6 of the best tinted sunglasses to buy right now
The better you look, the more you see
By 
SIR DAVID BECKHAM recently took a leaf out of the Jacob Elordi playbook, it seems, opting to see the world through rose tinted glasses.
I don’t mean a philosophical view, either, but a literal (and practical) one.
The legendary soccer star was spotted wearing the biggest trend in men’s eyewear right now – tinted sunglasses. Not once but twice at two different events. The first, a red carpet launch of his wife Victoria’s collab with US denim giant GAP; and second, at the Time 100 Gala. Again, in support of Victoria. Two occasions, two different looks (from his own collection, I might add) and the same rosy worldview.
Of course, Elordi wasn’t the first man to don this style of specs. Nor is he the most famous. Tom Ford has been giving this style its flowers since the early 00s. Nero allegedly wore emeralds. We probably don’t recommend the latter. Sounds sick, though.
But Elordi’s insistence on pairing his favourite Jacques Marie Mage’s with everything has pushed back into the forefront of the cultural conversation. The tinted lens – dormant since its nineties heyday – has re-emerged as the considered finishing touch of the well-dressed man in 2026.
For folks who live under the harsh light of a camera flash, the appeal is obvious – mitigate the punishing brightness without making it impossible to see where you are or who you’re talking to. They’re also more personable than traditional darker lenses, letting you see the other person’s eyes when you’re talking to them. Plus – they just have that edge that makes them so much cooler than regular shades.
Zack Moscot, fifth-generation eyewear designer at New York’s cult eyewear brand Moscot, is not surprised. “Eyewear is the first thing people notice,” he says, “making it the ultimate accessory.”
Moscot’s famed Custom Made Tints programme lets customers add colour to any frame, prescription or otherwise, and Moscot says demand reflects how deliberately people are now approaching the choice. “Consider lifestyle – both functionally and stylistically,” he advises. “Tints aren’t just aesthetic; they serve a purpose.”
That purpose varies considerably by shade. Lighter tints like Moscot’s Celebrity Blue offer a subtle pop of colour that doesn’t sacrifice visibility indoors. Deeper options such as Denim Blue or Forest Wood provide meaningful sun protection. Amber tints, Moscot notes, enhance contrast and cut glare, making them particularly useful on overcast days.
The question of how to choose, beyond face shape, is one Moscot reduces to a sensible principle. “Start with your lifestyle needs, then choose a tint that you enjoy looking through and that complements your personal style and wardrobe.”
Check out our top tints below.
Moscot Rizik with custom tints
There’s good reason why Moscot remains one of the most popular choices of eyewear: they live up to their reputation and more.
The classic, thicker square frames of the Rizik are versatile for most face shapes. I also prefer a thicker frame to contrast with the pastel shade of the lens. The custom tint can also be applied to your prescription lenses. Win.
Jacques Marie Mage Quant in London
Jacques Marie Mage is arguably the coolest sunglass brand on the market. It’s been the brand of choice for Jacob Elordi, who wore the Fellini during his Frankenstein press tour.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of the wider, more daring silhouette of the Quant. The tortoise shell frames and amber lens have a retro 60s vibe to them.
Culter and Gross 1424 aviator
A great, architectural take on the aviator. The super lightweight frame adds extra comfort. There’s also more flex for those who aren’t fond of acetate’s more rigid feel.
Cartier Santos aviator
Cartier’s arm of accessories feels like an overlooked sibling. We all know and love their watches, but they also bring that razor-sharp design aesthetic to eyewear.
The Santos aviator brings that art deco edge to the famous frame. The silver frame brings in a less flash but more luxe feel while the tint is the perfect indoor-outdoor hue. Also, 100% UVA protection.
Gucci square-framed glasses
Simple. Effective. Cool colour, too.
Prada sunglasses with metal plaque
Prada’s stripped-back styling allows the details to deliver some punch. The violet tint to the lens is for those with a more fashion-forward styling.
L.G.R Fez Bold
A classic of the genre. L.G.R. frames are entirely handmade in Italy and the dedication to the craft is inherent in the comfort and quality.
These hit a sweet spot of simple and elegant for both everyday and evening. An investment in quality and style.
Related:
The Want List: What caught the Esquire team’s eye this week
Harry Styles has a favourite pair of sneakers and they’re cheaper than petrol
