The right pair of shades complement your outfit well. And it even gives you a red carpet-worthy appearance. However, to me, the shades should not only look great on me but also protecting the eye while providing a clear image.

There are brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley and BNus Italy, and designs like Aviator, Wayfarer, and Sports competing with each other. With so many brands and styles around, it’s worth stopping a minute and being reflective about which to purchase (get it?)

Things get worse when you have a budget to stick to, or if you need something particular like for fishing. That’s why I don’t feel that you should compulsively buy pairs of sunglasses.

Best Polarized Sunglasses – Comparison Table

IMAGE	SUNGLASSES	RATING
	Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer Polarized Sunglasses	Material: Titanium Great for: Recreational Diving Price: $$$	Check Price
	Torege Polarized Sports Sunglasses with Interchangeable Lenses	Material: Titanium Great for: Recreational Diving, Cutting Ropes Price: $$	Check Price
	Bnus Italy Made Classic Sunglasses with polarized option	Material: Austenitic Steel Great For: Cutting Plastic Sheeting and Ropes Price: $$	Check Price
	Ray-Ban RB4068 Square Sunglasses	Material: Stainless Steel Great For: Cutting Fishing Nets and Threads Price: $$	Check Price
	ATTCL Men’s Hot Fashion Polarized Sunglasses	Material: Stainless Steel Great For: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Price: $$	Check Price
	Wood polarized sunglasses made from Maple	Material: Japanese Stainless Steel Great For: Cutting Lines Price: $$	Check Price
	Oakley Women’s OO9191 Unstoppable Sunglasses	Material: Stainless Steel Great For: Cutting Lines Price: $$$	Check Price
	Costa Del Mar Blackfin Sunglasses	Material: Titanium Great For: Cutting Lines and Fishing Price: $$$	Check Price
	Kate Spade New York Women’s Annika Sunglasses	Material: Titanium Great For: Cutting Lines and Ropes Price: $$	Check Price
	Maui Jim Women’s Polarized Sunglasses	Material: Titanium Great For: Cutting Ropes and Thin Lines Price: $$$	Check Price

You need to compare the different sunglass models, wear them to make sure they give a snug fit, and then decide if it fits your budget. All this takes time, which is why I have these reviews, and a price / purchase guide to save you time and help you find the best polarized lenses

1. Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer Polarized Sunglasses-Best Unisex Sunglasses

Are you shopping for something both men and women can wear to complement your attire? Well, if yes, the classics USA brand Ray-Ban may have something for you. The Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer Polarized Sunglasses with a smaller frame and softer eye shape is perfect for both men and women.

Its polarized lenses reduce eyestrain and improve visibility in bright light conditions. The frames are lightweight but made of superior material like durable nylon, perfect for wearing every day.

The famous G-15 polarized lenses are made of glass that filter 100% UV protective coating and are prescription ready. They come in various sizes to ensure a relaxed but comfortable fit for most people.

2. Torege Polarized Sports Sunglasses with Interchangeable Lenses- Best Polarized Glares for the Sports Person

The sportsperson may find the Torege Polarized Sports Sunglasses an interesting buy. It’s excellent to wear while participating in various sports like cycling, cricket, and competitive driving. Its rimless jacket frame enables a crystal clear lower vision field.

Besides, it’s fashionable and stylish because of its vibrant color combinations of frames and lenses. Its also versatile thanks to its three interchangeable lenses. The yellow lenses are for early morning and night activities, while the clear variant protects eyes from dust and wind.

The black ones are for driving and the only polarized lenses. All lenses are 100% UV 400 protection coated for complete eye protection from the sun.

The Torege is lightweight while the polycarbonate lenses are durable, unbreakable, and impact and scratch-resistant. I especially liked its soft and comfortable rubber nose pads because they don’t pinch, but have a comfortable access for your nose.

