Buying a pair of shades is one of the most important sartorial purchases you’ll make. Not only are they the first thing people see when they look at you, but they’re also in charge of protecting your eyes from the sun. Which is why it’s totally understandable to lose your cool if they end up looking like they’ve been clawed by the cat.

Thankfully, I’ve found the best scratch-resistant sunglasses for men. And because I know the importance of investing in sunnies that match your facial features and style, you’re going to find a plethora of shapes and designs for every face, budget, and occasion.

Key Takeaways

How did I find the best scratch-resistant sunglasses for men? Good question. As well as turning to my little black book of shade specialists, I pored over hundreds of customer reviews and analyzed each contender to create a shortlist of 20 must-have styles.

Only once I was confident that I had selected the cream of the crop did I narrow the list to just eight—including options from Meller and Persol.

Rest assured, each pair has been thoroughly tried and tested, whether by me or somebody else, to ensure what you see is the most exceptional eyewear on the market.

Why it’s great: It’s very rare to find sunglasses that are cheap, stylish, and safe. So you’ll understand why this pair from Meller had to be my number one pick among the best scratch-resistant sunglasses for men.

Not just uber-affordable, they’re also easy on the eye (pun intended), polarized, and equipped with anti-scratch lenses that are designed to last. Better yet, they have a hydrophobic coating that helps to prevent water or fog sticking to the surface.

Who is this for? The rounded frame will work particularly well for guys with square, heart, or oval-shaped faces. The price tag is going to appeal to anyone looking for a top-class bargain.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Apart from the name being a nightmare to pronounce, there’s not really anything to complain about. However, do be careful if you’re bald and have a really round face. These could make it look even rounder.

Frame Size: Width 135 mm, Height 48 mm, Depth 145 mm | Lenses: Green | Colors Available: 3 | Polarized: Yes

Why it’s great: Boasting UV400 protection (that’s pretty much as good as it gets) and a timeless aviator-style frame, these budget no-scratch sunglasses are a must-have whether you’re a regular shade wearer or a once-in-a-while kinda guy.

The adjustable nose pads ensure all-day comfort, and the scratch-resistant lenses keep your vision clear.

Who is this for? If you need a spare pair for emergencies or something cheap and cheerful for your next festival, these are as good as it gets. They’ll suit guys with round or oval faces best, but generally speaking they won’t look bad on any shape.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although they don’t look it, they do feel generally cheaper than some of the more expensive alternatives you’ll find. Having said that, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the quality considering the price.

Frame Size: Height 55 mm | Lense: Gray | Colors Available: 10+ | Polarized: No

Why it’s great: Boasting UV 400 protection (that’s really good) and polarized lenses (that is, too), these carbon fiber sunglasses are ultra-light, flexible, and strong. Not to mention, surprisingly cheap. Which is why they’re definitely one the best scratch-resistant sunglasses for men around.

Who is this for? As well as being resistant to scratches, these polarized shades significantly reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water and snow, enhancing overall visual comfort and clarity.

This makes them ideal for your everyday escapades, as well as outdoor activities like fishing. They’ll suit the majority of face shapes, but it’ll help if it’s oval or round.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Don’t expect to be wowed by the quality. Don’t get me wrong, they’re fantastic for the price—but they’re not going to be the most luxurious shades you’ve ever tried.

Frame Size: Width 140 mm, Height 45 mm, Depth 145 mm | Lenses: Brown | Colors Available: 10+ | Polarized: Yes

Why it’s great: One of Persol’s criminally underrated styles (I blame Steve McQueen and the 714), these are timeless sunglasses that’ll take you from beach bars and backyard parties to summer weddings and graduation ceremonies.

They’re fitted with crystal lenses (making them less susceptible to scratches) and a yellowy-brown frame that’ll never fall out of favor. I love how they can slightly change color in the sun and manage to instantly improve any outfit you choose.

Who is this for? For lovers of classic style, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Persol shades. The rounded frame will complement strong jawlines and square faces most, but it’ll work for most guys.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: You’ll need to be working with a fairly generous budget should these be your perfect match. But, if you can afford them, I can’t think of many better options.

Frame Size: Width 145 mm, Height 52 mm | Lenses: Green | Colors Available: 10+ | Polarized: No

Why it’s great: Nothing oozes confidence and badass style quite like some Ray-Ban aviators. The iconic frame has been a favorite of on- and off-screen stars for as long as I can remember, and they’re still as cool as ever.

This versatile pair comes in all-black with subtle green lenses that are made from crystal for scratch-resistance and ultimate UV protection.

Who is this for? These aren’t just the best men’s scratch-resistant sunglasses, they’re one of the most famous and timeless shades you can wear. A striking choice for all face shapes, they’ll bring a touch of bad-boy charm to your everyday fits.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re not exactly unique, and you might even already own a pair. But I could never forgive myself if I didn’t include them. Unfortunately, the only size currently in stock (at the time of writing) is the 58 mm.

Frame Size: Width 137 mm, Height 58 mm, Depth 135 mm | Lenses: Green | Colors Available: 10+ | Polarized: No

Why it’s great: As well as protecting your eyes from the sun, these aviator no-scratch sunglasses help to make objects appear clearer and sharper. Made from a flexible memory-retention material and indestructible lenses, they can be bent, bashed, and crushed without a single scratch or snap.

