5 Best 80s Sunglasses in 2022: Pure Neon Retro Goodness

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by  William Barton | Last Updated: 

So you want a pair of 80s-looking sunglasses, but you don’t want to get stuck with a cheap piece of junk. We get it. It’s happened to us far too many times, too.

That’s why we put together a list of our favorite 80s sunglasses, so we can celebrate the decade that invented the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Our Favorite Overall
  • Polarized lenses for added protection
  • Available in five different colors
  • Comes with EVA case and microfiber pouch
Best Classic
  • Timeless look, just in case the 80s goes out of style (again)
  • Two sizing options available for different face shapes
  • 100% UV protection
Best Costume
  • Zany 80s style under $20
  • Huge variety of color options
  • Cool mirror coating
Best Full Visor
  • Rubberized frames stay in place and feel great
  • 100% UV protection and polarization to reduce glare
  • Full visor, single mirrored lens looks cool
Best 80s Futuristic
  • Looks straight out of RoboCop
  • Massive variety of colors
  • Inexpensive

Ah, the 80s. I remember them like they were yesterday.

Except I wasn’t born yet. 

Like all good 90s kids, I’m dissatisfied with the decades I’ve seen, and yearn deeply for a time when things were quaint and simple: you know, the 80s. 

Back then, folks used to wear gigantic suits, synthesizer was the national pastime, and they had sick sunglasses (which they’d wear at night, I hear—what a time to be alive).  

So how can you get your hands on a pair of those sweet, sweet shades? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. 

Here are the best 80s sunglasses on the market right now. 

5 Best 80s Sunglasses

1. Blenders Eyewear Full Speed

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The Blenders Eyewear Full Speed feels like a midnight drive past neon lights. These full visor shades made the top of our list because they not only have the look you want in 80s sunglasses, but they’re legitimately great sunglasses.

I’ve tried out five different frames from Blenders, and I love the ones that fit my face shape. It’s been about a year now, and I still rock my Hexagon’s almost every day. 

The Full Speed offers 100% UV protection and it’s polarized, so if you’re an active person or spend any time at the beach, you’ll want a pair.

What I Like

  • 100% UV protection, full visor, and polarization mean these are a great safeguard for your eyes.

  • Blender’s ships these with a case, a microfiber pouch, and a bunch of fun stickers. 

  • The brand has top-notch customer service.

What I Don’t Like

  • These fit on the large side, which works if you have a very petite face (for the oversized look), or a large face. 

What Other Reviewers Say

These shades have racked up a 4.9-star average with over 150 reviews on the Blender’s site. A lot of folks use them for long-distance biking and running. The hinges are solid, so a lot of active people recommend the Full Speed.

The Verdict

The world of 80s sunglasses is filled with gimmicky costume stuff, and while there’s a time and place for that (specifically, our third pick), if you’re looking for a cool pair of sunglasses that you want to hold on to, the Full Speed from Blenders is the go.

2. Ray-Ban Wayfarer

The Ray-Ban Wayfarer is probably the most copied sunglasses silhouette of all time. It was also the best selling pair of shades in the 80s.

Worn by famous singers and movie stars, one could say these Tom Cruised their way to massive popularity in the decade that brought us the glory of Betamax.

What I Like

What I Don’t Like

The Verdict

Best Classic
Ray-Ban Wayfarer

You know these already---these were the go-to sunglasses for 80s icons Michael Jackson, Madonna, Tom Cruise, and more. If you want to look like a movie star from the 80s, the Wayfarer is the way to go.

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3. Flawless Eyewear ZigZag

Are you looking for some 80s glasses more as a gag or costume? If so, check out the Flawless Eyewear ZigZag sunglasses.

I’ll be honest, these aren’t great shades. But they’re cheap and they have a cool 80s vibe that’s perfect if you want to nail the look without dropping much more than a $10 bill.

What I Like

What I Don’t Like

The Verdict

Best Costume
Flawless Eyewear ZigZag

Don't these make you want to say, ohhhh, yeahhh? Yeah, we know they do. These are a bit cheap-o, but they'll get the job done if you need that 80s look on the fly.

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4. Blenders Eyewear Eclipse

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Blenders Eyewear makes it back on the list with their Eclipse. These single mirrored lens shades have a distinct 80s vibe, and are an excellent choice for active folks and anyone looking for a durable pair of sunglasses. 

Available in four different color varieties, these all feature rubberized frames, which helps keep them placed securely on your head and also enhances their look and feel.

What I Like

  • With 100% UV protection and polarization, these offer real protection against the elements.

  • The rubberized frame helps keep them secure on your head in active sports.

  • The spring-loaded hinges feel premium.

What I Don’t Like

  • I’d like to see Blenders add more color options.

What Other Reviewers Say

With over 250 reviewers giving the Eclipse a 4.9 out of 5 rating, it’s safe to say buyers are happy. There are so many exclamation points in the reviews, it’s dizzying. Customer service stands out as one of the big bonuses of shopping with Blenders, too.

The Verdict

The Blenders Eclipse mixes retro style, good quality, excellent protection, and a low price point. If you’re a fan of those four things, you’ll be a fan of the Eclipse. 

5. zeroUV Cyclops

Ok, here we are again with another pair of prop sunglasses. But I recently watched RoboCop and I can’t help myself. 

The zeroUV Cyclops shades have a healthy dose of futuristic flair that’ll have you wondering: are we ever going to get hover-cars? 

Like Flawless Eyewear, zeroUV makes cool looking 80s glasses on the cheap. These aren’t the type you wear to impress your girlfriend’s parents, nor will they be able to handle too many drops. But they’re the best at what they do and for under $20, this is all the futuristic style you need.

What I Like

What I Don’t Like

The Verdict

Best 80s Futuristic
zeroUV Cyclops

Want to look like a space man? Here's how you do it. The zeroUV Cyclops are great costume classes at an inexpensive price.

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Time to Choose

If you’re not sure which of these stellar shades to pick up, let me hit you with a quiz.

What’s your favorite 80s movie?

If you said Weekend at Bernie’s, first of all, you’re correct. Second, your glasses are the Blenders Eyewear Full Speed.

Top Gun lovers go for the Ray-Ban Wayfarer. The Flawless Eyewear ZigZag’s are great for Bowie and Labyrinth fans. The zeroUV Cyclops just looks straight out of RoboCop. 

And if you want that Jeff Bridges in the 1982 Tron type sex appeal, look no further than the Blenders Eyewear Eclipse

FAQs

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