Fact: wearing polarized sunglasses looks really cool. A lot of people who buy them love their look, because they are modern and sleek. However, polarized sunglasses offer much more than just a nice, trendy accessory. They're also very useful and have many advantages over traditional sunglasses. They can help to reduce eye-strain, to keep your eyes safe from UV rays, and to protect you against harmful light conditions. Polarized sunglasses today are no longer limited to the sporty styles that fishermen for example tend to wear. They are now available in different shapes, colors, and sizes for both genders. Before we review the best polarized sunglasses on the market for men and women in 2022, let's first share some brief information about this accessory.
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Rank | Image | Product Name | Our Rating | |
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1 |  | 98
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2 |  | 97
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3 |  | 95
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4 |  | 93
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5 |  | 90
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**Below, you'll find more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to check the current prices and read customers' reviews on Amazon.
Top 5 Best Polarized Sunglasses for Men and Women In 2022
What Are Polarized Sunglasses and How Do They Work?
Like most people, you might think that all sunglasses are made equal. That’s not the case. Polarized sunglasses are a lot more advanced than simple, dark sunglasses. They contain a clear part that other types of sunglasses don’t offer. How does it work? Well, first of all, you’ll have to understand a few things about light and what happens to the eyes when we look at sunlight.
Light has a lot of interesting properties. It’s a fascinating scientific phenomenon. When reflected by another surface, it can do all types of amazing things. Polarized sunglasses use one of these properties of light, which is called polarization.
In other words, when you’re looking at light that’s NOT reproduced off of a surface, that light source creates waves in every direction. However, the moment the light is bounced off of a reflective surface such as water, glass, mirror, or even snow, those light waves polarize.
Polarized sunglasses are designed to offer one important benefit: they lessen glare. When you stare at reflective surfaces like glass, water, or snow, you might experience a strong, blinding glare. This could be not only annoying, but also hazardous. Polarized sunglasses let you see clearer while you are outside in the sun. They’re also preferable as they just block out the glare, but don’t make your whole area of vision darker. This is advantageous, as the latter can be dangerous in a lot of situations.
Why Is It Better to Use Polarized Sunglasses Rather Than a Traditional Pair of Tinted Sunglasses?
You might be wondering if it's really necessary to invest in the best polarized sunglasses. Well, you have to know that tinted sunglasses will indeed lessen brightness. And for some, that might be everything you need. However, they are not going to remove the annoying – and from time to time, hazardous – glare.
Polarized lenses are better for outdoor activities, as they’re meant to keep you safe and to help you avoid threats in a way that a conventional pair of tinted sunglasses will not. Regardless of how dark tinted sunglasses are, they are not going to protect your eyes from UV rays, unless it’s expressly stated on the packaging. Actually, wearing very dark sunglasses that don’t offer UV protection is going to harm your eyes and to cause strain.
Best Use of Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses have long been popular among fishermen and boatmen, as they lessen the glare caused by reflections from water. They could also be very useful for traveling, hiking, jogging, cycling, and even for driving. They make your vision better, which leads to a safer experience. However, these glasses aren't particularly suitable for some activities. For example, they are not useful for downhill skiing, since skiers need to see the glare off ice patches for them to be safe.
Polarized sunglasses could also be a burden for drivers who have a car with LCD or LED displays. Moreover, they’re not ideal for motorcyclists either. Generally, polarized sunglasses are a great technology. But they’re precisely designed to lessen the glare of specific types of lights and this, in turn, can cause a problem when those types of lights are needed.
Spotting the Fake
Almost any product comes with its share of fake counterfeits. Because of this, you have to be careful in choosing which product to buy. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
You Can See It on the Tag
By looking carefully at the sunglasses, you can easily determine if they are polarized. If you’re looking around for polarized sunglasses at an optical store, search for those with a tag or test stickers to help identify how polarized the lenses are. First of all, you must search for the tag or sticker through the lens when you rotate it to about a 90-degree angle. At this angle, the tag has to be darker. If so, this is an indication that the lenses are really polarized.
What If There Are No Stickers or Tags?
If the sunglasses don’t have a tag or sticker on them, there is another test you can try instead. What you have to do is find another pair of polarized sunglasses, and compare them. You can do this by looking through both of them while rotating them to 90 degrees. You will see that the light will be blocked if both of them are polarized.
