Designed to put a sparkle in your eye, while subtly throwing shade at the competition, the best sunglasses brands are sartorial visionaries. These glasses have the ability to turn any outfit into a cool and fashionable look.
But a killer pair of shades is more than just offering a new style perspective. Whether it’s a James Bond-inspired pair of wayfarers or Brad Pitt’s classical aviators, sunglasses are made from durable, long-lasting materials. They should fit and flatter your face. And of course, they need to protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
With that frame of mind, here is the list of top luxury sunglasses brands in the world.
From polarized to rose-tinted, they’re all about looking at life through a new lens (literally and metaphorically speaking.)
Why you can trust Banton Frameworks?
We’re obsessed with everything eyewear. This means that we’re constantly looking at other brands and how we can improve our designs.
That being said, we know what to look for in a quality pair of shades. And while we remain unapologetically biased towards our own brand, we understand that individuals have unique style and feature preferences.
Thease are the luxury sunglasses brands that we ourselves would recommend to those we love, including our own, of course.
Top 12 Most Luxurious Sunglasses Brands
1. Banton Frameworks
As we’ve said, we’re unapologetically biased towards our own brand, Banton Frameworks. And while we may not be totally objective, our loyal customer base is, with many calling them, “the best [they’ve] ever had”.
What makes Banton sunglasses so great?
Every single pair of Banton sunglasses is handcrafted by our founders, Jamie and Lucy. Premium materials, luxury design, careful construction, and a commitment to quality that you can't get from mass production. Our sunglasses come with polarized lenses as standard because we believe your eyes deserve real protection, not just style. Plus, our timeless styles are built to last with a promise of free lifetime repairs.
If you are keen on getting yourself a pair of limited edition luxury sunglasses sign up here to join the waiting list.
Best for: Handmade with a more sustainable perspective.
Most popular styles: Aviators
Polarized: Optional
Prescription options: Yes
Price: ££
2. Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban was founded in 1937 and has been an iconic name in eyewear for nearly a century. Their aviator sunglasses have created a history and become a symbol of style and innovation.
Ray-Ban is continuously innovating itself and launching new products based on the future. You can find Ray-Ban sunglasses in any range from luxury to premium. Ray-Ban is a creator of the most recognizable sunglasses in the world, like the Wayfarer, Aviator, and Clubmaster.
Not only frames, but they are also making eyewear lenses. Ray-Bans have been featured in countless films, TV shows, and music videos. Their glasses are worn by almost every celebrity.
Explore the list of Ran-Ban’s luxury sunglasses and choose a perfect pair as per your preference.
- Best for: Iconic, timeless styles with universal appeal
- Most popular styles: Aviators, Wayfarers, Clubmasters
- Polarized: Available
- Prescription options: Yes
- Price: £££
3. Dita
Established in 1995, Dita Eyewear is known for its luxurious and high-quality eyewear that showcases superior craftsmanship.
Distinguished by its commitment to innovative design and meticulous craftsmanship, Dita frames are handcrafted in Japan, using only the finest materials like titanium and 18K gold.
The brand’s philosophy combines timeless elegance with edgy, modern aesthetics, often drawing inspiration from vintage styles. Dita's eyewear is a symbol of status and style, favored amongst stealth wealth celebrities and high profile businessmen.
We love these limited edition Epiluxury square rims, fitted with interchangeable sides, as well as this round pair, featuring 22K gold plated frames. Or check out the entire collection here.
Best for: IYKYK—a secret sartorial handshake of sorts.
Most popular styles: Square and round
Polarized: Options available
Prescription: Yes
Price: ££££
4. Linda Farrow
Linda Farrow is a pioneer of a luxury eyewear brand that created the most innovative and avant-garde designs in the eyewear industry.
Founded in the 1970s, it revolutionized the eyewear industry by blending high fashion with functional design.
The brand is celebrated for its use of precious materials like gold and platinum, as well as more sustainable options, such as recycled acetate. Linda Farrow’s shades are finished off with hand polished frames. And adopting the latest technologies, the brand’s lenses provide optimum clarity and UV protection.
We particularly love these Edano aviators, featuring a light pink lens and rose gold frame. And if you prefer a chunkier frame, these Debbie cat eyes are a fashion failsafe. Or check out the entire Linda Farrow Sunglasses collection.
Best for: UV protection—but make it fashion.
