The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

These are the most stylish, sporty, and versatile sunglasses for women.

While everyone has style preferences when it comes to choosing a pair of sunglasses, there are several key factors to consider when shopping for sunnies. Of course, sizing and fit are important for both comfort and style, but one of the most important standards to look for is lenses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection to keep your eyes safe from harmful sun rays.

With activities like hiking, fishing, walking, or everyday accessorizing in mind, we thoroughly researched and tested 32 pairs of shades in the real world (see our favorite polarized options here). We analyzed the fit, appearance, performance, value, and quality of each pair during the six-month testing period to determine the best of the best for both everyday life and outdoor activities. Although it comes down to style preference and intended use for choosing the right pair of sunglasses, we’re certain you won’t want to leave the house without a selection from our list below.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Raen Keera Sunglasses at Amazon $150 Jump to Review Best Foldable: Beneunder Clarion Sunglasses at Beneunder.com Jump to Review Best Smart Glasses: Ray-Ban Meta Skyler at Amazon $299 Jump to Review Best Designer: Versace VE4469 Sunglasses at Sunglasshut.com Jump to Review Best Value: Eleventh Hour Essential Polarized Sunglasses at Shopeleventh.com Jump to Review Best Active: Smith Seeker Sunglasses at Smithoptics.com Jump to Review Most Durable: Oakley Frogskins Range at Amazon $235 Jump to Review Best Aviators: Diff Lenox Aviators at Amazon $90 Jump to Review Best Circular: Randolph Elinor Fusion Polarized Sunglasses at Amazon $269 Jump to Review Best Rectangular: Illesteva Wilson Sunglasses at Amazon $250 Jump to Review

Best Overall

Raen Keera Sunglasses

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

$150 at Amazon View on Raen.com Why We Love It

The cat-eye design is stylish and subtle enough to wear no matter the occasion from oceanside to the office, and there are six different colors to choose.

What to Consider

There is only one polarized option available.

Raen's Keera Sunglasses are about to be your new favorite go-to pair of sunglasses — no matter what color you choose. The subtle cat-eye design with square bottom edges are extremely chic and elevate your look whether you're wearing them to brunch, poolside, or to the office. They're very sturdy and fit us securely, even after six months of wearing almost daily. The arms are easy to unfold and sturdy without feeling stiff.

The oversized frames are also extremely comfortable and don't pinch near the nose or ears, even after we wore them for long periods of time. Only one of the colorways is polarized, and we tried a pair that was not, but they still blocked glare and weren't so dark that we needed to remove them when we moved out of the sun into a shady area. When it comes to travel, the Raen Keeras come with a slim, protective case that is easy to put into just about any bag or purse without taking up too much space. For this reasonable price and high-quality design, these shades are a bargain that you'll definitely want to bring on all of your upcoming adventures.

The Details: Polarized option available | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | Recycled acetate frame | Case included

Best Foldable

Beneunder Clarion Sunglasses

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

View on Beneunder.com Why We Love It

You can fold these flexible and sturdy glasses into a compact size to store in a small purse or pocket.

What to Consider

We wish the included protective case was even smaller to go along with the portability of the folding sunglasses.

While most sunglasses are relatively compact on their own, it can be useful to own a pair that folds down to an even smaller size for easy transportation — especially for travel. This pair from Beneunder folds down smoothly and stays put once in place. We wore these daily for two weeks while going around our normal routines and were pleasantly surprised to find that they didn’t feel flimsy at all, even though they’re foldable. They fit well on our face, not feeling too tight or loose, and never slipped down our nose. We also loved that they never got caught in our hair when we wore them on top of our head (if you know, you know). These are not polarized, but we still felt like they significantly reduced eye strain and blocked sunlight. Sturdy, flexible, and durable, these are great sunglasses for anyone who wants to prioritize space. Though the case is smaller than a typical sunglasses case, we wish it was even more compact.

