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Sunglasses are incredibly handy—not only for looking stylish, but also protecting your eyes from the sun. And sun protection doesn’t have to—and shouldn’t have to—break the bank. Unfortunately, navigating the vast marketplace of sunglasses can feel overwhelming, especially when you are, in fact, on a budget. With countless styles and brands vying for your attention, finding the perfect pair that complements your face shape and personal style that’s also within a reasonable price range can be a daunting task.
Luckily, there are more affordable sunglasses options than ever for women, many of which are stylish, functional and will last more than just one season. This guide will help you discover the best cheap sunglasses for women, focusing on options that not only protect your eyes but also enhance your features. We’ll delve into the world of face shapes, helping you find the ideal frame to complement your unique contours. Get ready to shield your eyes in style without emptying your wallet.
Tomahawk Shades specializes in small-batch sunglasses and prescription eyewear that’s not only fashionable, but affordable, too. We love this pair featuring a classic square frame, slightly rounded edge and a glossy clear gray lens. They’re made from injection molded polycarbonate, which is lightweight and impact-resistant. They also offer semi-polarized UV400 protection, which blocks out most harmful UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from the sun.
These midsized vintage-style sunglasses offer a perfect blend of retro charm and modern appeal, complementing a variety of face shapes. They feature classic elements like oversized, square lenses and a beautiful tortoise print. These aren’t polarized, but they have a UV rating of 100 percent!
We love the rounded rectangular shape with slightly curved edges, reminiscent of the classic wayfarer style. The tortoise shell frame color is a classic and versatile pattern that complements many skin tones and outfits. The only drawback is that it seems to only come in one size—L (133mm).
These oversized cat-eye sunglasses feature a bold, feminine frame with upswept edges and a slight point at the temple tips. It’s the epitome of vintage glamor. We love the glossy frame which is both lightweight and comfortable, although point out that this material may not be quite as durable as metal. The gradient effect means the lenses are darker at the top and gradually lighten towards the bottom.
The timeless style offers a balanced look and complements various face shapes, particularly those with sharper angles or a more square jawline. We love that these are made from polycarbonate plastic, which is durable and long-lasting. This pair is polarized, the frames are made from recyclable material and they come with a lifetime warranty at such a good price.
If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that will help you stand out in a crowd, these might be it. We love their hexagon shape, a trendy and eye-catching design element that offers a modern twist on the classic aviator style. They’re crafted from stainless steel and injection molded polycarbonate, which is durable and lightweight.
Crafted from high-quality acetate, these medium-sized frames boast a classic tortoise pattern that exudes timeless elegance. Designed for a comfortable fit, they offer a perfect blend of boldness and sophistication. With the option for prescription lenses, these sunglasses not only protect your eyes from harmful UV rays but also enhance your vision.
Throw it back to the 1960s with this pair of sunglasses renowned for their flattering effect on so many different face shapes. Crafted from stainless steel, the frame combines durability with a sleek, modern aesthetic while the metal construction ensures longevity and resistance to bending or breaking. The Hugo sunglasses are equipped with polarized lenses designed to block 99 percent of reflected light and 100 percent of UV rays.
While it’s true that more expensive pairs of sunglasses are more likely to have features that offer greater UV protection, there are still many affordable options that cover your bases. The most important factor is the level of UV protection. Look for sunglasses labeled “100% UV protection” or “UV400,” as this ensures they block both UVA and UVB rays, which are harmful to your eyes.
Are polarized lenses available in cheap sunglasses?
Yes—it’s possible to find polarized lenses in cheap sunglasses. In fact, plenty of affordable brands offer sunglasses with polarized lenses to compete in the market. While it’s usually indicated whether or not a pair of sunglasses are polarized or not, you can also tilt them at a 45-degree angle to a reflective surface like water. If the glare is significantly reduced, the lenses are likely polarized.
What sunglasses make your face look thinner?
Sunglasses that make your face look thinner elongate the facial proportions, like geometric or oversized frames, cat-eye frames and those with dark dimensions. With their distinctive teardrop shape, aviators help elongate the face, creating a slimming effect, as do large, square frames, which provide a contrast that helps balance the roundness of your face.
Are more expensive sunglasses better for your eyes?
Not necessarily. The most crucial factor when choosing sunglasses is UV protection. Expensive sunglasses often offer superior lens quality, comfort and durability, but these factors don’t directly impact your eye health.
Are there any environmental or ethical considerations with cheap sunglasses?
Yes. Many cheap sunglasses are made from plastic, which is non-biodegradable and comes from fossil fuels, which contributes to plastic pollution and environmental degradation. Cheap sunglasses may also be produced in factories with questionable labor practices, including low wages, long hours and unsafe working conditions. Your best bet is to go with a pair of sunglasses made from sustainable materials like recycled plastic.
Do eye doctors recommend polarized sunglasses?
Generally, eye doctors feel favorably toward polarized sunglasses, however, UVA/UVB protection is considered more important than just polarized frames.
What damages polarized sunglasses?
Extreme weather can cause damage to polarized sunglasses. Do not wear in high heat, frigid temperatures, or in heavy precipitation. Thankfully, polarized sunglasses do not lose their polarization over time.
Jenn Sinrich is an experienced writer, digital and social editor and content strategist with a passion for health, wellness, and all things beauty. She has written for several online and print publications, including Women’s Health, Shape, SELF, Men’s Health, Healthline, Reader’s Digest and more. With a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Northeastern University, Jenn has honed her craft over the years and has developed a knack for producing engaging, informative and well-researched content.
