Buying Guide 2024: 5 Best Sunglasses to Buy in Singapore

If you live in Singapore, you already know the weather can be unpredictable. As a country with a tropical climate, there are days when it rains non-stop, and then there are days when the sun shines bright. And when it does, you want to be sporting some stylish sunglasses that also provide protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Of course, there are many options out there, both affordable and luxury. But if you’re after some sunnies that provide reliable protection and will stand the test of time, you’ll need to do some research. This buying guide with the top 5 sunglasses in Singapore [2024 review] will save you time and effort to research.

While you can find many eyewear brands and designs in Singapore, we have chosen timeless sunglasses from well-known international and local brands. But before we get to the best sunglasses in Singapore, let’s cover what you should know.

Things to Consider When Buying Sunglasses

Here are the main factors to consider when looking for your next pair of sunglasses:

UV protection

Although sunglasses can accentuate your look as a fashion accessory, the main purpose of wearing them is to protect your eyes from UV rays. Look for sunglasses that offer 100 per cent (400 nm absorption) of UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper and are more harmful.

UV protection is necessary for preventing eye damage. Overexposure of eyes to the sun can cause macular degeneration, among other vision problems.

Polarisation

Polarised sunglasses have a special chemical coating that filters and blocks light. More importantly, polarised lenses in sunglasses reduce glare, which is caused by the reflection of sunlight.

Polarised lenses offer 100 per cent UV and glare protection. Such sunglasses are typically more expensive than those with lenses embedded with UV protection.

Lens material and color/tint

Lenses in sunglasses are usually made of glass or plastic. The latter is more common because of its low cost and durability. Glass lenses are heavy and can scratch or shatter more easily.

Aside from the material, pay attention to the tint of the lens. The lens tint impacts light transmission, i.e., the amount of light that passes through the lens. Lens tint also impacts colour perception and contrast.

Grey tint offers neutral colour perception.
Green tint is also neutral with low light transmission (good for both sunny and low light conditions).
Brown or amber tints enhance color contrast (ideal for low light conditions).
Pink or rose tints block blue light while also increasing contrast.
Blue tint improves colour perception by improving contours of objects.

Frame material and shape

One of the most distinguishing factors in sunglasses is the frame’s shape. Rectangle and round frames are common, but there are many variations. Some are more elongated, while some are large. Even shapes like hexagons are popular.

The frame shape is a personal preference. That said, rectangular or square frames may offer more coverage.

Consider your face shape when choosing the frame style. Rectangular styles suit most faces, whereas round styles are better for angular faces.

Frames are typically made of metal or plastic (acetate or nylon). While metal frames are durable, they can be heavy. In comparison, plastic frames are quite lightweight.

Prescription or non-prescription

If you require prescription glasses to see clearly, you have to take that into consideration. Fortunately, many brands offer prescription lenses for sunglasses.

Otherwise, you’ll need to invest in a pair that you can comfortably wear over your prescription glasses.

Comfort and fit

Pay attention to parts like the nose bridge and temples of the sunglasses because these will determine how they fit. Poorly fitting sunglasses can cause discomfort. Check the dimensions, such as nose bridge and temple length, to understand how they will fit.

Now that you know how to buy sunglasses, here are our top picks:

1. Ray-Ban Aviator Metal Unisex Sunglasses

Image: Zalora

Best for
Semi-formal and formal looks
Brand
Ray-Ban
Model
Aviator Large Metal
Price
S$277
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Zalora

The Ray-Ban Aviator Metal Sunglasses are a modern classic combining durability and flawless design. You can never go wrong with the Aviators from Ray-Ban, whether you’re heading to work or going for brunch on Sundays. Their sleek metal frame is lightweight yet sturdy.

While they offer decent UV protection, they are not polarised. The lens is made of glass and has a grey hue that complements the silver frame. The teardrop-shaped lenses offer clear vision in sunny conditions with minimal glare. These are extremely popular with men, but these are unisex, so women can also sport these sophisticated sunglasses.

Most importantly, Ray-Ban Aviators are comfortable to wear, as they are made from lightweight materials and feature soft nose pads. Furthermore, the nose pads are adjustable, so you can ensure they fit your nose ergonomically.

