11 Best Sunglasses For Teens In 2024, Expert-recommended

✔ Research-backed

MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.

9 Cool Sunglasses For Teens To Buy In 2021

Image: Shutterstock

Sunglasses are essential for any beach day. You probably quickly reach for your sunglasses whenever you step into the sun. This post gives you a list of the best sunglasses for teens to keep their eyes protected from the sun while being stylish and comfortable. Also, the stylish pair of sunglasses will win them brownie points amongst their friends. Finally, a nice pair of sunglasses can keep your eyes cool.

Raluca Oita, a fashion designer and co-founder of Georgette’s Patterns, says, “Sunglasses are not only functional, protecting the eyes against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, but also fashionable and can help enhance and complement any outfit.”

So here are our favorite, best-selling picks of cool sunglasses for teens.

In This Article

11 Best Sunglasses For Teens

1. Best Aviator Style: Saint Owen Nightrain Gunmetal

Saint Owen Nightrain Gunmetal

This iconic pair by Saint Owen is specially designed for teens who are ardent fans of hard rock culture. With aviator-style gradient CR 39 lens, shiny stainless steel rim, and acetate spikes on the nose bridge, these oversized sunglasses can let your child pull off a solid rock star look of the early 90s. Handmade for comfort, the shades also feature a minimalist wired temple tip to bestow a neutral gender look.

Pros

  • Offers full spectrum UVA/ UVB sun protection
  • Features anti-reflective coating
  • Ceramic nose pads for optimum comfort
  • Made from biodegradable materials

Cons

  • Limited size and color options

2. Best Edgy Style: Saint Owen She Rides Ivory

Saint Owen She Rides Ivory

With gray CR 39 lenses encased in a contrasting ivory frame, these sunglasses by Saint Owen are an ideal choice for fashion-forward teens. The trendy shades are expertly handcrafted in Italy with a unique, edgy frame shape that instantly adds a bold charm to even the simplest of looks. These party-ready sunglasses offer 100% UVA and UVB sun protection, making them both stylish and functional.

Pros

  • Anti-glare coating for better visibility
  • Durable build
  • Lightweight frame
  • Made of biodegradable materials

Cons

  • Available in limited sizes

3. Best Polarized: Vatter TR90 Polarized Sport Sunglasses

These sunglasses have a sporty style and a unique design to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, especially when the teen is active. They are constructed from soft silicone and unbreakable, bendable frame materials. This review video helps you know more about this pair of sunglasses.

Pros

  • Ergonomically designed black sunglasses
  • Includes removable strap
  • Polarized lens material
  • Lightweight frame
  • Super toughness and wear resistance

Cons

  • Size may not be suitable for older teens

Our Reviewer's Experience

"These sunglasses have proven to be quite the find. The flexible rubberized design holds up well during sports or everyday play, and the included accessories, like a hard case and lanyard, are practical touches. My child likes wearing the pair, so I don't have to worry about keeping it on him."


protip_icon Quick tip
You can also use sunglasses to protect your eyes from the wind. In windy weather, sand or dust particles can fall into your eyes and irritate them, especially on the beach.

4. Best Retro-Style: Feisedy Clout Goggles Kurt Cobain Sunglasses

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.5
FEISEDY Clout Goggles Kurt Cobain Sunglasses Image: Feisedy
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The 6,988 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.

These retro, oval style sunglasses from Feisedy make a great fashion accessory for everyday wear. Their quality craftsmanship makes them the perfect choice for outdoor activities like traveling and driving, and provide UVA and UVB protection. You may check more about this product from this review video showcasing a tester’s experience.

Pros

  • Resin frame
  • High-quality frame material
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Comes with a case and a soft lint-free cloth for keeping the glasses safe and clean

Cons

  • Non-polarized

Our Reviewer's Experience

"I found this pair quite durable and secure. It provides substantial sun protection and comes with a convenient cleaning cloth and storage bag. I love the balance of function and style; my child enjoys wearing it."


5. Best For Parties And Sports: Edge I-Wear Neon Party Sunglasses

The sporty style sunglasses from Edge I-Wear are ideal for parties and sports. They come in a pack of assorted colors so that you can pick one that matches the color of your outfit. These expert-approved sunglasses are quite sturdy and are perfect if you want something for a group of teens.

