Did you know you can sunburn your eyeballs?
Yeah, well we found out the hard way.
If you spend a lot of time driving or you’re often near the water, getting a pair of polarized sunglasses can literally save you a headache, or worse: crispy eyeballs.
So if you don’t want to walk around with red eyes looking like you just went to college and discovered Bob Marley and The Grateful Dead, invest in some polarized shades.
These are the best of the best.
My Recommendations
Most Stylish: Tomahawk Shades Ranger
Tomahawk Shades make premium level sunglasses under $100. Their Ranger Class frames look like an update to the classic Ray-Ban New Wayfarer, which is a flattering look for most face shapes.
Made with Cellulose Acetate, the Ranger has that premium heft and durability, and when you pair that with external spring hinges, you get a well-fitting pair of shades that’ll last for years.
They make excellent beach sunglasses as Tomahawk’s Halcyon+ Polarization Protection keep your eyes guarded against the glare of those beautiful curling waves.
What I Like
The shape of the frames are almost universally flattering.
Cellulose acetate and external spring box hinges make for premium-level sunglasses.
The price is excellent considering the quality.
What I Don’t Like
There are limited lens color options available.
What Other Reviewers Say
There aren’t many reviews for Tomahawk Shades at the moment. They’re a relatively new brand, but a few professional reviewers report solid experiences with the company. One of the common frustrations we see (and one we feel ourselves) is that the brand tends to sell out quickly, though that also speaks to their growth.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a pair of polarized sunglasses that offer full protection, look stylish, and have a premium finish, check out the Tomahawk Shades Ranger.
With spring loaded external hinges, the Ranger fits snug on your face without ever feeling tight. These are our top sunglasses for hitting the beach because of their style, durability, and Halcyon+ polarization.
The Tomahawk Ranger gives you all the fixings of a high-end pair of shades, like acetate frames and external spring hinges, but conveniently leaves out the big price tag.
Best for Fishing and Sports: Costa Del Mar Fantail
Anglers need sunglasses. Any amateur who’s gone fishing for seven or eight hours on the ocean and ended up with sunburnt eyeballs knows a good pair of shades can save a lot of pain.
The Costa Del Mar Fantails are a bit pricey, but they’re durable and offer all the protection you need for long days in the sun, which makes them a worthy investment. If you’re a fisherman or just spend a lot of time outdoors, these polarized beasts are the way to go.
What I Like
The 580g lenses are lightweight, thin, and scratch resistant. Plus, they offer heavy polarization to combat all the glare you get from staring down at water on a sunny day.
The frames are resin so they can take a beating and don’t pick up unsightly scratches.
Rather than plastic lenses like most sunglasses, the Fantail uses glass, which gives you clearer and less-warped vision.
What I Don’t Like
They’re on the pricey side over $150. But we consider them an investment for sportsmen and anglers.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers on Amazon give the Costa Del Mar Fantail around a 4.7-star average with over 800 submissions. That’s an excellent rating, especially considering many reviewers put these frames through tough conditions. When you’re on a fishing boat, you’re never worried about babying your sunglasses, and if they fall off—they’re gone for good. Through all of that, the Fantail performs like champ.
The Verdict
If you’re spending long hours on the water, sunglasses become more like a piece of equipment than they do a fashion-accessory. For anglers, you need top-quality sunglasses with heavy-duty polarized lenses to ensure you’re not putting your eyes in harm’s way.
The Costa Del Mar Fantail might be a little pricey, but the resin frames and glass lenses make the pickup worthwhile.
The 580 polarization on the Fantail helps filter out most of the glare from the water, so they're a must for folks who'd rather be fishing.
Best Clip On: CAXMAN Polarized Clip On Sunglasses
Listen, we get it. Maybe you don’t want to get a separate pair of frames. Maybe you just want a simple set of clip on sunglasses you can stow in your dashboard.
The CAXMAN Polarized Clip On Sunglasses are up to the task. They’re inexpensive but have build quality where it counts: the clip. Rather than other clip on glasses that use plastic, the metal clip here keeps its shape well so you can hold on to these for years.
What I Like
There are three sizing options so you can get the right match for your glasses, and there are four color options.
They’re inexpensive and get the job done.
The metal clip makes these more durable where it counts.
What I Don’t Like
The lenses are plastic so there’s more light warping than other sunglasses.