The Details: Not polarized | 99.5 percent antiglare protection | 0.8 ounces | Case included

Best Smart Glasses

Ray-Ban Meta Skyler

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

$299 at Amazon View on Ray-ban.com View on Meta.com Why We Love It

These smart sunglasses can take photos and videos, play audio, and even take phone calls with the touch of a button.

What to Consider

We would love to see more frame styles — the current four are all pretty similar.

We’ve tested a lot of sunglasses over the years, but these smart glasses from Ray-Ban impressed us on an entirely different level. Compatible with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, these glasses can take photos and videos with the touch of a button using a 12 MP camera and a five-mic audio system. You can also take phone calls, video chat, listen to music, and even upload content straight to social media. If that isn’t enough, these glasses are integrated with Meta AI and answer questions in real time, whether you need help translating a sign while traveling abroad, learning the history of a landmark, or figuring out what to order for dinner. Despite all the tech-friendly features, these look like standard unisex sunglasses and won’t make you stand out — until you start showing them off. Travel + Leisure associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker has owned these sunglasses for over a year and hasn’t noticed any signs of damage on anything, including the charging case, which has not decreased in charge capacity. They are a great pair of sunglasses with some pretty cool smart features to boot.

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Best Designer

Versace VE4469 Sunglasses

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

View on Sunglasshut.com View on Designeroptics.com View on Jomashop.com Why We Love It

These oval sunglasses are flattering, comfortable, and feature Versace's signature gold hardware and logo.

What to Consider

They aren't polarized, which would be a nice addition considering the price tag.

If you feel like splurging on a pair of designer sunnies, you can’t go wrong with the Versace VE4469 glasses. These are so sleek and stylish, with gold metal legs and a black frame that makes them feel appropriate to wear in pretty much any outdoor setting. The Versace logo is prominent enough to stand out without being gaudy, so you can flaunt these without feeling over the top. We wore these while bopping around New York City walking the dog, running errands, and attending various events. They never caused any discomfort or pinching, even when we wore them for over an hour. They also didn’t feel heavy despite the sturdy acetate frame. Every component of these sunglasses feels sturdy and high-quality, which is something we would expect from a designer brand. At over $400, there's no doubt that they are a splurge, but you're paying for the label as well as the construction. Our only complaint about these glasses is that we wish they were polarized, especially considering the price tag, but overall we think they’re a great pair if you want to treat yourself or someone else in your life.

The Details: Not polarized | 136 millimeters hinge to hinge | Acetate frame | Polyamide bio lenses | Case included

Best Value

Eleventh Hour Essential Polarized Sunglasses

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

View on Shopeleventh.com View on Velvet-tees.com Why We Love It

The slight cat-eye lenses are sharp and the acetate frames have the perfect balance of flexibility and sturdiness.

What to Consider

The frames might be a little large on some face shapes.

If you want to keep your sunglasses budget under $100, these are a great value. When it comes to comfort, these stylish sunglasses from Eleventh Hour are made with handmade acetate frames that are thick and sturdy but are also extremely lightweight and feel nearly weightless, especially while wearing them for long periods of time. The arms have just the right amount of give so they won’t press against your temples, but they still feel secure on your head. After wearing these almost daily for six months (and sliding them up onto the top of our heads), we did need to slightly tighten the stems but not an extreme amount. Although the bridge doesn’t have any padding, the sunglasses comfortably sit on the nose without causing any pinching or sliding down.

We tried the white frames with brown lenses and the black frames with gray lenses, and both colors offered excellent clarity in both bright and dim weather conditions. Plus, the lenses are polarized to reduce glare in bright settings and have 100 percent protection against UVA and UVB rays. With a subtle cat-eye shape in the lenses and slightly oversized frames, these shades offer the best of two trendy styles without leaning too heavily toward one or the other. And with polarized and UV-protected lenses, you can wear these sunnies for activities ranging from brunch on a patio to lakeside lounging.

