We’ll level with you. We don’t like being hot and sweaty. We burn way too easily, and hay fever blows. Summer sucks, but its one saving grace is that we have the opportunity to slip on a pair of sunglasses.
Of course, beyond our mistaken notion that we look like Peter Fonda in Easy Rider, sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, so whatever you buy, make sure they protect against UVA and UVB rays as a minimum. Rest assured that all of the below do – even the £20 ones. On the other hand, if you’re flush and aren’t the type to be constantly losing or sitting on your favourite pair, we’ve chosen a few of what you might call “investment” pairs.
Sometimes less is more, as is the case with this pair of square lenses which drop the bridge for a lighter look on the face. £169, buy on calvinklein.co.uk
After Djokovic’s Wimbledon win, Lacoste must be pretty pleased it released a capsule collection with him earlier this summer. About as pleased as you’ll be sporting these sleek black rectangular frames. £105, buy on lacoste.com/gb
Like the look of sunglasses for cycling but don’t need all the technical features? Then this pair, inspired by the sporty aesthetic, are for you. £147, buy on armani.com
Simple and classy, this Italian-made pair are distinguished from the rest by the details – the thin metal arms and integrated T-logo at the temples. If you don’t have a sharp suit to wear these stylish frames with, buy a sharp suit stat. £240, buy on matchesfashion.com
Our sunglasses overlords have favoured us with this vintage pilot style. And despite its heritage, the single lens style looks decidedly modern. £154, buy on ray-ban.com
A rare combination (in sunglasses, at least) of style and substance. We like the muted two-tone colour scheme, but as we’re a publication of substance, we love the lightweight frames, sweat-resistant coating and rubber earpieces to help keep them secure. £210, buy on matchesfashion.com
Now this is some next-level design – lenses that frame the frames? Colour us impressed. And orange. £275, buy on matchesfashion.com
We like to see some style risks taken at the affordable end of the spectrum, so kudos to M&S for contrasting the thin metal frames of these aviators with the accentuated browbar – and pulling it off. £19.50, buy on marksandspencer.com
Sure, the tortoiseshell bar may get all the attention, but the fine details like the engraved metal arms make this pair something special. £335, buy on matchesfashion.com
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Blown all your cash on a trip to the Riviera and didn’t budget for a pair of sunglasses that’ll look the part? Then pick from this M&S range, we particularly like the Retro D Frame Sunglasses (£19.50). £15-£19.50, buy on marksandspencer.com
Wayfarers and Aviators aren’t the only Ray-Ban sunglasses worth your time. Give these a spin – the tortoiseshell and gold metal combo lends you a more dressed-up vibe. £125, buy on mrporter.com
The world’s most iconic sunglasses? We’re calling it – and for good reason. £129, buy on visionexpress.com
While these sunglasses are in the ever popular rectangle shape, the lighter tones around the bottom of the rims subtly soften the effect of the bold corners. £147, buy on sunglasshut.com
A pair of high-class aviator shades with a thin red band of colour on the temples that adds just the right amount of colour without being overpowering. £152, buy on sunglasshut.com
Looking for something a little more glamorous? Italian design label Dolce & Gabbana is celebrated for its luxurious and sophisticated collections inspired by Italian culture – and this pair is no exception. £233, buy on sunglasshut.com
