Sunglasses can make an unforgettable statement, but which are the best mens sunglasses under 100? You don’t have to spend a fortune to make an impression, and we are going to help you do just that.
When choosing the best mens sunglasses under 100, you must consider the brand, style, durability and price of the sunglasses.
- All the top brands make sunglasses and they will attach a price tag that goes with the name.
- The style of mens sunglasses will vary. The Aviator, Wayfarers, Round Frames & Wraparounds are a couple of the classics.
- The durability of sunglasses is important especially if you are wearing them a lot. You don’t want them to break right away.
- Pricing does not always indicate quality when it comes to sunglasses. Sometimes you are only paying for a name.
Whether it is Tom Cruise in top Gun, the Terminator, or one of the Blues Brothers, the look is not complete without the right sunglasses. Sunglasses have become the ultimate fashion statement for men, and they can cost a small fortune. But let’s not forget that they also protect your eyes, so are a necessity to have.
All the top brands make sunglasses and they will attach a price tag that goes with the name. However, you can find high-quality and protective sunglasses under $100. And you can find the style and color you want to make that perfect statement. Our guide will help you find the best mens sunglasses under 100 so you can complete your look without emptying the piggy bank.
Table of Contents
What Makes The Best Mens Sunglasses Under 100
Mens sunglasses have become quite a trend thanks to popular movies and celebrities. The right pair of sunglasses is the best way to complete any look. The trouble with a popular item is that you end up with too many choices and prices increase.
Top brands in the sunglasses industry include Ray-Ban, Oakley, Under Armour, Maui Jim, and Nike. In most cases these will be more expensive, but occasionally they will produce a pair that is under $100 without compromising quality. It is important to remember that a name and a high price do not always guarantee quality. There are several reliable sunglasses out there that are under $20 and will do the job perfectly fine.
Styles of men’s sunglasses also vary and will impact your shopping. You can choose from the classic Aviator style originally a hit with pilots, Wayfarers which are timeless and originally introduced by Ray-Ban, round frames as made famous by Elton John, or wraparounds which are the Terminator’s choice and best for all outdoor activities and sports.
The durability of sunglasses is important especially if you are wearing them a lot. You don’t want to spend money on something that breaks right away. Even if this is only $20. The durability of sunglasses will depend on the frames and the lenses.
- Lenses are typically made of plastic, polycarbonate, or glass. Plastic is the cheapest and least scratch-resistant and glass is very expensive but also very durable. Polycarbonate is a good material for sunglasses as it is durable and scratch-resistance and affordable. It also has a high level of clarity and is more impact resistant than glass.
- Frames can be made from plastic, acetate, natural materials like wood, or metal. Metal and acetate are the most common frame materials. Plastic is versatile but poor quality which makes acetate a more durable solution. Metal is more expensive and less durable but offers a certain look that people want.
Expensive sunglasses are not just about the materials used. Sure, metal frames and glass lenses will cost more to make and therefore higher in price, but there are hidden costs. Major names in retail have to pay for licensing, distribution, marketing, and much more and this ends up in the price you pay. There are a number of departments involved and each needs to make a profit on the work they do. The result is a higher price tag for you.
How Can You Tell The Quality Of Sunglasses
Sunglasses serve one purpose; to protect your eyes from UV damage and eye strain. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have a fashionable pair though. The growing popularity of sunglasses has led to countless cheaper brands making sunglasses that look like those the brands produce. You can get quality at any price; you just need to know what to look for.
Since protection is the purpose of sunglasses, that is what you look at to determine the quality. High-quality sunglasses will reduce glare and UV lights from entering the eye completely. This means you want to look for polarized lenses, which reduce glare and UV protective lenses which block UV rays.
Sunglasses that are rated UV400 and block 97% of sunlight meet industry safety standards and are considered good quality. These lenses can be seen in $10 sunglasses and those from the top retail brands. Tags will be present on sunglasses with their ratings so you can easily identify a quality pair. Make sure you choose based on that and not the price.
