Updated on 6 June 2023
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Polaroid PLD 1013/S
These glasses combine efficiency and comfort, with high-performance polarised lenses and a round, slim, lightweight frame in a timeless design.
Plastic lenses are not only lightweight and scratch-resistant, but they are also effective against UV rays. They have UV 400 protection, which puts them in category three and means they can withstand bright beach or city lights without impairing the wearer’s visibility too much. In addition, they are polarised, so they also combat dangerous reflections. There are several lens tints and frame colours available, and during our tests, we always enjoyed good colour perception. We were also impressed by the fit of the round plastic frame, which aesthetically suits more angular or square faces. While many may find them a little flimsy, we don’t share the same opinion. The slim frame is light and comfortable to wear, and although the nose pads are fixed, they fit well without leaving marks on the face. Finally, these glasses come with a soft storage pouch and a protective hard case.
The different sunglasses we have been testing. There are several types of lenses: mineral, organic, polycarbonate, polarised or photochromic. Category 4 lenses are forbidden for driving a car because they impair visibility. Several coatings can improve the quality of lenses (anti-fog, anti-smudge, anti-reflective, etc.). Each tint colour has its specific characteristics in terms of colour fidelity and contrast. Glasses should not hide the eyebrows, and the lower edges should be above the cheeks. The frame material (plastic, wood, titanium, aluminium, etc.) influences comfort and durability.
Sungait Retro Round Clubmaster Classic
Despite their low price, they do the job perfectly. In addition, they are light and comfortable to wear, and include some accessories.
This pair of glasses incorporate polarised composite (TAC) lenses that block the sun’s reflections on reflective surfaces (water, windows, etc.). With a category 3 rating, the lenses also offer excellent protection (UV 400) against direct sunlight and intense light. We have been able to prove this in our tests in the sun and with a UV lamp. They are available in various tint colours (grey, green or brown), which ensures good visibility at all times, and there are also various frame colours. With its classic Clubmaster design, this retro-style half-frame is slim, timeless and unisex. The frame is a mix of plastic and metal, which is more suitable for elongated or oval faces in terms of aesthetics. In addition, the rubber nose pads ensure a good fit, and the nose bridge adapts to your morphology. In our test, we found them light and comfortable to wear, even if the frame seemed a little more fragile at first. Finally, in terms of accessories, the brand provides a soft fabric case, a cleaning cloth and a small tool for tightening the frame.
Ray-Ban Clubmaster Wayfarer
The combination of plastic and metal frames and mineral lenses make these glasses an excellent and durable product. The retro design and perfect fit are also worth mentioning.
The Wayfarer has a beautiful retro, traditional and unisex design inspired by the 50s. They feature mineral lenses that are highly resistant to scratches. With a protection factor of category three and UV 400, your eyes will be protected from intense light. They are not polarised, but the G15 lenses filter out dangerous reflections just as well and offer clear vision. As with the other models, you can choose the colour of the lenses and frame. The square frame is ideal for rounder faces. In our test, we liked the way they fit perfectly on the nose. In addition, the frame is a combination of metal and plastic that promises good durability and although it is a little heavier than all-plastic frames, it is thin, very sturdy and comfortable to wear. In addition, the nose pads are adjustable to fit the shape of the nose perfectly. The traditional hard case and cleaning cloth are included with the purchase.
Polaroid PLD 1015/S
The efficiency in bright light, the solid and comfortable rectangular frame and the timeless design make this pair of glasses a safe bet.
These classically designed, unisex and timeless Polaroid sunglasses have lightweight plastic lenses that ensure good protection against the sun’s rays and our UV lamp. They also have a category 3 UV 400 protection rating, which means they filter out 100% of the sun’s rays. In addition, thanks to their polarised treatment, they also combat unwanted reflections (water, snow, etc.). There are several lens tints available, and we enjoy perfect vision. As for the rectangular plastic frame, it is aesthetically better suited to round or oval faces, and we appreciate its good hold and overall solidity. It also offers a good level of comfort and, although the nose pads cannot be adjusted, it has the advantage of never leaving marks on the face. Polaroid also provides several useful accessories (a soft fabric pouch and a more rigid case).