What Other Reviewers Say
With over 300 reviews on Amazon, the CAXMAN Clip Ons average out to around a 4.3-star rating. A lot of reviewers are impressed with the amount of darkening these clips ons achieve. They’re not great for taking on and off, but folks who constantly switch between dark and light environments love how easy they are to flip up and down.
The Verdict
If you’re in need of a solid pair of clip on polarized lenses that don’t break the bank, check out the CAXMAN Polarized Clip On Sunglasses. They’re not the best for taking on and off constantly, but if you leave them on your frames, they can make switching between light and dark environments a breeze.
Want a slick pair of flip-downs to rock on your prescriptions? Call the CAXMAN.
Best Under $50: Knockaround Paso Robles
Knockaround makes excellent beater sunglasses. What does that mean?
Well, when you’re spending just a little more than $20, taking a header into beach sand isn’t such an issue.
You don’t have to baby these, and the Paso Robles has a modern laid back California style that’s perfect for hitting the waves.
Normally, these glasses are right at $20, but for just an extra fiver, you can add polarization.
What I Like
The style is modern and cool-looking, but they’re still inexpensive.
Just click a button to add polarization.
There are tons of color varieties available.
What I Don’t Like
The price reflects the materials—they’re excellent beater sunglasses, but they don’t have that premium feel.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Knockaround Paso Robles earns a 4.8 star average with over 175 reviews live on their site at the time of writing. Many reviewers say this isn’t their first experience with Knockaround, reporting that these are their 4th, 5th, or 6th pair of sunglasses from the brand. That’s always good to hear.
The Verdict
If you want a solid pair of sunglasses that look good but you don’t have to worry about scratching, the Knockaround Paso Robles are your ticket. The frames have that laid back California vibe, and they’re inexpensive enough to pick up a few. That way you’re not crushed when you sit on them or they fall off the boat.
Want a little slice of that laid back California vibe? The Knockaround Paso Robles are inexpensive enough to pick up a few so you can feel free to forget them in your back pocket and sit on them as much as you want.
Best Aviator Style: Ray-Ban 3025
Want to look like Tom Cruise in Top Gun? Even if you said no, we know you do.
For the best polarized aviator sunglasses, go with the originals: the Ray-Ban 3025. You can find these in a massive variety of lens and frame combinations, and the build quality is sturdy enough to justify the price.
Aviators have stood the
What I Like
Aviators are a style icon, and the large lenses offer a lot of protection.
The lenses are exceedingly clear, with much less refraction than other plastic lenses.
There are 20+ combinations of lenses and frame colors so you can get something you love.
What I Don’t Like
They don’t look great if you have a thin or small face.
What Other Reviewers Say
With over 3,500 reviews on Amazon averaging out to around a 4.5 out of 5 stars, it’s safe to say that the Ray-Ban 3025 is a beloved set of sunglasses. But if you’re going to buy these, buy from the default Amazon store (which is Ray-Ban’s Amazon store). There are a lot of counterfeiters out there that may otherwise send you a convincing fake.
The Verdict
You know the Ray-Ban 3025. It’s hard to imagine a more iconic pair of sunglasses. So why not join in on the fun?
With so much variety in sizes, colors, and lenses, these polarized aviator shades are an excellent everyday pair.
You know the Ray-Ban 3025. It’s hard to imagine a more iconic pair of sunglasses. So why not join in on the fun?
Throwing Shade
For an excellent balance of style and value, check out the Tomahawk Shades Ranger class—premium materials like cellulose acetate and spring loaded hinges are rare to find in sub-$100 glasses. Plus, they look cool.
If you need something heavy duty for long days fishing, invest in something like the Costa Del Mar Fantail. They might seem expensive at first, but not when you compare it to other safety gear.
Need something quick and easy? Get the CAXMAN clip on sunglasses so you can transition between dark and light environments like it’s nothing. Or, if you just want an inexpensive pair of beater sunglasses, Knockaround has some of the cheapest, most stylish frames you can find.
But you’ve heard enough from us. Now it’s time to get your glasses and have a great time. We’ll see you soon.
FAQs
Are polarized sunglasses the best for your eyes?
Yes, polarized sunglasses offer an extra layer of protection beyond full spectrum UV coverage. Polarization protects against glare.
What color lens is best for sunglasses?
Green lenses offer the most clarity while still giving full protection.
Can I use lens wipes on polarized lenses?
It’s ok to use lens wipes on polarized lenses. Just be sure to remove any dust to avoid scratches.
