The Best Polarized Sunglasses for Women of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

The best polarized sunglasses we tested have crisp and clear lenses.

Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021.

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Travel + Leisure / Jessica Vadillo

Designed for activities like driving, fishing, and skiing, polarized sunglasses are best for those spending a lot of time outdoors, especially around water or snow where there could be a lot of glare from the sun. Of course, having polarized lenses is an optional feature, but it can seriously improve vision quality for outdoor enthusiasts by reducing glare and boosting clarity.

We thoroughly researched and tested 12 pairs of polarized sunglasses for women in the real world by analyzing the fit, appearance, performance, value, and quality of each pair during a two-week testing period. From statement shades to sporty sunnies, read on for a range of glasses to fit every outdoor adventurer’s style, fit, and lens preference.

Indy

These cat-eye sunglasses are sleek and flattering for a variety of face shapes.

We found a small scratch on the lens after two-week's of use.

Brooklyn-based eyewear brand Indy makes a variety of durable and stylish sunglasses, including our favorite pair we tested, the Nolita shades. These polarized sunnies have a softer oval shape for a modern twist on the sharp cat-eye style and the acetate frames have plenty of flexibility and sturdiness so they didn’t feel too tight or too loose on either of our testers. After three months of wear, both the brown and gray tint of the lenses effectively reduced glare in bright and dim settings and provided a higher contrast and more vibrant vision, even in direct sunlight for long periods of time. The dense material of the frames feels slightly heavy but very durable, and although we found a small scratch on the lenses, we think it serves as a good reminder to keep your glasses in the protective case when not in use to ensure the lenses and frames don’t get damaged.

Price at time of publish: $79

The Details: 52.6 millimeter lens | 20.6 millimeter bridge | 144.7 millimeter temple | 100 percent UV protection | Acetate frame

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Vadillo

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Vadillo

Eleventh Hour

The polarized lenses reduce glare from bright lights, making them ideal for driving or looking at your phone outside.

After three months of regular use, the arms needed to be slightly tightened.

These square-shaped Eleventh Hour sunglasses feel nearly weightless, especially while wearing them all day long. Despite the light feel of the sunglasses, the handmade frame and crisp polarized lenses feel sturdy and durable, and they come with a hardshell case for safely storing them. The arms press lightly against the temple so you won’t have to worry about the sunglasses falling off but they still feel comfortable while resting on the bridge of the nose. After trying the white frames with brown lenses and black frames with gray lenses, both impressed us with excellent clarity no matter the brightness levels outside. The comfy acetate frames have a square-shaped lens with a subtle cat-eye shape making these sleek shades ideal for fashion-forward travelers, as the oversized style is trendy and versatile.

Price at time of publish: $85

The Details: 52 millimeter lens | 19 millimeter bridge | 143 millimeter temple | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | Acetate frame

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Randolph

The circle-shaped frames are stylish and functional, and the lenses are made with anti-glare and blue light-blocking technology.

This is the most expensive pair we tested.

Randolph’s Elinor Fusion shades are made with 23-karat gold and boast sleek metal and acetate frames. No matter which frame pattern or color you choose, the lenses are made out of the brand’s lightweight Skyforce nylon material that offers crisp polarized lenses that block out blue light. Although, after three months of use, we don't think the lenses are dark enough to wear in direct sunlight, we're happy with the protection in indirect sun and absolutely love the style. The metal frames are thin and feel relatively delicate but they still feel secure on your head and plenty durable. We love that the bridge has adjustable pads that allow the glasses to rest comfortably on top of your nose. While the price point is a little steep, these U.S.-made sunglasses have clear and sharp lenses that feel premium and durable for a lifetime of use. Plus, these sunglasses come with both an embossed hardshell case and a soft case for protection against damage, and they also include a generous lifetime warranty if any damage does occur.

Price at time of publish: $329

The Details: 57 millimeter lens | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | Metal frame

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Travel + Lleisure / Alessandra Amodio

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Maui Jim

We love the on-trend style and excellent clarity these shades provide.

They will likely be too tight for larger faces.

The sleek black acetate frames and thin glass lenses of these Maui Jim cat-eye glasses offer superior clarity and style. After regularly wearing these for three months, we loved the gray tinted lenses, which had the perfect balance of darkness for both sunny and cloudy days. The lenses are also designed to be shatter- and scratch-resistant. After lots of use in outdoor and upscale settings, we didn’t notice any damage to the durable lenses or frame, and the glasses come with a hardshell case that folds down flat when it’s not in use which is super handy for tossing in a purse or backpack.

Maui Jim recommends these glasses for smaller face shapes and we agree that due to the smaller shape of the cat-eye lenses and tight fit of the frames, these are best suited for those with smaller faces and heads. However, if you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses with a tighter fit, these will also work well for a variety of face shapes, just be sure to look at the measurements so the glasses won’t be too tight.

Price at time of publish: $349

The Details: 51 millimeter lens | 21 millimeter bridge | 145 millimeter temple | Acetate frame

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Smith Optics

The Chromapop lenses provide super clear vision and protection against UV rays and glare from the sun.

The arms may be a little tight for wider heads.

Whether you’re hiking to a waterfall or boating on the lake, Smith’s Chromapop lenses are ideal for being by the water since they’re designed to enhance natural colors, shield the eyes from UV rays, and reduce glare from the sun. Both the frame and the lenses are super durable and, after three months of testing, withstood constant use while adventuring. The sunglasses do an excellent job of reducing glare from water and snow, and the lightweight acetate frames are comfortable for all-day wear without compromising comfort or style. Made with circular lenses that come in four different colorways, we love that these Smith sunnies are a little more stylish than your typical pair of sports sunglasses.

