Which glasses is the best kids sunglasses in 2024? Sun protection is essential for children, but getting them to wear sunglasses can be challenging. Buying a pair they love can make this easier.
The most important feature to look for in kids’ sunglasses is UVA/UVB protection. All sunglasses on this list have this. Dr. Darius M. Moshfeghi, MD, an eye specialist, says, “Cost doesn’t indicate quality. Color doesn’t indicate UVA/UVB protection. Polarization doesn’t mean UVA/UVB protection, but having both is good.” Sunglasses should also be wrap-around and impact-resistant. Fun colors or patterns can make sunglasses more appealing to kids.
We tested 15+ pairs of kids’ sunglasses for six months, checking fit, comfort, design, durability, and value. Here are the best options.
Best Overall: Babiators Original Navigators
- Price: $28 at Amazon, $22 at Nordstrom, $28 at Babiators.com
- Why We Love It: These bright frames are sturdy, durable, and adorable.
- What to Consider: They don’t fully wrap around.
These sunglasses are both cute and durable. Our 2.5-year-old tester liked them much more than last summer’s sunglasses. He put them on himself when his parent put on theirs. They fit well without adjustment. The lenses are dark, and kids can move comfortably in them. There were no marks on the head after wearing them, and they looked cute with a baseball cap.
They come in eight colors, including bright and neutral shades. They unfold easily and are flexible. We tried to pull them apart, twist, and step on them, but they stayed strong. They still looked good after regular use in the car. These sunglasses are so durable that your child might outgrow them before breaking them. They come with a microfiber case for storage and cleaning.
- Details: Ages 0 to 2, 3 to 5, 6+ | Not Polarized
Best Versatile: Minishades Polarized Kids Sunglasses
- Price: $20 at Walmart
- Why We Love It: Minishades’ classic design stood up to all environments and stress-testing.
- What to Consider: They don’t include any accessories.
These sunglasses work well for various activities like playing in the park, riding a bike, and sitting in the car. Our 5-year-old tester kept them on for nearly an hour while playing. They fit well without adjustment and stayed in place. The classic style makes kids feel cool, and they stayed intact even when bent and twisted. There are many frame and lens color combinations, and the company offers a warranty to replace lost or damaged pairs for an $8 fee.
- Details: Ages 0 to 3, 3 to 7, 8 to 12 | Polarized
Best Durable: WeeStyle Polarized WeeFarers
- Price: $35 at weestyle
- Why We Love It: These are sturdy and durable enough for active kids.
- What to Consider: Color options are limited.
These sunglasses can take a beating. Our 4.5-year-old tester liked them better than cheaper pairs because they didn’t need constant adjustment. They include an adjustable strap but fit well out of the box. The wraparound style blocks light from the sides. The frames stayed comfortable with a hat or helmet. The screws are adjustable, and the frames and lenses still looked new after our tests.
- Details: Ages 0 to 1, 2 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 12 | Polarized
Best Splurge: Under Armour Kids’ UA TUNED Gametime Jr. Sunglasses
- Price: $59 amazon
- Why We Love It: Young athletes will love the wraparound design and comfortable fit.
- What to Consider: They may not have much room for growth.
These sunglasses are great for young athletes. Our 8.5-year-old tester wore them to all his baseball practices and games. They fit well and blocked sunlight from the sides. The bright, reflective lenses make them look like grown-up athlete glasses. They held up well during sports and general activity.
- Details: XS/S | Not Polarized
Best for Sports: VATTER Sport Sunglasses
- Price: $16 at Amazon
- Why We Love It: These glasses are extremely sturdy and fit perfectly.
- What to Consider: The style may feel too mature for younger children.
These sunglasses are perfect for sports. Our 11-year-old tester found them exciting and a great addition to his sports bag. They fit well and stayed in place during running and playing. The glasses are sturdy and look like adult sunglasses. They come in 16 colors and include a soft and hard case, cleaner wipe, strap, and screwdriver.
Best Square: Cocosand Classic Square Baby Sunglasses with Strap
Why We Love It: These frames are well-designed and adjustable.
What to Consider: They run small and may not fit kids past age two or three.
Cocosand Classic Square Baby Sunglasses are great for young kids. Our 16-month-old tester, who often removes sunglasses, kept these on for a few minutes at a time. They fit well with a snug strap and lenses close to the face. The bendy arms can adapt to different head sizes. They come in over 20 styles.
Details: Ages 0 to 2, 2 to 6, 4 to 10 | Not Polarized
Best Active: Baby Banz Polarized Wrap Around Sunglasses
Why We Love It: These glasses fit snugly and have fun prints.
What to Consider: The strap is short and may be outgrown quickly.
Baby Banz Polarized Wrap Around Sunglasses are great for active babies. Our 11-month-old tester wore them comfortably with a Velcro strap that adjusts for a secure fit. The lenses are close to the face, and the frames are shatter-resistant. They come in eight fun styles.
