Introduction

As guys, we all have a bit of vanity and like to look our best. If that means wearing sleek or stylish sunglasses, yep we’ll go to those lengths! There’s more than one reason to wear the best sunnies, eye protection being the biggest issue.

But unlike 30-40 years ago, most of today’s sunglasses are polarized to some extent. By blocking light rays getting to your eyes, sunglass makers have been insisted upon to include polarization. Once the sunlight passes through the sunglasses, they are filtered so that any UV rays are reflected away from the surface of the glass.

Our eyes are extremely important to us so why not buy a great pair of polarized sunnies that will protect them from harsh UV rays for many years to come (assuming you don’t lose them like I do!).

So, to get you thinking, here’s our list of the top polarized sunglasses for Men in 2018.  But before that, a quick buyers guide.

Polarized Sunglass Buying Guide

We just want to make mention of a few things before going out and purchasing a new pair of polarized sunglasses. We want to make you aware of different aspects that may get you thinking about so that you end up with the right pair.

Frames & Size

As you already know, there’s a large variety of frame sizes and style to choose from, and it’s also fairly easy to get it wrong. If you’re going to purchase sunglasses online, you really need to know your face shape and size. To make this easier, there are a number of virtual sunglass fitting websites. Simply upload an image of your face and you can add sunglass images over the top.

Some websites can gain access to your camera, so you can then either click the sunglasses they have in their catalogue or upload your own image. Here’s an example of a Virtual Try-on website but you may find others that you feel more comfortable using.

You’re also going to have to choose a frame material. So, what types of frames are available you may be thinking? Here’s the options, Plastic, Metal, Polycarbonate, Titanium, Acetate or Nylon. You had no idea there was that many frame materials, did you? Each have their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s go through some of them.

Titanium is going to be your higher end frame and therefore, will cost you more. A great benefit apart from the durability, is they are scratch resistant. Unlike plastic (Acrylic or Polyurethane) which can be scratched but is generally cheap.

Metal frames can look classier, but they are less durable, so I wouldn’t suggest wearing them whilst mountain biking! In saying that, metal frames are a popular material as they can be tailored to various face sizes.

Acetate is also a plastic but we’re not going to treat it as one. This is because it’s stronger and has ranges of flexibility way beyond normal plastic. Add to this the fact colours can be imbedded into the material, as opposed to layered externally like paint, and you have yourself a nice durable frame.

If you’re a sports junkie and need a pair for adventure sports, your best choice is going to be a Nylon frame which offers great flexibility for a great price. They’re lightweight, strong and are resistant to fluctuating temperatures which is perfect for snowboarding or rock climbing.

Your only other choice is Polycarbonate which is also a nice option for sporting activities. They are not as flexible as Nylon but are very rigid, durable and have great resistance against impacts.

Lenses

There’s a number of varieties of lens types, but we’re concentrating on polarized lenses which are made specifically for eye protection from the sun. Not that you’ll notice them, but polarized lenses have horizontally aligned polarizing micro crystals which help block light coming from a vertical direction, and in doing so, offer protection from eye irritation.

Specifically, they are most suitable for water and snow sports, as the reflection of these surfaces is so much more pronounced. Most of us know about UV (which includes UVB & UVA) rays and how harmful they can be to our precious eyes. It only makes sense to buy polarized sunglasses if entering into the harsh elements we’re being exposed to.

So, we’ve created a list below of the top polarized sunglasses for men that we’ve sourced this year which includes a variety of styles. They’re all perfect for sitting around you barbecue but some are more specifically designed for particular activities. Hopefully this gives you an idea as to what’s out there.

You know the Oakley brand as one that is trustworthy, and they’ve come out with the cool Flak 2.0 sunglasses with are made for ultra-sharp clarity for that next bicycle ride of yours. With cyclists in mind (not that you need to be a peddler) Oakley have been creating high tech sunglasses for years and this is their latest patent.

You’ll love the high definition optics that have been introduced into the Flak 2.0, which optimizes every millimetre of the enhanced lens. This is so important when cycling so that your vision is crystal clear when approaching sharp bends or rough terrain.

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Your standard size frame is durable yet lightweight making use of all the technology that’s gone into this pair of sports sunnies. With unobtanium for a secure grip, I love the shape of these frames with their rigid flow.

The 59mm wide lenses offer 100% UV protection and are coated in polarized Iridium. This is what makes the lenses even stronger due to the Iridium, a chemical element that provides a corrosion-resistant metal that can withstand excessive temperatures.

Having taken these sunglasses for a test run, I found them to be so comfortable I forgot I was wearing them.

Great features include:

• 100% UV protection
• Sports style
• Polarized Iridium
• Enhanced Lenses

I love Oakley sunglasses and whilst I experimented with different brands, I come back to Oakley for my sports sunglasses. The clarity and comfort seem to outdo the others in this regard.

Features

Polarized Iridium lenses

100% UV protection

Sports style

So, what’s one of the latest trends of the last 5 years when it comes to fashion? Wooden accessories are one of the latest trends, especially when it comes to sunglasses. You may have seen them before and they appealed to you, so why not go and get yourself a pair to show off your stylish side!