HIGHLIGHT FEATURES:

Lightweight, durable silver metal frame
Grey glass lenses
Adjustable nose pads
Unisex, global fitting size
Insulated temples with an ergonomic curve
Pilot shape
Made in Italy

2. Skyline WearOvers Polarized Unisex Sunglasses

Image: Skyline

Best for
Wearing over prescription glasses
Brand
Skyline
Model
WearOver
Price
S$39.56
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Shopee

The Skyline Wearover Polarized Unisex Sunglasses are modern-chic sunnies that provide all-around UV protection with their unique design. Skyline is a homegrown brand, producing eyewear since 1996. You can find this brand at major retailers and optical shops.

This model has a rectangular frame made from high-quality and lightweight plastic. The Skyline TruePolarized lenses reduce glare and make vision 100 per cent clear. Even better, these glasses offer deep colour contrast, making them suitable for driving, running, and playing sports. The design of the sunglasses is super chic, with semi-circular lenses on the side to offer sun protection even for peripheral vision. And that protection doubles as a stunning design detail.

The WearOvers sunglasses can be worn over your prescription glasses. They are designed to sit over regular glasses without being too bulky. But these are just as good and stylish for people who don’t need prescription glasses.

HIGHLIGHT FEATURES:

Plastic frame with thick borders
WearOver style sunglasses (can be worn over prescription glasses)
Polarised lenses (grey)
UVA/UVB protection
Local brand
One-year warranty

3. Monocle Murray Sunglasses with Prescription Option

Image: Monocle

Best for
Prescription lenses
Brand
Monocle
Model
Murray
Price
S$125 to S$295
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Monocle

Monocle is a relatively new Singapore-based brand that’s changing the eyewear market in the country by offering premium-quality glasses and sunglasses at reasonable prices. The brand focuses on designing modern, well-functioning, and stylish glasses and cutting unnecessary costs to keep the prices accessible. While they have many great options, the Monocle Murray Sunglasses stand out with their effortlessly stylish look.

These sunglasses can be ordered with prescription lenses, making them ideal for people who don’t want to wear them over their prescription glasses. The clear frame with a light peach hue looks casual yet sophisticated. It’s made from lightweight acetate.

The lenses have UV protection, anti-glare, and anti-scratch coating. Besides the standard sun protection lenses, you can choose polarised lenses that offer even more UV and glare protection. And if that’s not enough, the lenses also have a blue light filter (with a slight yellow tint) that provides protection from the constant blue light exposure from screens.

HIGHLIGHT FEATURES:

One-year warranty
Handmade Italian-acetate frame
Prescription lens option
Two sun protection options (regular and polarised)
Blue light filter
Anti-scratch coating on lenses
Medium fit
Designed in Singapore

4. Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Unisex Sunglasses

Image: Ray-Ban

Best for
Everyday use
Brand
Ray-Ban
Model
New Wayfarer
Price
S$230
Shop now
Shopee

The Ray-Ban New Wayfarer is the brand’s new take on the classic Wayfarer, which doesn’t look all that different at first glance. However, the New Wayfarer Classic has a slightly smaller frame and softer edges compared with the original Wayfarer design. However, you get the same classic feel and timeless quality.

The frame is made of nylon, which is lightweight and soft. The green tint lenses offer good UV protection. They come in a beautiful Ray-Ban box with a faux leather pouch and care supplies.

These are extremely versatile, unisex sunnies you can wear with any outfit, from something formal like a suit to the everyday t-shirt with shorts. And if maintained well, these can last for years easily without ever going out of style.

HIGHLIGHT FEATURES:

Square nylon frame
Plastic green lenses
High-bridge fit
Black colour
Polished finish
Made in Italy

5. Oakley Holbrook Metal Men’s Sunglasses

Image: Oakley

Best for
Men
Brand
Oakley
Model
Holbrook Metal
Price
S$418
Shop now
Zalora

The Oakley Holbrook Metal Men’s Sunglasses are stylish, sophisticated, and sturdy. While the brand is famous for its sporty sunglasses and ski masks, this model has a more versatile style that can easily go from casual to formal. The highlight is the polarised blue lenses, offering full protection from harmful UV rays.

These sunglasses feature a large, rectangular frame made of metal with a matte finish. The polycarbonate lenses are equally durable, making these sunnies long-lasting. The Prizm polarised lenses on these Holbrook sunnies make them ideal for sunny to very sunny conditions. It reduces light transmission (11 per cent) and increases colour contrast.

With subtle design details like tiny metal rivets, the Oakley ‘O’ logo on the temple, and Prizm label on the lens, these classic sunglasses offer functionality with a full dose of style. The streamlined frame design and ergonomic nose bridge add to the comfort, so you can keep wearing them for hours.

HIGHLIGHT FEATURES: