The 5 biggest sunglasses trends of 2024
Oversized, undersized, slim, polarised and everything in between.
IF THERE IS one accessory I always, always have on my person, it’s sunglasses. When I leave the house, the check is “phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses,” because shades are just as essential as anything else I need to have on me in any situation. Even if it’s raining, even if it’s cloudy, even if it’s nighttime, sunglasses are a must-have, because as soon as you put them on, you just look cooler. I don’t make the rules; it’s just a fact of life.
You need sunglasses on a sunny day, and you need them when you want to be incognito (like when you’re at a function that your ex is at and you don’t want them to see you seeing them). And you better have a stylish pair, because if you make the fashion faux pas of wearing old, outdated sunglasses, the whole thing will be for naught, and you’d be better off without them anyway.
Luckily for you, we rounded up the top five sunglasses trends of the year, with our favorite sunnies for each of them. There are those that will never go out of style, like aviators, and those that are back in style, like ’90s-esque, super-slim shades (think Brad Pitt). There are oversized sunglasses for when you’re feeling like a movie star, and wraparounds for a sleek, sporty, futuristic look. And when you want to channel your ’70s glam rock persona or just have a little extra fun in the sun, reach for a pair of sunglasses with tinted lenses. There’s no going wrong with any of these picks; just remember to grab them before you leave the house.
Here, we count down five of the biggest sunglass trends for 2024.
Wraparound Sunglasses
These are like if you combined the vibe of Neo from The Matrix and your favourite athlete. Wraparounds are sporty, slick, and damn stylish, hence why they’re one of this year’s biggest sunglass trends. It’s a style that instantly elevates any streetwear look, whether you’re opting for a pair that has funky frames or you’re going the classic, athletic route. Oh, and one more thing to consider: The further around they wrap, the better.
Maui Jim ‘World Cup’ Wraparound Sunglasses
For a classic wraparound style, you can’t beat Maui Jim’s Chocolate Havana shades.
Oakley ‘Gascan’ sunglasses
When it comes to the classic wraparound, you can’t beat a pair from Oakley. Extra points for brightly coloured polarised lenses, a la Chris Pine.
Prada PR 29YS Runway sunglasses
For a capital ‘F’ Fashion Matrix-style shade, look no further than these speedy black numbers by Prada.
Oversized Sunglasses
The “I don’t give a damn, but I’m glam” sunglasses. These are for when you want to feel like an A-list celebrity or a rapper being papparazzi’d when it’s nighttimeâor, for when you just want to add some extra flair to your fit. They work for pretty much any occasion.
Tom Ford ‘oversized suglasses ‘Bronson’ sunglasses
The king of chic oversized shades, it pays to take cues from Tom Ford when selecting a pair of glasses.
Amiri Black Jumbo MA sunglasses
If you want to make a statement but not too much of a statement, these Amiri frames tick the box.
Ray Ban ‘Mega Wayfarer’ sunglasses
Dipping your toe into the oversized pool? Trust Ray Ban to make the perfect entry-level pair that still hits on a core sunglass trends.
Slim Sunglasses
You know how you see photos of guys like Brad Pitt and David Beckham from the late ’90s and early 2000s and you’re like, “Damn, he looks cool”? Yeah, you can thank slim sunglasses for that. These small frames are back in a big way â these days, everyone from supermodels to actors are wearing them.
Bonnie Clyde ‘Brown Rollercoaster’ sunglasses
Tap into the ’90s ilk without looking like you’ve never left the decade.
Versace ‘Biggie’ sunglasses
They might be called ‘Biggie’, but these shades are stylishly slim.
Le Specs ‘Pilferer’ Black Olive Mono sunglasses
Lightly tinted glasses are in, but at the same time, they’ve never really gone out (see below). This Le Specs pair are a steal.
Aviator Sunglasses
Honestly, I doubt aviators will ever go out of style. They just make every guy look cool! For that Harrison Ford-esque, Masters of the Air aesthetic, snag a pair below. Hence, why they’re one of the year’s biggest sunglass trends.
Gucci oversized aviator sunglasses
Bring out your inner Hunter S. Thompson with these seventies-ready oversized aviators.
Jacques Marie Mage ‘Jagger’ aviator-style titanium sunglasses
Jacques Marie Mage has carved out a niche as the stylish man’s favourite sunglass brand. As such, it’s in your best interest to jump on board.
Ray Ban navy blue aviators
Keep it simple with Ray Ban’s classic aviator style in navy blue.
Tinted Sunglasses
When I tell you that I haven’t been to a fashion industry event in the past six months without seeing a guy in tinted sunglasses (indoors, mind you!), I’m not exaggerating. These are as transitional and wearable as actual glasses, and thanks to their translucent lenses, you don’t have to take them off when you’re inside.
Jacques Marie Mage ‘Mojave’ round-frame acetate sunglasses
A soft blue tint is flattering on everyone. As is a classic rounded frame.
Akila black ‘Apollo’ sunglasses
Crafted from plant-based materials, there’s plenty to love about Akila’s shades. Including this stylish tint.
Chimi ‘Sting’ sunglasses
For a darker green tint, try this slimline pair from Stockholm brand Chimi.
This story originally appeared on Esquire US
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