3. Bnus Italy Made Classic Sunglasses with polarized option- Most Affordable Polarized Sunglasses

The Bnus Italy Made sunglasses are ideal for the stylish customer on a budget or looking to buy a few pairs of affordable glares. It has a composite bio-based nylon frame, and the highest quality and performance Corning glass lenses.

They are scratch-resistant and seawater corrosion-resistant, thus providing the best clarity in most situations. Though cheap, it can be safely used by active people outdoors, both in the open water and offshore.

Besides, the polarized amber lenses reduce eye strain, provides 100% UV blockage under the sun, and kills reflected glare with its 100% polarized lens. The Bnus glares offer a comfortable fit and in various sizes ranging from 53mm to 59mm.

Smaller or narrow-faced people should opt for the 53mm variant while the 59mm glares are best for large heads or broad faces.

4. Ray-Ban RB4068 Square Sunglasses- Best Square Everyday Use Polarized Sunglasses

The Ray-Ban RB4068 square sunglasses are popular with those looking for durable and comfortable sunnies with 100% UV rays protection. It is similar to the Ray-Ban Wayfarers, and has a durable, fashionable, and comfortable high-strength nylon frame.

The sunnies are the classic square style with a full coverage wrap with crystal amber lenses, beautiful brown frame, and offers an option for polarized lenses. It’s perfect for everyday use, offering a high level of clarity even in low light conditions.

The glares flatten on about any shaped and sized face. A few arm shape adjustments by a professional can give a custom fit.

5. ATTCL Men’s Hot Fashion Polarized Sunglasses –Best Polarized Sunglasses for Driving

The ATTCL Men’s Hot Fashion shades are great for driving. How? Well, it’s because it helps in reducing glare and haze, making your eye comfortable to see well.

These glares have polarized lenses offering 100% UV ray protection, while its aluminum-magnesium metal-alloy frame is unbreakable. The combination with a wraparound design makes you look cool while driving, biking, and hiking too.

It’s ultra-light, weighing only 25 grams, but strong and durable enough to use for any outdoor activity. The aluminum-magnesium alloy used for its frame is the same material used in aviation. It thus proves its strength and durability.

6. Wood polarized sunglasses made from Maple –Best Floating Wooden Polarized Sunglasses

Yes. The Wood Polarized Sunglasses from Maple does float, thanks to its pure Maple wooden frame. It means there’s no worry about losing it if it slips into the water!

These wayfarers are both eco-friendly and handcrafted to make heads turn wherever you go. Though lightweight, these sunnies are strong and durable too. Besides, its stainless-steel double hinges give a perfect fit.

The glares have UV polarized lenses to protect your eyes from harmful rays and glare. They come with a free bamboo case, microfiber cleaning cloth, and a drawstring pouch.

7. Oakley Women’s OO9191 Unstoppable Sunglasses-Best Women’s Polarized Sunglasses for Outdoor Use

Now here’s a top pair of women’s glasses designed for outdoor use by a company well known for its activewear. The Oakley Women’s 009191 Unstoppable Sunglasses is perfect for highly active women with its rubber temples and unobtanium nose pads. It helps keep the sunglasses in place even when sweaty and on the move.

While some feel that the lenses should have been a bit wider to block out lights entering from the sides, I like its slim look. It makes the sunglasses look so much more aggressive and perfect for athletes than the other casual options.

Oakley 009191 has a plastic, stress-resistant frame with polarized plutonic lenses that filter 100% UV rays and harmful blue light up to 400mm. The shades offer ulterior comfort, clarity, and protection from impact.

I have to stress about its patented High Definition Optics that offers optimal clarity with 360 degrees razor-sharp vision. The semi-rimless design is a plus point, providing an obstructed view downwards.

8. Costa Del Mar Blackfin Sunglasses –Most Used for Fishing

The Costa Del Mar Blackfin Sunglasses is a hit amongst anglers. Fishermen love the detailed design of the glares for maximum comfort and stability while fishing.

