22-04-2025
The most stylish sunglasses under $150, according to stylists and editors
Sunny weather is on the horizon, which means your everyday fashion is getting upgraded with the beloved accessory that can polish off any look: sunglasses. While the cost-per-wear justifies your sunglasses purchase quickly during spring and summer, it doesn't hurt to stick to a budget. Fortunately, there are lots of editor- and stylist-loved pairs that give you an elevated and high-end look without breaking the bank.
'There are many designer dupes for very affordable price points and they will give you the look you're going for. Just be mindful of their quality when it comes to protecting your eyes and the delicate skin around the eye area,' Samantha Brown, a celebrity stylist based in both New York and Miami, said.
To help you find your iconic pair of sunglasses for the spring season, we've rounded up a few polarized, nonpolarized and even prescription sunglasses that fall under $150 so you can stick to a budget without sacrificing style.
Sojos Retro Rectangle Polarized Sunglasses
I bought these last summer since they looked like a designer pair I'd been eyeing but cost a fraction of the price. The glasses haven't stretched out (no matter how many times I've worn them like a headband), and they look chic for all seasons. Plus, as my everyday sunglasses, they've taken quite a beating while staying nearly scratch-free.
Ray-Ban Justin Color Mix Sunglasses
Ray-Ban was a brand recommended by most of the stylists we reached out to, including Brown. Rebecca Klein and Martina Gordon, former models turned stylists at Beckie+Martina, also love Ray-Ban. The brand offers classic styles, such as this colorblocked pair, that are timeless and durable and can even be designed with prescription lenses for an added cost.
Machete Ruby '90s Sunglasses
"Machete is one of my go-to brands for affordable and eco-friendly sunglasses that are also fresh yet timeless," Liz Teich, a New York-based fashion stylist and style creator, said. "This '90s-inspired pair had me swoon because of the retro shape that also looks timeless. I always gravitate toward their tortoiseshell styles, which can be flattering on most!"
Quay High Key Wire Frame Aviator Sunglasses
"Quay's quality is amazing for the price," Teich said. "I have a pair that my 5-year-old daughter tends to steal, and it holds up to the test with her, so I'd highly recommend them for their durability." This timeless aviator style comes in both polarized and nonpolarized options for a slight change in cost.
Warby Parker Elio Sunglasses
Warby Parker is a great place to start if you need prescription glasses, but the brand also offers nonprescription styles. CNN Underscored associate updates writer Maxwell Shukuya is a fan of the Elio style, saying that after lots of wear, as well as getting tossed in his bag for trips and while commuting, the glasses are still in great shape. Plus, the design still feels stylish.
Eyebuydirect The Modernist Aviator Black Frame Sunglasses
I can't recall a time when I wore these sub-$50 sunglasses out and didn't have someone ask me where I got them. It's a unisex style, and the black frames paired with an amber lens adds a trendy touch, though the frame shape itself is classic. I'm debating upgrading to a prescription pair since I love wearing them so much.
Kelly & Katie Agent Sunglasses
"While DSW may be known for its endless pages of shoes to shop, it also has tons of accessories to choose from," CNN Underscored fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw said. "I recently picked up these oval-shaped sunnies that have a '90s feel. They're comfortable and go with pretty much everything thanks to the metallic frames. I think this style is suited better for wider face shapes like mine — they feel pretty broad — but there are dozens of other Kelly & Katie sunglasses under $20 to try."
Crap Eyewear The Heavy Tropix
"I like that these glasses have a classic look and feel with a variety of color options, plus polarized lenses, as well as Crap Eyewear's commitment to making sunglasses a more environmentally sustainable purchase," CNN Underscored associate editor Jillian Tracy said. She's taken these glasses on park walks, vacations and summer days in the sun, and they're still scratch-free, thanks to the included case with purchase.
Aire Haedus Sunglasses
"I've been crushing on this brand Aire that makes sunglasses for a steal, and they look high-end," Teich said. "This oversize pair looks just like the Celine sunglasses my kid sat on and destroyed, so I may have to replace mine with this!"