Best Active

Smith Seeker Sunglasses

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

View on Smithoptics.com View on Designeroptics.com Why We Love It

These sunglasses are durable, nonslip, and have a smudge and moisture-resistant coating to protect against dirt and sweat.

What to Consider

We wish they came with a more protective case.

After wearing these Smith Seeker sunglasses while hiking in Grand Teton National Park, on a boat ride down the Snake River, and while rock climbing, we determined they are an excellent option for active adventures. We never had to fidget with them or adjust them while moving around. They felt secure, lightweight, and comfortable to wear, with a nonslip matte texture that prevented them from slipping even when we got sweaty. We also liked that they come with a paracord leash you can tie around the handles to wear around your neck. Our favorite feature? A microfiber cleaning cloth built into the case so you won’t lose it — genius. Despite tossing these repeatedly in our backpack between excursions, we saw no signs of damage, so we’re confident in their durability. We also appreciate the polarization while hiking and floating down the Snake River, as the polarized lenses prevented glares while helping the natural colors of the landscape pop.

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Most Durable

Oakley Frogskins Range

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

$235 at Amazon View on Sunglasshut.com View on Oakley.com Why We Love It

These lightweight sunglasses stand up to scratches and scuffs, even when tossed in a bag or backpack.

What to Consider

The polarization isn't great when it comes to glares.

Don’t worry about tossing any sunglasses from the Oakley Frogskins Range into your bag or backpack — these sturdy accessories won’t scratch or dent easily. We brought these along on several walks in variable weather that caused the sun to disappear sporadically, so they were thrown into and taken out of bags, backpacks, and fanny packs regularly. Despite the less-than-gentle treatment (for testing purposes), the sunglasses still looked brand-new at the end of the testing period. These have a sporty, retro look that works as a unisex style and could go with a variety of styles. The nose and the backs of the legs are covered with a matte material that did a great job of keeping them in place, although it did mean they caught on our hair a bit every time we took them off. These lightweight sunglasses don’t look very luxe at first glance, but they feel high-quality and well-made. We liked the tinting on these sunglasses, which blocks brightness effectively without making our vision too dark. We were not very impressed with the polarization though — we don’t think these blocked glares effectively, especially when they were bouncing off windows and cars. That being said, we would still recommend these to anyone looking for a durable, high-quality pair of glasses.

The Details: Polarized | 136 millimeters hinge to hinge | Bio-matter frame | Polycarbonate lenses | Case included

Best Aviators

Diff Lenox Aviators

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

$90 at Amazon View on Diffeyewear.com Why We Love It

These stylish glasses block light well and are flattering on all faces.

What to Consider

The nose pads are a little tight.

After wearing these sunglasses in a variety of settings, including a trip to Badlands National Park, we determined they were our favorite aviators we've ever tested. While the nose pads were a little tight, we were able to wear these for hours at a time with no other discomfort. They felt secure on our face without being too tight above the ears, and we think we could have worn them for longer periods of time without issue. The arms are sturdy and folded easily without swinging open on their own, and we never experienced any issues that made us question their durability. We tried the brushed gold cherry blossom color and found that the tinting was just right — we never felt like our eyes were strained in the sunlight, even though these glasses are not polarized. As a bonus, we also noticed that these photographed really well, making them a great pick for vacations.

Best Circular

Randolph Elinor Fusion Polarized Sunglasses

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

$269 at Amazon View on Randolphusa.com View on Framesdirect.com Why We Love It

The 23-karat gold metal frame is delicate but sturdy.

What to Consider

The lenses aren't extremely dark, so they may not be best for direct sun.

Made with 23-karat gold and metal frames, these luxe round glasses from Randolph are polarized and have 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. There are seven different colored frames and lenses to choose from, and each lens is made with the brand’s ultralightweight Skyforce nylon material which boasts blue light-blocking filters and antiglare coating. The sunglasses passed our polarization test with flying colors and proved to be excellent shades for all-day wear.

