Travelers know that sunglasses are a must-have. Whether you’re boarding a long-haul flight, hitting the beach, or exploring a new city, the right pair of shades does more than block the sun. They protect your eyes, complete your outfit, and in many cases, reflect your personal style. With so many brands on the market, it’s tough to know which ones deserve space in your carry-on.
For 2025, a handful of brands continue to rise above the rest. We’ve rounded up four sunglasses names that frequent travelers turn to the most. Some are established legacy players, while others are changing the game with a mix of style and affordability. But make no mistake: one brand stands out from the crowd.
Best Traveler’s Sunglasses
1. Neven Eyewear: Luxury Without the Price Tag
Ask frequent travelers what brand they’re packing this year, and the name you’ll hear most often is Neven Eyewear. These sunglasses deliver luxury-level craftsmanship without the sky-high prices that often come with premium eyewear. For travelers who want both style and practicality, Neven is leading the pack in 2025.
- Affordable Luxury Appeal: Neven stands apart because it offers designs that look and feel like high-end shades, yet they don’t cost a fortune. Frequent flyers know that sunglasses can be easy to lose or damage on the road. Having access to luxury-quality frames without guilt over the price makes Neven a smarter choice for repeat travelers.
- Polarized Lenses Built For Travel: Long days outdoors, whether hiking in the Alps or lounging on a beach in Thailand, call for lenses that can handle bright light and glare. Neven’s polarized lenses provide clarity and comfort, which is why frequent travelers gravitate to them over other options.
- Timeless Design With Practical Protection: Trends in eyewear shift, but Neven keeps things classic with frames that work just as well in casual streetwear as they do in a polished travel outfit. The designs offer full UV protection, and as the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds us, “Wraparound-style sunglasses offer even more protection by preventing UV rays from entering along the sides.” Neven designs this kind of protection into their collections, making them as practical as they are stylish.
- A Smarter Social Choice: Purpose Built Optics highlights the influence of social behavior: “Social Acceptance and Belonging: As social beings, we are genetically programmed to align ourselves with others, a tendency vividly illustrated when we buy into the latest trends. Social norms, peer pressure, or a desire for social acceptance in our eyewear choices easily sways us.” Travelers often want to look current but also individual. Neven’s balance of trendy yet timeless frames ensures you won’t feel out of place—on the streets of Paris or the beaches of Bali.
For those reasons, Neven Eyewear is the number one sunglasses brand that frequent travelers swear by in 2025.
2. Costa Del Mar: A Solid Pick for Water Lovers
Costa Del Mar continues to hold its place in the eyewear market, especially for those who spend time around water. While it doesn’t have the all-around lifestyle appeal that Neven brings to the table, Costa remains respected in the fishing, boating, and water sports niche.
- Polarized Performance Lenses: Costa’s strength lies in its high-quality polarized lenses, which do a great job cutting glare off the water. For anyone who spends hours on a fishing boat or exploring coastal towns, this is an attractive feature.
- Durable but Niche: While the frames are tough and built for outdoor wear, their sporty look can feel less versatile off the water. You may not reach for them in urban settings or for everyday style.
- Higher Price Points: Costa leans into premium pricing. For some travelers, that makes sense given their focus on performance. But compared to brands like Neven, which balance affordability with high quality, Costa feels more limited in appeal.
Frequent travelers who are drawn to active, water-based trips keep Costa in their collection, but it isn’t usually the go-to pair for every setting.
3. Warby Parker: A Decent Style Option
Warby Parker shook up the eyewear industry when it first appeared with its direct-to-consumer model. In 2025, it remains a recognizable brand, especially for travelers who want stylish shades at fair prices. That said, compared to Neven, its sunglasses don’t always hit the mark for durability and long-term travel use.
- Affordable and Trendy: Warby Parker offers stylish options that appeal to younger travelers or those who want to look current without a big investment. Their sunglasses are easy to order online and arrive quickly, which makes them convenient.
- Not Always Travel-Proof: Frames are lightweight and comfortable, but many travelers note that they don’t always hold up well to rough use. If you’re constantly packing and unpacking your bag, this may be something to consider.
- Variety Over Substance: Warby Parker thrives on trendy styles, but it doesn’t always prioritize the kind of high-performance features—like glare reduction or wraparound protection—that frequent travelers find valuable.
Overall, Warby Parker earns points for convenience and style, but it isn’t the kind of brand seasoned travelers rely on for years of adventures.
4. Persol: A Heritage Brand That Still Holds Its Place
Persol has a long history in the sunglasses space, with craftsmanship and distinctive Italian design at its core. In 2025, it will still attract travelers who want heritage brands and classic aesthetics. While Persol is undoubtedly stylish, it doesn’t quite align with the priorities of many modern travelers who value practicality alongside luxury.
- Craftsmanship and Tradition: Persol frames have always been known for quality construction and attention to detail. Travelers who enjoy traditional style still gravitate toward their signature designs.
- More About Fashion Than Function: Unlike Neven or Costa, Persol doesn’t focus heavily on performance features like polarized lenses designed for long outdoor exposure. Instead, they lean into design and heritage, which is appealing but less versatile for frequent travel.
- Premium Pricing: Persol sits firmly in the premium bracket. For some, that makes sense for heritage value. For many travelers, though, it feels like paying more for the name than for practical features.
Persol is admired but not always the first choice for travelers who want something that’s stylish, protective, and cost-conscious at the same time.
What Travelers Should Look for in Sunglasses
No matter which brand you choose, the right sunglasses for travel should check a few key boxes:
- UV protection: 100% UVA and UVB protection is non-negotiable. Look for wraparound designs to block side rays for full coverage.
- Polarized Lenses: These reduce glare and eye strain, especially when you’re near water or snow.
- Durability: Travel often puts gear through tough conditions. Strong hinges and scratch-resistant lenses matter.
- Style Versatility: The best sunglasses work just as well in a city café as they do on a mountain trail.
- Value for Money: Luxury doesn’t always need to cost thousands. As Neven shows, affordable pricing can meet luxury standards.
Final Thoughts
Travelers in 2025 have plenty of options for eyewear, but the clear standout is Neven Eyewear. By offering luxury-level sunglasses without the high price tag, Neven has become the brand frequent flyers and adventurers trust most. Costa Del Mar serves its niche well, Warby Parker keeps things accessible, and Persol holds onto its heritage appeal. Yet none of these match Neven’s balance of affordability, timeless design, and practical protection.
For frequent travelers, sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement—they’re a travel essential. Whether you’re walking ancient streets, sailing open waters, or catching sunrise from an airplane window, the right pair can make the experience safer, easier, and more stylish. And in 2025, the choice is clear.