Details: One size (baby) | Polarized
Best Budget: RIVBOS Kids Sunglasses Polarized UV Protection
Why We Love It: These provide high UV protection and come in many styles and colors.
What to Consider: They may not be comfortable for long wear.
RIVBOS Kids Sunglasses are affordable and high-quality. Our 3-year-old tester wore them for the first time and kept them on well. They fit perfectly with no gaps. Although they felt hot outside, they stayed in good condition after being dropped and thrown. There are 19 color combinations available.
Details: One size (3+) | Polarized
Best Retro: Knockaround Kids Premium Sunglasses
Why We Love It: This style stays put and comes in many fun colors and patterns.
What to Consider: Some light gets in on the sides due to the flat fit.
Knockaround Kids Premium Sunglasses give a vintage style. Our 6-year-old tester loved wearing them outside. They fit snugly and didn’t move, even with head shaking. The frames are durable and come in 19 designs, from skater checker to Care Bears.
Details: Ages 1 to 5 | Polarized
Best for Babies: Baby Solo The Original Baby Sunglasses
Why We Love It: These are durable and cute.
What to Consider: The Velcro may not be comfortable, and fussy babies may take them off.
Baby Solo The Original Baby Sunglasses are great for babies. Our 11-month-old tester kept trying to take them off, but they fit well with an adjustable Velcro strap. The frames are sturdy, and the glasses come in 14 fun colors and patterns.
Details: Ages 0 to 3 | Not Polarized
Best Classic: BIB-ON Kid’s First Sunglasses
Why We Love It: These are sturdy, lightweight, and comfortable.
What to Consider: The style may be too mature for some kids.
BIB-ON Kid’s First Sunglasses are simple and classic. Our 4-year-old tester, used to wearing sunglasses, found them light and easy to handle. They fit well under helmets and are made of soft silicone. The frames are available in black, navy, teal, and pink.
Details: Ages 4 to 7 | Polarized
Best Quality: Pair The Larkin
Why We Love It: These stylish frames are high-quality and comfortable.
What to Consider: They are more expensive than other kids’ sunglasses.
Pair The Larkin sunglasses are a step up in quality. Our 12-year-old tester loved them for their comfort and sturdy frames. They stayed put during activities and come with a cute leather case. There are many ways to customize with different frame and lens colors.
Details: Ages 9 to adult | Polarized
Best Polarized: Ten Little x Roshambo Sunglasses
Why We Love It: These shades are colorful, well-designed, and durable.
What to Consider: Larger children may need to size up, and they are easy to take off.
Ten Little x Roshambo Sunglasses fit well and come in five colors. Our 16-month-old tester found them comfortable, and they held up well to being thrown and chewed on. The arms are flexible and didn’t snap even with rough handling.
Details: Ages 0 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 12 | Polarized
Other Sunglasses for Kids We Liked
We tested several other sunglasses that didn’t make our top list but still deserve a mention.
X LOOP Kids Sports Sunglasses: These didn’t fit well on our 3-year-old and 1-year-old testers as the glasses didn’t touch their noses. The grippers on the ears kept them in place, but the thicker bands might be uncomfortable for smaller ears. Despite this, our testers didn’t seem bothered and the glasses stayed on well. The large lenses, though, seemed prone to scratches and smudged easily.
Tuga Baby/Toddler UV 400 Sunglasses: Our 2-and-a-half-year-old tester liked these a lot, and the band kept them secure. However, they seemed a bit small for our tester’s face, leaving a small mark on the nose bridge. They might fit well for children under two, but may be too small for toddlers.
best funny sunglasses: Kids will love the funny sunglasses at the party. enjoy themself.
Our Testing Process
We gave 19 pairs of sunglasses to children of T+L editors to find the best ones for kids. First, we checked the labels to see if they offered 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, polarization, and any accessories. Then, we had the kids try them on to ensure they fit snugly around the ears and nose without leaving marks. We asked older children how the glasses felt and had them move their heads to see if the glasses stayed in place. We also checked if light could get in around the frames.
Next, we had our children wear the glasses at least four times in different situations like car rides, playing at the park, and baseball games. We paired the glasses with hats and helmets to see how they held up in everyday use.
Tips for Buying Kids Sunglasses
- Choose UV protection: Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.
- Consider polarization: It reduces glare, making it easier on the eyes in bright sunlight.
- Ensure a good fit: Sunglasses should be comfortable and snug, especially in a wraparound style to limit light from entering the sides.
- Prioritize durability: Kids’ sunglasses will endure rough treatment, so ensure they meet ANSI standards for both UV protection and impact resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- At what age should kids wear sunglasses?
It’s best to start as early as possible, around age one if they can tolerate them. - Can kids wear adult sunglasses?
Technically yes, but adult sunglasses are often too large and less durable for children’s needs.