Buy It For Life
Sunglasses

Updated May 23, 2024

Buy something that will last.
Here's a curated list of the most
durable and high-quality sunglasses and the best place to get them.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Maui Jim Sunglasses

High-quality polarized sunglasses known for their durability and excellent optics.

High durability
Excellent polarized lenses

I have a pair from Maui Jim which is almost 20 years old.
– Perplexed-Owl

Maui Jim are the Real Deal but holy hell they're pricey. Best shades I've owned hands down.
– breddy

I have a pair of Maui Jim’s that are over a decade old.
– jeffreywilfong

Randolph Engineering Sunglasses

Durable and stylish sunglasses, often used by the military.

Military-grade durability
Stylish design

American optical or Randolph are my pick. Simple. Durable, classic.
– CLPadgett

have heard good things about Randolph Engineering (fully American based company, supplies DoD for eyewear)
– onebaddeviledegg

Randolph Engineering. Or to a lesser extent (if you like different styles) American Optical.
– Maplesyrup57

Goodr Sunglasses

Affordable, polarized sunglasses designed for active use.

Affordable
Great for active use

I like goodr’s because they look and feel good.
– equal2infinity

Yeah for me this is one of those don't buy it for life items. I'd prefer decent cheap ones and not worrying.
– bigrootbeercow

Goodr. Cheap, built well and polarized lenses.
– Koolaidolio

Smith Optics Sunglasses

High-quality sunglasses known for their durability and excellent lens technology.

Durable
Excellent lens technology

Smiths have a lifetime warranty. Maui Jim has better lenses.
– rematchemike

Smiths have a better warranty.
– nvstyxnvte

I've been buying Smith Optics for about 15 years, I have 3 pairs all still functional.
– BecomeEnnuisonable

Shady Rays Sunglasses

Affordable sunglasses with a great warranty policy for replacements.

Affordable
Great replacement policy

I love Shady Rays.
– crazyhound71

Shady rays!!! Heck out their replacement policy.
– Personal_Lime_4383

I like my shady rays, good warranty too.
– Randyd718

Available at Shady Rays

Randolph Engineering Polarized Aviators

Polarized aviator sunglasses with military-grade durability and a classic look.

Military-grade durability
Classic design
Effective polarization

Went in for another tune up after a car accident 2 years ago. 1 pair, going on 7 years. Total investment $660.
– salty-sarge-av8r

supplies DoD for eyewear
– onebaddeviledegg

Randolph Engineering’s involvement with the yanks and their military is meaningless compared to their real claim to fame: Jim Lahey wore them.
– salty-sarge-av8r

Back to Accessories

Sources:
Men's Polarized Sunglasses
It's time for new sunglasses, what should I get?
Looking to buy some sunglasses that will be around for a long time
Sunglass recommendations? American Airlines finished off my raybans :(
Just got my eyes lasered to perfect vision so I now need some sunglasses
Men's sunglasses under 50€

Buy It For LifeSunglasses