Polarized sport sunglasses
Designed for active individuals, these sunglasses reduce glare from reflective surfaces, enhancing visibility and comfort during outdoor activities like fishing or cycling.
Style, Jewelry & Accessories
Sunglasses
8 kinds worth knowing, 7 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Sunglasses are an easy gift to get right when you pay attention to how the person spends time outdoors. A driver, angler or cyclist will reach for polarized sunglasses almost daily. Someone who cares about how they look is more likely to notice a good frame, like a classic aviator or a bold cat eye. Most people already own a pair, so the gift works best when it adds something theirs doesn't have: a different shape, a lens for a hobby, or a spare pair for the car. Look at the frames they wear now before you pick. Their face shape and their usual style will tell you more than any trend.
Kind 1 of 8
Polarized lenses for glare on water and roads
Polarized lenses cut the harsh glare that bounces off water, wet roads, snow and car hoods. That makes them a practical pick for someone who drives a lot, fishes, boats or spends winter weekends outside. Before buying, check that the lens is actually labelled polarized, since tinted lenses can look the same. Polarized lenses can make phone screens and some dashboard displays look dim or patchy, which bothers some pilots and equipment operators. Frame fit still matters, so choose a shape close to what the person already wears.
Kind 2 of 8
Aviators: a classic that suits many faces
Aviators have a thin metal frame, teardrop lenses and usually a double bridge across the nose. The shape has been around for decades and looks good on a wide range of faces, especially square and oval ones. It's an easy choice for a boyfriend or anyone whose style runs classic or a little retro. Look at lens size, since some aviators are quite large, and check for adjustable nose pads, which help a metal frame sit comfortably. Gold and silver frames look quite different, so match the metal they usually wear.
Classic aviator sunglasses
These iconic sunglasses offer a timeless look that complements many face shapes, providing both style and essential eye protection for everyday wear.
Kind 3 of 8
Wayfarer style for everyday wear
Wayfarer-style frames are the thick, slightly trapezoid acetate shape that goes with almost everything, from a winter coat to a summer T-shirt. They suit people who want one reliable pair rather than a statement piece, and they tend to flatter round and oval faces. Before buying, compare the frame width to glasses the person already owns, because this shape looks off when it's too narrow. Black is the safe choice, and tortoiseshell feels a bit warmer and softer.
Retro wayfarer style sunglasses
Perfect for individuals who appreciate vintage aesthetics, these sunglasses provide a distinctive and cool look suitable for casual outings and events.
Kind 4 of 8
Oversized frames with some drama
Oversized sunglasses have large lenses that cover more of the face, and they have a glamorous, slightly vintage feel. They suit someone who enjoys fashion accessories and doesn't mind being noticed. They also work well on people with larger features or a strong jawline. Check the weight, because big lenses in a heavy frame can slide down the nose or press on the cheeks. Neutral colours like black, brown and tortoiseshell go with more outfits than bright or patterned frames.
Oversized fashion sunglasses
These stylish sunglasses offer extensive sun protection and make a bold fashion statement, ideal for those who love glamorous and dramatic accessories.
Kind 5 of 8
Cat eye frames for a retro look
Cat eye sunglasses sweep up at the outer corners, which gives the face a lifted, vintage look. They suit someone whose style leans feminine, retro or polished, and they flatter round and heart-shaped faces. The angle of the upswept corners varies a lot, from subtle to dramatic, so think about how bold the person usually dresses. Check the bridge width too, because a cat eye frame that sits too low loses the lifted effect.
Cat eye sunglasses
These sophisticated sunglasses feature an upswept outer edge, providing a chic and feminine touch that evokes classic Hollywood glamour.
Kind 6 of 8
Sports sunglasses that stay put
Sports sunglasses use wraparound frames, grippy nose pads and temple tips that hold on when the person is running, cycling, skiing or golfing. They make sense for someone with a regular outdoor activity, not for everyday style. Find out which activity it's for, since a cyclist, a trail runner and a golfer each want something slightly different. Check that the frame is light and flexible, and look for vents or interchangeable lenses if they're out in changing light.
Kind 7 of 8
Round frames with a vintage feel
Round sunglasses have circular lenses, usually in a thin metal or slim acetate frame, and they have a relaxed, vintage, slightly artsy look. They suit people with angular or square faces, since the curves soften strong lines. Lens size makes a big difference: small round lenses look quirky and retro, while larger ones feel more modern and easier to wear. Check the bridge fit, because round metal frames without nose pads can slip.
Round frame sunglasses
Offering a bohemian or intellectual vibe, these sunglasses are perfect for individuals seeking a distinctive and artistic look that stands out from conventional styles.
Kind 8 of 8
Mirrored lenses for a bold finish
Mirrored lenses have a reflective coating on the outside that hides the eyes and adds a flash of colour, often blue, silver, gold or red. They're popular for skiing, beach days and sporty or streetwear styles, and they suit someone who likes a bolder look. Keep in mind that the coating can scratch, so a pair that comes with a case or cloth will last longer. Match the mirror colour to the frame, since loud combinations are harder to wear every day.
Mirrored lens sunglasses
These contemporary sunglasses feature a reflective coating that reduces glare and adds a modern, enigmatic flair, perfect for trend-conscious individuals.
How to choose sunglasses as a gift
- Look at the sunglasses they already wear, and match the frame width and general shape rather than guessing from scratch.
- Think about where they'll wear them most: driving, the water, the ski hill or just around town.
- Choose neutral frame colours like black, brown or tortoiseshell unless you know they like bolder accessories.
- Pick a pair that comes with a hard case, especially for mirrored or thin metal frames that scratch or bend easily.
- Find out if they wear prescription glasses, since a clip-on or fit-over style may be more useful than a regular pair.
Usually safe to skip
- Novelty or party sunglasses with gimmicky shapes tend to get worn once and then forgotten in a drawer.
- Sports wraparounds for someone without a regular outdoor activity usually feel too technical for everyday wear.
- Very trendy tiny or extreme frames go out of style quickly and suit fewer faces than classic shapes.
Questions people ask about sunglasses
- How do I pick sunglasses for someone without knowing their face shape?
- Look at photos of them or the glasses they already own and copy the rough size and shape. If you're still unsure, aviators and wayfarer-style frames suit the widest range of faces.
- Are polarized sunglasses a good gift for someone who drives a lot?
- Often, yes. They cut the glare off wet roads and car hoods. Some digital dashboard displays can look dim through polarized lenses, though, so it helps to know what kind of car they drive.
- What sunglasses make a good gift for a boyfriend?
- Aviators, wayfarer-style frames and polarized sport pairs are all dependable choices. Base it on how he spends time outside: a classic frame for everyday wear, or a sport pair if he fishes, cycles or golfs.
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All sunglasses picks
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