Sometimes you pick a pair of sunglasses because you need it for a singular purpose, like a lightweight shield for cycling or a polarized lens for fishing. But most of the time, you choose a sunglass style for versatility—to wear while driving, walking the dog, or playing frisbee on the beach. We’re talking about the one pair of sunglasses you live in whenever the sun is shining, the essential shades you stash in your car or backpack. (And if these sunglasses go missing, panic ensues, and the glove box is torn apart until they’re found.) Meet our new favorite version of that multi-purpose, must-have shade: The Smith Mono Lake, which hit shelves in January 2024 but is modeled after a pair of classic Smith sunglasses from the 1990s.
Smith Mono Lake Sunglasses
Bottom line: If you want a timeless, retro pair of sunglasses you can do almost anything in, this is it.
Pros and Cons
⊕ Durable, smudge-resistant lenses
⊕ Excellent glare protection on bright days
⊕ Surprisingly light for their size
⊗ Too large for small faces
Lens: Comes in four lens tint options
Frame shape: Classically oversized
Fit: Large
Weight: 29…