Most popular styles: Aviator and cat eye
Polarized: Options available
Prescription: Yes
Price: £££
5. Matsuda
Founded by Mitsuhiro Matsuda in Japan, the affluent label’s meticulous approach to flawless designs is a nod to its home country.
Inspired by cultural influences, each pair of glasses is a work of art, combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Matsuda’s architectural precision and timeless elegance design make it one of the most luxurious sunglasses brands.
Featuring 22K gold vermeil rims, these Matsuda Precious round frames reflect the understated opulence of the brand. While Matsuda Heritage frames offer a vintage vibe with detachable side shields. Or if you're looking for something a bit different why not check out Matsuda's entire collection.
Best for: Japanese-inspired perfection.
Most popular styles: Round
Polarized: Options available
Prescription: Yes
Price: ££££
6. Cazal
Leaving a significant impact on the hip-hop and R&B scenes, Cazal is renowned for its unconventional shapes, avant garde designs and innovative materials.
Constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, the brand’s oversized, accessories are undeniably eye-catching (quite literally.) Every pair of their luxurious sunglasses is engineered with high UV protection, glare-reducing gradients, and quality material.
We are absolutely obsessed with these square Cazal sunglasses that worm by brand. While these Legends sunglasses take it up a notch with real buffalo horn frames, 24K gold plated rims and gold mirror lenses. Or check out their extensive range of sunglasses here.
Best for: Making an eye-conic entrance.
6.Most popular styles: Square
Polarized: Options available
Prescription: Yes
Price: £££
7. Anna-Karin Karlsson
Anna-Karin Karlsson is not only renowned for crafting luxurious sunglasses but also celebrated as a trendsetter in the eyewear industry. All the eyewear is seamlessly built with high-end materials. From stone studded rims to hot pink oversized frames, the affluent label lives by the maxim more is always more.
Blending opulence with whimsy and playfulness, each design is an expression of individuality and sartorial prowess. They’re the kind of sunglasses that demand attention and attract compliments, while simultaneously providing clarity and reducing glare.
Made from 22K white gold with stone-embellished frames, these limited edition Shady Luv shield sunnies are a personification of the brand itself. While these Billion $ Boo round shades reflect the brand’s mantra with green stone accents and detailed side shades. If these styles don’t suit you, explore their luxurious sunglasses collection to find your perfect pair.
Best for: A maximalist approach to luxury eyewear.
Most popular styles: Shields and round
Polarized: Options available
Prescription: Yes
Price: ££££
8. Randolph
Randolph Engineering was founded in 1973 in Massachusetts, USA. Of course, they had not invented aviator eyeglasses, but they are known for supplying aviator sunglasses to the U.S. military and NASA pilots.
Each Randolph's luxurious sunglasses is handcrafted from high-grade metals, durable finishes, and scratch-resistant lenses in the USA
Fusing fashion with functionality, the luxury sunglasses brand offers first class eye protection. Randolph’s polarized AGX lenses accentuate calming green and yellow wavelengths, reducing eye strain and glare.
Our favorite designs from the brand are the classic polarized aviator and the slightly more decadent Randolph Elinor in 22K rose gold. Or check out the whole collection to find the perfect aviator sunglasses for you.
Best for: Flying high above the rest.
Most popular styles: Aviator
Polarized: Options available
Prescription options: Yes
Price: ££
9. Oliver Peoples
Founded in 1986 in Los Angeles, Oliver People is known for making timeless and subtle eyewear designs. The brand offers a wide range of eyewear collections from premium to the most luxurious. Worn by A-listers like Elton John, Jay-Z, Jennifer Aniston, and Brad Pitt, Oliver Peoples has become synonymous with effortless style and sophistication.
Drawing inspiration from vintage designs of the 1940s to 1970s, Oliver Peoples blends retro charm with modern sophistication, making them instantly recognizable to all in the know.
Some of the Oliver Peoples luxury sunglasses are fitted with photochromatic lenses that make them ultra comfortable in all conditions. For example, Mister Brunello
Such as the Marson and Mister Brunello are fitted with photochromatic lenses, making them ultra comfortable in all conditions.
Or have a look at their entire Sunglasses collection here.
Best for: Voguish versatility.
Most popular styles: Wayfarer and square
Polarized: Options available
Prescription: Yes
Price: ££
10. Cutler and Gross
Founded in 1969 in London, the brand Cutler and Gross has over 50 years of heritage. These sunglasses are handcrafted in Italy with premium materials, featuring bold yet timeless designs and a strong presence in the fashion world. The brand avoids logos and loud branding and quietly represents itself as a luxurious eyewear or sunglasses brand.
