Aviator, Square, Sport or Retro? A Man's Guide to Sunglasses Styles (2026)

Square, pilot, sport or retro? What separates the four sunglasses families.

Last updated: October 2026

Men's sunglasses come in four families: square, pilot and metal, sport and shield, and retro. Square is the everyday default, pilot and metal frames read refined, sport frames wrap for coverage, and retro adds character. Adam & Westcott carries 25 active pairs from $16.99 to $39.99, 20 of them under $25, and 23 state UV400 protection.

In this article

• What are the four styles of men's sunglasses?
• Why are square frames the default?
• When should you wear aviator or metal frames?
• What are sport and shield sunglasses for?
• What counts as a retro frame?
• Which lens features matter?
• FAQ

What are the four styles of men's sunglasses?

Four families cover nearly every pair: square, pilot and metal, sport and shield, and retro, each with an Adam & Westcott pick under $40.

Style	Frame	Lens	Adam & Westcott pick	Colours	Price
Square	Polycarbonate	Polarized, UV400, Category 3	UV400 Square Sunglasses	5	$34.99
Aviator / pilot	Alloy	Gradient, mirror, UV400	Gradient Lens Sunglasses	5	$35.99
Rectangle / metal	Alloy	Photochromic, mirror, UV400	Travel Day Sunglasses	5	$21.99
Sport / shield	Lightweight, wraparound	Polarized TAC, UV400	Polarized Sport Sunglasses	4	$39.99
Retro	Alloy	Photochromic, mirror, UV400	Steampunk Square Sunglasses	5	$24.99
Retro double bridge	Flexible, gold studs	Polarized	Noir Double Bar Sunglasses	4	$19.98

Why are square frames the default?

Square frames suit most faces and outfits, and the best-selling Adam & Westcott pair over 30 days is a $34.99 polarized square.

The UV400 Square Sunglasses at $34.99 pair a lightweight polycarbonate frame with polarized, UV400, Category 3 lenses, a rating for bright days. For less, the Bold Square Sun Shades at $16.99 are an oversized polarized square whose UV400 lens blocks 99.9% of UV light.

When should you wear aviator or metal frames?

On smarter and travel days: a thin alloy frame looks refined, and three Adam & Westcott metal pairs cost $21.99 to $35.99.

The Gradient Lens Sunglasses at $35.99 are a modern pilot, or aviator, shape in alloy with a gradient tint and a mirror finish. The Travel Day Sunglasses at $21.99 take a slim rectangle alloy frame with a photochromic lens that adapts to light. The Spring Hinge Sunglasses at $24.99 are an oval metal frame with spring hinges and a stated weight of about 28.6 g.

What are sport and shield sunglasses for?

Driving, cycling and long days in strong sun: they wrap the face for side coverage, and the range runs $17.99 to $39.99.

The Polarized Sport Sunglasses at $39.99 use polarized TAC lenses with oversized coverage on a lightweight frame. The Cycling Shield Sunglasses at $17.99 are a one-frame shield with an impact-resistant polycarbonate lens in five colours. The Bold Outdoor Sunglasses at $21.99 give polarized, UV400 coverage in an oversized frame.

What counts as a retro frame?

Bold shapes and vintage hardware: double bridges, studs, rivets and clear arms, from $19.98 to $24.99.

The Steampunk Square Sunglasses at $24.99 are a bold square steampunk frame in alloy with photochromic, mirror lenses. The Noir Double Bar Sunglasses at $19.98 carry a vintage double bridge, gold studs and polarized lenses. The Crystal Acetate Sunglasses at $22.99 pair a bold square front with clear crystal arms and gold-tone hinges, UV400.

Which lens features matter?

UV400 first, then polarization for glare; photochromic and mirror finishes are extras.

• UV400: stated on 23 of 25 active pairs. It blocks UVA and UVB up to 400 nm.
• Polarized: stated on 12 of 25. It cuts glare off roads and water.
• Photochromic: stated on 3. The tint adapts to changing light.
• Category 3: stated on the UV400 Square listings, the rating for bright sun.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main styles of men's sunglasses?

Four families: square, pilot and metal, sport and shield, and retro. At Adam & Westcott all four sit between $16.99 and $39.99 across 25 active pairs.

What sunglasses style suits most men?

A square frame. It is the most common shape in the Adam & Westcott range, and the best-selling pair over the last 30 days, the UV400 Square Sunglasses at $34.99, is a polarized square with a Category 3 lens.

Are polarized lenses worth it?

If you drive or spend time near water, yes: polarized lenses cut reflected glare. 12 of the 25 active Adam & Westcott pairs state polarized lenses, from $16.99.

What does UV400 mean?

UV400 means the lens blocks ultraviolet light up to 400 nanometres, covering UVA and UVB. 23 of 25 active Adam & Westcott pairs state UV400; it is separate from polarization, which handles glare.

Are photochromic sunglasses worth it?

They suit changing light, since the tint adapts. Three Adam & Westcott pairs state photochromic lenses, including the Travel Day Sunglasses at $21.99.

Go deeper: sunglasses for your face shape, polarized vs non-polarized, the best sport and cycling sunglasses and our 2026 gift guide, where sunglasses are a gift that needs no size.