With so many sunglasses on the market, it can be difficult to know where to focus your attention. The endless array of acetate frames and tinted lenses can quickly become overwhelming, leaving you questioning why one cat-eye style is better than the next. Fortunately, we at Vogue are avid sunglasses fans and have spent years fine-tuning our favourites.
While brands like Oakley and Kapten & Son prioritise function, others like Linda Farrow and Prada offer fashion-forward options. Whether it’s a high-street bargain or luxury investment, we firmly believe that sunglasses aren’t just for summer – they should complement your winter coat just as well as your summer dress . With contemporary options from Gentle Monster and Chimi, to designer classics from Gucci and Prada, we have rounded up the 10 best sunglasses brands for every style and any price range.
Below, Vogue ’s edit of sunglasses you’ll want to wear all year round. Linda Farrow When Linda Farrow first launched her namesake brand in 1970, it was one of the first eyewear brands to treat sunglasses in the same way as ready-to-wear. Now, under direction of Simon Jablon, Farrow’s son, the brand continues to create unique, luxury eyewear that’s known for its cutting edge collaborations with the likes of Raf Simmons, Phillip Lim, Dries Van Noten and The Attico.
Gucci Thank goodness that Gucci decided to expand its offering from saddles and leather goods into accessories and clothing. In 1990 – 70 years after Guccio Gucci launched his eponymous label – Tom Ford took the reins, and under his direction, Gucci eyewear was launched. Although you might associate Gucci eyewear with bold, retro frames, it also offers a selection of more understated styles that are just as chic.
Izipizi Izipizi offers a core range of shapes that are designed to suit anyone. These styles come with tinted lenses, short and long-sighted lenses, and lenses that are specifically designed to reduce the damage caused by blue light from screens. All this, plus they are B Corp Certified and boast a refreshingly accessible price range.
Ray-Ban If you’re looking to invest in an aviator, then look no further than the brand that debuted the iconic style back in 1936. Aviators were originally developed by Ray-Ban founders Bausch & Lomb to protect pilots’ eyes while flying. These sunglasses quickly replaced the flight goggles that were used previously, and so Bausch and Lomb continued on their mission to create functional and stylish eyewear, but this time for the masses.
Since then, the brand has developed other prominent models, such as the Wayfarer, and now under the umbrella of Luxottica, their styles continue to be a global favourite. Le Specs If you’re looking for sleek, wearable designs that don’t skimp on quality – and won’t break the bank – then look no further than Le Specs. Since launching in 1979, they have solidified their status as a globally respected brand, often being spotted on A-listers such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Bella Hadid and Kendall Kenner (to name a few).
Oakley Founded in 1975 by scientist James Jannard, Oakley set out to exceed expectations on what could be achieved in the eyewear market. Using High Definition Optics technology, the brand’s lenses are engineered to provide exceptional clarity and sharpness, which supports a more accurate vision. Such revolutionary engineering has been transformative for the outdoor sports scene.
Prada Some of the most coveted shades around this season (or any season, for that matter) come courtesy of Prada. Although it’s Luxottica that now runs the ship for Prada eyewear, the product, which often features the signature five-letter logo emblazoned along the sides, remains true to Prada’s identity: unfailingly elevated and never short on directional appeal. Kapten & Son Kapten & Son is a brand with function at its heart, offering a range of products, from travel gear and backpacks, to watches and sunglasses.
But don’t be fooled into thinking that style is an afterthought – its wide range of models, including the stainless steel slim Osaka and the high-quality acetate Calais, mean there are plenty of chic options to choose from. Gentle Monster Gentle Monster was founded in 2011 by Hankook Kim in Seoul. Its designs are forward-thinking and innovative, creating unique shapes and colourways that keep keen customers coming back time after time.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit a Gentle Monster store, you’ll be treated to an exhibition-like experience with inventive installations that change and evolve along with the brand. Chimi Since launching in Stockholm in 2016, Chimi has brought out an array of cool, covetable styles that expertly combine Scandinavian minimalism with futuristic elements. Its Titan Navigator glasses are a prime example of a modern classic that will never go out of style.
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