Ray-Ban Aviator
Both the lenses and the frame are strong, durable and protect your eyes. Without a doubt, the best thing about these Ray-Bans is their famous design and excellent fit.
Available in a variety of colours, tints and sizes, this iconic unisex model designed by US Air Force pilots features scratch-resistant G15 mineral lenses. Category 3, is effective against rays of light and unwanted reflections. During testing, we had no problems with vision or comfort. This is due to the lightweight and thin metal frame, which fits most face shapes but is more suitable for square or oval faces. Either way, they are sturdy and offer excellent support thanks to the adjustable nose pads, which make them more comfortable to wear. Finally, a classic branded case and cleaning cloth are included.
Our selection
Our choice, Best mid-range Best budget Best high-end Mid-range alternative High-end alternative Polaroid PLD 1013/S Sungait Retro Round Clubmaster Classic Ray-Ban Clubmaster Wayfarer Polaroid PLD 1015/S Ray-Ban Aviator These glasses combine efficiency and comfort, with high-performance polarised lenses and a round, slim, lightweight frame in a timeless design. Despite their low price, they do the job perfectly. In addition, they are light and comfortable to wear, and include some accessories. The combination of plastic and metal frames and mineral lenses make these glasses an excellent and durable product. The retro design and perfect fit are also worth mentioning. The efficiency in bright light, the solid and comfortable rectangular frame and the timeless design make this pair of glasses a safe bet. Both the lenses and the frame are strong, durable and protect your eyes. Without a doubt, the best thing about these Ray-Bans is their famous design and excellent fit. £ 30.68 on Amazon £ 16.99 on Amazon £ 108.00 on Amazon £ 20.74 on Amazon £ 108.00 on Amazon
Selectos compares and tests hundreds of products to help you buy better. We sometimes receive a commission when you buy through our links, which helps fund our work. Learn moreWhy trust us ?
How did we do the test?
First, we tested the effectiveness of the lenses by wearing them during intense sun exposure and, more specifically, by placing a UV lamp in front of our eyes. We also tested their visibility by varying the environment and wearing them while driving. We also paid close attention to the quality, coatings and durability of the lenses.
As for the frames, we mainly looked at their solidity, support and comfort, especially in terms of lightness and possible pad adjustments. Finally, we took into account the accessories supplied and the aesthetics according to the type of face (round, oval, etc.).
| Name | Lens type | Frame type | Ideal for | Visibility | Fit and comfort | Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sungait Retro Round Clubmaster Classic | TAC | Metal + Plastic | round, elongated or oval faces | 5/5 | 4/5 | Soft case, cleaning cloth, tightening tool |
| Polaroid PLD 1015/S | Plastic | Plastic | round or oval faces | 5/5 | 4/5 | Soft cover, hard case |
| Polaroid PLD 1013/S | Plastic | Plastic | angular or square faces | 5/5 | 4/5 | Soft cover, hard case |
| Hawkers Dark Warwick Hybrid | Plastic | Cellulose acetate | square or oval faces | 5/5 | 4/5 | Soft case, decorative adhesives |
| Ray-Ban Aviator | Mineral | Metal | square or oval faces | 5/5 | 5/5 | Hard case, cleaning cloth |
| Ray-Ban New Wayfarer | Mineral | Plastic | round or oval faces | 5/5 | 4/5 | Hard case, cleaning cloth |
| Ray-Ban Clubmaster Wayfarer | Mineral | Metal + Plastic | round, elongated or oval faces | 5/5 | 5/5 | Hard case, cleaning cloth |
| Oakley Holbrook | HDO lens, Prizm glass | Plastic | round or oval faces | 4/5 | 4/5 | Soft case |
How to choose your sunglasses?
An essential holiday accessory, sunglasses not only protect the eyes and their contours, but also the eyelids.