To match the extremely lightweight lenses, the metal frames feel delicate and light while remaining sturdy and secure on your head. After six months of use, the arms are still rigid and secure. The bridge has adjustable pads that rest comfortably on top of your nose and prevent the glasses from sliding down or pinching. Plus, these sunglasses come with both an embossed hardside case and a soft case for protection against damage, and they also include a generous lifetime warranty. Although the price point is a little steep, these U.S.-made sunglasses have a premium feel that matches the cost.

The Details: Polarized | 57-millimeter lens | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | 2 cases included

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Best Rectangular

Illesteva Wilson Sunglasses

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

$250 at Amazon View on Illesteva.com Why We Love It

The oversized rectangular frames come in more than two dozen different colors and patterns.

What to Consider

The arms are a little uncomfortable resting behind the ears and need to be tightened after six months of use.

If you’re looking to level up your accessory game, these rectangular sunglasses from Illesteva are as stylish as they are durable and comfortable. There are more than two dozen colors to choose from, so you can opt for a sleek pair of black shades or branch out with a pair of pink frames with matching pink lenses. No matter which color you get, the slightly oversized frames feel sturdy and thick, so they won’t snap or break easily if you leave them out of the case. After wearing these shades regularly for six months, we love them as a fun statement option that still protects your eyes from the sun. The glasses only come in one size so you may feel a bit of tightness behind the ears, but the discomfort is so minimal that it’s not a deal breaker by any means. We had to tighten them after using them for six months. Although the lenses aren’t polarized, they have 100 percent UV protection, so they’ll still protect your eyes, and they do a solid job of reducing the glare on both bright and overcast days.

Best Cat-eye

Indy Nolita Sunglasses

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

View on Indysunglasses.com View on Flip.shop Why We Love It

These statement sunglasses have a sleek and flattering, 1950s-inspired cat-eye frame.

What to Consider

We found a small scratch on the lens after the initial two-week testing period.

Cat-eye sunglasses will never go out of style, and we highly recommend this sleek pair from Brooklyn-based eyewear brand, Indy. Slightly different from the typical sharp-cornered cat-eye lens, these have a softer oval shape that gives them a more modern edge. The dark gray-and-brown lenses boast polarization and 100 percent UV protection, and while they’re quite fashionable, they’re also practical for all sorts of activities when you travel.

These sunnies come in one size, but the acetate frames have enough flexibility and sturdiness that they didn’t feel too tight or too loose when we tried them on. They aren’t the most lightweight sunglasses, but the dense material feels extremely durable, and we didn’t experience any discomfort or sliding while wearing them. In fact, after six months of frequent use, these sunglasses have held their shape well; the frames only have one minor scratch that they suffered when thrown into a bag without a case. There was a tiny scratch on one of the lenses at the end of the testing period, but if you’re cautious with the glasses, and keep them in the case when not in use, they’ll be less likely to get damaged.

Best Oversized

Quay Australia After Hours 50mm Square Sunglasses

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

$65 $59 at Amazon $65 at Nordstrom View on Quayaustralia.com Why We Love It

The large square lenses do an excellent job of blocking out the sun and wind.

What to Consider

The nose bridge can become uncomfortable when wearing for long periods of time.

Despite the oversized fit of these square-shaped sunglasses, they are extremely lightweight and will block out the sun — not only in your eyes but on a portion of your face, too. The gray-tinted lenses aren’t polarized, but they do offer 100 percent UV protection, so these fashion-forward glasses are plenty protective for most outdoor activities. Whether you’re running errands or hiking, the sunglasses will rest securely behind your ears. The arms aren’t too tight, and the frames are impressively lightweight without feeling flimsy. After wearing these for six months, we loved that these statement sunglasses were equally functional for a variety of adventures (especially driving), and protected us from both sun and wind. The only downside was that we found the nose portion felt uncomfortable when wearing the sunglasses for long periods of time.

