All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The best sunglasses transcend just bright, summer days. From the ski slopes to the beach, they help protect your eyes from the sun, making them a year-round essential. A chic pair of sunglasses is a must-have accessory for every vacation, whether you're blocking out light on a long-haul flight or need a statement piece to complete your outfit. We scoured the internet to help you find your new favorite pair to wear this summer. We gathered a variety of styles, from designer specks and polarized lenses to sunglasses with anti-scratch material that strengthen it's longevity. Below, 30+ of the hottest sunglasses on the market right now, from Madewell, Gucci, Warby Parker, and Ray-Ban, all of which can easily be thrown into your beach tote or crossbody. Keep scrolling for all of our favorites or jump right to the frame shape you like best.
Shop sunglasses by frame shape:
- Round frames
- Square frames
- Rectangular frames
- Oval frames
- Cat-eye frames
- Butterfly frames
- Aviator frames
- Shield frames
Round frames
Round sunglasses have become synonymous with rockstars like John Lennon or Janis Joplin, but they have been around way before the ‘60s and ’70s band craze. Its a popular choice for music festivals outfits, as they often come in neutral hues that pair well with striking patterns or vibrant florals. While the style has been intertwined with the music scene for decades, it can also give a more studious, polished look. This shade shape is best suited for those with square-shaped faces.
Square frames
Square frames are always a great default when you don't know what sunglasses to pack. Its a classic shape that won't ever go out of style, but it still has a lot of versatility. Our picks below showcase just how versatile the style can be with variations in colors, square size, and material. It can be paired with anything from basic t-shirt and jeans to a lightweight linen dress. Since it's such a classic, this style looks great on everyone.
Rectangular frames
Rectangular frames are very similar to square frames but are narrower and wider. This frame style sits lower on the face and has a taller, wider nose bridge to accommodate the shape. Its easy to dress up or down, making it a must-have for work trips—you can transition from lunch dates to happy hours with these. We love the chunky black Lorvae Rizz sunglasses with the yellow tinted lenses that can give an all black 'fit a dash of color and the tortoise shell Prada Runway shades that pair well with a bold lipstick. They're a great match for those with diamond-, heart-, and oval-shaped faces.
Oval frames
Oval frames are rounder than your typical cat-eye, but just just as narrow as a pair of rectangular shades. They were a popular pair in the '90s and have been resurrected in recent years, offering a chic, model-off-duty look. Some of the hottest oval options on the market right now come from Madewell, Gucci, and Mango. This styles best suits heart-, diamond-, and square-shaped faces.
Cat-eye frames
Its hard to look at a pair of cat-eye shades and not immediately be transported to the golden age of Hollywood where class-acts like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe popularized the style. Cat-eye sunglasses have a very alluring, striking shape that immediately elevates any outfit. These are perfect for more formal occasions, such as a destination wedding or a dinner party. Since it's such an angular style, this sunglass shape is best suited for those with oval- or round-shaped faces to add dimension.
Butterfly frames
Butterfly frames have a more romantic and rounded look to them than a cat-eye shade. The style closely resembles two butterfly wings (hence the name). The wider, oversized frames offer spacial security—hiding eye bags from jet lag or blocking out extra light after having one too many cocktails at the hotel bar. This dramatic style is often best suited for those with oval-shaped or rounder faces.
Aviator frames
Aviator frames were first designed for fighter pilots to shield their eyes while flying. They often feature polarized lenses to help reduce light glares and alleviate eye strain. The practical design has now become a classic accessory for every type on traveler on sunny days. For those planning to spend the summer lounging at the beach, with a book in tow—grab a pair. This frame style is best suited for diamond-, oval-, and square-shaped faces.
Shield frames
Shield shades are known for having one single lens that covers the entire area and nose bridge. This style of frame has a very seamless and sporty look and due to it's size, it blocks out a ton of light, making it a great option for those who enjoy spending time on the tennis court, on the ski slopes, or running through the park.