However just because they’re more discreet than other designer labels doesn’t mean they’re not being seen. Colin Firth was spotted wearing these Kingsman Sun collabs, while Gal Gadot loves her Cutler and Gross wayfarers. You can also look at their entire collection of premium sunglasses.
Best for: A cut above the rest eyewear.
Most popular styles: Wayfarer
Polarized: Options available
Prescription: Yes
Price: ££
11. Persol
Persol has a history of making the most stylish eyewear in the world. Established in 1917, the brand still maintains the same quality and durability on all of its eyeglasses.
Recognized by the Silver Arrow symbol, the brand’s signature is the Meflecto system (the world’s first flexible stem system), a testament to Persol’s constant pursuit of innovation and unparalleled comfort.
Which pair would we choose?
As some of our best luxury sunglasses for men, it’s a tough choice between Jay Z’s wayfarers and Prince Harry’s round frames. Or why not have a look at all the styles available in Persol's sunglasses collection.
Best for: Rappers, royalty and everyone in between.
Most popular styles: Wayfarer
Polarized: Options available
Prescription: Yes
Price: £
12. Oakley
Oakley is the only brand that makes the best sunglasses of all time. These premium sunglasses are only made for outdoorsy.
The high performance brand is now considered a stylish streetwear staple. And while it is still hailed as one of the best brands amongst sports stars, more and more fashion aficionados seem to be getting in on the action.
Featuring High Definition Optics technology, Oakley is dedicated to crystal clear vision in all conditions. The brand’s sunglasses are also incredibly durable, lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The Oakley Sutro shields are the brand's hallmark—and also one of the best designs for big heads. While the Oakley Two Face square frames were made famous by Jake Gyllenhall in Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant. Check out the entire collection here.
Best for: Styling sporting heroes and streetwear influencers alike.
Most popular styles: Shields
Polarized: Yes
Prescription: Yes
Price: £
Sunglasses Glossary
Polarized
Polarized lenses come with a unique filter that significantly cuts down the glare from sunlight and other reflective surfaces. This feature enhances clarity and comfort in brightly lit environments. Additionally, these sunglasses enhance color contrast, making hues appear more vivid. On the flip side, they can interfere with viewing LED screens, such as your smartphone, so it's advisable to opt for a different pair when browsing social media platforms like Instagram.
UV Protection
100% UV protection in sunglasses means they completely block out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. This includes both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause eye damage over time. Wearing sunglasses with this level of protection helps prevent conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Prescription
Prescription sunglasses offer the dual benefits of style and vision correction, so you don’t have to choose between looking cool and being able to see. Ensuring that you don’t have to compromise on either, all of Banton’s polarized sunglasses can be fitted with prescription lenses.
Photochromatic
Photochromatic lenses in sunglasses are akin to chameleons, adeptly adjusting to the environment. These lenses are engineered to shield our eyes from damaging rays, reacting dynamically to the intensity of UV light they encounter. In bright sunlight, they darken to provide optimal protection, and in conditions with less UV exposure, they lighten while still maintaining clear and comfortable vision.
Frequently asked questions about the best sunglasses brands
Which luxury brand makes the best sunglasses?
Determining the "best" luxury sunglasses brand is subjective and varies based on personal preference and style. Brands like Ray-Ban, and Oakley are renowned for their high-quality, stylish designs. Ray-Ban is iconic for its classic styles.
What is the most luxurious sunglasses brand?
Affluent labels like Cartier and Bulgari are often considered the most luxurious sunglasses brands. Adorned with opulent gems and intricate detailing, they’re also some of the most expensive brands, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the best. Luxury brands like Ray-Ban, Persol and Oakley are often more functional and protective.
Are expensive sunglasses really better?
Expensive sunglasses often provide better quality in terms of materials, durability, lens technology, and UV protection compared to cheaper alternatives. They typically offer superior optical clarity, comfort, and longevity. However, a higher price doesn't always guarantee better eye protection. Always buy sunglasses with features like 100% UV protection, polarized lenses, and fit.
How can you tell if sunglasses are high quality?
To determine if sunglasses are high quality, check for 100% UV protection, polarized lenses, durable frame materials (like acetate or metal), and lens clarity without distortions. High-quality hinges and a comfortable fit are also indicators. Brand reputation and price can be suggestive, but they're not definitive measures of quality.
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