What Are The Best Quality Mens Sunglasses
Quality will be determined by how long the sunglasses last and how protective the lenses are. After all that is their purpose. The quality of sunglasses can be determined by lens category. These categories range from 0 to 4. Lens categories 0 and 1 are used for spectacles and not sunglasses as they have little to no glare or UV protection.
- Lens Category 2: Provide a medium level of glare reduction and fairly food UV protection
- Lens Category 3: Gives a good level of UV protection and high level of glare reduction.
- Lens Category 4: Provide high protection from UV and sun glare and are usually special purpose sunglasses.
Best Deals On Mens Sunglasses
The best deals for mens sunglasses can be found on Amazon. The $100 range of sunglasses represents those in the lower and mid-tiers, so you get a range of brands. Some of the top and most reliable brands like Ray-Ban will have styles within this budget too.
Plus $100 is not chump change so you want to make sure you are paying for a good pair. We have found the best deals on Amazon for you under $100 so you can look the part without spending all your dough.
Best Overall Mens Sunglasses Under 100
Under Armour Igniter Sunglasses (link to Amazon) have polycarbonate and titanium frames that are lightweight but built to last. The lenses have unique technology tailored to make them more durable than other lenses and to allow for more peripheral vision.
Multiflection coating on the lenses keeps glare out and the 100% UV protection protects your eyes through all activities. Autogrip temples allow the arms to fit snugly to any shape head and even if they slip off, the lenses are scratch and smudge proof.
Best Runner Up Mens Sunglasses Under 100
Ray-Ban RB3211 Sunglasses (link to Amazon) are under $100 and come with everything you expect from the name. You get 100% UV protection and the gradient lenses control glare. These are comfortable and durable and will last. Metal frames fit snugly to your head and the scratch-resistance lenses will always keep images clear.
Despite their delicate look, these sunglasses are built to last. You get a case included to store them safely in too. For fashion and functionality, this is the best bet for under $100.
Best Budget Mens Sunglasses Under 100
Torege Polarized Sports Sunglasses (link to Amazon) have a nylon frame which is tough and flexible at the same time. The polarized lenses with 100% UV coating will protect your eyes eliminating scattered light. The lenses have 7 layers for enhanced durability and protection.
The rimless jacket frame gives you a trendy style without paying trendy prices. The rubber nose pad makes them comfortable to wear all day long. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime breakage warranty on the frames and top-rated customer service.
Best Men’s Sunglasses Under 50
NIKE TRAVERSE E EV (link to Amazon) are perfect for outdoor adventure. Tough and lightweight that are ideal for sports and any other high-intensity activity. The plastic frame and plastic frame keep the price down but the lenses are MAX optic, making them trustworthy.
You get clear vision and definition while harmful UV lights are 100% filtered out. The arms have a rubber grip and high-tension hinges to keep them in place while you play.
Best Sunglasses Under 20
When you are shopping on a budget, the MXNX Aviator Sunglasses (link to Amazon) are the way to go. The price tag may be low, but the value is high. Your eyes are protected by 100% UV protection while the high-definition lens gives clear vision. Polarization blocks reflection and glare and the magnesium alloy frame is lightweight and durable.
They are perfect for outdoor activities and have the classic and popular aviator style. For a fashionable, functional, but affordable pair of sunglasses, this is the best bet.
Best Sunglasses For Narrow Face
Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses (link to Amazon) have the right shape for narrow faces, and a reasonable price tag. Oakley is a name you can trust in eyewear and this pair is no exception. Polycarbonate frames are built to last and the Hollbrook style is a classic and timeless look.
Throw in the Oakley technology and you get a great pair of sunglasses for style and performance. The plutonite lenses offer 100% UV filtering and block up to 400nm of dangerous blue light. The frames are built according to Oakley’s three-point fit system so are comfortable for wear all day, every day.
Best Polarized Sunglasses Under 50
SunCloud Polarized Optics Rambler (link to Amazon) is a great choice for cheaper polarized sunglasses. Using advanced technology, SunCloud filters horizontally reflected light to reduce glare and enhance visual clarity. The polycarbonate lenses are impact resistant and 100% UV protective.
These sunglasses are great for all outdoor activities and will keep your eyes safe. Unlike other brands, SunCloud uses 53% bio-based materials making them safe for you and the environment.
