The Only Sunglasses Brands That Matter, According to Editors and Stylish Celebs

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(Image credit: @anna_laplaca)

If we had to name the one accessory a fashion person would make sure they leave the house with, it's a pair of sunglasses. They protect our eyes from the sun's rays but also offer the finishing touch on any kind of ensemble. From a luxury standpoint, their lower prices in comparison to other product offerings give people an entryway into their favorite designer brand. And while there are tons of buzzy and on-trend pairs of sunglasses on the market right now, it can be tricky to determine which ones deserve a spot in your wardrobe. 

There's a reason some designers choose to collaborate with existing eyewear brands as they embark on sunglasses—there's a further prioritized focus on quality there. That's not to say some luxury sunglasses aren't worth it (we've recommended a few below), but we'd suggest considering all your options before you make the splurge.

From reliable OG brands like Ray-Ban and Le Specs to newer labels like Lexxola, we've narrowed down the best brands to choose from when buying your next pair of sunglasses.

Le Specs

Since the 1970s, Le Specs has been making luxe-looking sunglasses at a more accessible price point. Its offering has the approval of celebrities such as Meghan Markle and Kendall Jenner as well as our editors, who think they hold up to designer pairs they've tried. 

Linda Farrow

In the luxury eyewear sector, Linda Farrow is the name to know. Having collaborated with Raf Simmons, The Attico, Paco Rabanne, and Magda Butrym, the label has both these designers' backing and ours. Its variety consists of sleek and minimal options to opulent and vintage-inspired ones. 

Ray-Ban

You can't talk about sunglasses without talking about Ray-Ban. The brand's signature styles remain classics beloved by everyone, cementing its place as a leader in the market. 

Celine

As I said before, there are a few luxury brands that are deemed "worth it" by fashion insiders, and Celine is one of them. If you're looking for an entry into the brand without spending over $500, this is it. The classic Triomphe style can be recognized from a mile away, adding a whole new level of chicness to any outfit you put on. 

Lexxola

There was a point in time when you couldn't scroll on Instagram without seeing someone wear a pair of Lexxola sunglasses. The brand put tinted sunglasses on the map with Gen Z and continues to grow its following. Retro sunglasses are its expertise, and we can't help but still be inspired by its oversize silhouettes and colorful frames. 

Khaite x Oliver Peoples

As mentioned before, certain brands choose to collaborate with trustworthy experts rather than produce their own eyewear, and that's what Khaite decided to do with Oliver Peoples. This collaboration mixes Oliver Peoples' functional products with Khaite's forward and edgy design direction, bringing the best of both worlds together.

Warby Parker

To those who wear eyeglasses, don't fret, because Warby Parker has you covered with a vast selection that lets you customize frames and lenses. You can also request to try on five frames for free, so you can find your pick without having to leave your home. 

Aperçu

Aperçu collaborates with the people whose outfits we all add to our Saved folders on Instagram, so it's no wonder each collection continues to get cooler than the last. Each collaboration speaks to the individual's aesthetic, giving customers a variety to choose from, whichever suits best to their personal style. 

This story was published at an earlier date and has since then been updated.

Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.