The Best Polarized Sunglasses of 2023 (Under $50)

Everyone’s looking forward to summer. If you live somewhere cold, the weather is finally warming up and you can hit the lake for some tubing or spend all day in the mountains without your snow shoes. 

But to make the most of your day outside, you need to pack some sunscreen to avoid painful burns that hurt every time you move, a hat to keep the sun off your head (and avoid the embarrassing scalp sunburn peel that looks like dandruff), and sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

If you’re spending lots of time in the sun, you’ll want to invest in some polarized sunglasses. Glare from the surface of the water or any other reflective surface causes you to squint, making a day outside horrendously uncomfortable and will end in you popping Advil for that brain-splitting headache.

Polarized sunglasses save your day due to their glare-blocking properties. And if you think these sunnies are outside of your budget, think again, because we’ve rounded up the best polarized sunglasses of 2023 that cost under $50.

What to Look for In Polarized Sunglasses

Not all polarized sunglasses are made the same. When shopping, look for men’s polarized sunglasses with key features like frame options made out of light materials, top-quality lenses that focus on durability, and eye protection.

Light Frame Material

When shopping for polarized sunglasses, purchase shades that use light materials like acetate, polycarbonate, or stainless steel. These feel lightweight on your face, so you can wear them all day without feeling any discomfort.

Glasses made of light frame materials also tend to stay in place better. When you’re outside, they’re less likely to fall down your nose because of sweat so you won’t even notice that you’re wearing them.

If you’re looking for more durable frames, then go for stainless steel over acetate. These frames have a little more bend to them and are less likely to break. But don’t shy away from acetate—it takes a lot of strength to break these! For everyday wear, you’d be happy with either frame type.

Of course, you should keep your sunglasses in a sturdy case when you’re not wearing them so that they don’t get scratched in your pocket or fall off the top of your head.

Top Quality Lenses

Polarized sunglasses are worn outside, so there’s a possibility that you can drop them on a hard outdoor surface. Instead of buying sunglasses with a fragile glass lens, opt for a pair with shatter-resistant tri-acetate cellulose (TAC) instead.

TAC lenses offer seven layers with distinct purposes. 

Layer #1

Polarization that reduces reflection and enhances visual clarity.

Layers #2 and 3

Provide durability and support.

Layers # 4 and 5

UV protectants that stop 100% of UVA/UVB rays.

Layers #6 and 7

Absorb shock to resist scratches and damage.

When you buy lenses with this level of support, you’ll feel less eye strain during long days out in the sun, and enjoy the view of nature (or that fabulous outdoor shopping mall) around you.

Other high-quality lens options include CR39 and mineral glass. These both offer exceptional image clarity but may end up costing you over $50.

Protection for Your Eyes

When you’re outside, you need to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Eyes exposed to UV rays can develop cataracts, decreased vision, and skin cancer. Protect yourself with polarized sunglasses that offer 100% UVA/UVB protection or are rated to protect from UV rays up to 400nm in length. 

Don’t assume that all polarized sunglasses come with UV protection. Always check the label or the product listing on the manufacturer’s website. If it doesn’t specify, then it probably doesn’t have it and you need to purchase a different pair.

Best Polarized Sunglasses of 2023

Abner

If you’re dying to channel Matt Damon’s shades from the movie Ford vs. Ferrari, then you’ve gotta check out Abner. These best sunglasses feature acetate frames and polarized TAC lenses in cool colors like a smoke green and brown gradient. Keep out glare and look cool in four different retro styles to make you the most attractive guy at the barbeque.

Most Stylish Sunglasses for Men

Emerson

Aviators get a modern upgrade with Emerson, one of WMP Eyear’s most stylish pair of polarized sunglasses for men. These sunnies feature a single nose bridge, thick yet lightweight acetate frames, and six different color and lens combinations to choose from so you can pick the perfect pair to match your vibes.

Plus, they feature shatter-resistant polarized lenses to maximize visual clarity and 100% UV protection to protect your eyes for long days outside.

Best Shades for Sports

Jacob

If you always play a game of soccer in the sand on the weekend with friends, then you need shades like Jacob. These polarized sunglasses have an ideal fit for sports. Jacob features lightweight stainless steel arms that offer flexibility for running and jumping, and the injection molded polycarbonate in the front of the frames offers a cool wayfarer look. 

Available in three colors, there’s an option that matches every team uniform in your wardrobe.

Most Comfortable Frames

Lance

If you want another pair of modern aviators that offers maximum all-day comfort, then consider purchasing Lance. These modern polarized sunglasses have flex hinges and super light stainless steel arms. You won’t feel any pressure on your temples, making them the perfect pair of fishing sunglasses (or for any other all-day outdoor activity).

Plus, with the polycarbonate double nose bridge and sleek square lenses, you’ll look just as cool as you are comfortable.

Best Timeless Polarized Glasses

Wesley

If you don’t want to buy another pair of sunglasses for at least a decade, then you need to snag yourself a timeless pair of polarized glasses from WMP Eyewear like Wesley. 

These classic wayfarers come in four frame colors with top-quality lenses and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Look great at a wedding or hanging out in your backyard on those long summer nights with Wesley.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Sunglass Style Is in for 2023?

In 2023, men can be seen wearing thicker frames that offer as much distinction to the frames as the lenses. Think thick acetate frames like Emerson or Abner. Clear or translucent frames seem to be popular, as well as round frames or square frames with rounded edges.

How Do I Know Which Sunglasses Suit My Face?

To know which sunglasses suit your face, you want to think in opposites. If you have a round face, then you want to pick a pair of sunglasses with more lines and square features. If you have a square face, then you want to pick frames with rounder features (like a classic pair of aviators) to soften out your harsher features.

If you’re not sure of your face shape, then go with a pair of square frames like Wesley. These tend to look good on everyone,

Are Oversized Sunglasses in Style?

Yes, oversized sunglasses are in style in 2023 for men and women. While small shades dominated the season in 2022, for this season people are wearing oversized modern aviators, large rounded square frames, and big cat eyes.