With the blazing summer sun just around the corner, Aussies will find it handy to pack a pair of sunnies with them on days spent outdoors.

And as useful as sunglasses are for protecting our eyes from Australia’s UV rays, it’s not merely visual protective gear. Sunglasses can also be a fashion statement that can complement one’s summer getup, acting as an accessory that can be a finishing piece to one’s overall look.

Whether you’re planning a beach getaway with your family or an urban shopping trip with your friends, having a pair of sunnies with you is a good way to stay comfortable and stylish, no matter the occasion.

Without further ado, listed below are some of the best sunglasses in 2024, as well as style choices, to elevate your look and keep your eyes protected from the harsh Australian sun.

Let’s jump right into it!

Aviators

Starting off is a classic yet timeless choice, the aviators.

These pair of sunglasses have endured a history that dates back to the early 20th century as a way to protect wartime pilots from intense sun glare while cruising 30,000 feet in the air. Now, in 2024, they’re being utilised as a fashion statement on the ground—and they’re pretty well-regarded in all types of settings, from dressed-up occasions to casual escapades.

While this pair of glasses have a long history, they’re still highly fashionable in this day and age. The beauty of aviators is that they can complement a whole range of face shapes, from ovals to squares. For people who want a quick and versatile pair of sunnies in their collection, aviators make an excellent choice.

With their unique teardrop-shaped frame and convex lenses, the aviators are often associated with styles found within hipster and retro culture. That said, with some thoughtful outfit choices, aviators can fit a wide range of looks. They also come with the perk of having different frame colours like black, green, blue, and rose gold.

Furthermore, the frames can also be adjusted and customised to fit your vision needs. It’s very possible for aviators to be your daily wear as a pair of eyeglasses. Book an eye test to assess whether you would need a permanent set of eyeglasses or not.

Wayfarers

Another oldie but goodie in the world of sunglasses is the trusty old Wayfarers. Introduced to the world in the 1950s by one of Ray-Ban’s co-founders, this type of sunglasses feature a bold, angular frame and a thick frame that—just like aviators—fit a wide range of styles.

People can also pull these sunnies off in almost any outdoor scenario, whether it’s a business lunch outing with a client or a date in the middle of the day. They’re also fairly durable, meaning you don’t have to worry about it breaking apart if you happen to accidentally drop it a couple of times from head level.

Despite its age, 2024 has been a good year for Wayfarers, and their popularity hasn’t slowed down. This is compounded by the fact that these glasses come in a wide range of colourways and styles, particularly in their framing. They also fit most face shapes, making them a safe choice for most people.

Beyond looking stylish, wayfarers are also perfect for protecting your eyes against the hot Australian sun. They can be fitted with polarised lenses to reduce glare, making them appealing choices that balance both fashion and functionality. You can’t go wrong in choosing this pair of shades for the upcoming summer!

Local Eyewear

This year has put local brands in the forefront of the minds of most consumers, and this holds true in the realm of eyewear.

A lot of Aussies are moving away from well-known, multinational designer brands upon realising that most local eyewear brands provide a sense of style with a touch of national identity—all set at a reasonably moderate cost.

In fact, a lot of locally-owned brands have earned such a solid reputation that they’re expanding to other parts of the world like the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand.

Brands such as Bailey Nelson, Local Supply, Quay, and Pacifico Optical are some examples of companies that have been founded by Australian owners within Australian territory that have achieved success in their field.

These shades bring both style and function into any outfit, and they come in a diverse range of looks that can elevate your outfit for the summer.

Considering that fact, as well as the fact that these brands continue to innovate and design new modern sunglasses, the demand for local eyewear is expected to continue shooting up as 2024 rolls over.

Handcrafted Eyewear

Many modern consumers are shifting towards purchasing quality, long-lasting products rather than fast fashion, and they’re reflecting this change in their spending habits.

For some, handcrafted sunglasses represent this quality standard, offering unique designs that can’t be found in mass-produced alternatives.

Aussies don’t have to search far and wide to access these customisable eyewear, either. Several Australian brands like AM Eyewear have the craftsmanship and expertise to personalise and craft sunglasses from scratch to fit each of their customers’ needs.

There are several reasons why custom-made eyewear is on the rise this summer. For one, personalisation and intentional spending habits are starting to gain traction and becoming more appealing to everyday customers.

Furthermore, custom eyewear also comes with the added perk of being crafted to fit a person’s face shape. For people with distinct facial structures and looks, having their eyewear match their faces can be an excellent way to elevate their overall appearance.

Sports Sunglasses

With summer just around the corner, there’ll definitely be an uptick of people looking to engage in outdoor activities and sports.

And if you’re a part of this active lot, then you’ll need a pair of sports glasses to keep your eyes safe from the sun and physical contact.

Wraparound sunglasses are one primary type of eyewear that sports enthusiasts may find useful. Known for their snug fit and full-coverage design, these sunglasses protect the eyes from UV rays, debris, and dust, making them great protective eyewear for outdoor sports like cycling, running, and hiking.

Furthermore, these sunglasses are also durable and impact-resistant thanks to their compact design. These features allow you to focus on your chosen sport with ease and concentration, even against the summer sun.

Recycled Metal Sunglasses

There’s an ever-increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to everyday products, and this applies to sunglasses as well.

One way that sunglasses makers ride this trend is by creating frames from recycled metal. In particular, these frames are made from repurposed materials such as reclaimed aluminium and steel, allowing these resources a new lease of life that situates them away from the rubbish bin.

These products aren’t only sustainable alternatives to modern frames, but they’re also just as durable and aesthetic as traditional frames. Most classic versions of these sunglasses have a lightweight, minimalist design that makes them perfect for daily wear.

Of course, these sunglasses also effectively shield your eyes from the harsh summer sun and dust particles from the ground. If you want to do your part in making the world a more sustainable place while still looking stylish, recycled sunglasses are the way to go.

Cat Eye Sunglasses

Retro is very much in style this 2024, and this is looking to carry on over to the summer months in Australia. One poster child of the retro scene when it comes to eyewear is cat-eye sunglasses.

These sunglasses are great for people who want to adopt bold, feminine, and chic styles, especially in casual and beach-outing settings. These glasses are renowned for their upsweep design at the upper and outer edges, creating a distinct reversed-triangle look.

Thanks to its sharp shape, cat eye sunglasses are great for people with square, oval, and heart-shaped faces. And just like other sunglasses in the list, this pair can provide UV protection and comes with a wide range of lens and frame colour options. So if you want a bold set of sunglasses for this summer season, cat-eyes are an excellent choice.