Tom Ford TF0034 JOHN Sunglasses

 THE ASKMEN TAKE

Do something a little different this year: Trade in your standardblack sunglasses for something a little more unusual and eye-catching.

Favored by celebs like Brad Pitt, these Tom Ford TF0034 JOHN shades will look smokin' with most of your current wardrobe and will play into fall's trend for earth tones with their warm, rose-gold frames and dark brown gradient lenses. These shades are also a perfect balance of classic and contemporary because while the double bridge bar is borrowed from the aviator, the more angular, square-shaped frames bring the sunglasses up to date.

UNIQUENESS

Though they're not a bright, obnoxious ‘80s color, nor do they have a huge shiny logo on the side, the Tom Ford TF0034 JOHN shades will make you stand apart from everyone else when you wear them. The combination of rose-gold frames and brown lenses will warm up your face and give it a tanned glow, giving the impression that you just got back from a relaxing beach holiday. These sunglasses will be especially flattering on guys with blond manes or natural highlights.

DURABILITY

As long as you properly take care of them, meaning you should always keep them in a protective case when you're not wearing them and avoid clumsy mistakes like sitting on them, these sunglasses should last you for 5 to 10 years. On the trend front, it will be around five years before the modified aviator look of these shades, along with their large lenses, appear dated. If you live in a place where the sun is particularly bright in the summer, such as a desert environment, you might not be able to wear these during the warmer months, as they may not block out enough light. Everyone else will be able to wear them year-round. At around $300, the cost of these shades is on par with other designer sunglasses. If you're searching for a quick way to make it look like you overhauled your wardrobe, these high-quality shades are a good buy. On the other hand, if you can only afford one pair of designer sunglasses, go for a more classic pair in black, like theRay-Ban Predators, that won't ever look dated.

Shwood Sunglasses

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Unusual and attention-grabbing without being at all ostentatious, Shwood sunglasses are a veritable work of art. What distinguishes Shwood's models from almost everything else available in the world of eyeglasses is that rather than being made of plastic, these shades are crafted from exotic hardwoods. Two lines are currently offered by this up-and-coming eyewear label: the Canby and the Govy. Modeled after James Dean's badass persona, the Canby is simple yet unforgettable, much like the late actor himself. In contrast, the Govy has a much thinner and more angular frame, giving it a trendy, futuristic-cool '80s vibe.

UNIQUENESS

Each pair of Shwood sunglasses are skillfully handcrafted using precision technology in Portland, Oregon. In order to highlight the natural beauty of the wood and create a fresh, organic aesthetic, manipulation of the raw material is minimized. The result is a choice of three great frame shades: Zebrawood, a yellowy brown with dark streaks; Wenge, a tone reminiscent of the rich, chocolate-color furniture you'd expect to find in an old-school gentleman's club; and Maple, a pale golden, beach-perfect hue straight out of '60s California.

Wood from the Canby range is locally sourced, while the Govy model is sustainably harvested in Africa. When it comes to what to wear with your Shwoods, remember the maxim that less is best. These sunglasses speak for themselves as a noticeable style statement, so avoid overdoing it with your other accessories. To really make these shades your own, take advantage of the company's soon-to-be-offered custom engraving service.

DURABILITY

It's no small feat to straddle the line between timeless and timely. At first glance, Shwood's product could easily be mistaken as a passing fad. Upon further examination, however, you'll notice that the frames of these sunglasses are actually modified classics, meaning they won't quickly appear outdated.

Additionally, the quality of the lenses is second-to-none. Imported from Italy, Carl Zeiss lenses are fitted to each pair of Shwood sunglasses, offering 100% UVA and UVB protection, and a choice of gray or brown tinting. Where price is concerned, Shwood sunglasses are a surprisingly good deal. Many designer men's sunglasses are not nearly as original and have a price tag two to three times higher. For just a little under $100, this eyewear will infuse all of your looks with an incredibly individual twist for years to come, making them worth that little extra spending.