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The Best Men’s Polarized Sunglasses

Last updated on November 28, 2022
Best Men's Polarized Sunglasses

Our Review Process

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If you’re choosing polarized sunglasses, you want your eyes to be protected in high-glare situations such as when you’re on the water or in the snow.  Polarized sunglasses have a chemical applied to them that absorbs horizontal light waves (reflections) while allowing in vertical ones (direct light). Thus, the light you see is a touch darker, but is also crisper and more detailed.

When choosing polarized sunglasses, you’ll want to consider the tint color of the lens, the optical and physical properties of the lens (distortion, scratch-resistance), whether or not the lens has coatings (such as anti-reflective), and the amount of light the lens lets in. If the sunglasses list a protection index number, you want at least a category 2.

Choosing a pair of polarized sunglasses online can be challenging because you can’t try them on. However, you can work around that challenge with a little research. A website that sells glasses will offer information to help you determine what frames look best on your face shape, and some may offer virtual tools to assist in that process.

However, you shouldn’t feel constrained to what experts say will flatter your face shape. Most glasses frames can look good on anyone, and you shouldn’t limit yourself if you prefer something different.

You’ll also want to factor in price. All polarized sunglasses will offer adequate UV protection, but more expensive ones might have better materials and higher quality overall. They may offer a better visual experience and last longer — but, if you lose sunglasses easily, such advantages may not matter.

Our Picks For The Top Men's Polarized Sunglasses

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

mxnx Composite Frames Classic Men’s Polarized Sunglasses

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

mxnx

Composite Frames Classic Men’s Polarized Sunglasses

These men's polarized sunglasses are lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear. They have an aviator design, a durable aluminum alloy frame and 400 UV protection. As an added bonus, the sunglasses come with a cleaning cloth, screwdriver, polarized test card, soft storage case and a hard storage case.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find these men's polarized sunglasses come in a choice of black, silver or brown frames.

 Runner Up

PolarSpex UV-Coated Plastic Men’s Polarized Sunglasses

PolarSpex

UV-Coated Plastic Men’s Polarized Sunglasses

Keep your eyes protected from both UVA and UVB rays with these retro-style men's polarized sunglasses. Their constructed using a durable plastic and outfitted with metal hinges that won't break. The lenses are made up of nine different layers, including an anti-reflective coating, an anti-scratch layer and polarization film.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly PickYou'll love the economical price tag on these men's polarized sunglasses.

 We Also Like

KALIYADI Anti-Glare Men’s Polarized Sunglasses, 3-Pack

KALIYADI

Anti-Glare Men's Polarized Sunglasses, 3-Pack

With these men's polarized sunglasses, you'll be able to view your surroundings in high definition. The glasses themselves are nice and thick and able to stand up to daily wear. Of course, the best feature is the glasses ability to protect the eyes from the sun's glare and UV rays.

Overall Take

Unisex SetIncluded with the three polarized sunglasses in this set are three protective bags and three cleaning cloths.

 Strong Contender

FAGUMA Lightweight Polarized Men’s Sports Sunglasses

FAGUMA

Lightweight Polarized Men's Sports Sunglasses

These lightweight, men's polarized sunglasses offer 100% protection from UV rays. They are designed to stay in place even while you're active. These sunglasses are available in a wide variety of colors and include a hard case, a soft case, cleaning cloth and lanyard.

Overall Take

Comfortable WearThis is a great choice for the outdoor enthusiast who wants a modern look and 100% protection from UV rays.

What to Look For

  • Not all ultraviolet rays from the sun are the same. Likewise, not all items meant to protect you against UV rays are the same. You want sunglasses that will block out both UV-A and UV-B rays.
  • UV-A is similar to blacklight. It’s what causes tanning, but also results in premature aging to skin and damage to skin cells.
  • UV-B is a small but dangerous portion of natural sunlight, and can cause eye strain and sunburn. It is thought to be the main culprit behind skin cancer.
  • UV-C light is absorbed by the ozone layer, so it does not threaten us. Humans use it as a disinfectant.
  • UV-A and UV-B light can, over time, lead to macular degeneration, cataracts, pterygium, and temporary blindness if eyes aren’t protected.
  • Some sunglasses come with a UV number, such as UV400. UV400 glasses block UV rays all the way up to 400 nanometers, protecting you from almost 100% of UV light.
  • Watch for lenses advertised as “polarized” which actually aren’t. You can test a pair of sunglasses by looking at a shiny horizontal surface through them, then turning them 90 degrees to the side. If the lens is polarized correctly, the surface’s glare should reduce quite a bit without blotching.

More to Explore

Some historians say that Nero, the fifth emperor of Rome in 54 A.D., was the first to block sunlight from his eyes with a lens made from an emerald, which he peered through — possibly to improve his near-sightedness — while watching events at the famous Coliseum.

However, the first real sunglasses appear to have generated from 12th century China, where people incorporated smoky quartz into eyeglass frames. The Western world didn’t get sunglasses until Carlo Goldoni, an Italian playwright, popularized them in the 18th century.

More to explore