It comes with 100% polarized, UV protected lenses, thus refusing glare to keep your eyes feel rested and alert while fishing. I prefer the blue mirrored ones because it gives the best results in harsh sunlight. Some anglers also vouch that the blue gives a better image of underwater fish.

Though handmade and flexible, the Costa Del Mar sunglasses are durable with 580P polycarbonate and high-tech TR-90 bio-nylon frame. It renders the glares scratch and impact-proof, and heat and cold resistant.

They are also lightweight and give such a close and snug fit that you don’t even realize you have them on. Besides, the rubberized coating at the temples gives a better grip.

9. Kate Spade New York Women’s Annika Sunglasses – Affordable Classic Women’s Polarized Sunglasses

The Kate Spade New York Women’s Annika Sunglasses is ideal for women looking for classic under $100 sunglasses. Why? It’s because though the frame is plastic, it has a classic tortoise wood look, creating a modern but rustic style.

The polished logo plaques create some extra contrast to give a stylish touch. It is large enough to block light without being too overbearing, and its dark lenses make it ideal to wear on bright, glaring days.

It’s all thanks to its polycarbonate polarized lenses, which make driving easier by reducing the glare from other cars. What I liked about the Annika is that it comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.

10. Maui Jim Women’s Polarized Sunglasses –Best Small-Sized Prescription Women’s Polarized Shades

The Maui Jim Women’s pair of Polarized shades are ideal for small faces and those with prescription needs. It has three lens options.

Grey lens with the highest light reduction for all light conditions, the bronze lens for low-light conditions or everyday wear, and rose lenses offering the highest contrast level for foggy days.

Like always, the glares have 100% UV coated lenses that filter out harmful, eye-damaging sun rays, glare, and reflection. As mentioned, these are not just casual glares, but it’s ready for prescription lenses.

So you can put a set of photochromic lenses, which adapts to light conditions and wear the glares all the time. However, they are not large enough to wear atop other glares!

The waterproof and scratch and solvent resistant lenses comprise of SuperThin glass material. The glares feature Polarizedplus 2 lens technology that not only protects from glares and UV rays but also enhances colors.

Its built-in nose pads give s comfortable, no-slip fit while the anti-corrosive nickel/sliver hinge hugs the head for a comfortable fit.

11. Ray-Ban RB3025 Aviator Sunglasses –Best Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

To me, nothing beats the classic Aviator design from Ray-Ban, a company renown for its sunglasses. This is truly one of the classics from the USA. That’s why the Ray-Ban RB3025 Aviator sunnies is a timeless favorite for its style and functionality. Besides, it’s popular with both men and women.

Its Chromance lens has a six-layer anti-reflection treatment, optimal polar filters, and high contrasting pigments for better vision and perception. The lens color gradually changes from a lighter to darker shade within minutes of exposure to UV rays outdoors.

It similarly gradually changes back within five minutes of stepping inside. With so many colors and sizes to select from, you are sure to find something to fit your face.

12. Duco Men’s Polarized Sunglasses for Men- Best Outdoor Aluminum Men’s Polarized Sunglasses

If you are looking for something different than the usual plastic frames, then the Duco Men’s Polarized sunglasses for men with an aluminum frame may interest you.

These shades offer 100% UV400 protection, and the lenses are durable, unbreakable, and scratch and impact resistant.

I liked that it’s possible to adjust the frame width for a perfect fit with its ergonomic design and flexible arm and spring. It even has adjustable nose pads and temple earsocks.

The glares are great to wear in summer or for any outdoor activity like cycling, riding motorcycles, trekking or fishing.

13. Oakley Men’s OO9264 Mainlink Sunglasses –Best Men’s Prescription Polarized Sunglasses

Do you repent your prescription because you can’t wear any stylish shades? If yes, Oakley Men’s 009264 Mainlink mens polarized sunglasses has you covered! It’s the perfect glares you could wish for, right in between the casual Ray-Ban and sporty Under Armor Cores.