These are no ordinary wooden glasses either, they are made from Bamboo. This is of great benefit to you as bamboo is extremely strong and durable. Bamboo is also a lightweight material also, so you will not feel added pressure when wearing these.

Now I appreciate that most men concern themselves with looks and one of the most reliable and common fashion styles when it comes to sunglasses is the ‘Wayfarer Style’. Do you remember the Blues Brothers? Well, their sunglasses are the Wayfarer style. James Bond, JFK, Leonardo DiCaprio, they’ve all worn the same style sunglasses because they don’t go out of fashion. Being a versatile style, they fit just about any face shape.

Another great aspect of these handmade bamboo sunglasses is the safety protection provided via the UV blocking lenses. This company use 9-layer TAC (cellulose triacetate polarization process) lenses which prevent 100% of the sun’s UV rays. This 9-layer system is unique, some layers have UV protection, other layers absorb glare, provide strong impaction or give shock-resistant protection.

You’ll also love the scratch resistant feature which lasts for the life of the glasses.

Great features include:

• 9-layer TAC lens protection
• Bamboo frame
• Handmade
• Lightweight

Cloudfield have gained a great reputation in the field of sunglasses and the reviews back that up. One of the major points that customers have made is the weight of the sunglasses. Being made from bamboo creates the lack of weight which people love. Some mentioning how they can’t even feel them on their face.

You’ll receive your sunglasses in a stylish wooden case.

Over 300 customer reviews have rated these 4.7-stars. That’s a great endorsement of this really nice pair of wooden sunglasses.

Features

Lightweight & durable

Handmade from Bamboo

9-layer TAC lens protection

If you’re on the lookout for a stylish pair of sunglasses with full 100% UV protection in a cheaper price range, this pair is ideal. Maybe you need a second pair of sunglasses to store in your car for in case you lose a pair. Whatever the case, check these out.

Made by WoodofArt, they come in 2 lens colours which is beneficial if you find that one colour will not suit you. You can choose between blue or grey lenses, depending on your preference.

Your eyes will be protected from those harmful sunshine rays with the UV 400 polarized lenses. This is the same as the above product and also has the TAC protection, making them scratch resistant and durable.

A great feature that I love about these cheaper sunglasses (apart from the cost), is the frame arms which are handmade from real brown Rose wood. They have a unique tribal design which will appeal to many. Obviously, this is a personal choice worth considering.

You’ll also like the free round wooden case supplied that’s made from bamboo. Along with the case is a cleaning lens cloth, soft cloth pouch and a card with care instructions. Together this makes for a great low-cost option.

Great features include:

• 100% UV 400 polarized protection
• 2 colours available
• Rose wood arms with tribal design
• Bamboo case

With over 50 customer reviews achieving a 4.9-star rating out of 5, you won’t find a better pair of sunnies in this price range. These sunglasses would suit men or women, so you can sit tigether sipping on your Moscow Mules enjoying the sunshine.

Just something to take note of. The Rose wood frame arms are not flexible but they do have spring hinges which will allow for flexibility to suit many head sizes.

Also, if you’re after a pair of sunglasses where your eyes cannot be seen, you may want to search elsewhere.

Features

2 Colours available

Bamboo case & accessories

100% UV protection

Tribal design on rose wood arms

If you love that vintage Retro era and embrace all things retro, we may have found the right sunnies for you. Not always available due to it’s popularity, they are a unique top of the range classic pair of sunglasses.

So, what do you get that’s different to every other pair of shades? Well to start with, there’s the retro style that come is 3 various colours which are enhanced with textured metal accents. But it’s the lenses which are slightly more advanced than the others with Digital Polarized Plus™ technology which allows you to clearly view devices such as your phone, tablet or laptop. Often screens like these are easier to see without sunglasses on, that’s not the case here.

Need the Best Designer Watch to go with your New Sunglasses?

It also comes with a great feature that I love. It’s the ‘’Revo exclusive mirror coating’ which provides up to 6 layers of protective coating which is based on NASA’s lens technology. NASA use their technology for satellites, so you know it’ll be great quality.

You’ll also love the Oleophobic Coating on the lens front which repels oils and fingerprints. There’s so much to like about these sunglasses which makes them the highest of quality. Click on the image for more specifics about the other coatings which include water and sweat replant.

Great features include:

• Multiple layers of various protections
• Retro style
• Comfortably light
• Crystal clear design

All customers have made mention of how comfortable they are which is a great sign that you get what you pay for. These are a little more on the expensive side, but when you purchase Revo, you know you’re buying quality.

Features

Retro aviator style

Up to 6 layers of protection

Lightweight

Clear visibility design

Conclusion

Choosing a great pair of polarized sunglasses mostly comes back to your preferred style or choice. The majority of sunglasses nowdays have UV polarization and will protect your eyes from the glaring sun. There are some variations and some lenses have varying shades of colour.

The frames make big difference with some being more lightweight than others due to the material they are created out of. Make sure you appreciate your face shape before searching a pair of sunglasses and you will find something that suits. There’s so many various pairs of sunglasses out there, we’ve chosen some of the best we’ve found this year. I hope we’ve helped and have given you an idea of the varying styles that are on offer.

If you’d like to share your favorite with us, please feel free to add to the discussion below.

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