Before choosing a pair of glasses, we recommend that you consider a number of criteria in order to choose the one that best suits your needs or requirements:
- The type of lens: mineral lenses have the advantage of being scratch-resistant but not impact-resistant, unlike organic lenses, which are lighter and more resistant. Polycarbonate lenses offer the best protection. Polarised lenses act as anti-reflective and photochromic lenses that adapt to light conditions.
- The protection index: ranges from 0 to 4 and is used to judge the effectiveness of the lenses: 0, rather aesthetic; 1, designed for weak sunlight; 2, for medium sunlight; 3, they offer good protection in strong sunlight; 4, they are designed for strong sunlight in the mountains (skiing, mountaineering, etc.).
- Treatments: they can further improve the quality of the lenses. For a model to be considered excellent, it must have anti-reflective, anti-fingerprint, anti-fog and lens-tuning treatments. This last point is more aesthetic but also increases wearing comfort.
- Lens tint: each tint colour has its particularity. Grey offers a faithful reproduction of colours, brown increases contrast and protects well, but can suggest a lack of visibility, and vice versa for yellow. Finally, green is effective for all uses. The other colours are more aesthetic but much less effective.
- The design: one theory is that for a round face, a geometric pair is interesting. For square faces, opt for a more rounded frame. Finally, rectangular faces are best suited to oval models. To choose the ideal size, remember that the upper rims should not hide the eyebrows and the lower rims should be above the cheeks. In addition, stylists often recommend matching the colour of your glasses to the colour of your hair.
- The frame: plays a key role in comfort. The most common are made of plastic, as it is cheaper. Titanium frames are lightweight and shock and water-resistant. Aluminium frames, which are very popular, are also light but are less robust. Carbon fibre frames are stronger, while those made of cellulose acetate are more environmentally friendly but much more expensive. Finally, wooden frames are considered to be environmentally friendly and quite comfortable.
Other sunglasses we recommend
Hawkers Dark Warwick Hybrid (£49.99 upon publication): a slightly less original design. These sunglasses are made with lightweight category 3 plastic lenses that are effective against UV rays, strong light and intense exposure in the city or at the beach (UV 400 protection). The lenses, although slightly transparent, are polarised, which also filters out unwanted reflections. They come in a dozen frame and lens colours. The rounded frame is ideal for square faces, but it stays in place no matter how much we move. The temples are thin and comfortable. A case, storage bag and stickers are included. Finally, we have to say that while we loved the quality of the craftsmanship, the timeless design didn’t quite win us all over.
Ray-Ban New Wayfarer RB2132 (£98.35 upon publication): an alternative for round faces. The mineral lenses make them more scratch resistant and filter out 100% of the sun’s rays (UV 400 protection and category 3 index), making them ideal for sunbathing on the beach or wearing them on hot days in the city. They don’t have a polarising coating, but G15 lenses are just as effective at counteracting glare and reflections, keeping vision razor-sharp. There are many lens tints and frame colours available. The square/rectangular plastic frame is better suited to rounder faces, and is lightweight and comfortable to wear, even though the nose pads are fixed. As always, Ray-Ban provides its traditional stylish hard case and a cleaning cloth.
Oakley Holbrook (£105.07 upon publication): a more masculine, sporty option. They have the best lens coatings (polarization, mirror, etc.) of all the glasses we have tested, offering the best eye protection. Prizm lenses adjust vision according to activity and environment for optimised vision. During our test, we initially had the impression that the visibility was distorted and less clear, which takes some time to adapt to, but afterwards, we found the HDO lenses to be the most suitable for following movements and enjoying greater visual comfort. In addition, the HDO lenses offer high protection (UV 400, category 3) against the sun’s rays and are available in a wide range of tints. The thin, lightweight plastic frame is comfortable to wear and provides good support, although we found it to be more fragile than the others, and the nose pads are not adjustable. Finally, they come with a soft storage case and are more suited to round faces.
Other tested sunglasses
Vans Spicoli 4 (£12.00 upon publication): The lenses are effective against direct sunlight, and the rectangular plastic frame ensures a good nose fit and comfort. On the downside, the lenses are pretty basic as they are not coated. The worst thing? There are no accessories included.
Translated by Ramsés El Hajje