Pros

  • CPSIA certified lead (Pb) content free
  • Sturdy
  • 100% Ultraviolet ray protection
  • High-quality frame
  • Wide variety of color combinations

Cons

  • Non-polarized, darker sunglass lenses

Our Tester's Experience

"I find these sunglasses quite versatile. They're a hit for parties, comfortable for day-long events, and durable. They're a practical choice for those who prioritize function without fuss. Overall, these sunglasses are worth it."


protip_icon Point to consider
Apart from wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes, you should also wear a hat and avoid looking directly at the sun.
Vatter TR90 Polarized Sport Sunglasses
Best Polarized
Feisedy Clout Goggles Kurt Cobain Sunglasses
Best Retro-Style
Edge I-Wear Neon Party Sunglasses
Best For Parties And Sports
Rating
Reviews3,1686,988539
Price$13.98$12.98$13.99
Buy NowBuy NowBuy Now

6. Best For Filtering Intense Light: Pro Acme Small Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

star-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-ratingstar-rating
4.5
 Pro Acme Small Polarized Aviator Sunglasses Image: Pro. Acne
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The 1,110 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.

These classic aviators from Pro Acme come in different colored lenses to amp your style statement. The pair of sunglasses efficiently block the UV and HEV light to enhance your visual experience. This pair of sunglasses also filter the intense light, reducing glare.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Metal frame
  • Polycarbonate lenses
  • Clear adjustable soft nose pads
  • Wide variety of color combinations

Cons

  • Mostly suits small faces

Our Reviewer's Experience

"These polarized aviators offer a snug fit without sacrificing style. Their comprehensive accessory package is a plus. I think it's quite durable and comfortable for my child. These might just hit the mark for those looking for a petite frame with practical flair."


7. Best For High-Impact Activities: Optix 55 REVO Sunglasses for Teens

Let your eyes relax under the shade of these fashionable sunglasses from Optix 55 on a hot, sunny day! The sunglasses with quality craftsmanship safeguard your eyes from the harmful UV rays, without compromising your looks. They are perfect to wear at the beach, by the pool, and during other outdoor activities.

Pros

  • Mirrored REVO Lenses
  • Suitable for high-impact activities
  • Reduces glare, making vision appear clearer and better
  • Sunglasses case included

Cons

  • Non-polarized

Our Reviewer's Experience

"I recently got these trendy sunglasses for my teenage daughter, and she loved them. They provide clear vision and are pretty stylish. They're versatile in complementing various outfits, and from what I've seen, they're also sturdy. A pair to consider for that blend of fun and functionality."


protip_icon Quick fact
UV levels are three times greater in summer than in winter, and 20% of cataract cases can be attributed to UV rays (1).

8. Best Scratch-Resistant: Coasion Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

These protective sunglasses feature a time-tested aviator style and offer a great visual experience by managing the UV and HEV light (high-energy visible light) with their polarized lenses. Also, the pack includes a protective leather case, microfiber cleaning cloth, mini screwdriver, user manual, and tag.

Pros

  • Metal frame with premium acetate tips
  • Scratch-resistant lens material
  • Glare protection
  • Adjustable silicone soft nose pads

Cons

  • Suitable for people with small faces

Our Reviewer's Experience

"Finding sunglasses that complement a smaller face can be a challenge, but this pair fits the bill. They sit comfortably and stay in place, and the polarized lenses effectively block out the sun. While I found them slightly bulky, their quality construction warrants a nod."


9. Best Beach Accessory: Optix 55 Sunglasses for Teens

These fashionable sunglasses from Optix 55 are specially designed for teens. They safeguard the eyes by offering 100% protection from UV light, while the lenses help neutralize the glare. This stylish pair of sunglasses make excellent beach accessories.

Pros

  • Smoked lens color neutralizes glare
  • Objects appear clearer & brighter
  • Durable
  • Long-lasting performance
  • Good for high-impact activities

Cons

  • Non-polarized
  • Plastic frame

10. Best For Fashion Statement: Coasion Vintage Round Flip Up Sunglasses for Juniors

The round, vintage flip-up and retro-styled sunglasses from Coasion make a fashion statement that appeals to most teens. The double-layer lens design of these prescription sport sunglasses lets you use it as plain seeing glasses or sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection.

Pros

  • Sturdy metal frame
  • Affordable sunglasses
  • Durable pair of prescription sunglasses
  • Lens color are available in 11 different variants

Cons

  • Non-polarized lenses

Our Reviewer's Experience

"I was struck by the pair's solid build and the convenience of the flip-up lenses; it's pretty handy going from sun to shade without misplacing them. They fit quite well; however, for those with a larger head, they may slip occasionally."


11. Best And Trendy Sports Eyewear: Khan Half Frame Sport Sunglasses 3.8

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

These sports sunglasses come in different-colored lenses for protecting the eyes. They are trendy and have an exquisite look that puts it on par with the mainstream designer wear.

