Summer is in full swing, which means it’s time for shades. We gathered up a bunch of sunglasses from some of the most legit and unique brands in the game, and came away with a variety of styles that are sure to suit your needs (or somebody you might be shopping for). Take a look below and see what’s out there for your eyes.
Costa
MSRP: $259
The gist: With a medium size frame and a slight curve, the Rinconcito shades blend performance with fashion. You get a little more protection without looking too sporty. The blue frames and polarized, mirrored glass lenses (Costa 580) are a killer combo that add personality to the outline. Add in Costa’s Hydrolite temple and nose pads, and you’ve got a solid pair of sunglasses with everyday wearability. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $269
The gist: Take some of Costa’s best features, put them into a classic frame with a unique colorway, and you get the Spearos. These frames are lightweight and feature nonslip nose and temple pads, as well as keeper-ready tips. Polarized 580 glass lenses do the job in all conditions, as well. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $269
The gist: With its new Ocearch line, Costa is teaming up with the foundation to help fund shark research – in the hopes of further protecting the species that keep our oceans’ ecosystems in balance. First off, with the Switchfoot, you’ll notice the killer tiger shark colorway on the frame. Combined with the blue 580-glass polarized lenses, and adjustable temple tips, the Switchfoots offer big time protection and performance. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $249
The gist: For the ladies on the boat, the Islas feature a rounded frame that immediately brings to mind images of class and style. And for what it’s worth, we love the shiny seashell colorway of the pair we tested. Of course, your eyes are also treated to Costa‘s 580 polarized, glass lenses. Garrett Cortese
Dragon
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MSRP: $189
The gist: Featuring Dragon’s signature H2O Floatable tech, the Baile shades are inspired by legendary surfer Mick Fanning. The clear, matte frames offer a killer contrast to the vibrant blue lenses, which are polarized. The frame is a classic silhouette, that sits extra comfortably on your face due to its light weight. You can wear this all day and be comfortable, and don’t be afraid to jump out of the boat with them on, because they float. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $139
The gist: Plain and simple, the Hype shades from Dragon are full of style. The rounded silhouette combines classic looks with some modern edge. The color combo with the tortoise, black, and pop of blue is killer. Acetate construction keeps the frames lightweight and comfy, too. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $189
The gist: As part of the H2O floatable collection, the Monarchs do indeed float. While that might sound gimmicky at first, trust us, it’s not. Being able to jump into the water and not worry about your glasses is a huge bonus. Plus, Dragon has designed these to be more scratch resistant with materials that also repel dirt, oil, and water. The floating capabilities aren’t a “just in case” feature, Dragon actually wants you to be able to jump in with the Monarchs on your face. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $189
The gist: A nod to some of Dragon’s classic frames of yesteryear, the Verses’ larger frames and lenses offer bold looks and lots of protection. They are also some of the biggest in the H2O floatable line. And you can’t go wrong with matte black frames and a gold lens, right? These things look awesome, and they float. Garrett Cortese
Smith
MSRP: $249
The gist: Ever been in a situation where you wished you had a different set of lenses in your sunglasses? Maybe something for low-light or foggy conditions? Behold the MAG tech from Smith. With the Caravan shades, it’s super easy to change out the lenses, thanks to a slick design. Normally you’d think sunglasses that come apart at the earpiece wouldn’t look good, but the Caravan‘s subtle styling makes them not only solid performers out in the field, but stylish enough to wear around town, too. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $139
The gist: Smith has always been especially cognizant of its heritage, be it through bringing back old frames or styling new ones with a nod to the past. The Shoutouts are the latter of that, featuring a classic silhouette that looks like it could have been an older style, but with advanced materials and tech that make it pure 2019. ChromaPop lenses highlight the medium-large frames, which are made of Smith’s Evolve materials. These environmentally friendly shades are 53% bio-based, thanks mostly to the renewable, non-genetically modified castor plant. It’s a lot of science and stuff we don’t understand, but it’s cool. And the Shoutouts look good and feel great. Garrett Cortese
RAEN
MSRP: $205
