The best sunglasses brands are infallible sources of stylish UV protection, purveyors of premium eyewear so nice it might actually ruin your day if you accidentally sit on a pair. And sure, the list is stacked with a formidable lineup of the usual suspects—the Ray-Bans, Persols, and Oakleys of the world—but you'll also come across a few names you might not know, including up-and-coming indie darlings looking to carve out a niche for themselves in the ever-crowded eyeglasses space.

The List of 20 Best Sunglasses Brands in the World

1. Ray-Ban

2. Dolce & Gabbana

3. American Optical

4. Tom Ford

5. Prada

6. Oakley

7. Maui Jim

8. Persol

9. Oakley, INC.

10. Oliver Peoples

11. Versace

12. Burberry

13. Christian Dior

14. Versace

15. Moscot

16. Gucci

17. Warby Parker

18. Randolph Engineering

19. Carrera World

20. Jacques Marie Mage

Which are the 20 Best Sunglasses Brands in the World?

1. Ray-Ban

Photo: X5
Photo: X5

It’s a no-brainer that Ray-Ban automatically sits at the top of the list of the best sunglasses brand in the world. The eyewear maker remains famous as a global heritage brand of fashionable high-quality sunglasses.

The company offers a range of high-end classic styles but at relatively fair price points. So, you don’t have to break your bank. This explains why Ray-Ban is still arguably at no. 1 amid tough competition with other sunglasses brands.

Founded in 1937, it has been around for more than 80 years now. Originally established an American eyewear company, Ray-Ban was bought by Italian eyewear giant Luxottica for $640 million in 1999.

Following the company’s sale to Luxottica, some fashion critics argued that the quality of Ray-Ban sunglasses has suffered. However, the brand continues to dominate and stays as a top choice of sunglasses enthusiasts.

Ray-Ban’s most popular products range from the Wayfarer, Clubmaster, and the timeless Aviator sunglasses. Ray-Ban’s sunglasses were initially created for US Air Force pilots in the 1930s.

It did not take long when Ray-Ban shades also made its way to Hollywood. Then-famous actor Marlon Brando sported aviators in The Wild One.

The Blue Brothers wore the Wayfarers as well as fashion icon Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Tim Roth also sported the Clubmaster in Reservoir Dogs. Ray-Ban is the brand to go for if you want to score an irresistible movie icon look.

2. Dolce & Gabbana

Photo: toptrendsguide
Photo: toptrendsguide

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.

3. American Optical

Photo: American Optical
Photo: American Optical

American Optical is another top sunglasses brand that is nearly two centuries old. Founded in 1826 by William Beecher in 1826, it is one of the long-running eyewear brands in the world.

But it was only in 1876 when the American Optical its first sets of sunglasses. The earliest form came in regular eyeglasses with lens tinted in various colors. American Optical became popular when it specially created the sunglasses worn by astronaut Neil Armstrong and the rest of the crew of Apollo 11.

This American brand has built itself a household name for its line of sturdy sunglasses. A pair of American Optical shades last for years that it makes a good investment.

The company offers excellent quality products for reasonable price points. You can grab a pair of American Optical shades for as low as $100. This is quite a deal you cannot say about other brands of eyewear.

4. Tom Ford

Photo: toptrendsguide
Photo: toptrendsguide

The top sunglasses brand to make the mark is owned by the well-known and one of the most successful designers in the world – Tom Ford. Moving back to the history of the founder in 2004, he left the billionaire fashion house Gucci. The reason behinds the separation is stated as some disagreements with Gucci CEO over artistic control. It was the time in the same year, Ford played cleverly and build his own brand today known as Tom Ford’s top sunglasses brand in the world. In 2005, Ford successfully launched his first eyewear collection and the beauty collection. Later on, after two years, Tom Ford opened his first menswear store in New York City. After a decade, Tom Ford now envisions opening 100 retailing stores in various parts of the world. Viewing the brand collection from an international point, Tom Ford sunglasses collection is rated as the most desirable and best sunglasses brand in the world. Tom Ford eyewear models are best knowBest Sunglasses Brandn for their slimmer frames which never let you go out of style. Do you know which the favorite sunglasses brand of James Bond is? Well, Tom Ford takes place in his heart, so there some eyewear pieces sold for more than $1,500. Thus, being expensive and the choice of legends, Tom Ford wins the title of best sunglasses brand in the world.

