The Sunglasses Our Editors Are Packing This Summer
The best sunglasses go way beyond a day at the beach. They're the go-to accessory for exploring new cities in the bright summer sun, hiding dark circles after a brutal dose of jet lag, reading poolside over a long weekend, and, let's be honest, softening the harsh light of day after one too many late-night cocktails in the hotel lobby. And for many travelers, you've also got to find a pair designed with prescription lenses in mind.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 17 of the best women’s sunglasses of 2022, all vetted by Traveler editors. These are the frames we're toting around this summer and beyond, from oversized frames by Ralph Lauren to low-key sunnies from brands like Warby Parker and Quay.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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.
Ralph Lauren Butterfly sunglasses
When it comes to sunglasses, I have two strikes against me: Most look abnormally wide on my face (a mystery as unsolvable as Loch Ness; I do not have a narrow head!) and airplanes have become a black hole of sorts for my sunnies. Between the pockets, folds, and floor space they often don’t make it off the plane. This Ralph Lauren pair fits well and has a price point that suggests it provides great protection against the blinding summer sun, but is not so hefty that I can’t replace them if they get left in a seat-back pocket. —Erin Florio, senior editor
Quay Polarized Sweet Dreams sunglasses
Quay sunnies are my go-to for travel thanks to their price-point; I’m less afraid to lose or damage them when they’re easily replaceable, and the polarized ones are a particularly great deal. As an added bonus, their tri-fold cases (sold separately) collapse flat and are handy when you’re low on bag space. —Shannon McMahon, destinations editor
Ray-Ban Hexagonal Flat Lenses
I never leave the house without this pair of sunglasses—the style is a more chic take on classic oversized shades. The hexagonal shape of the lens are thin and lightweight in my bag, and the gold frames stand out while still working with just about any outfit I wear on a trip. —Meaghan Kenny, editorial assistant
Warby Parker Percey sunglasses
Thanks to my light-sensitive blue eyes, I have a hard time seeing basically anything when the sun’s out, so sunglasses are a must. I buy mine at Warby Parker, the same place I buy my regular glasses, out of pure convenience. In fact, I have this pair of Percey frames in both the pink tortoiseshell shade for my sunglasses and in the brown tortoise colorway with my prescription lenses. The frames aren’t too big on my face, stay firmly on the bridge of my nose, and offer 100-percent UV protection. At $95, they’re also just expensive enough that I try my best not to lose them, but not so expensive that if I did happen to misplace them, I’d be put out. —Meredith Carey, travel bookings commerce editor
Amavii Benjamin sunglasses
I love this oversized rectangular pair from Amavii for days at the beach or by the pool. The thick top bar reminds me of the glasses my grandpa wore, and the style is somehow cool again, so it works. The lenses come in a handful of colors, including rose gold and navy, but I like the olive green best. I also appreciate that they come in a sturdy vegan leather case to keep them protected if they wind up at the bottom of my tote bag or backpack. —Madison Flager, commerce editor
Warby Parker Raina sunglasses
I'm usually a classic tortoise shell kinda lady, but I've been eyeing these confetti tortoise Raina cat-eye frames. They're just fun, but still in a pretty traditional shape, and I know I can trust this type of style from Warby Parker, since they make my other, similar pair. Just think of these as my party glasses. —M.C.
Uniqlo brow line sunglasses
I've had these Uniqlo Brow Line sunglasses for a few years now, and I love them. They're light but not flimsy, and their cool but straightforward shape means they look good with everything, everywhere—from a bathing suit on the beaches of Bermuda to a day dress on a boat ride around the Amalfi Coast. —Betsy Blumenthal, features editor
Fendi Hexagon-frame gold-tone sunglasses
Getting married in Florida requires many things and perfect sunglasses are definitely one of them. I had seen this pair online and could not stop thinking about them. I mentioned how beautiful they were to many people, including my mother-in-law. A week before the wedding she presented me with the greatest wedding present I could've asked for: my dream sunglasses. Not only are they the best for making a complete summer look, but they also are a sentimental gift that I will always cherish. —Andrea Edelman, associate digital photo editor
Warby Parker Raider aviator sunglasses
Warby Parker is one of my favorite sunglasses brands. They have a great selection of high-quality eyeglasses and sunglasses, all of which are infinitely customizable. For example, when you’re ordering a new pair of sunglasses, you can customize the frame to fit your face shape and size. The brand's standard sunglass lenses are scratch-resistant and offer sun protection (they block 100 percent of UV rays). So, no matter what pair you choose, you know you’ll get something that’s protective and made to last. These silver-toned aviators make for a classic, sophisticated look (and they go with everything in my suitcase). —Kristi Kellogg, contributor
Vogue Eyewear VO5440S frames
When it comes to style, in Hailey Bieber I trust. These new Hailey Bieber x Vogue Eyewear black frames will be my go-to pair this spring and summer. They go with every outfit and give off an effortless, chic look that elevates even the most basic pair of denim and a plain white T-shirt. They also don't feel heavy on my face, making them comfortable enough to wear all day long. —M.K.