Other Sunglasses for Women We Liked

We tested plenty of women’s sunglasses that performed well, but there were a few that fell short due to some issues with comfort and fit. Here are some of the glasses that didn’t quite make our list of the top picks, but are still worth an honorable mention.

Chamelo Aura: While the retro rimless style of these narrow rectangular sunglasses isn’t for everyone, it’s great for fans of the 90s and Y2K fashion. We especially love that you can swap between four different lens colors with a quick tap of your finger, making this pair an instant conversation starter.

Féroce Heather: These uniquely shaped sunglasses are meant to be worn as more of a statement piece, so they aren’t as versatile as other pairs we tested, but the frames feel sturdy and the lenses are clear. They’d still make an excellent fashion accessory for sunny days.

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

Travel + Leisure

Chimi Tom Greyhound: Sleek, sturdy, and stylish, these cat-eye glasses did well in the comfort, fit, and durability categories thanks to the lightweight frame and tinted lenses, but the price point was a little steep compared to other cat-eye glasses we tried that we liked more.

The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women, Tested and Reviewed

Travel + Leisure

Our Testing Process

We sent 32 pairs of sunglasses out into the real world to test during activities like driving, walking, skiing, hiking, and everyday accessorizing for a period of six months. For our first round of testing last year, we each tested two sets of shades and used two testers per pair to thoroughly compare fit, appearance, performance, value, and quality over a two-week period. We recently tested 10 more pairs and recommended our favorites that performed well. We will wear each pair for a minimum of six months to report back on durability and comfort.

The sunglasses earning the highest praise for sizing and fit had comfortable and flattering positioning on the face and didn’t press too hard on the sides of the head or pinch the bridge of the nose. Our favorite sunglasses had some flexibility when we bent the arms but proved to be made with a durable frame and lens materials that didn’t damage or scratch easily. To make sure the lenses were polarized, we rotated the sunglasses vertically about 90 degrees to check if the lenses darkened. Whether it was bright and sunny or slightly cloudy outside, we noted if the lenses (regardless of color) were sharp without compromising clarity. We will continue to update this article as we test more pairs.

Tips for Buying Sunglasses for Women

Think about your intended use

Whether you’re using sunglasses for rigorous outdoor activities or as a fashion accessory, you’ll want to choose the right style for your intended use. Cat-eye and circular-shaped sunglasses might be better suited for leisurely activities, and wayfarer or sport sunglasses work well for hiking or biking. And if you plan on being outdoors, opt for a pair of polarized sunglasses to reduce the glare from bright light. You should also look for features like grippy coatings or protective cases if you plan on being active with your glasses.

Look for polarization and UV protection features

Contrary to popular belief, polarized sunglasses aren’t necessarily better than nonpolarized glasses. Polarized lenses reduce glare from the sun using a special coating, while UV protection stops harmful rays from damaging your eyes, so the two features are very different. If you’re planning on using sunglasses for outdoor activities, polarized lenses (paired with UV protection, too) are better and in general, you want all of your sunnies to have UV protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Cases You May Want

Heading outside — or out of town — with your new sunnies? While many pairs come with their own cases, here are two of our favorites when you are traveling light, or if you want to carry several pairs at once.

Garrett Leight Collector’s Case: If you’re packing multiple pairs of sunglasses, you can’t go wrong with this large case that can store up to four pairs. It’s designed with plenty of room for your accessories, but it isn’t bulky or difficult to pack. It’s also great for storing sunglasses at home between trips.

Comf-Pro Squeeze Top Sunglass Pouch: This pouch (which comes in a set of two) isn’t as protective as a hard case but it still provides enough padding to protect glasses from scratches and scuffs. The pouch design also takes up minimal space and makes it easy to pack.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L associate editor Anna Popp reviews travel products and writes a lot of the team’s tested content. She participated in this test by trying out five pairs of sunglasses while traveling, hiking, and running around New York City. Anna worked with our editors and sifted through thorough testing insights to compile this list of the best sunglasses for women.

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