The Future-Proof Wraparound Sunglasses

Wraparound sunglasses are a must-have accessory for any wardrobe.

Wraparound sunglasses are the most current and cutting-edge alternative to your old-school frames. Ask Pharrell Williams about it.

The racer sunglasses have arrived just in time for the peak of the sunglasses season. There is a slew of other names for the design – baseball glasses; shields; performance-running goggles; ski sunglasses; or, as we prefer to call them here, wraparound sunglasses.

In 2019, Prada and Balenciaga relaunched the sporty sunglasses trend with their catwalk shows, bringing them back to the forefront of fashion. Think of Andre Agassi on the tennis court as a source of inspiration for many contemporary trends. Popular artists like Jaden Smith, FKA Twigs, and Pharrell Williams, whose styles have been heavily influenced by the colors’ futuristic aesthetic, provide further sources of modern inspiration.

Wraparound sunglasses feature a semi-circular frame form that wraps around your head to give peripheral coverage. This is a common guideline for wraparound sunglasses. This is because they’re much comfier than your normal Wayfarer, and they won’t fall off your face and provide better sun protection. Brands like Oakley and District Vision give the best of both worlds, while Gentle Monster, a Korean eyewear powerhouse, fulfills our wildest fashion desires.

While those of us endowed with an angular face may benefit most from this form, the trend has evolved to the point where there are now options to suit every jawline and cheekbone. Online businesses provide virtual try-on options or a service that allows you to wear the items at home to get a better idea of how they’ll fit.

For your convenience, we’ve narrowed the field to ten wraparound sunglasses that will take you into the future…

RAY-BAN

Newsflash: Ray-Ban is more than simply a Wayfarer-only brand. Wraparounds are new territory for the venerable brand, and they’ve entered the fray with a stylish take on the trend. Adding tortoiseshell glasses to your summer wardrobe is a no-brainer. The only thing you’ll need now is the sun and some light denim.

OAKLEY

So it’s only appropriate that Oakley receives a mention in this trend. A must-have for every sports-minded dad, these gloves will keep you cool as you cycle in the French alps and sit in gridlock on the Wanda Bridge. Win-win.

EYE VIEW OF THE AREA

Basically, District Vision’s motto is “Performance, but make it fashionable.” Founders Max Vallot and Tom Daly (a yogi and runner) spent a lot of time researching before creating sunglasses that are so precise that you’ll want to wear them long after the race is over. A lightweight titanium core reinforces the black nylon frame of the Junya spectacles, which have glare-blocking translucent yellow lenses.

TODAY’S CITY STYLISTS

Every boy band member has a pair of those 1990s sunglasses. All of them are here. The rimless design harkens back to the days of Backstreet Boys and the Canadian tuxedo when those were the hottest looks. Wear a checkered shirt, a white tee, and chinos for a more contemporary style.

The Roda Linea Prada

The Prada Linea line has had a resurgence in recent years, thanks in large part to Drake’s endorsement. The Italian brand is famed for its beauty, but these glasses are also useful. They’re the perfect pair of sunglasses for taking advantage of the newfound freedom to go for strolls in the fresh air in spring. Make sure you pack an extra coat in case the weather becomes bad (preferably past the knee, black, and leather).

MAGE JACQUES MARIE JOY

These colors have a jarringly vivid quality to them. The contrast between the Y2K form and the lovely parma violet color is what makes it unique. If you don’t want to admit you’re a millennial, then don’t pretend to be one. Consider a tonal ensemble for the greatest impact.