Nothing completes an outfit quite like a stylish accessory, even if it’s a pair of cheap sunglasses. From wide frames that block the sun from every direction to statement sunnies that provide a pop of protection on overcast days, there’s no shortage of stylish sunglasses that will keep you feeling — and looking — fresh.
That’s why we reached out to people who spend nearly every waking moment at the beach or outdoors for their favorite cheap sunglasses under $50 that provide — ahem — specs well beyond their price point. From polarized lenses to durable, on-trend frames, shop them all right here.
Fashion and beauty editor and style and fashion enthusiast Sophie Shaw has taken these aviators around the world. Despite carelessly tossing them in her bag countless times, they’re still in one piece — and as stylish as ever.
“It took me a while to hop on the rectangular sunglasses bandwagon (again, I also like my sunglasses to provide anti-wrinkle protection), but I finally caved when I saw these affordable specs,” says Mia Maguire, a commerce editor, boogie boarder and body surfer. “They’re current and stylish without looking desperately Y2K (another sartorial movement I plan on sitting out on altogether). They fit securely around my face and stay put when I’m bike riding or jogging outside.”
As a freelance journalist whose hobbies include hiking, backpacking and visiting every single national park, Emily Pennington is constantly outside. For an affordable, sporty pair of sunglasses, she recommends Tifosi’s Swank model. “The best part is that the base price is just $25 — not bad if you’re like me and drop your sunnies on dusty rocks often when you’re out exploring.”
Goodr sunglasses have become synonymous with superior value for their lightweight frames and too-Goodr-to-be-true price point. “Goodr’s OG sunglasses are the best no-frills pair that money can buy,” says Kevin Cortez, a commerce editor and avid hiker. “They don’t slide or bounce off of your face while you’re out roaming, and because they’re polarized, they help reduce glare and block harmful UVA and UVB rays.”
“These aviators look exactly like the Bottegas,” says Ashley Mosseri, a podiatrist in Georgia and beach lover. “People have legit thought they were Bottegas. I appreciate expensive sunglasses, but with the way I treat them, I cannot invest in expensive ones, so it’s nice to have these cheap ones that you can throw around and bring to the pool, beach or walks and not have to worry.”
“These polarized glasses are perfect for adventures of all types — from exploring by foot, bike or boat outdoors,” says Erica Zazo, a freelance adventure travel journalist. Even if you aren’t a fan of this pair, you should check out Goodr’s entire catalogue. For Zazo, the brand has been a “go-to” for its affordability and comfort.
Heather Balogh Rochfort, a freelance journalist who covers the outdoor industry, says her favorite affordable shades are the Pop G sunglasses from Goodr. Beyond the many fun colors — her favorite is Approaching Cult Status pink — she also says they “perform” outdoors. “They don’t slide off my nose when I’m mountain biking, they don’t bounce when I’m trail running and they’re polarized, which is super key when I’m out fly-fishing on the river or backpacking around the high alpine.”
The cat-eye trend is here to stay, and with over 12,000 ratings on Amazon (many of them extremely positive), you can be sure this pair will hold up season after season. “They’re lookalikes for a pair that Hailey Bieber wears, and they look good on everyone,” Mosseri says.
For a pair of sunnies that are lifeguard approved, grab this funky visor style with a matching cord that helps them stay put. “As a lifeguard, I’ve had the opportunity to wear a lot of different sunglasses in my line of work,” says Charlie Ou Yang, a senior lifeguard contractor. “I recently had the chance to try out this pair of retro polarized sunglasses, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.”
Whether I’m swimming laps or training for a half-marathon, I always make sure to have my Rheos nautical sunglasses on hand. They’re lightweight to an almost eerie degree, and they reduce so much glare that I never experience any sun-induced headaches while wearing them.
I once treated myself to a shopping spree at Zenni and came away with one of my prized possessions. They rest comfortably above my ears (read: no temple squeezing), and they provide enough coverage to keep me from squinting during beach hangs and long walks in the sun. Thanks to their anti-scratch coating, they look good as new even though they’ve been around the world with me several times. They also sell some of the best prescription eyeglasses online.
“I love a frame that has a retro feel without looking old-fashioned, and the lens and frame colors are just right on this pair,” says Todd Plummer, a writer, avid traveler and outdoors enthusiast. “The Maestro is one of this brand’s classic silhouettes, but the Maestro X is slightly larger and suited for larger faces like mine. I often lose, sit on or drop my sunglasses, so the $40 price point also feels right for something that looks good but I won’t be upset if and when they need to be replaced.”
“Growing up in San Diego in the ’90s through the aughts, my eyes have become increasingly sensitive to sun exposure, thanks to years of UV exposure-induced damage,” Maguire says. “These sunglasses are oversized, so they cover my entire eye region (which also helps prevent crow’s feet!), but the polarized lenses are also designed with a UV-protection coating, which is hard to find in under-$20 offerings. I also love how these fit snugly around my face because they stay put when I’m hiking, biking and swimming. Even when I’m a bit sweaty, they don’t slide around.”
“My current favorite [sunglasses are] the new Morningside Polarized glasses because they come in a fun lilac hue (along with black and a brown tortoise-like style), but they still protect my eyes from the sun,” Maguire says. “These sunglasses fit around my fairly large head well, so I’m able to wear them in the water and during higher-intensity hikes, but they’re not so tight that they’re painful.”
“While I may be averse to the Y2K resurrection, I’m all for the retro vibe when it comes to shades reminiscent of styles inspired by the ’70s, and these $40 frames are current favorites,” Maguire says. “I don’t wear these when I’m biking, jogging or swimming because of their oversized profile, but I do love to wear them on short hikes and at the beach because they offer a lot of coverage and actually shield my eyes from the sun.”
With their marbled frame made of recycled plastic, this summer staple is a sustainable yet sensible bet. “I love these sunglasses,” says Haley Grumet, a flight attendant and frequent traveler. “They’re polarized, look great and are very durable.”
“I will rave about Goodr sunglasses to anyone who will listen,” says Kristine Thomason, a health and lifestyle journalist and certified personal trainer. “As an avid runner, I’m always on the lookout for solid sunglasses that will stay in place while I log miles, along with polarized lenses to protect my eyes. Goodr sunglasses check all of those boxes, and they’re budget-friendly at just $25 a pair. In addition to running, I wear these on hikes, to the beach or really any outdoor activity.”
Privé Reveaux’s selection of affordable, on-trend sunglasses proves that you don’t have to spend big bucks to be a men’s style icon. “I get so many compliments on my Privé Revaux sunglasses,” says Vanessa Powell, a Santa Monica-based fashion editor and outdoor recreation enthusiast. “I’m an accessories person, so I always have a pair of sunglasses in every bag and in my car. They feel super luxe and are always on-trend without breaking the bank.”
These oval sunglasses make the perfect addition to any outfit with their dozen varieties and midcentury rounded silhouette. “I love this style of sunglasses, and they come in a bunch of colors too,” says Katherine Garbarino, a beauty, health and wellness enthusiast.
“As a surfer, sailor and beachgoer, floating sunglasses are a must,” says Elizabeth Sneed, a surfer. “Blenders Eyewear is comfortable, cute, practical and affordable. These lightweight frames and polarized lenses are excellent in or out of the water. Pro tip: If you’re in the ocean as much as I am, add a cord to your sunglasses and put the cord in your ponytail to prevent them from falling off while you’re in action.”
