In the world of fashion, sunglasses are trendy and an important accessory to any outfit. In addition to UV protection, name brand shades offer a fashionable finish to a stylish look. For men and women, eyewear is incredibly diverse with something to offer everyone. Some designer brands cater to active and sporty lifestyles, while other high-end companies are suited for runway and high-fashion styles. By combining quality, comfort, fit, design, and high-fashion, these labels have developed some of the most popular sunglasses in the world. From expensive luxury to affordable quality, these are the best sunglasses brands to know about right now. Check out this list of the top sunglass companies in the world to help you find the right shades for your needs.
Contents
- 1 Sunglasses Brands
- 1.1 Prada
- 1.2 Versace
- 1.3 Burberry
- 1.4 Bulgari
- 1.5 Christian Dior
- 1.6 DKNY
- 1.7 Dolce & Gabbana
- 1.8 Gucci
- 1.9 Valentino
- 1.10 Oliver Peoples
- 1.11 Carrera
- 1.12 Paul Smith
- 1.13 Ray-Ban
- 1.14 Polo Ralph Lauren
- 1.15 Persol
- 1.16 Thom Browne
- 1.17 Police
- 1.18 Tom Ford
- 1.19 Armani Exchange
- 1.20 Miu Miu
- 1.21 Ermenegildo Zegna
- 1.22 Coach
- 1.23 Maui Jim
- 1.24 Michael Kors
- 1.25 Karen Walker
- 1.26 Guess
- 1.27 Céline
- 1.28 Cutler and Gross
- 1.29 Kate Spade
- 1.30 Oakley
Sunglasses Brands
Prada
As one of the most popular high-end brand names in fashion, Prada is an iconic Italian company that creates top-of-the-line clothing, leather goods, shoes, perfumes, and sunglasses. Their eyewear is easily described as sophisticated and timeless, as their frames incorporate the confidence and reputation of a brand that’s been around since 1913.
Versace
Versace is a household name, even in homes far removed from the fashion world. Gianni Versace’s legacy includes smart designs, flashy colors and prints, intricate details, and boundary-pushing concepts that continue to evolve. Their sunglasses, too, are considered innovative and bold, with variations for all kinds of sensibilities, uses, and styles. Versace’s sunglasses offer bold and distinct unisex frames that are anything but subtle.
Burberry
For 150 years, Burberry has continued to be the epitome of British style. The company started with its introduction of the gabardine in 1879 and has grown and evolved with today’s trends in fashion. Burberry can easily be identified by their signature elements of contemporary and classic blending across their lifestyle label. Their sunglasses follow suit, with dazzling modern designs that incorporate traditional British sensibility.
Bulgari
Bulgari, which is stylized as “Bvlgari,” is a brand that has earned a high-end, luxury reputation for all of its products, including sunglasses. The Bulgari label is known for drawing inspiration from Roman, Parisian, Italian, and Greek cultures, as well as the art deco movement, which have been combined to create a trademark distinction of style and incredible taste. Bulgari sunglasses are elegant and refined, with nearly unmatched detail and sophistication.
Christian Dior
Nothing screams confidence quite like a pair of Christian Dior sunglasses. The high-fashion label has made its mark on history with hourglass shapes, couture landmarks, and show-stopping looks since opening in 1946. Dior sunglasses are known to push boundaries and present new ideas and perspectives, as seen with the Dior So Real frames that modified the aviator design and shattered expectations while doing so. Dior is a fashion powerhouse that isn’t afraid to go big.
DKNY
The New York City-based DKNY is all about the mix of practicality with sophistication, much like the brand’s city of origin. DKNY sunglasses feature glamorous designs that are fashion-forward and blend easily into any outfit and on-the-go scenario.
Dolce & Gabbana
Italian designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana united to form Dolce & Gabbana in 1985, paving a path of high-luxury designs that reflect confidence, sharp tailoring, and eccentric elements. In terms of eyewear, D & G sunglasses are as exclusive and sophisticated as their clothing and fashion lines. Polished and refined, DG shades come ready-to-wear and work to elevate your style and class. Their frames are always considered a statement piece and a keynote accessory worth the investment.