Best Cheap Sunglasses on Amazon
When you really need sunglasses and only want to spend a few bucks, start with the SUNGAIT Ultra Lightweight Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses (link to Amazon). They are budget sunglasses but they will not let you down. Delivering 100% UV protection and polarized lenses, your eyes are safe from damaging rays and glare.
The metal frame is lightweight but durable and they fit comfortably to your head. You get a pouch and cleaning cloth as well as a mini screwdriver to tighten any screws. The manufacturer extends a lifetime breakage warranty and money back guarantee, as well.
How Much Should A Good Pair Of Sunglasses Cost
Pricing does not always indicate quality when it comes to sunglasses. Sometimes you are only paying for a name. A reputable brand goes a long way in getting sales but does not always mean you get top products. You are getting an image rather than superior quality. These prices are higher because more money is spent on marketing than on the product.
That is not the case with all brands though, as many of the leaders like Ray-Ban and Oakley back up their higher prices with top quality. There is no way to put a price tag on a good pair of sunglasses because this can vary so greatly.
Budget sunglasses are increasingly popular and are performing well in terms of protection. This proves you don’t need to spend millions making or buying a good pair of sunglasses. Looking at reviews, materials used, and UV protection ratings will be the indicator of a good pair of sunglasses.
Are Cheap Sunglasses Worth It
Just because cheaper sunglasses are manufactured differently and not heavily marketed does not mean they are poor quality. There are a number of cheaper sunglasses out there that perform better than top expensive brands. You don’t have to worry about looking funky either, as most of these cheaper brands mimic the popular styles. So, you get the look, the price, and good quality.
Cheaper sunglasses are worth it when you think of cheap as being around $50. Some budget sunglasses will be made with lower quality materials so will not last as long. If you are looking for a pair that you can beat up on vacation, but will still protect your eyes, there are many under $25 that can do this. If you want a longer lasting pair of sunglasses, you can pay between $50 and $100.
More expensive sunglasses do last longer but not necessarily because of quality. They are typically stored in protective cases while cheaper ones are tossed around for starts. Depending on the situation, cheaper sunglasses can be worth it to save damaging a pair of expensive ones. You won’t feel so bad replacing a broken pair that only cost $25.00.
Who Makes The Best Sunglasses for the Money
Ray-Ban is one of the leading names in sunglasses. They have been around since 1937 and have a solid reputation. You will find the name on any list out there related to sunglasses and eyewear. They offer all the top styles including Wayfarers, Aviators, and Clubmasters and prices will vary.
Many styles do get close to and over $200. Amazon often has deals for some Ray-Ban styles so you can get quality at an affordable price. Even those at the higher price point are worth the money thanks to the solid reputation the brand has developed over the years. You will get what you pay for with Ray-Ban, so if you have it, spend it.
Helpful Tips On Selecting The Best Mens Sunglasses Under 100
Before you buy, there are a few things to remember. Everybody looks for something different in their sunglasses, but these are important tips to remember for any pair that you buy.
- UV Protection: Look for the tag that provides the UV protection rating. This is the reason you are wearing sunglasses so you need to make sure they will protect your eyes. Dark lenses do not necessarily mean polarization or UV protection. So double check for this before you buy.
- Can You See Your Eyes? You want sunglasses that block out between 75 and 90% of light. Try them on before you buy and test them by looking in a mirror. If you can see your eyes through the lenses, they are not blocking enough light.
- Check Lens Quality: You want lenses with a uniform tint, not those that are darker in one place over another. You also need to look for imperfections by holding them at arm’s length and look at something straight, such as a window edge. Move the lenses across this line and if the straight edge gets distorted, the lens is flawed.
Final Thoughts
Sunglasses are functional and a necessity anytime you are outdoors. The sun’s UV rays can cause direct damage when they hit your eyes, and cause glare that impairs vision too. Sunglasses also make a statement and reflect your style.
You want the best of both worlds but don’t want to pay a fortune. The good news is that you don’t have to. You can look cool, protect your eyes, and keep money in your wallet. Our guide to finding the best mens sunglasses under 100 will make sure you stay stylish and stay smart.
