The Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, check out I-SEA. The California-based company sells high-quality lenses, both polarized and unpolarized, at reasonable prices. The Ella circular glasses were easily one of my favorites to test. I loved the warm, light-brown and polarized tint, which made my vision crystal clear. In addition, the hand-polished frames with stainless steel hinges have a high-quality feel.

However, I-SEA does not pay for initial shipping or return and exchange shipping. Plus, the return window is only 14 days long. Note that I-SEA frames aren’t built for long exposure to saltwater, which could cause the lens coating to peel.

For sunny days, watersports and afternoons at the beach, the NEVEN Eyewear CM LUV is the perfect pick. These glasses feature FDA-approved, polarized and impact-resistance lenses with lightweight frames. Plus, the glasses are saltwater resistant. Each pair is also covered by an Everlast Guarantee, which lets you submit a claim and get a brand new pair of glasses for $12.50 if yours become lost, broken or stolen. I personally loved the polarized, steely tint of the glasses and how reflective the exterior lenses are.

Something to keep in mind: These lenses are on the pricier side at $80 each, though the quality of the overall glasses (plus the fact that you can buy one and get two free) makes them a great investment. Also, dirt and smudges on these lenses become noticeable more quickly on these lenses than other glasses, perhaps because the outer coating is so reflective.

If you’re on the hunt for a classic, rectangular frame, superior quality and a price tag under $100, look no further than the NEVEN Tombstone sunglasses. As with the CM LUV frames, the Tombstones have saltwater resistance, FDA-approved, polarized and impact-resistance lenses and an Everlast guarantee. They also come in multiple frame colors and patterns and lens tints.

On the other hand, these glasses are pricey, and dirt and smudges on the lenses become noticeable quickly.

A high-quality pair of aviators usually costs well over $100, but the I-SEA Sara Polarized Glasses are the exception. During testing, I loved how the frames never slipped or hung low over my eyes thanks to the nose grips. The lenses were also crystal clear and not too dark, making them a great pick for driving or walking.

Note that not all colors in this style are polarized. Also, I-SEA doesn’t cover shipping or return and exchange shipping, and the 14-day returns window is short compared to that of other brands. Be mindful of wearing these glasses in the ocean, as long exposure to saltwater could cause the lens coating to peel.

Nothing quite beats the glamorous feel of the NEVEN The Cape Sunglasses. While large, square glasses tend to overwhelm small faces, the lifted corners (similar to a cat-eye shape) flatter most face sizes and shapes. The lenses of The Cape feature a blue-green tint, FDA-approved polarization, impact resistance, saltwater resistance and an Everlast guarantee if they break or get lost. I love that the glassy, warm color of the lenses in the color Spirit work well with just about any skin tone. Other colors for this frame include black, purple, purple/blue lenses with black frames and pink lenses with black frames.

As with other extremely reflective frames from NEVEN, this pair of sunglasses gets dirty quickly. The glasses are also on the pricey side, though the brand often runs a buy-one-get-two-free deal (so you are paying roughly $26 per pair).

Love an oversized look but prefer a round frame? If so, check out the NEVEN Zoë Sunglasses. This particular pair in the color Quinn has flattering and reflective hot-pink lenses with a green/gray tint, though you can also opt for a warm brown or classic black tint. As with all other NEVEN sunglasses, these frames have FDA-approved polarization, impact and saltwater resistance and an Everlast guarantee if they get lost or broken.

Like most sunglasses with extremely reflective exteriors, dirt and smudges are highly noticeable, so you’ll feel the need to clean them more frequently.

Not Tested

If you’re looking for an affordable, statement pair of cat eye lenses, try the Luci sunglasses from Tints Eyewear. The warm-brown tint accentuates yellows and greens without darkening your vision too much, and the lenses offer UV400 protection and polarization to eliminate glare. These glasses also come with a case and a pouch, and certain frames are part of a buy one, get one free deal. Note that the company has a generous return window of 60 days.

While all Tints Eyewear glasses are under $50, you’ll have to spend over $50 to get free shipping — so it’s likely you’ll buy two pairs and spend between $80 and $100. The company also does not cover return shipping, and it reserves the right to deny returns or exchanges if the glasses are not in perfect condition. Tags must still be on products in order for you to receive a refund, store credit or an exchange. (Note that the company makes exceptions for items that were shipped with a defect or damage.)

If classic frames tend to overtake your face, the Bella XS from DIFF Charitable Eyewear is the solution. These elegant, square and acetate frames feature a warm brown tint, scratch-resistant polymer lenses, and 100% UVA and UVB protection. They include a case and are also available in prescription form. Something we love: Since 2015, DIFF has donated over 1.4 million pairs of reading glasses to people in need around the world.

On the other hand, you would need to spend at least $135 to receive free shipping, and many glasses are priced at $134. DIFF also charges a $9.99 fee on returns.

The overall quality of the Zinedine Sakura sunglasses from Sun Buddies are nothing short of excellent. The frames are designed in Sweden and handmade of Mazzuchelli acetate (Italian produced). In addition, the tinted gray lenses have 100% UV protection and the glasses come with a faux leather hard case and a cleaning cloth. The five-bar hinge on the frames also increases their longevity.

