Sunglasses are the ultimate accessory: They protect your eyes from harsh light and they make you look cool. The question is, what kind of cool are you going for? 

Much like traditional glasses frames, sunglasses come in an array of styles. Sometimes a slight tweak in a frame’s design—like a rounded corner or a keyhole bridge—can make a big difference in the impression it leaves. 

Read on to learn more about the different types of sunglasses, their signature shapes, and how they can augment your fashion choices. 

Illustrated chart of the different styles and types of sunglasses

Rectangle Sunglasses

For a classic, more sophisticated shape, you can always rely on the rectangle frame. Rectangle sunglasses have lenses that are more wide than tall, with corners that can be either sharp or rounded. Because so many styles of sunglasses have lenses that skew larger and rounder than regular glasses, rectangle sunglasses can read as classy and understated. 

Samir sunglasses in black oak tortoise

Samir

Black Oak Tortoise

Shop Samir
Perkins glasses in black matte eclipse

Perkins

Black Matte Eclipse

Shop Perkins

Square Sunglasses

Square sunglasses show off big, blocky lenses with even sides. Despite its name, this sunglass style doesn’t have to be super angular—its corners are often soft, the perfect complement to its bold shape. All the fashion icons know: it’s hip to be square. (Sorry, we truly couldn’t resist.)

Barkley sunglasses in cacao crystal

Barkley

Cacao Crystal

Shop Barkley
Sutton sunglasses in walnut tortoise

Sutton

Walnut Tortoise

Shop Sutton

Round Sunglasses

Although they were popularized by John Lennon and the bohemian crowd, round sunglasses are more versatile than their origins suggest. You can play up the vintage look with thin, round frames, or you can opt for a more contemporary statement with thicker lines. 

Bergen sunglasses in Whiskey Tortoise with Riesling

Bergen

Whiskey Tortoise with Riesling

Shop Bergen
Toddy sunglasses in Azure Crystal with Oak Barrel

Toddy

Azure Crystal with Oak Barrel

Shop Toddy

Cat-Eye Sunglasses

The cat-eye shape seems tailor-made for sunglasses. When you combine the mystique of tinted lenses with those upswept corners and a colorful frame, you get sunglasses that can’t be ignored. However, if you’re feeling stylish yet subtle, you can browse this type of sunglasses with thinner rims.

Leta sunglasses in Black Currant Tortoise

Leta

Black Currant Tortoise

Shop Leta
Beale sunglasses in Cognac Tortoise

Beale

Cognac Tortoise

Shop Beale

Aviator Sunglasses

Aviators have come a long way from their roots as sunglasses meant for pilots. Today, everyone can appreciate their commanding size and distinct teardrop-shaped lenses. This style often pairs a colorful tint with a sleek metal frame, and its broad lenses provide ample sun protection.

Raider sunglasses in polished silver

Raider

Polished Silver

Shop Raider
Hatcher sunglasses in oak barrel

Hatcher

Oak Barrel

Shop Hatcher

Browline or Clubmaster Sunglasses

Another retro sunglasses style, browline or clubmaster sunglasses made a big splash in the ’50s. Their design focuses on bold brows with minimal (or absent) lower rims, and lends the wearer a distinguished edge.

Ames sunglasses in Whiskey Tortoise with Riesling

Ames

Whiskey Tortoise with Riesling

Shop Ames

Geometric Sunglasses

Geometric sunglasses embrace the oft-forgotten shapes, such as octagons, hexagons, and trapezoids. They’re playful and memorable, so fair warning: you’ll likely field a lot of questions about where you got them.

Rachel sunglasses in Mesquite Tortoise

Rachel

Mesquite Tortoise

Shop Rachel
Celia sunglasses in Mint with Polished Gold

Celia

Mint with Polished Gold

Shop Celia

Keyhole Bridge Sunglasses

Technically, keyhole bridge sunglasses could also be any of the types of sunglasses we’ve already mentioned, with one essential feature: a keyhole-shaped gap below the bridge. It’s a small accent that adds substantial charm to a frame.

Kimball sunglasses in Marzipan Tortoise

Kimball

Marzipan Tortoise

Shop Kimball
Haskell sunglasses in crystal

Haskell

Crystal

Shop Haskell

Brow Bar Sunglasses

Some styles of sunglasses incorporate a brow bar that connects the two lenses above the bridge. It’s a common touch on aviators, but other shapes are also adopting the trend, creating frames with a robust and polished look.

Cooper sunglasses in Seaweed Crystal with Riesling

Cooper

Seaweed Crystal with Riesling

Shop Cooper
Blaise sunglasses in palm crystal

Blaise

Palm Crystal

Shop Blaise

Oversized Sunglasses

When it comes to sunglasses, you can go as big as your personality. Oversized frames increase the coverage of your sun protection and broadcast your style to everyone who looks your way. This style can also have an alluring, nostalgic feel, evocative of movie starlets and avant-garde pioneers.

Aubrey sunglasses in jet black

Aubrey

Jet Black

Shop Aubrey
Gael sunglasses in conch crystal

Gael

Conch Crystal

Shop Gael

Clip-On Sunglasses

Clip-on sunglasses allow you to switch seamlessly between standard and tinted lenses with only one frame. They’re uniquely portable, convenient, and (in our opinion) fun—who doesn’t like the satisfying “snap” of attaching your clip-ons just before heading outside?

Which Type of Sunglasses Is Best for You?

Finding the right type of sunglasses for you is a matter of both fit and taste. Consider your style, try frames on at home, and decide what additional features you’d like your sunglasses to have. (Maybe you want polarized lenses or a Low Bridge Fit frame?) Once you’ve found a style of sunglasses that suits you, wear it proudly. You just might inspire other people to guard against glare with some personal flair.

Sunglasses starting at $95

Each pair is equipped with scratch-resistant lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Shop sunglasses
sunglasses

Related Articles

CATEGORIES