In short, it’s classic but, at the same time, athletic, modern, and sleek. It’s got a mild, square designed frame with mirrored lenses. And about your prescription, just swap these lenses for your tailored prescription variants.

I liked the sunglasses’ secure, comfortable three-point fit system that keeps lenses in perfect, optical alignment. It has unobtanium earsocks and nose bombs that give a secure grip, even with sweat.

The plastic O Matte frame is lightweight but stress-resistant and blends sculpture with versatility. It’s just right for your athletic lifestyle, especially for those with medium to large faces. Besides, the sunglasses have Oakley’s famous Plutonite lenses that block 100% UVB rays and harmful blue rays.

14. Under Armor Men’s Core 2.0 Sunglasses –Best Men’s Sporty Polarized Sunglasses

With Under Armor famous for excellent sportswear, it’s no surprise that their Men’s Core 2.0 Sunglasses creates a sporty and athletic appearance.

Another reason for my interest in this pair of sunglasses is my fascination with full sunnies. It is about 7cm wide enough to wrap and protect the eyes from sunlight, and debris, branches, and sticks.

The polarized sunglasses for mens come with ArmourSight lens technology that delivers a maximum of 20% more distorted peripheral vision. It’s even up to 10 times stronger than ordinary polycarbonate lenses.

It has 100 protection from UV rays and multiflection coating for protection against scratches and smudges from water, oil, and mud. The ultra-light, durable, and flexible ArmourFusion frame is a combination of titanium and Grilamid.

With adjustable rubber temples and nose pads, and airflow technology, you can expect a fit and secure, and cool and comfortable fit. Just make sure you select the right pair from the many styles and lenses available.

15. REKS Unbreakable SLING-BLADE Sunglasses- Best Polarized Sunglasses for the Money

You should consider the REKS Unbreakable Sling-Blade sunglasses if you tend to break your protection polarized lenses. These BPA free, lightweight men’s polarized sunglasses come with a durable, high-quality polymer frame.

It’s great to wear for those with an active lifestyle because of the maximum comfort it offers. It’s multicoated, mirrored and polarized lenses provide 100% UV protection from the sun or snow. It even has a hydrophobic coating to shed water and an anti-reflective coating to keep the glare out.

The anti-scratch coating is one of the added details that helps extend its life. It’s the combination of these features that prove it’s fantastic to wear while performing most sports activities.

To me, the highlight of these sunglasses polarized is its solid frame that flexes for maximum comfort, even under helmets. Besides, the polycarbonate lenses are up to 10x more shatter-resistant than plastic or glass lens.

The unique lens retention grooves keep the lenses secure in place, even in a flexed frame. It’s also possible to replace the lenses with your prescription lenses.

9 things to consider before buying your pair of polarized sunglasses

When you look around, you will realize that the different shades have their individual pros and cons. So keeping these quality features in mind can help you select the pair with the best benefits for you:

1) Fit

Not all polarized glasses will fit everyone. Too tight or oversized frames are the worst. While various factors give the perfect fit, some important points are:

• They should fit snugly on your nose and ears without pinching or rubbing.
• They should evenly distribute weight between your ears and nose
• They shouldn’t let your eyelashes touch the lenses
• They should be flexible enough to adjust by carefully bending the frame bridge and temple
• They should not have the nosepiece pinching your nose

Besides, always read the product description before buying because it may mention which face shape and sizes the sunnies fit.

2) Frame

Sunglasses frames comprise different materials that determine comfort, safety, and durability. The standard materials are:

• Metal that easily adjusts to the face without restricting your field of vision. They are generally more expensive and less durable than other materials. Not oversized.
• Acetate or cellulose acetate is a plastic variation available in various colors. They are less flexible than other frame types, and not meant for high-activity sports.
• Lightweight nylon frames are the most durable, and least expensive, of the three. They aren’t as adjustable as other variants, but most are impact-resistant, and perfect for sports.