The downsides: Shipping to the US costs $10 unless you spend over $200. Sun Buddies also doesn’t cover shipping for returns, and the website can be difficult to navigate because you cannot sort items by frame shape or price.

For that classic, slightly-oversized look, it doesn’t get much better than the Bella Sunglasses from DIFF Charitable Eyewear. These elegant square frames come in a variety of frame colors and lens tints, including blue, gray, warm brown and pink. The frames are made of hand-cut acetate and stainless steel, and the lenses consist of scratch-resistant polymer. Every pair comes with a case and cleaning cloth. A bonus: DIFF has donated over 1.4 million pairs of reading glasses to people in need around the world since 2015.

On the other hand, shipping is only free on $135+ orders, and many glasses are priced at just under $135 to encourage you to buy at least two pairs. DIFF also charges a $9.99 restocking fee on returns.

Sustainability and style go hand-in-hand when it comes to AKILA Sunglasses. The Solaris frames are the perfect blend of quality, comfort and fashion, and the biodegradable acetate frame has a weighty feel that adds to the sense of luxury. Although the lenses of this pair and most AKILA glasses are not polarized, they do have 100% UVA and UVB protection and blue light blocking.

However, AKILA may charge a stocking fee on returns, and the return window of 14 days is relatively short.

Not Tested

If you’re looking for a statement piece, the Warby Parker Willetta Sunglasses are the perfect pick. These lux shades feature polycarbonate, impact-resistance lenses, 100% UV blockage, a scratch-resistant lens coating and hand-polished cellulose acetate frames. They also have a lightweight feel. Plus, you can get them in prescription form, and Warby Parker accepts FSA and HSA cards.

Note that these glasses may slip down your nose depending on the shape of your nose. Some customers have also complained that the quality has gone downhill in recent years.

Cat eye sunglasses are in, and if you want a pair that promises not just style but also longevity, opt for the ROKA MARFA Cat Eye frame. It comes in a variety of frame colors and warm to cool lens tints. Key features include no-slip GEKO grips around the ears and nose, an anti-scratch, fog-resistant and hydrophobic lens coating, and spring hinges to help with shock absorption (should you accidentally drop them) and reduced pressure. Overall, these are a great pick for the everyday but can also withstand tough outdoor workouts and a day at the beach.

While ROKA offers free shipping only on $150+ orders, most of their glasses are priced over this threshold, so you would typically have to buy just one pair to take advantage of free shipping. Note that the company will deduct a $20 restocking fee from prescription glasses should you choose to buy prescription(which isn’t the worst policy we’ve seen, as many companies don’t accept prescription returns at all).

Nothing makes a statement quite like the Eternal White Sunglasses from Eternal Blue. The oversized, fox-eye inspired style is particularly flattering on wider faces with a round, diamond or square shape. In addition, the acetate frame has a weight to it that adds to a feeling of quality. The cellulose triacetate lenses have an anti-scratch coating, and they offer 100% protection against UV rays.

On the other hand, there is no polarization option for these frames. Eternal Blue also does not cover shipping or return shipping, and the return window is just seven days from the date of receipt. I personally didn’t find the frame shape to be particularly flattering on smaller faces.

Not Tested

The Ray Ban RB3025 Aviators can flatter a wide variety of face shapes, from square to round to heart shaped. They use high-quality materials, including a metal frame and polarized glass lenses, and have good design features, like soft nose pads and tall lenses that cover the entire eye. This particular model is available in prescription form.

While the Ray Ban website offers free shipping and free, 45-day returns, other sellers don’t have the same policies. Ray Ban also doesn’t accept returns on customized items.

Worn by reigning IRONMAN World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay, the ROKA Siena Sunglasses are built for endurance. They have anti-scratch, fog-resistant, hydrophobic and polarized lenses along with no-slip GEKO grips around the ears and nose. Other great features for sports and everyday wear include spring hinges to help absorb shock and a lightweight, flexible frame. A bonus: The brand is beloved by podcaster Joe Rogan.

The downsides: These glasses are expensive, though you can take advantage of ROKA’s summer sale that ends in September. Also, certain colors don’t come with polarization. Note that ROKA deducts a $20 restocking fee from prescription glasses returns, though this is a more generous policy than that of other brands.

What we love about the I-SEA Ruby Sunglasses: These 70s-inspired frames feature a green tinted lens, and their rounded square shape goes well with square, round, heart-shaped and oval faces. The polarization of the lenses also makes these glasses a great pick for everyday walks and driving.

What you might not like: Not all colors in this frame are polarized. In addition, you must pay for shipping and return shipping (if you make a return), and you have a short return window of 14 days. Note that long exposure to saltwater can damage the lens coating.

Flat top sunglasses often have a bulky feel that some buyers don’t like. However, the ROKA Estacado glasses are the exception. These lightweight, sleek frames are both stylish and functional, built for sweaty workouts and long days outside. As with other ROKA glasses, this pair comes with anti-scratch, fog-resistant, hydrophobic and polarized lenses. The frames are built to absorb shock should they fall, and there is grippy material where the frames rest on the ears and nose.

What you might not like: ROKA sunglasses are expensive, and the company deducts a $20 restocking fee on prescription eyewear.