5 Best Affordable Sunglasses That Will Last for Men

Purchasing sunglasses feels like a massive decision. Sunglasses add a pop of style to every outfit, but because designer shades have such a high price tag, it feels like a big investment. Once you choose an expensive pair, you don’t want to have to buy them again for a long time. 

Many people choose to dismiss affordable sunglasses because they think they’re made cheap. Well, times have changed and now there are tons of high-quality, low-price sunglasses on the market. This means you can own multiple styles of sunglasses because of the price point and not worry about the “cheapness” that comes with poorly made sunglasses.

Say goodbye to cheap shades that break with one drop and keep reading to learn more about inexpensive, high-quality sunglasses.

How can I tell if sunglasses are high quality?

You can tell if sunglasses are high quality by checking if they have a UV protection label on the lens. It should either say that it’s 100% UV protected or that it filters up to 400. Many cheap sunglasses aren’t doing you any favors and let in UV rays that can decrease your vision later in life.

Another way to tell if sunglasses are high quality is to do a lens quality check. Choose an area in your house with a lined pattern, like bathroom tiles. Hold the sunglasses out at arm’s length and look through the lenses with only one eye (the other should be covered up). When you move the sunglasses around, the lines on the floor should stay straight. If they start to move or wiggle, then it’s a poor-quality, distorted lens.

The last thing to check on your sunglasses is the frames. Poor-quality frames are made from metal alloys, plastic, brass, copper, or even nickel. Nickel can irritate your skin and all of these materials bend easily, so these sunglasses easily snap.

Instead, make sure your sunglasses are made of sturdy materials, including stainless steel, titanium, or grade AAA polycarbonate. This is an easy check for frames: if the sunglasses don’t say what they are made out of in the product description, it’s probably a cheap material.

How expensive should sunglasses be?

Quality sunglasses shouldn’t be more expensive than $50, which may seem too cheap for you. That’s because you’re used to paying high markups of up to 1000% for designer sunglasses. Sunglasses made in China that only cost $10 to $20 to make easily sell at ten to twenty times that.

Sunglasses cost so much money because people are willing to pay those high prices. They’re what’s called a Veblen good, which is any luxury item that becomes in higher demand as the prices go up.

Plus, there’s a monopoly in the sunglasses market. An Italian brand named Luxottica owns and manufactures countless sunglasses brands and operates the retailers that sell them. Since they control production and distribution, they can make prices soar.

The good news is that there are smaller sunglass brands out there making some of the best sunglasses at reasonable markups, like WMP Eyewear.

5 Best Affordable Sunglasses for Men

When shopping for the best cheap sunglasses, check out WMP Eyewear. They operate on the mission statement that quality eyewear shouldn’t be exclusive to designer labels.

If you’re looking to add some trendy frames to your wardrobe, then check out these great affordable options for men (and women!) alike.

1. A Pair of Modern Aviators: Emerson

If you want an iconic look with a modern twist, you’ll love the Emerson aviators. Available in six different colors, Emerson features a single-bridge frame with squared lenses. These shades take the retro aviator style and step them into the future.

Style Emerson with a suit for an outdoor wedding, or throw them on for a day at the beach. These versatile frames are perfect for any occasion.

Emerson offers 100% UVA/UVB protection and polarized lenses. See maximum optical clarity with the benefits of a scratch-resistant, anti-glare coating. The frames are made of durable acetate with grade AAA 5-barrel stainless steel hinges.

2. Best Polarized Sunglasses: Wesley

For the best affordable polarized sunglasses on the market, check out Wesley. These chic frames are available in four colors and offer a classic square style that can be dressed up or down for whatever life throws at you.

Plus, they only cost $37, so you can pocket the $250 that you would have spent on designer shades for more important things.

Wesley’s polarized lenses come with scratch-resistant, anti-glare coating and offer maximum optical clarity. The durable grade AA injection molded polycarbonate can withstand the natural wear and tear that comes with living life to the fullest.

3. Classic Aviator Sunglasses: Maxwell

There’s no reason to change a good thing. Rock some classic aviator sunglasses with Maxwell, traditionally styled black wire aviators that are perfect for almost every face shape. Men or women can pull off these subdued yet classy polarized aviators, and nose pads make them comfortable for all-day use.

Maxwell features lenses with 100% UVA/UVB protection and stainless steel frames that can easily last for a decade.

4. Sunglasses with Gradient Lens: Prescott

Gradient lenses vary in the light transmission rate across the lens, usually darker at the top and lighter at the bottom. These lenses help people see better in bright or high-contrast environments.

For an affordable gradient lens, take a look at Prescott. These retro round sunglasses are available in four different color gradients. At the low price of $37, you can get all four to add to your wardrobe and still be within your budget!

The lenses feature 100% UVA/UVB protection and are shatter-resistant to withstand drops or falls.

5. Square-Shaped Frames: Abner

If you want bold square frames, Abner offers a cool champagne crystal frame with a smoke green lens. Abner looks like they were dropped straight out of the 60s, and are an effortless addition to any outfit.

The lightweight acetate frames make this style perfect for all-day wear and offer 100% UVA/UVB protection with shatter-resistant tri-acetate cellulose polarized lenses.

These lenses reduce reflection and sharpen contrast, so you can see better and reduce eye strain simultaneously. Say goodbye to headaches and spend all day in the sun with Abner.