Price at time of publish: $189

The Details: 53 millimeter lens | 19 millimeter bridge | 145 millimeter temple | 100 percent UV protection

Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price

Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price

Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price

Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price

Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price

Vincero

The circle lenses and classic tortoise shell or black frames are similar to the iconic sunglass style Audrey Hepburn wore in the 1960s.

The lenses might be too light for those with sensitive eyes.

From breakfast at Tiffany’s to strolling through Central Park, these retro sunglasses from Vincero Collective will never go out of style. The circular sunglasses come in three classic frame colors including a dark and light tortoise shell and a sleek all-black option, and the frame sizes offer a perfect balance of coverage around the eyes without feeling too bulky or oversized.

The lenses are exceptionally clear and crisp when it comes to vision quality, but we found the smoke-colored lenses to be a bit too lightly tinted for sensitive eyes. They do, however, still work well to shield most bright lights and glares. After three months of wearing these sunglasses almost daily, including on international trips, they still look brand new and are the perfect additional pop of fun for any outfit. Lightweight but still sturdy, the arms of these sunglasses hinge easily and fit comfortably behind the ears, but if you have a smaller head they could be too wide so be sure to check the measurements before buying.

Price at time of publish: $145

The Details: 51 millimeter lens | 22 millimeter bridge | 140 millimeter temple | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | Acetate frame

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Féroce

The lenses have a gradient effect where the top of the lens is darker and slowly gets lighter toward the bottom.

These weren’t the most comfortable sunglasses to wear for long periods of time.

If you’re spending the day shopping or visiting a big city, we highly recommend these square sunglasses from Féroce Heather. The shades combine style and functionality thanks to the oversized square frame paired with sleek polarized and UV-protected lenses. After three months of regular use, we love that the big lenses offer excellent sun protection and the dark to light gradient tint effect helps reduce glare while still allowing for full range of vision. The large acetate frames are on the heavier side so they might be better for wearing in short spurts rather than all day long. However, the frames feel extremely durable and are made with Mazzucchelli cellulose acetate that is designed to hold the shape of the plastic frames for years to come, so we feel confident these sunnies are worth the investment.

Price at time of publish: $145

The Details: 51 millimeter lens | 18 millimeter bridge | 145 millimeter temple | 100 percent UVA/UVB protection | Acetate frame

Travel + Leisure / Elise Wojczyk Wang

Travel + Leisure / Elise Wojczyk Wang

We still recommend the polarized sunglasses highlighted below, as they performed well in testing but had some slight issues with quality.

Ray Ban Erika: These classic sunglasses are versatile, ultra-lightweight, and did an excellent job of blocking the sun even with lightly colored lenses. However, the arms feel a bit flimsy and thin so we recommend treating them with extra care to prolong the life of the glasses.

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

We tested 21 pairs of sunglasses in a real world setting where 12 pairs of sunglasses were made with polarized lenses. We each tested two sets of shades and used two testers per pair to thoroughly compare fit, appearance, performance, value, and quality over a two-week period. All of the sunglasses were tested for an additional three months so we could continue to provide up-to-date insights on the longevity and functionality of each pair.

Our favorite polarized sunglasses had crisp and clear lenses that passed our polarization test with flying colors. To make sure the lenses were polarized, we rotated the sunglasses vertically about 90 degrees to check if the lenses darkened. Whether it was bright and sunny or slightly cloudy outside, the sunglasses shielded our eyes from harsh glares and harmful sun rays thanks to the UV protection coating on the lenses, too.

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Vadillo

Whether you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses to accessorize or for outdoor activities, there are a variety of styles to choose from. For hiking or walking outside, you may want to opt for a lightweight acetate frame with plenty of bridge padding for comfort over a pair of sunglasses with a metal frame. If your outdoor plans include dining or sightseeing, consider getting a more fashionable pair of sunglasses like circular or rectangular-shaped shades.

Sunglasses come in various shapes and sizes so it’s important to check the sizing specs listed on the brand’s website. Since everyone has a different face and head shape, the measurement of the lens, bridge, and temple will help you get a better idea of the fit.

Polarization and UV protection often get lumped together for describing lenses but they are extremely different traits to look for in sunglasses. UV protected lenses have a coating designed to shelter the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays and sometimes blue light depending on the type of coating. UV protection is crucial for protecting the eyes which can get irritated by UVA and UVB rays. Polarized lenses reduce glare to see more clearly which is ideal for driving or being near water where the glare might be brighter than in other settings.

Polarized lenses are best suited for activities like hiking, driving, or being near water to reduce glare and provide clearer vision. It’s an optional feature in lenses but it can make a significant difference in clarity and vision quality by having lenses that reduce glare. You’ll also want to make sure your glasses have UV protection as well since that will protect your eyes from potential harm and damage from the sun.

Polarized lenses are made with a chemical during the manufacturing process that is applied vertically to redirect the glare when it hits the lens. Tinted sunglasses only reduce the brightness whereas the chemical film is added to reduce the glare that bounces off various surfaces around in bright settings.

There is an easy test to tell if the lenses of your sunnies are polarized and all you have to do is hold the sunglasses horizontally about 6 to 8 inches in front of your face and look through them toward a bright screen or reflective surface. Then, rotate the glasses 90 degrees vertically while looking through the lenses to see if they get darker. If they do, the lenses are polarized.

Travel + Leisure Commerce Writer Anna Popp reviews travel products and writes almost all of the team’s tested content. She participated in this test by trying out three pairs of sunglasses while traveling, hiking, and running around New York City. Anna worked with our editors and sifted through thorough testing insights to compile this list of the best polarized sunglasses for women.

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