If there was ever an accessory that’s useful year-round, it’s sunglasses. Yet, somehow, no matter how handy and reliable they may be, it’s still difficult to shop for them. Luxury brands offer great styles but often come at a hefty price tag, while more affordable shades don’t offer the high quality that makes a pair of sunglasses last a lifetime.
Thankfully, it’s a good moment for eyewear, with direct-to-consumer brands and collaborations popping up seemingly every day. That also means there’s an abundance of offerings that make it difficult to dig through the weeds to find affordable, stylish, and high-quality eyewear. Viper Sunglasses
Ahead, we compiled the most popular sunglasses brands to fit a budget, preferred shopping method, and a stylish eyewear set.
Founded by Bill Barton and Patty Perreira, the brand is the result of their shared experiences in optometry and design respectively. Styles are crafted in Japan, with the brand affirming that a single pair can take weeks to finish, and sold in their boutiques in New York, Colorado, Montana, and Missouri. While the brand may forgo trendier styles, it sure delivers on the classics: The Chevalier Sun is a tried-and-true aviator model, while the Coquette is a moody black take on the staple cat-eye.
One of the most hyped sunglasses brands out there, this Australia-founded label is known for its uber-trendy takes on eyewear. With celeb collaborations with everyone from SZA and Saweetie to Jennifer Lopez, the brand offers nearly any eyewear style under the sun. But it’s most known for its maxi sunglasses and reflective lenses. While they’re celeb-approved, they are still affordable, with most pairs ranging between $75 and $95.
A tried-and-true brand, Le Specs is one of the most recognizable eyewear labels today. Founded in 1979, the brand is loved by Beyoncé, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner, among other celebs. The brand is also pushing its eco-friendly efforts with its Take 3 for the Sea initiative, which, according to its website, donates $3 for every purchase from its sustainable lineup, made from recyclable materials. Past collaborations include Ian Charms, Missoma, and Adam Selman.
This British label was founded in 2018, and since then has catapulted into one of the most sought-after eyewear brands out there, counting Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie as its fans. The brand is known for its ‘90s-heavy aesthetic with narrow frames and lighter lenses. While they come at a higher price—models start at $230—frames are crafted from a plant-based material, instead of plastic, contrary to most eyewear brands available.
Named after its founder, Thierry Lasry was first launched in 2006, and has since released collaborations with luxury brands like Fendi and Acne. Lasry’s initial love for specs came from his parents—a designer and an optician. Worn by celebrities like Maluma, Rihanna, and Madonna, the brand’s frames are quirky and colorful, ranging from $415 to $510. Some of the brand’s signature sunglasses include the Gambly—a maxi round model with thick frames—and the Acidity—an oval-shaped number with funky color combinations.
Launched in 2022 by designer Paige Brubaker, the California-based brand is known for its ‘90s and Y2K-heavy frames that feature stark color contrasts and futuristic elements. The unisex label counts both Hailey and Justin Bieber as some of its celeb clientele. The small-batch releases come at an affordable price point with models selling for less than $150.
Released in 1990, Modo Eyewear is known for its minimalist designs in both glasses and sun specs. Made with nylon polarized HCD, the products come in packaging created from cornstarch, a move the brand hopes results in less waste. Its classic styles come in handy for people who want to forgo trendy silhouettes, focusing on staples like cat-eye frames and vintage-inspired specs.
A subset of Vada Jewelry, the label’s eyewear line is just as trendy and statement-making. Launched in 2020, the line is known for its bold, colorful frames made in Japan. Celebs like Bad Bunny, Usher, and Leon Bridges, who recently collaborated with the label, are among the brand’s fans. Some of its best-selling models include the Siren and the Futuro.
Cheap Eyeglasses If you're looking for some summer shades, here are some styles to try: