Our Favorite Women’s Sunglasses
Summer is here in the desert so we rounded up our female editors' top picks for sunglasses
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New Mexico is sunny so sunglasses are crucial. These are the shades our editors grab before heading outside.
Sunski Singlefin Polarized ($60)
I originally got these sunglasses for running, but now I wear them for everything. They're nice and snug, so they stay put for hours on the trail or working out without slipping. And if you make a quick change into normal clothes, they easily pass as standard shades. (Especially if you go for the tortoise pattern.) Bonus: they're inexpensive, so you can put them through the wringer guilt-free. —Molly Mirhashem, associate editor
Native Hardtop Ultra ($130)
The Native Hardtop Ultras have been my can't-live-without piece of gear for years. I take them everywhere and I'm convinced that the maple tortoiseshell color compensates for their sportiness, so it was totally fine that I used to wear them almost every day in New York City, right? Right. —Svati Narula, assistant social media editor
Ray-Ban Aviator Flash Lenses ($180)
I’ll be the first to admit that I have a thing for obnoxiously bright, make-a-statement sunglasses. I break these babies out as soon as the weather gets warm and carry them with me everywhere. They’re surprisingly durable too: I have a tendency to knock around my sunglasses, and the same pair has lasted me nearly three years. —Carly Graf, assistant editor
Sunski Seacliff ($55)
I recently got a pair of Sunski Seacliffs with blue lenses, and boy, blue sunglass lenses are life-changing! Also, the Sunskis are so light that they're really comfortable to wear running. And they don't budge when I have them pushed up on top of my head. —S.N.
Zenni Optical Clip-On ($5)
I buy all of my glasses on Zenni because spending $500+ on spectacles is for chumps. They have a wonderful add-on option of clip-on, polarized sunglasses and they're a whopping $3. Each clip-on is laser cut to be the exact size of the frames and it comes in multiple tones; grey, green, or black. I always buy two because I know me, and I'll eventually sit on a pair and break it. —Emily Reed, assistant editor
Native Eyewear Penrose Polarized ($65)
This pair from Native Eyewear has become my go-to for everything from driving around the city to hiking in the mountains. This style is especially perfect for people with small faces because of the extra grippy plastic used on the arms and frames, and the temple ends that hug your head behind your ears. If your outdoor glasses are constantly falling off, try these. Bonus: They're currently half off.—Jenny Earnest, social media manager
Smith Founder ($140)
Smith calls these lifestyle sunglasses, and they are, in the sense that I don't look like a Lycra-clad racer dork when I'm wearing them. But I also take them biking, running, and ski touring, and have had zero issues with fog or slippage during any of those activities. The ChromaPop lenses offer plenty of UV protection for sunny New Mexico afternoons and the frames have proven themselves to be durable and scratch resistant. Combine all that and you get a pair of shades that are up for so much more than just beach lounging or patio beer sipping. —Axie Navas, executive editor
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Polarized ($200)
When I'm feeling fancy, and a little edgy, I reach for my Wayfarers. There's a reason these glasses are a classic; they fit like a glove. They hug the bridge of my nose unlike any other sunglasses on the market. Do yourself a favor and spring for the polarized version, the difference is like night and day for your eyes. —E.R.
Smith Questa ($90)
I never used to wear sunglasses, but one day a free pair of Smith's Questa landed on my desk. I quickly became attached to how the amber tortoise frames looked on my face and I realized the green polarized lenses really did make my eyes hurt less—plus I could look into a river and sometimes see fish down there! I now consider them indispensable thanks to my vanity and my choice to live in a high desert environment with an average 300 days of sunshine. —Erin Berger, senior editor
Warby Parker Laurel ($95)
I have a round face and an easily bruised ego, so sporty sunglasses have never been my top choice. I'm also forgetful and a little reckless, so when I finally invested in these classic shades, I was worried I'd bust them up in no time. Two years later, they've proved to be hardy and well-suited to a wilder lifestyle. Ski touring, hiking, biking, and climbing, they've served me well—and they don't have a single scratch yet. Plus, Warby Parker is great about adjustments and repairs. —Abbie Barronian, assistant editor