What shoes are you wearing right now? Chances are, you picked them out for a specific reason, whether it’s a business meeting, going for a run, or hanging out around town. You wouldn’t wear loafers to a 10K, nor would you wear running shoes to a job interview (or at least we hope so). You want to wear something right for the occasion or activity (unless you want to be "THAT guy." But nobody wants to be that guy...)

Same concept applies when it comes to sunglasses. I get asked all the time, “Hey, Rob, sunglass guru dude, what are the best shades for a strappin’ young man like myself?” (Well, maybe not those exact words.) My reply is always the same…it depends. There really is no singular “best.” It just depends on what you’re doing, what you’re wearing, and where you’re going.

That said, there is a practical way to answer that question. If you break “best” down into three categories, this is what I’d recommend every man to have in their eyewear arsenal:

A Dressy Pair: Every guy needs a nice pair of shades for those special occasions. I recommend a metal aviator style of sunglasses. You can opt for a classic aviator or perhaps go for a squared, navigator-shaped frame for dressier occasions such as dates, weddings, or just anytime you want the ladies to swoon over you (or at least your cool shades). I like Ray-Ban Aviators and the Maui Jim Wiki WIki.

Ray Ban Aviators, RB 3025, Prescription Ray Ban Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Aviators RB3025

Maui Jim Wiki Wiki, Maui Jim Prescription Sunglasses

Maui Jim Wiki Wiki

A Sporty Pair: Everybody needs durable, lightweight sports glasses. Whatever sport you compete in, whether it’s golf, cycling, running, or the like, your sunglasses should have the characteristics that meet the unique requirements of what you’re doing. So if your sport involves a helmet, your sunglasses should be helmet-compatible. If your playing conditions involve a lot of reflective glare, I’m a cycling addict, so the Oakley Racing Jacket is my favorite. Smith also makes an amazing cycling line called the Pivlock. Regardless of what you play, we carry a ton of frames and lenses for each sport and their respective playing conditions.

Oakley Racing Jacket, Oakley Prescription Sunglasses

Oakley Racing Jacket

Smith Pivlock Overdrive Sunglasses

Smith Pivlock Overdrive

A Lifestyle Pair: Everybody needs a casual lifestyle pair of shades simply for fun and relaxing. It should also be functional and comfortable, too. A couple of my favorites for everyday use are the Oakley Holbrook and a new one that I (along with all the other big-headed guys out there) LOVE is the Spy Cyrus.

 

Oakley Holbrook, Prescription Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses

Oakley Holbrook

Spy Cyrus Sunglasses, Sunglasses for Men

Spy Cyrus

A Never Pair: And while we’re talking about great sunglasses for men, we might as well talk about what not to wear. Guys…I have three words for you: nix the cat-eye. While there are many shades that are unisex and work fine as men’s glasses, any sunglasses with a cateye shape or a similar sweeping design just doesn't look right on a real dude’s face. Just saying.