5. Prada

Photo: toptrendsguide
Photo: toptrendsguide

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.

6. Valentino

Photo: toptrendsguide
Photo: toptrendsguide

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.

7. Maui Jim

Photo: toptrendsguide
Photo: toptrendsguide

As we can grab the idea from the name of the top sunglasses brand, they have devoted their cool sunglasses designs to the beauty and culture of the island itself. Maui Jim sunglasses aim at the mission to be the best sunglasses brand for eye protection. With Maui Jim sunglasses you can see colors vividly and the surroundings more clearly. Maui Jim sunglasses were produced in Hawaii for about eight years, then in 1988, they expanded the market to mainland US. Whereas, looking for the best prescription sunglasses brand as well as sporty and trendy articles to wear, Maui Jim is the right option. It is observed that Maui Jim sunglasses marketing efforts mostly involve water-related themes to pay homage to their Hawaiin roots. However, Maui Jim sunglasses are not at all cheap as the price of the latest eyewear is tagged to be more than $300.

8. Persol

Photo: toptrendsguide
Photo: toptrendsguide

Persol is another popular sunglasses brand to take the trust of the international arena for good pair of dapper. The only top sunglasses brand to beat the competition to Ray-Ban is Persol. Like Ray-Ban, the Persol sunglasses brand is owned by Luxottica. The literal meaning of Persol is in the Italian phrase “per il sole”, which means ‘for the sun” in English. Persol has been serving the market with great article for more than manufacturers therefore, Persol is one of the oldest sunglasses manufactures in the world. The most popular pick from the wide of selection by Persol is owned by article ‘Steve McQueen Persol 714. Moreover, you can find some models in Persol’s catalog to be sold for as low as $260. Furthermore, the interesting part of the story, Persol holds the title for the world’s first flexible stem system. In simple words, Persol sleek frames can adapt the shape of your face. Persol never lets you down, as when it comes to purchasing some cheap sunglasses, then it has models costing at least $100. No doubt, the top shelf sunglass of Persol ranges from $200-$300.

9. Oakley, INC.

Photo: mensgear
Photo: mensgear

Oakley is another world-renowned brand of superior sunglasses to own. The company, like many companies, has a humble beginning. It was in 1975 when founder James Jannard started producing motorcycle grips in his garage. It also made ski goggles.

In 1984, Oakley released the Factory Pilot Eyeshades, its first pair of sunglasses. The brand’s sporty feel signature has set itself apart from the competition. Several years later, Oakley shades became a hit.

The hype peaked in the 1990s when almost everyone you bumped into was sporting an Oakley. The company produced most of its sporty eyewear with polarized lenses that protect your peepers from unwanted glare.

Oakley shades are a must-have accessory for those who have a more active lifestyle. It is perfect to wear for the summer or driving in broad daylight.

Italian eyewear giant Luxottica, which has also bought both Ray-Ban and Persol, acquired Oakley in 2007. You can purchase some of Oakley’s best-seller eyewear between $100 and $200 price points.

10. Oliver Peoples

Photo: toptrendsguide
Photo: toptrendsguide

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Oliver Peoples started as a Hollywood brand in the 80s. Decades later, the company is making a noise in the fashion industry. It has now become one of the world’s leading brands of sunglasses.

The company opened its first boutique on Sunset Boulevard in 1986. So, Oliver Peoples rapidly became a popular eyewear brand in Hollywood movies. If you are a fan of the hit comedy-drama TV series Entourage, you know that Tyler Durden, Patrick Bateman, and Vincent Chase all sported a pair of Oliver Peoples sunglasses.

Oliver Peoples stand out from competitive brands out there. Its designs are retro transformed into a modern-day look. Despite being a Tinseltown brand, its eyewear has conservative styles to it.