Item Weight: 1 Ounces

Pros

  • Complies with US and European UV protection standards
  • Filters out 100% of harmful UV radiation
  • Durable
  • UV400 rated

Cons

  • Non-polarized
Our Reviewer's Experience

"I got these sunglasses for active days in the sun, and they don't disappoint. They sit snugly and don't budge during sports or running. I'm very satisfied with the performance."

How To Choose The Right Sunglasses For Teens?

The plethora of designs, current trends, and types of sunglasses available today can make it difficult to pick the right pair of shades for teens. So here is a checklist that will make the task easy.

  1. 100% UV protection: Check the label to see if the sunglasses offer 100% UV protection and meet the UV protection standards.
  1. Bigger sunglasses: Look for one that covers a larger area around the eyes and offer superior sun protection, so that the rays of the sun cannot reach the eyes from the sides.
  1. Color of the lenses: Darker sunglass lenses are preferred to lighter tones as they can increase the contrast and enhance clarity. That said, lens color in milder shades can work well if it is not too sunny or you only need the glasses for protection from dust.
  1. Size and design:  Look for a design that suits your facial features and fits you well. You don’t want the glasses to be too big or too small, and you should ideally do a fit assessment and pick glasses that highlight your favorite features.
  1. Polarized sunglasses: Go for polarized glasses, which offer better UVA and UVB protection, when compared to the standard UVA and UVB lenses.
  2. Additional features: Compare features like the warranty policy, if the lens can be replaced with prescription lenses, and whether the sunglasses come with a protective pouch or case before making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best tint percentage for sunglasses?

Sunglasses should be tinted between 60-80% to provide enough protection for the outdoors.

2. How to clean sunglasses?

The ideal way to clean sunglasses is to use a small amount of gentle cleanser, and then rinse them off with lukewarm water and pat them dry with a lint-free cloth made of microfiber.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Poulami Nag is an established writer and reviewer adept at reviewing clothing, shoes, and jewelry. Here, she has compiled a list of the best sunglasses for teens. The options she has listed here are ergonomically designed, lightweight, and durable enough to stand the test of time. Moreover, they are comfortable to wear and are chic. Poulami has also listed the pros and cons of each product to help you pick the right one.

The Bottom Line

Teens may wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from the harsh sun rays. Comfort and style go hand in hand when it comes to eyewear. Always opt for the best sunglasses that provide the highest protection against ultraviolet rays. For example, you could choose the Vatter TR90 Polarized Sport Sunglasses with polarized lens material or the Feisedy Clout Goggles Kurt Cobain Sunglasses, which offer UVA and UVB protection. The size and design should be able to shield the area around the eye as well so that sunlight doesn’t enter from the sides. However, you might not want to dismiss its appearance. Therefore, consider your teen’s preferences in style and color selection before buying one.

Infographic: How To Clean Sunglasses?

Sunglasses enhance our vision and style and protect our eyes from harmful UV rays. However, maintaining clean sunglasses is essential for optimal performance, preventing smudges, dirt, and debris from obstructing our view. Refer to the infographic below to learn how to efficiently clean your sunglasses for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Tips For Cleaning Sunglasses (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team


References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Sunglasses Safety Fact Sheet
    https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/fssunglasses.pdf
Was this article helpful?
Like buttonDislike button

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.

With a BA in Fashion Design from the prestigious Westminster University in London, Raluca Oita has the education and experience of eight years to bring her creative vision to life. She's the co-founder of Georgette Patterns, a sewing patterns shop that offers various styling patterns to fashion designers and enthusiasts to up their dressmaking skills.

Read full bio of Oita Raluca
Poulami Nag
Poulami NagMA, PG Dip.
Poulami is an associate editor at MomJunction. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.

Read full bio of Poulami Nag
Wedetso Chirhah
Wedetso ChirhahMA English
Wedetso Chirhah holds a masters degree in English Literature from Mangalore University and has over 13 years of experience in content. He has written content for more than 15 B2B websites and edited school books before joining MomJunction as an editor.

Read full bio of Wedetso Chirhah
Deyasini Biswas
Deyasini BiswasBA English (Hons), Diploma in Advanced Fashion Styling
Deyasini holds a bachelor's honors degree in English Literature from Jadavpur University and a postgraduate diploma in Advanced Fashion Styling from the London College of Style. She has three years of experience in the fashion industry, working as an editorial and product stylist, following which she has chosen to return to her roots in the language arts as a commerce content writer at MomJunction.

Read full bio of Deyasini Biswas