Goodr A Unicorn's Calamity Blackout Sunglasses
CNN Underscored outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Kai Burkhardt is a big fan of Goodr for affordable sunglasses. "If you're looking for a pair of budget sunglasses, you can't go wrong with a pair from Goodr," he said. "Will they stay scratch-free for years? No. But do they look good, stay on your face and cost only $25? Absolutely."
Crap Eyewear The Lucid Blur Sunglasses
"I've owned these sunglasses for a few years now and they've become a staple of my fall and summer wardrobes," CNN Underscored associate deals editor Elena Matarazzo said. "They're simple enough to go with most outfits but interesting enough to add a slight statement to basic ensembles like a white tee and jeans. As someone who constantly pushes her sunglasses up, I'm obsessed with the barrel hinges and hardware that prevents stretching."
Sojos Retro Polarized Aviator Sunglasses
"There's something about an oversized aviator that always feels effortlessly cool, so I tend to recommend the $15 Amazon version to those who are unsure if it's something they want to invest in," Teich said. This is a unisex pair that comes in both classic neutrals and fun color options.
Raen Keera Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Both Klein and Gordon like these sleekly designed sunglasses that offer protection, with their high-quality lenses, in addition to style. This two-toned pair adds a unique touch to your everyday look.
Eyebuydirect Seah Sunglasses
CNN Underscored associate testing writer Joe Bloss has had his pair of prescription sunnies from Eyebuydirect for years and they're still going strong. "Tortoise isn't going out of style, and for an affordable price — $69 with lenses, though there's always some sort of sale at EBD — this pair has been shockingly durable," he said. "It's survived hot days in the car, cramped trips in a backpack and countless on-and-off swaps whenever I switch back to regular glasses."
Quay Chit Chat Sunglasses
Teich said the cat-eye shape of this pair will be flattering on most face shapes. These sunnies have a classic tortoiseshell pattern with a soft, feminine design. The lenses aren't polarized, but they're a durable pair to keep in your bag for spring and beyond. The following FAQs have been answered by stylists Samantha Brown, Martina Gordon, Rebecca Klein and Liz Teich.
How can you tell if sunglasses are high quality?
How can you tell if sunglasses are high quality?
'High-quality sunglasses are made from more durable materials, have better-quality lenses and provide UV protection as well as polarization,' Brown said. 'UV protection and polarization are particularly important because they protect your eyes from harmful sun exposure.'
For high-quality materials, Gordon and Klein recommend sunglasses made with polycarbonate or glass, as well as acetate or high-grade metals. 'Cheaper lenses have no or inadequate UV protection; thin, brittle plastic frames; poor clarity; lightweight, low-density lenses; weak hinges; no polarization or fake polarization,' Gordon and Klein said.
Which brands have the best sunglasses?
Which brands have the best sunglasses?
The brand mentioned by all of the stylists we spoke to was Ray-Ban, with both Oakley and Quay being mentioned as other great brands to look at. While we can't say precisely which brand is the best, the stylists we spoke to liked those brands for their durability, design and price points, though Ray-Ban and Oakley are on the pricier side.
'I think it's important to note that most sunglasses are made from nonbiodegradable plastic, and many of the designer pairs are made in the same factory, so you're often paying for the markup with the brand name and not the quality of the glasses,' Teich said. She likes Machete's sustainable bio-acetate frames and also mentioned Quay's quality as 'amazing for the price.'
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
Samantha Brown, a New York- and Miami-based celebrity stylist
Martina Gordon, a former model and current New York-based stylist at Beckie+Martina
Rebecca Klein, a former model and current New York-based stylist at Beckie+Martina
Liz Teich, a New York-based fashion stylist, style creator and on-air style expert
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, our writer Ellen McAlpine spoke to editors on the CNN Underscored team and reached out to stylists to uncover the best sunglasses for spring to help you get started accessorizing.