You can rely on a 100 percent UVA protection when you wear an Oliver Peoples shades. Most standard sunglasses only have three-barrel hinges on the frames but this premium brand has seven. Thus, the sunglasses have more chances to survive when you take your seat and forget they are still in your jean’s back pocket.

Oliver Peoples is also one of the brands on this list that is now owned by Luxottica. Oakley first bought the company in 2006. A year later, Oliver Peoples became a subsidiary of Luxottica upon its purchase of Oakley.

Oliver Peoples sunglasses are known for its detailing and distinct frames. All of its products come in outstanding quality courtesy of the materials used by the company.

Sunglasses by Oliver Peoples are pretty pricey where several models sell more than $400. But it is fair enough if you are after top-notch quality eyewear made of superior materials.

11. Cutler and Gross

Photo: mensgear
Photo: mensgear

Cutler and Gross round up our list of the top 15 best sunglasses brands in the world. The British designer eyewear company was founded in 1969 by Graham Cutler and Tony Gross, hence, the company’s name.

In the last 50 years, Cutler and Gross have become one of the biggest luxury brands in high fashion eyewear. The name constantly appears on catwalks around four major fashion weeks. Cutler and Gross have also built its own museum.

This designer eyewear brand takes pride in mixing cool style and its stellar Italian craftsmanship. This superior sunglasses brand is also uniquely creative. Since its inception, sunglasses and optical frames have trademark numbered designs and without a fancy logo.

Some of Cutler and Gross’s frames come in classic choices. But on top of that, you can also go for its bold, angular designs in brighter colors.

This supreme brand also offers palladium frames, which is one of the rarest and extremely shiny silvery-white metals to find. They all come in the highest UV protection, too.

Over the years, Cutler and Gross have stayed to be a popular choice among the most famous designers, artists, musicians, actors, and other influential people that walk this planet. At present, the company has retail shops all over the UK, North America, and Canada.

Some of the newest pairs of Cutler and Gross sunglasses are priced at about $400 to $500.

12. Burberry

Photo: toptrendsguide
Photo: toptrendsguide

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.

13. Christian Dior

Photo: Orkid
Photo: Orkid

The all-rounder famous brand – Christian Dior is a well-known makeup brand in the world. It was found in 1946 by a French couturier but got rose to fame after bringing back the hourglass shape after World War II. It was the turning point for Christian Dior to become one the best-known couture house in the world. A few years ago, the Dior sunglasses launch of Article Bridge-less Dior Real Aviator just rocked the internet. People also say that their first love is a pair of Dior Sunglasses. They had always treated people in the right way.

14. Versace

Photo: toptrendsguide
Photo: toptrendsguide

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.

15. Moscot

Photo: Hodd Barnes & Dickins Opticians Holborn
Photo: Hodd Barnes & Dickins Opticians Holborn

Moscot is one of the best brands to look for if you are shopping for a long-lasting pair of sunglasses. This super brand was first established in 1915 by founder Hyman Moscot in 1915.

Moscot has been around in the eyewear industry for around 104 years. So, it is one of the oldest landmark names that join the ranks of Ray-Ban, American Optical, and Persol.

Apart from being one of the oldest and the best brands of sunglasses in the world, Moscot is also one of the long-running New York-based companies. Until now, it remains as a privately-owned business managed by the Moscot family. The fourth-generation Moscot, Harvey Moscot, currently sits as the company president.

As a world-famous sunglasses manufacturer, Moscot sets itself apart from other brands by its bold and classic designs. The company makes excellent quality products that also come in fair price tags. For example, the Macher Sun is pegged at $320.

So, anyone who chooses this premium brand will have to dig deep into their pockets to get a pair of Moscot shades. A number of Hollywood male celebrities, including Johnny Depp, Paul Rudd, Jeff Goldblum, and James Franco, are avid fans of Moscot.

16. Gucci

Photo: toptrendsguide
Photo: toptrendsguide

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.

17. Warby Parker

Photo:mensgear
Photo:mensgear

A little over a decade ago, Warby Parker sent Big Glasses into a panic with its promise of middleman-less, affordable eyewear made with the same standards as its luxury counterparts. In the years since, the DTC eyewear giant made good on its promise to upend the industry by expanding into sunglasses too, causing rival executives no small amount of headache and giving customers across the country plenty of reason to celebrate.

