The 7 Best Sunglass Trends from Men’s SS26 Runways
From Milan to Paris, this season’s runways proved that sunglasses are more than just practical sun protection: they’re the ultimate style flex. Designers doubled down on bold silhouettes, nostalgic revivals, and minimalist precision, offering a spectrum of looks for every vibe. Think Brunello Cucinelli’s refined dark metals, Dolce & Gabbana’s throwback aviators, or Saint Laurent’s dramatic, face-engulfing frames. Whether you lean toward subtle luxury or head-turning drama, these are the sunglass trends that will dominate next summer.
1. Dark metal
Fluid silhouettes, silk textures, and vibrant hues grounded Brunello Cucinelli’s Spring Summer 2026 in effortless sophistication. Titled The Shape of Light, the collection embraced refined simplicity, balancing structure and ease. Drawing from early ’90s elegance, the standout accessories were dark metal-framed sunglasses: understated and deliberately anti-trend. These frames mirrored the collection’s philosophy: quiet luxury with no need for theatrics.
2. Squared-off style
Paul Smith’s SS26 show was an intimate ode to travel, with stripes, bold prints, and vintage-inspired textures telling stories of global wanderings. Presented in a salon-style setting, the collection exuded louche sophistication. The eyewear? Classic squared-off aviator frames: versatile, sharp, and the perfect finishing touch to Smith’s signature playful ensembles.
3. Golden age aviator
Lightness and Italian ease defined Dolce & Gabbana’s SS26 menswear, where ’90s nostalgia met modern versatility. Think "Italian-style pajamas" in silk and linen, blurring the lines between loungewear and tailored refinement. The sunglasses followed suit: aviators in Havana hues, nodding to vintage glamour while keeping the attitude decidedly laid-back.
4. Earthy Masks
The Emporio Armani Origins collection was a rich tapestry of global influences, from Marrakech-inspired palettes to flowing silks. The show opened with a futuristic twist, evoking a Dune-inspired dystopia, before settling into Armani’s signature style. The sunglasses? Earth-toned, mask-like frames offering full-face coverage, blending utility with avant-garde allure.
5. Bright white rectangle
Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada stripped back the theatrics for SS26, presenting a collection that felt introspective and human. Set against Fondazione Prada's raw industrial backdrop, the show basked in natural light, unfolding like a sun-drenched 1970s daydream. The eyewear mirrored this clarity, with crisp white rectangular sunglasses standing stark yet poetic against the soft tailoring.
6. Timeless square
Wes Anderson’s whimsical collaboration with Montblanc transformed Milan’s Central Station into a cinematic dreamscape. Historic train carriages, leather-clad models, and candlelit ambiance set the tone. Square frames dotted the catwalk, emphasizing that some shapes never go out of style.
7. Super-sized
Anthony Vaccarello brought Saint Laurent back to Paris Fashion Week with a collection defined by exaggerated proportions featuring boxy trenches, roomy shorts, and a restrained sensuality. The sunglasses followed suit: super-sized frames, maxing out the drama while keeping the attitude impeccably sleek.
SUGGESTED STYLE: Saint Laurent SL 809 003
The SS26 shows wrap-up
The SS26 runways proved that sunglasses are more than just sun protection—they’re the exclamation point to any look. Whether you’re drawn to round frames, futuristic masks, or supersized drama, next season’s eyewear offers something for every aesthetic. The key takeaway? Confidence is the ultimate accessory.