Gucci
There’s a reason that the phrase “I’m feeling Gucci” translates to “I’m better than great.” Across the board, Gucci has long since set the standard for excellence in fashion. The Gucci brand has it all, from leather goods to streetwear, runway looks to iconic eyewear. Since its origination in 1921 in Florence, Italy, Gucci has built a dynasty of luxury and bar-setting good taste. When it comes to shades, Gucci has a definitive aesthetic: sleek, modern, and sexy. Gucci uses high-quality materials paired with distinct shapes to create luxury sunglasses.
Valentino
When it comes to trend-setting craftsmanship and modern couture, Valentino comes to mind as one of the top fashion brands in the world. Designer Valentino Garavani found mainstream success in the 1960s when he pushed the envelope with an all-white collection and new essence of femininity. Since then, the brand has only continued to grow, coined by superstars and era icons and anyone in between. In terms of sunglasses, Valentino frames are trendy and remarkably made, often playing with original or unconventional elements.
Oliver Peoples
Since 1987, Oliver Peoples has been an American brand serving Hollywood-style luxury eyewear. Their glasses are known for their hand-crafted quality as well as their creative designs and statement pieces, often drawing on an air of LA glamour. Oliver Peoples is sold all over the world, in department stores, online, and fashion boutiques.
Carrera
In the world of eyewear, Carrera is renowned for its fashion-forward take on active and sporty sunglasses. The Austria-based company has several signature frames, notably famous for its oversized aviators. Since opening in 1956, Carrera has perfected its scratch-resistant and incredibly lightweight materials, perfect for on-the-go and active lifestyles.
Paul Smith
British designer Sir Paul Smith has a brand that combines the normalcy of everyday life with the quality of high-end fashion. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 after working as a Royal Designer for Industry in the 90s. When it comes to Paul Smith shades, these expensive designs walk the same line as the brand’s clothing: “quirky but not frivolous, eccentric but not silly”.
Ray-Ban
Based on its iconic look and design, Ray-Ban is one of the most famous sunglasses brands in the US. The company’s retro-inspired shades have been an influence on trends and creations all over the world since 1937. A pair of Ray-Bans is a coming of age, rite of passage purchase – especially the company’s signature Wayfarer and Aviator lines – where each pair of shades is an instant, too-cool classic.
Polo Ralph Lauren
If there were ever a brand to perfectly capture the American spirit, it’d be Polo Ralph Lauren. This high-end label creates products for mid-range to luxury consumers with humble roots in men’s ties. Their reputation is one of sophistication and timeless sensibility, and their eyewear captures these values. As a sunglass brand, Polo Ralph Lauren mixes and matches classic lens shapes with fresh colors and designs.
Persol
For over 100 years Persol has gained recognition for one of the leading names in eyewear brands. Their sunglasses, known as some of the best in the world, were created with pilots and sports drivers in mind. Persol has earned legacy status ever since, specializing in stylish designs that suit the active lifestyle. The name, too, lives up to its calling; the Italian phrase “per il sole” translates to “for the sun.
Thom Browne
American fashion designer Thom Browne has a New York City-based label that offers menswear, womenswear, and high-end accessories. Thom Browne sunglasses fit the brand’s sharp and smart style, created for gentlemen and ladies that crave sophistication. These shades look stylish and sexy when paired with a suit, just as much as they do when worn with casual jeans and a shirt.
Police
Police has earned a name as one of the best cult sunglasses brands since opening in 1983 in Italy. Because of their sleek frames and styles that cater to a young demographic and a metro-inspired spark, Police has been advertised by debonair celebrities like George Clooney, David Beckham, and Antonio Banderas, among others.
Tom Ford
As a wildly successful name in both fashion design and filmmaking, Tom Ford founded his label in 2006. Ford’s designs carry his attributes – confident, sensual, and passionate. In terms of eyewear, his frames are sleek and detail-oriented, with a minimalist feel that translates into high luxury and exclusivity.