18. Randolph Engineering

Photo:mensgear
Photo:mensgear

Randolph Engineering is the way to go if you are after durability. This luxury sunglasses brand makes some of the world’s most durable sunglasses. A pair of Randolph Engineering eyewear is touted to be indestructible.

The quality is 100 percent guaranteed. This is backed by the fact the brand’s loyal customer is the US government itself. Randolph Engineering has been making tons of sunglasses for the US Air Force, the US, Navy, and the US army for many years now.

The super brand’s lenses come in anti-reflective, scratch-resistant lenses that are distortion-free. These are capable of blocking 100 percent UVB and UVA light to protect your eyes.

While high-end sunglasses come in hefty price tags, You can grab a decent pair of Randolph Engineering aviator sunglasses at $200 price points.

Big Hollywood names such as Tom Cruise, Zac Efron, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Johnny Depp have worn Randolph Engineering eyewear. Founded in 1972, the American eyewear company is headquartered in Randolph, Massachusetts.

19. Carrera World

Photo: LensPick
Photo: LensPick

Founder Wilhelm Anger built his sports goggles company in 1956. He branded it Carrera Panamericana – a name after the fastest and most dangerous race in the world. For Anger, it means the future and forward-thinking.

Carrera offered its first new line of sports glasses in 1977. Two years later, the brand launched its revolutionary line of sunglasses known as the Carrera Porsche Design Collection.

The company collaborated with motorcar designer Ferdinand Alexander Porsche to come up with this special eyewear collection. This pair of sunglasses was introduced in the market with folding glasses and interchangeable lenses.

The brand also worked with famous designers like Jimmy Choo. In 2014, the Austrian sunglasses maker and Choo launched the exclusive capsule collection for Men.

This eyewear brand is known for its popular oversized aviator-style frames. It has marked its fashionable comeback in fashion in recent years with sleek urban frames made from ultra-lightweight and scratch-resistant materials.

Aside from its timeless classic signature styles, the brand rewrites history as it debuts its legendary Champion model known for its perfect fit and modern flair. Prices of some of the brand’s eyewear sell for $150 to $200.

The Carrera trademark belongs to Safilo Group S.p.A. that makes and designs sunglasses and sports eyewear. Although it was established in Austria in 1950s, it is now headquartered in Padova, Italy.

20. Jacques Marie Mage

Photo: Good See Co.
Photo: Good See Co.

If the recent Jeff Goldbum cosign didn't quite convince you, allows us to: GQ has been touting Jacques Marie Mage's bona fides for years now, gracing the temples of Keanu, Brad Pitt, and others with its top-end frames. Eyewear obssessive Jerome Mage founded the cult-loved label in 2014, and it's racked up an impressive roster of high-profile clients since. (Loki scene-stealer Jonathan Majors is also a devoted fan.) Yes, these small-batch, primo-quality shades will cost you a pretty penny, but copping a pair of sunglasses that no one else at the beach/party/beach party will have? Priceless.

Sunglasses Brands and Styles

Any brand of sunglasses created in the male fashion universe varies in style. Each style is designed to flatter a person’s face shape. It comes in sleek, classy, sporty, oversized, classic aviator, handsome, and modern frames.

Many designers come up with high-quality shades that are quite expensive but worth your money. Some of the best choices are the heritage global brands like Ray-Ban, Oliver Peoples, Persol, and Oakley, Inc. Relatively newcomer Warby Parker and hip brands like Mykita are also popular today.

Some brands, meanwhile, offer practical choices, however, such as polarized lenses. Polarized lenses can reduce glare and eye fatigue. They are also perfect for a long drive or a beach getaway.

A wide array of sunglasses in different styles are available in the fashion industry. You may be asking yourselves which brands to go for that perfectly suit your sophisticated style.

We have compiled a list to help you narrow your choice. But before that, here are some tips that you have to first consider when picking your new pair of sunglasses.

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