3) Lens color

The lens color affects how much visible light reaches your eyes, and how easily you see other colors and contrasts. Dark colors like brown, green, and grey reduce glare and eyestrain in moderately bright conditions. They are perfect for everyday use and outdoor activities.

Lighter colors like amber rose, gold, and yellow are ideal for moderate to low-level illumination conditions like snow sports. They have good depth perception and brighten your surroundings.

4) Lens coating

Multi-layered lenses are more expensive because they include layers like anti-fog and scratch and water-resistant coatings. Mirrored coatings reflect most of the rays striking the lens surface, and reduces glare. They also make objects look darker than they are.

5) Lens material

Polarized sunglasses come in various lens materials:

• Heavy glass lenses are scratch-resistant and offer superior image clarity.
• Polyurethane lenses are flexible and lightweight. They may be expensive but offer great optical clarity and impact resistance.
• Polycarbonate lenses are similar to polyurethane lenses but are not so well scratch resistant.
• Acrylic lenses are cheaper and ideal for casual wearing but not necessarily for everyday wear. They are less durable and not as clear as polycarbonate and glass lenses.

6) Usage

Always buy your polarized sunglasses based on your usage. It’s especially crucial if you will be using them for outdoor activities like fishing, for winter sports, or for gaming for its anti-glare features.

7) UV protection

All polarized sunglasses provide great protection against harmful UV rays. However, do ensure they conform well to safety standards before buying them and buy from reputable sources. Also, the cheap glasses you find do not necessarily protect your eyes.

8) Type

There are so many types of sunglasses, categorized based on its recommended usage. They include:

Sports sunglasses have an athletic look (not oversized), usually with a wraparound style to protect the eyes from all angles of the sun. They typically have rubber temples and nosepieces, to grip the skin even when it’s wet and sweaty. They are a great choice for running, fishing, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Classics look cool but are not so functional. They include aviators and hipsters that may not protect the eyes much. They may not also have performance features like rubber nasals and temples. They, however, make a great choice for painting the town red and to looking suave.

9) Lens types

Polarized sunglasses are commonly available with photochromatic or polarized lenses.

Photochromatic

The color of the lenses go dark or light based on the surrounding brightness and are perfect for adapting to different light conditions. They, however, take a few minutes to change.

They also may not vary while driving because the car’s glass interferes with its ability to detect shade-changing UVB rays.

Polarization

These lenses work by filtering out light rays from the sun that travel at certain angles and reduce glare and reflection.

Interchangeable lenses

Some high-end shades have interchangeable lenses that are great when one lens type doesn’t work. You can always swap lenses based on the surroundings, situation or style within minutes.

Besides, you only have to buy new lenses once the old ones get worn out, which is cheaper than buying a new pair of shades.

Frequently asked Questions

1. What are polarized glasses?

They are shades with a special chemical coating that reduces glare and the harmful effects of UV light while improving image clarity

2. How do polarized glasses work?

It works by its chemical coating filtering out glaring horizontal light waves and letting softer, and vertical waves pass through.

3. Are polarized sunglasses good for eyes?

They indirectly are, because they sharpen your vision and block harmful UV rays.

4. Is it worth buying polarized lenses?

Yes, because they sharpen your vision, reduce image glare, and relieve eye strain. They are especially useful while driving because they reduce the asphalt glare to help you see oncoming cars better.

5. How are polarized glasses identified?

Just hold and rotate a digital watch face, laptop, or cellphone. You know you have polarized lenses if the screen goes black when you tilt your head.

Conclusion

After all my research, the one thing I deduced is that there is no such thing as best polarized sunglasses of 2019. It all boils down to your needs, functionally, and budget. The glasses you find that fits you the best will be the best polarized sunglasses to you with the right set of benefits. In my view,

1. The Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer is the best unisex glares
2. The ATTCL Men’s Hot Fashion is the best driving, polarized glares
3. The Oakley Men’s 009264 Mainlink is the best prescription polarized glasses
4. The REKS Unbreakable Sling-Blade is the best polarized sunglasses for your money.