Another effective way to test whether a pair of polarized sunglasses is legit is to find a flat-surfaced object from which you can easily reflect light. Hold the sunglasses a couple of inches away from your face and look at the object through one of the lenses. That way, the glare or light has to be considerably reduced. Then, turn the sunglasses to about 90 degrees. The polarizing filter should now allow more light to go through, so the reflections should become more visible. By contrast, sunglasses that are not polarized don’t show any difference in the intensity of reflections from an object when you rotate the lenses.
Our Top Picks for the Best Polarized Sunglasses
Via Amazon.com
MERRY's Unisex Polarized Aluminum Sunglasses are very sturdy, and their polarization works really well. They are also particularly beneficial for those who have sensitive eyes. This brand of sunglasses offers stylish, modern eyewear styles that look great on both men and women. Their properties and designs easily beat those of other popular, more expensive brands. MERRY's market expertise comes from years of practical experience in the eyewear industry and the brand's commitment to constant improvement and development. This is what you will feel when you wear this pair of polarized sunglasses. Because of this, you can invest in them confidently.
98
/100
Editor's Rating: 98/100
Price On Amazon: from $12.25
Pros
Cons
Via Amazon.com
These are some of the very best polarized sunglasses we know that don’t break the bank! We found this model by PolarSpex to be ideal for working on the computer while the sun is up. These polarized sunglasses do their job perfectly.
As small downsides, you might notice that the hinges can be quite stiff and require a good amount of effort to open up, and that the lenses coating scratches off if you accidentally drop your sunglasses on a hard surface. However, this pair comes with a nice carrying case, although don’t expect the highest quality for it either. But overall, this is a very nice pair of sunglasses. And for the price, you just can't go wrong with it.
97
/100
Editor's Rating: 97/100
Price On Amazon: from $9.97
Pros
Cons
Via Amazon.com
Duduma is one of the best brands you can find if you're looking for sports sunglasses. They come with many features that you'll surely enjoy, especially if you're planning to take part in activities like golf, cycling, fishing, motorcycle riding, baseball, jogging, and tennis. Your practice of these sports will be enhanced by wearing this nice pair.
This model is definitely a must-check-out for those who need to do some outdoor stuff under the sun. The lenses have 100% UV protection and are unbreakable. The glasses are also very stylish and functional, so there’s no doubt that they're among the best polarized sunglasses out there. Another thing we like about them is that they are available in many different colors, so there is an option to match everyone's personality. They also come with a hard case and a soft pouch.
95
/100
Editor's Rating: 95/100
Price On Amazon: from $21.99
Pros
Cons
Via Amazon.com
This model of polarized sunglasses offers a 100% UV400 protection coating, which blocks out 100% of harmful UV Rays. They also restore colors vividly, eliminate reflected light, and protect eyes from strain perfectly.
These sunglasses are made of high-quality and sturdy materials. They have metal clip ends with a silicone sock to deliver extra resilience and avoid scratches. They fit perfectly over prescription glasses for anyone to wear during the summer when doing any type of outdoor activities.
Another thing you will like about these sunglasses is that they come with a lifetime breakage warranty! If you ever happen to break or damage them for any reason (even if you accidentally stepped on them), you will be able to get a replacement.
93
/100
Editor's Rating: 93/100
Price On Amazon: from $9.99
Pros
Cons
Via Amazon.com
This pair is one of the most traditional and classic styles released by Ray-Ban. It fits perfectly on a different range of face shapes, from oval, to square, and round. They are very stylish and well-fitted.
These sunglasses are made of glass lenses and of an acetate plastic frame. Right now, there are more than 30 different styles and colors for you to choose from, and they are all available in three size options: 47 mm, 50 mm, and 54 mm. Some versions of these sunglasses have arms that are wider than the classic ones, and therefore may slide off the ears of some wearers.
All in all, there’s nothing very new about these, except that it's a solid and reliable choice that will make you look highly stylish and refined. This good old, quality classic style is exactly what Ray-Ban is known for.
90
/100
Editor's Rating: 90/100
Price On Amazon: from $110.99
Pros
Cons
Summary
So, there you have it: our list of the best polarized sunglasses you may want to consider for your next travel or outdoor activities. Hopefully, this round-up helped you to decide which model to get. Again, polarized sunglasses are very useful to protect your eyes from strain caused by the sun. They're a great investment to improve your eye comfort and health.
So, what do you think? Which polarized sunglasses on this list do you think will suit you best? Did we miss a model that should be included here? Let us know in a comment below!