Who is this for? If you’re the kind of heavy-handed guy who goes through more sunglasses than socks, then these are perfect. They’re also ideal for traveling, as you can throw them in your bag or suitcase without worrying if they’ll make it safely through the day.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The lenses are on the large side, which may overpower smaller faces.

Frame Size: Width 147.3 mm, Height 50.8 mm | Lenses: Orange | Colors Available: 1 | Polarized: No

Why it’s great: When I’m looking for a pair of everyday sunnies, I want something timeless, tough, and easy on my wallet. Which is exactly what the Lerato offers.

A slightly rounded, rectangular frame, it’s a seriously cool (and dare I say, slightly edgy) option for your daily adventures—whether you’re popping into the office or heading for lunch with friends.

These are among the best scratch-resistant sunglasses for men. As safe as they are stylish, the polarized lenses are coated with an anti-scratch and hydrophobic material that keeps them in top nick and prevents fogginess.

Who is this for? Ideally, you’ll have a round or oval-shaped face and want a pair of sunglasses that finish off a wide range of outfits—from super casual to semi-formal. They’ll work just as well at backyard barbecues as they will for afternoon strolls in the park.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Generally speaking, these are very versatile sunglasses. However, considering they’re quite small (in height, at least), they may get a little lost if you have a particularly large face.

Frame Size: Width 136 mm, Height 36 mm, Depth 145 mm | Lenses: Green | Colors Available: 2 | Polarized: Yes

Why it’s great: Made with an active lifestyle in mind, Roka’s Lockhart scratch-resistant sunglasses are the bee’s knees. They weighing half the weight of similar styles on the market, but with far more special features.

They come with anti-scratch, anti-reflective, anti-fog, hydrophobic, and oleophobic coatings, plus little ridges on the nose and temple pads to ensure that they never fall off.

Who is this for? Looking good on all face shapes, they come with three different nose pad sizes, making them a versatile option that can be customized to your liking.

The polarization will be particularly appealing to guys who spend a lot of time on the water or road, while the lightness and durability ensures that they’re suitable for plenty of outdoor activities.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re edging towards the ‘expensive’ category, but I think they’re well worth the extra investment.

Frame Size: Width 141 mm, Height 41 mm, Depth 142 mm | Lenses: Green | Colors Available: 2 | Polarized: Yes

Buying Considerations For the Best Scratch-Resistant Sunglasses For Men

Lenses

Not all sunglasses have the same lenses. As well as making sure they are scratch-resistant, you should also find out the level of protection they offer. For ultimate safety, prioritize shades that offer 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays. This is the best way to safeguard your eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Additionally, consider sunglasses with polarized lenses, as they not only reduce glare from reflective surfaces, but can also enhance visual comfort.

Frame

The frame of your sunnies should not only suit your style but also be durable enough to survive the rigors of everyday life. Try to choose sunglasses with frames made from robust materials such as titanium and stainless steel. These types of materials are often best at providing resistance to wear and tear.

Face Shape

When finding the best scratch-resistant sunglasses for men, it’s important to consider the shape of your face. Different frame styles complement various face shapes. For example, square or rectangular frames can balance a round face (especially if you’re bald), while round or oval frames help to enhance the features of a square face.

How We Chose

Sourcing visually appealing shades is pretty straightforward. But finding those that offer proper protection against UV rays and scratching is a little more complex. To make my task easier, I considered a number of factors, from brand reputation to customer feedback, and used them to analyze each of the sunglasses under the spotlight.

Customer Reviews: Regardless of what I’m buying, I always look at customer feedback. In this instance, by considering the real-world experiences of others, I gained valuable insights into the performance and durability of each pair of sunglasses from a range of wearers.

Protection: I sought sunglasses that not only resist scratches but offer maximum protection against harmful rays. There’ll be no squinting or damaged corneas on my watch.

Brand Reputation: Established brands with a track record of producing high-quality sunnies have been prioritized. A brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovative technologies, and adherence to industry standards were all taken into account.

Price: Balancing quality with affordability was key in my decision-making process. Although I aimed to choose sunglasses that provided optimal protection and durability, I also considered various budgets and ensured that the shades offered value for money,

Why Trust Us?

Billy Webb, a distinguished writer for FashionBeans, has established himself as a leading voice in the fashion and grooming space. His work extends to guiding readers on optimal choices for work accessories, where he intricately assesses items like the best work bags for men, combining his eye for style with an appreciation for utility.

In his comprehensive reviews, like the one on sustainable and quality menswear essentials by Coofandy, Billy doesn’t just list products; he explores their ethos, sustainability, and the real value they bring to the consumer.

When Billy discusses the best scratch-resistant sunglasses for men, trust that his selections are grounded in thorough research and a genuine passion for fashion. His articles are not just recommendations; they are guided by a commitment to quality, sustainability, and the latest trends, ensuring that you’re always in the know with choices that matter.

Final Verdict

Taking everything into consideration, the best scratch-resistant sunglasses for men are from Meller. Flattering on a range of face shapes and easy on the wallet, they’re stylish, polarized, and designed to last. Should you want an excellent all-rounder that looks just as good as it performs, I’d recommend the Achawen time and time again.