Armani Exchange
Self-described as fast fashion, Armani Exchange is a brand that brings luxury eyewear to consumers in affordable doses. Though sharing the same name as the related Emporio Armani brand, Armani Exchange is a breakaway company that specializes in more youthful apparel and accessories. Their frames are inspired by urban-wear aesthetics and contemporary designs, while still carrying the quality of the Armani reputation.
Miu Miu
Often referred to as the playful counterpart to its sister-brand Prada, Miu Miu is a high fashion brand that delivers fun and whimsical eyewear. With their sunglasses, Miu Miu caters to a youthful audience that isn’t afraid to stand out and embrace their flair and unique sense of style.
Ermenegildo Zegna
Though designer Ermenegildo Zegna started his fashion career in 1910 with a single goal to create the finest fabrics in the world, he would later become a household name in Italy as one of the top menswear brands available. At the center of the company’s designs are carefully crafted textiles, which runs into every department, including eyewear. Ermenegildo Zegna frames have been known to play with materials and incorporating out-of-the-box structures, made from leather, fabrics, and wood. The label is creative high-fashion in every aspect, and has exceeded that original dream.
Coach
Coach is an American luxury fashion company that captures the modern glamour of the United States. From Hollywood-inspired frames to futuristic designs to the ever-evolving New York glitz, Coach makes beautiful sunglasses. Their eyewear is known for their quality and sophistication, and the company is constantly able to adapt to current trends.
Maui Jim
Known for its visual accuracy, multi-layer design, and island aesthetics, Maui Jim is a renowned brand known exclusively for its sunglasses. According to records in 2015, Maui Jim was credited as the third-largest sunglasses producer in the world, and for good reason. These spectacles bring the flavor, beauty, and aesthetic of the islands to the consumer’s eyes.
Michael Kors
As one of the most famous names in fashion, Michael Kors has dominated the industry, from clothing to footwear to fragrance to eyewear, and nearly everything in between. Since starting his brand in the 1970s, Michael Kors has created iconic, timeless, chic looks. His high-end accessories often play with contrasting elements, and his sunglasses have been known to feature a monochromatic style.
Karen Walker
By sprinkling elements of fun, whimsy, and avant-garde, designer Karen Walker has created a brand of sunglasses that push boundaries unapologetically. When it comes to eyewear, you can expect Karen Walker shades to be anything but ordinary.
Guess
Guess, as a brand, is rooted in symbolism representing the American dream. Their designs, from clothing to accessories, incorporate vintage-inspired elements and upscale wear. Their eyewear is no exception, as their sunglasses are inspired by the fashion icons of the past and their timeless pieces that easily transition from runway to street.
Céline
In the post-war era of 1945, Céline Vipiana started a children’s shoe shop that later evolved into one of the top brands for luxury ready-to-wear brands. Céline is known for its iconic, French-inspired, top-of-the-line fashion. Céline’s eyewear designs are often comprised of exciting color variations and chic geometric elements.
Cutler and Gross
Founded in 1969, Cutler and Gross is a Britain-based luxury eyewear brand that has a longstanding record of creating beautiful, high-quality designer frames, made by hand. Their brand combines some of the finest Italian craftsmanship with styles that are bold, unique, and cool – typically a reflection and statement of the time.
Kate Spade
As a brand, Kate Spade has earned a reputation for its use of color, playful prints, and practical products that are still high end. This New York-inspired brand has left its mark on sunglasses as well. Kate Spade sunglasses carry that same sense of whimsy and femininity, often playing with creative fun shapes, sizes, and pigment. Kate Spade products, from clothing to accessories, feel optimistic and bright and have a cheerful aesthetic.
Oakley
When it comes to sporty and unconventional eyewear, Oakley has earned incredible name recognition as a go-to brand since opening in 1975. The company is known for its innovative measures to create never-before-seen technology and designs, holding over 800 patents, and pushing the boundaries to reinvent lens for athletes and consumers with active lifestyles. Oakley’s products are functional and high-performance, while still looking high-end, sleek, and podium-worthy.