curating life to their liking.

Just like advice on grooming habits, tips for muscle growth and diet recommendations, selecting the right pair of sunglasses comes with a range of benefits that include properly framing the face, topping-off a stylish outfit and offering much-needed eye protection for a long day under the sun’s UV rays.

Whether you’re looking to purchase shades as a gift or for yourself, this article will help those who are curious about which sunglasses are right for men according to style, function and face shape.

Which Sunglass Styles should men wear?

For men who want to look good without looking like they're trying too hard, there are several styles of sunglasses that work well. While a pair of aviators is classic and timeless, there are many other popular men’s styles that guys can consider. Take a look at the above graphic for a quick list of which sunglasses work best for men, then continue to read along for a deeper analysis on each.

Aviator Sunglasses

As one of the most popular sunglass styles in the world, it's no surprise that aviators count as a classic choice that men should opt for.

Defined by their subtle teardrop lens shape and double bridge, aviator sunglasses have become a symbol of both style and respect over the years; some would even argue that wearing them deems you legendary.

Those who follow the rules of facial aesthetics often say that aviator sunglasses best compliment those with heart, square and round shaped faces; but due to their renowned frame shape and timeless nature, aviators are considered by many to be a universal style that looks good on just about anyone.

Though the original aviator is known to have been made with a thin metal frame, aviator sunglasses today are created using an array of materials and frames that vary in both size and design.

Wayfarer Sunglasses

Wayfarer sunglasses are another optimal choice for men because they are simple, stylish and great for everyday wear.

Known for their horizontal rectangular lens shape, these sunglasses have become a staple in menswear since their inception in the 1950’s.

Wayfarer sunglasses give off a casually distinguished vibe with an added masculine edge.

This style of sunglasses can look great on men with either rounded (round, oval or oblong) or squared-off faces. For those with rounded faces, the polygonal nature of the shades provides a nice contrast to the spherical appearance of the face. But, since the rectangle-shaped lens is rounded on wayfarers, they are versatile enough to smoothly balance out the features of square-shaped faces as well.

Club Master Sunglasses

Club Master sunglasses are a style that is very popular for men.

Created in 1947 by Jack Rohrbach, Club Master sunglasses feature the iconic browline shape that uses contrasting material on the top portion of the frame and in turn accentuates the browline of the person wearing them. This frame shape is then paired with a rounded square-like lens.

Due to the worldwide popularity of Club Master Sunglasses, it can be argued that they look good on anyone. While we don’t disagree, they are known to especially compliment people with oval, diamond, round and square face shapes because of how the well-defined sunglass shape softens prominent facial features.

Round Sunglasses

Round sunglasses are a bold way to mix it up and add variety to one’s wardrobe.

Whether you prefer an overstated oversized look or the vintage ‘John Lennon’ style, there are plenty of size and design variations to choose from.

Something to consider is that the circular nature of round sunglasses can add the perfect amount of contrast to square-shaped faces, making them a great aesthetically-pleasing option for those who fall into that category.

Wood Frame Sunglasses

model in wooden sunglasses — Photo by Drew Harper, V SHADES: Model Drew Harper wears ‘Soul’ Wood Sunglasses by V SHADES.

Wood Frame sunglasses are a favorite of many because of their durability, lightweight feel and overall uniqueness compared to traditional sunglasses.

Made with various types of wood, these sunnies are popular among men specifically because they give off a rugged and natural vibe. The earthy material also makes those who love wooden sunglasses feel more grounded to Earth and nature.

Mirrored Lens Sunglasses

Photo by Jamie Van Veen, V SHADES: Model Jamie Van Veen wears ‘L.A.’ aviator sunglasses by V SHADES.

Mirrored lens sunglasses are a great way to add an eye-catching element to an outfit because of their reflective design. For example, pairing mirrored frames with clothing that has a simple color scheme will tastefully incorporate a pop of color without making the outfit come off as gaudy.

Mirrored lens sunglasses also offer a sense of privacy as the eyes remain completely hidden when in use.

Aside from style, these shades perform a useful function as well. The anti-reflective flash coating used to create the mirrored effect is designed to protect the eyes by reflecting sunlight away before reaching them.

Clear Frame Sunglasses

Transparent frame sunglasses are an easy way to add refined style to any man’s wardrobe.

Clear sunglass frames are made using zyl, a durable clear plastic. They can either be completely clear or carry a light tint of color which is a nod to the stylish versatility of the shades themselves.

Translucent frame glasses also offer the same style benefits and some even come with blue light blocking lenses to aid in eye protection.

Keyhole Bridge Sunglasses

Keyhole Bridge Sunglasses are a classic style with a vintage feel that are sure to add class and distinguished energy to a man’s closet.

They are a great choice for formal occasions or casual everyday wear.

While a typical sunglass bridge is designed to sit across the top of the wearer’s nose, the Keyhole Bridge design reduces nose and frame contact by adding a small amount of padding on each side of the nose bridge.

Sport Sunglasses

While sport sunglasses come with many functional benefits like protecting the eyes from debris, sun rays and unwanted glare; they also come with the added benefit of being stylish.

Sport sunglasses are a great choice when looking to create a fashionable look while simultaneously amplifying the masculinity of the fit.

Square wire frame sunglasses

Square sunglasses with a wire frame are a classic style that is commonly associated with men. The thinness of the frame is the distinguishable characteristic of this style while the square lenses add just the right touch of unique fashion.

If you’re looking for a traditional pair of shades without being too over-the-top with style, square wire frame sunglasses would be a great choice.

Rimless Sunglasses

Rimless sunglasses are sunglasses that do not have a frame in which lenses are inserted into. Instead, the nose bridge connects the two lenses and the temples connect directly to the outer sides of each lens.

These sunglasses are more lightweight than styles with traditional frames which is said to make wearing them more comfortable.

Wraparound Sunglasses

Wraparound Sunglasses are another popular men’s style. These sunglasses provide more eye coverage than other shades because of how they extend to the sides of the face to block peripheral sunlight.

This style of sunglasses is typically recommended for those with oblong-shaped faces as the horizontal curvature of the shades provides a smoothing contrast to the vertical rectangular structuring of the face.

Consider Your Face Shape When Shopping for Men’s Sunglasses

Face shape is another thing to consider when buying sunglasses because certain sunglass styles tend to look best on specific face types.

If you aren’t sure about what your face shape is, check out the guide above and read our article where we go more in depth on this subject: ‘How To Choose the Best Sunglasses for Your Face Shape’.

Prioritizing for Comfort

Comfort is another factor to consider when purchasing sunglasses. Sometimes life calls for us to be practical and choosing shades based on comfort might be better for you or whoever you’re gifting them to.

Lightweight styles like rimless sunglasses or ones that are soft on the nose such as keyhole bridge shades might be the best option for you.

Prioritizing for Functionality

Depending on the purpose of buying sunglasses, functionality should be something to consider in addition to style and comfort.

The special filter applied to polarized sunglasses significantly reduces glare and improves visibility while UV blocking sunglasses offer great protection against harmful UV rays.

If you’re looking to purchase a pair of glasses, ones with blue light blocking lenses could be the right fit.

Conclusion

We hope that you now have a clearer picture of what sunglass styles work best for men! Whether you need sunglasses for eye safety, fashion, or as a gift, we wish luck on selecting your next pair of shades!