Shopping
We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.
Having an everyday pair of shades you can count on is one less thing you have to think about when you’re on the go. The best scratch-resistant sunglasses are made with glass lenses, but you’ll be paying a premium for them. Fortunately, you can also find budget-friendly sunglasses with plastic lenses that are built to withstand scrapes, too.
A Quick Breakdown Of Lens Materials
- Glass: The most scratch-resistant lens material on the market, glass lenses are used in high-end frames thanks to their crystal clarity. However, they can be heavy and will shatter under heavy impact. If you want a high-quality pair that feels ultra-luxe though, glass is the way to go.
- Polycarbonate: This is an excellent lightweight plastic option that’s impact-resistant and all but shatterproof (10 times more so than glass). Most polycarbonate options come with a special scratch-resistant coating for enhanced durability, but look for specs that boast that anti-scratch label to be sure you're getting a pair that will last.
- TAC: Another lightweight plastic, TAC (triacetate cellulose) lenses offer excellent clarity that resist breakage. They’re built like a cake, with multiple layers to ensure a scratch-resistant, polarized finish that blocks UV rays. They’re not as durable as polycarbonate though, so you’ll mostly find them on budget pairs.
In addition to the lens material, you’ll also want to choose a pair of sunglasses that shield from the sun’s harmful rays. All of the picks below provide 100% UV protection.
Shop The Best Scratch-Resistant Sunglasses
In a hurry? Here are the best scratch-resistant sunglasses:
- These Cool Aviators That Are Shockingly Affordable For The Quality: Pro Acme Aviator Sunglasses
- A Pair Of Fashion-Forward Sports Shades: JOJEN Polarized Sports Sunglasses
- This Classic Pair From An Iconic Brand: Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Sunglasses
- A Ray-Ban Alternative Designed in Italy: B.N.U.S. Polarized Sunglasses
- These Budget-Friendly Retro Sunglasses With Chic Details: FEISEDY Vintage Arrow Sunglasses
- A Pair Of Fan-Favorite Wraparound Shades: SPY Optic Piper Rectangular Wrap Sunglasses
From premium designer shades to budget-friendly sunglasses nobody will believe you paid less than $15 for, these are some of the best sunglasses that are built from materials which are vetted to stand up to daily use.
1These Cool Aviators That Are Shockingly Affordable For The Quality
These perennially chic aviators have quality glass lenses, at an ultra-attainable price point, for a wearable style that won’t set you back. The mineral glass is set in a thin and lightweight, yet remarkably sturdy, metal frame with acetate tips to protect behind your ears, and two slip-resistant silicone nose pads so you’re not constantly pushing them up. These scratch-resistant sunglasses screen out 100% of damaging UV rays and come in a faux leather case that looks remarkably like Ray-Ban’s, but this one comes with a clip that secures to your bag. A cleaning cloth and small screwdriver give you everything you need to keep them looking and wearing like new.
One reviewer wrote: “The glasses are great and don’t scratch. [...] These are better quality than expected.”
Lens material: Glass | 100% UV protection: Yes | Polarized: No | Available styles: 5
2A Pair Of Fashion-Forward Sports Shades
These budget-friendly, lightweight sunglasses are made with nine-layer TAC lenses that are polarized, scratch-resistant, and mop up 100% of UV rays with extra layers for added strength. Spring hinges at the temple ensure a snug fit that won’t budge when you pick up your pace.
The uber-flexible TR90 frame can stand up to a lot, as one reviewer learned the hard way: “I played in an outdoor volleyball and took a ball to the face [...] the glasses weren’t broken OR scratched! I’m surprised by the durability because of how lightweight they are.” (In fact, they’re backed by a 100% lifetime warranty against breakage.) And, wait for it, the flexible frames are even light enough to float on water.
One reviewer wrote: “These have been through hundreds of miles of backpacking including the whole John Muir Trail and are still in great shape! From smashed in a backpack to tossed in a purse, no scratches, breaks, lost lenses, etc. The sides are flexible and the lenses are light enough to enjoy scenery but tinted enough to not squint.”
Lens material: TAC | 100% UV protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes | Available styles: 12
3This Classic Pair From An Iconic Brand
These have-’em-forever designer shades are an eyewear classic, and their scratch-resistant crystal glass lenses offer 100% UV protection. This pair features the brand’s “new” Wayfarer design, which boasts slightly smaller, more rounded frames than the original. Although this particular pick isn’t polarized, other options in the listing are if that’s something you’re seeking — and all options come with the brand’s signature logo on the temple. They come packaged in a luxe leather case with a cleaning cloth so your pair lasts just as long. Choose from three lens widths — 52, 55, and 58 millimeters — for a custom fit.
One reviewer wrote: “I love these sunglasses. I was very skeptical about spending the money to get a pair of sunglasses, but these were well worth the money. They are so stylish and so clear. They are very durable and have not scratched yet and I have had them for two years now.”
Lens material: Glass | 100% UV protection: Yes | Polarized: No | Available styles: 21
Also available on: Ray-Ban, $151
4A Ray-Ban Alternative Designed In Italy
If Wayfarers are on your bucket list but strain the budget, this stylish alternative to Ray-Bans features the same boxy shape and similar temple accent as the iconic original, with key luxe features like brand-name Corning glass lenses and a lightweight nylon frame. The scratch-resistant glass lenses are fully polarized to reduce glare, and filter out 100% of UV rays while absorbing 85% of visible light for a look that’s truly made in the shade. An additional coating cuts down on smudges and fingerprints if you happen to touch the lens when you’re taking them out of the case. You can also choose from three lens options, including glass, polarized glass, and plastic.
One reviewer wrote: “I have another pair of these and ordered a second only because they are so good. My initial pair from over a year ago and with constant use are still like new. Not a lens scratch on them. The clarity of these glass lenses is also outstanding.”
Lens material: Glass | 100% UV protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes | Available styles: 32
Also available on: Walmart, $63
5These Budget-Friendly Retro Sunglasses With Chic Details
If you want a stylish pair of sunglasses that don’t cost a fortune and actually stand a chance of surviving case-free in your bag, these budget-friendly specs are it. They have retro-modern good looks that combine oversized frames with chic metallic accents and scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses that belie their affordable price. Plus, they boast 100% UV protection and come with a soft pouch bag if you really want to keep them protected.
One reviewer wrote: “I’m terrible with sunglasses. I lose them, break them, damage them behind recognition. And the instant these break or are lost, I’m purchasing them again. I love them. They’re a staple in my every day life. Super cute. Super comfortable. Love love love them.”
Lens material: Polycarbonate | 100% UV protection: Yes | Polarized: No | Available styles: 5
6A Pair Of Wraparound Shades with Polarized Lenses
These popular SPY sunglasses come with a 4.7-star overall rating and in a wraparound style for more complete UV protection (and yes, this pick does block 100% of UV rays). “They are great! Best sunglasses I’ve bought in a long time,” one Amazon reviewer praised. “They make things very clear and keep the sunlight out BIG time!” These feature polycarbonate lenses on a lightweight frame.
One reviewer wrote: “These glasses fit and look amazing, clarity of these lenses are awesome and the polarized lens are great for fishing. All in all, I think these are worth every penny.”
Lens material: Polycarbonate | 100% UV protection: Yes | Polarized: Yes | Available styles: 5
This article was originally published on