Butaby rectangular sunglasses
Finding the right shape for round faces can be hard, but I’ve found that rectangle sunglasses actually do the trick, and I love this tortoiseshell style from Butaby. While designer sunglasses will certainly last longer, I’m happy to grab the occasional Amazon buy (especially an under-$20 pick) for trendier styles that I might not wear forever—and these ones are surprisingly sturdy. —M.F.
Ulla Johnson Esther sunglasses
I'm a sucker for just about any pair of big, bold frames. They always look chic and the oversized sunglasses provide some protection from the sun (important if, like me, you’re not a hat person). But it’s the modern take on a traditional tortoise pattern that sealed the deal for me on these Esther Sunglasses from Ulla Johnson. I love that they’re two-toned yet more abstract than the usual evenly swirled yellow and honey-brown tortoise. I'll bring along a leather case that I can wear around my neck when I’m traveling and constantly taking my glasses on and off; it’s like a way more stylish take on Croakies. —Rebecca Misner, senior features editor
Smith Cheetah sunglasses
I'm a mega-fan of Smith Optics, especially when traveling. They look chic yet are renowned as “performance optics,” and I've found it's unexpectedly critical to have polarized lenses handy when you land in higher altitudes or, say, leave New York City mid-winter for a sunny getaway down South. Their trademarked ChromaPop lenses filter colors and light, giving you clarity and definition without challenging your eyes. The best part, though, is the price point: I can't believe I'm getting something so well-made and stylish for so reasonable an amount. There's a range of frame choices, but I'm partial to the Cheetah. —Corina Quinn, former Traveler editor
WearMe Pro premium polarized square sunglasses
I decided to add these to my Amazon cart after realizing they were a great dupe for a pricey pair of sunglasses my husband had been eyeing at Nordstrom. I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived in the mail and were just as good-looking as the Oakleys. The combo of the blue mirror lens with the clear frame is so striking and contemporary. And while I bought these for my husband, they quickly became my go-to’s—the square-frame shape works on both our faces. —K.K.
Moscot Clipzen round sunglasses
After years of only wearing contacts out of the house, I finally invested in prescription glasses I love (and am not embarrassed to wear in public): a pair from Moscot with a thin-wire frame. The best part, though, was that they came with clip-on shades, which are perfectly fit to my Moscot Hamish lenses but still sit easily on top of most regular eyeglasses. I have the classic deep green lenses, but I’m eyeing the new fun colors they’ve launched, which include a retro yellow, an ombré green, and even a vibrant purple. Plus, Moscot makes clip-ons in several shapes, beyond just the round. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor
Lexxola Jordy sunglasses
For the last five summers, I have been exceptionally loyal to a very durable pair of Norma Kamali cat-eye sunglasses. But as I've started to emerge from my home after a year spent largely indoors, I've found myself drawn to this 70s style from cult brand Lexxola, which designs its retro sunnies with city dwellers in mind. The yellow lenses and thick tortoiseshell lenses make me feel a bit like Gloria Steinem when I wear them, and they go just as well with a pair of wide-leg jeans and a vintage tee as they do the bubblegum pink swimsuit I currently have hanging in my closet for the summer ahead. They're also lightweight and fold up to be quite slim, so can be tucked safely into the side pocket of a beach bag or carry-on. —Lale Arikoglu, articles director
Crap Eyewear The Lucid Blur sunglasses
I’m picky about my sunglasses, and this pair from Crap Eyewear luckily doesn't live up to the brand’s cheeky name. Lightweight and chic (love the funky lens colors), they sit on your nose comfortably and don’t pinch around the ears, while actually shielding your eyes from the sun. —Taylor Eisenhauer, editorial operations manager