The gist: RAEN’s fashion-forward designs and stylings are made that much cooler knowing that each frame is handmade, cut from a piece of acetate. With the Remmy, you get a mix of retro and modern, in a style that can be worn by guys or gals alike. Add in the Carl Zeiss Vision C-39 polarized lenses and you’re set. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $205
The gist: A more squared off look to a classic silhouette, the Wileys are lightweight and comfortable – and they look awesome. Wear them all day, every day, whether you’re heading to work or out to the lake, you won’t notice. And the polarized Carl Zeiss Vision lenses will treat your eyes just right. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $205
The gist: The Pierce is classic, all the way around. It’s a style that’s always been in style and won’t ever go out of style, and thanks to Raen’s design, construction, and aesthetics, you’re not only going to look good, but you’ll have a pair of handmade shades that feel good, protect your eyes, and will last. Garrett Cortese
Zeal
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The gist: Weighing in at just under an ounce, but full of Zeal’s environment-friendly tech, the Campos offer tons of function in a timeless style that looks good. Wear these guys all day and you won’t notice, and thanks to the Ellume polarized lenses, everything around you will look better too. Nose pads and temple pads help hold them in place, which makes them even more comfortable. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $149
The gist: Who says you can’t make a statement with sunglasses that have sportier performance capabilities? The Cleos aren’t just pink, but they pack a punch with polarized lenses, nose and temple pads, and environmentally friendly lens and frame materials. Simply put, these shades might outperform their bright colors, and that’s saying something. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $149
The gist: With a lower profile, wider frame, the Durangos are ready to go wherever you want to take them. Proflex materials are injected into each frame to allow them to withstand extremely hot and cold temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about your shades warping or losing their hold on your face. And thanks to Zeal’s Z-resin plant-based frames and Ellume polarized lenses, the Durango shades are as environmentally friendly as they come, too. Garrett Cortese
Kaenon
MSRP: $229
The gist: Kaenon shades are designed for high-performance in the elements, and the Burnet Mid is a prime example. With a semi-wrap frame that still has stylish cues of a classic silhouette, the Burnet Mid sits comfortably on your face while offering a lot of protection. The polarized lenses are scratch resistant while also repelling water, dust, and oil. Take them outside and use them, you’ll be glad you did. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $199
The gist: Take a timeless frame and infuse it with some modern touches and you get the Ladera. These unisex shades are designed and sized to fit well on anybody’s face, and they look good, to boot. The nose pads provide comfort and prevent slipping, and the spring hinges are an especially nice touch. Polarized lenses are a treat for the eyes, too. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $179
The gist: With it’s flatter top line, the Leadbetter takes a classic look and puts a twist on it. These streamlined frames offer a fashion-forward look with the performance of Kaenon’s lightweight materials and polarized optics. The recessed nosepads are almost unnoticeable, but help hold the shades in place (while keeping them comfortable for wearing all day). Garrett Cortese
Spy
MSRP: $130
The gist: Made to celebrate Spy’s 25th birthday, the Dirty Mo 2 shades take the wrapped styles Spy became famous for and updates them with a matte black and gold combo that makes an impression. With a durable frame, HD+ polarized lenses, and an integrated nose pad, the Dirty Mo 2 can sit on your face all day and you’ll be perfectly happy to keep them there. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $120
The gist: Another nod to Spy’s counter-culture, action sports heritage, the MC3 is an update of the beloved MC1 and MC2. And who doesn’t like reliving some good times when checkboard patterns, baggy everything, and punk music was all the rage? As Spy says, throw these bad boys on and get ready to crank things up to 11. Garrett Cortese
Rheos
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MSRP: $50
The gist: Want functional, floating shades that don’t break the bank? That’s what Rheos set out to create with their floating eyewear. The Palmettos take classic aviator looks with a mirrored, polarized lens and put them in a frame you don’t have to worry about losing overboard. Let’s be honest, we all love a good pair of aviators, and to have some that float is a huge bonus. Garrett Cortese
MSRP: $50
The gist: The Sapelos are Rheos’ larger wayfarer frame – a timeless in and of itself – that feature polarized lenses and they float. Because of their floating abilities, the Sapelos are extremely lightweight, so your nose and ears won’t get too tired wearing them all day. With scratch resistant lenses they can get tossed in the glove box (or overboard) and they’ll last. Garrett Cortese
