When choosing sunglasses, you want them to look great and, most importantly, to protect your eyes well, not to slip, not to break, to be comfortable, and not to look like they’re 10 years old after a week.
This is where major brands come to our aid. They have earned their reputation over the years by investing in and using high -quality materials, developing technologies for their lenses, controlling the quality of assembly, having progressive designs, and conducting constant testing of their glasses in real life.
Many independent tests around the world confirm our idea: the best brands are those whose glasses withstand the test of sun, glare, impact/scratches, and time.
For example, in a review by Outdoor Gear Lab, where more than 100 models of sunglasses were tested, the key criteria were comfort, optics, and durability.
The GearJunkie review also mentions that, in addition to iconic and traditional brands, Maui Jim, Bajío, Smith, and Spy are among the strong players.
How do you navigate brands
To help you find your perfect pair, here’s a simple what-to-choose guide.
- For everyday wear: Ray-Ban and Persol
- For maximum glare protection: Maui Jim and Costa del Mar
- For sports: Oakley, Smith Optics, and SPY+ Optic
- Designer glasses: Jacques Marie Mage, Gentle Monster, and Oliver Peoples
- For luxury brands: Prada Eyewear and Tom Ford Eyewear
Now I’ll tell you about my favorites that are worth knowing about and that really bring benefits, not just a pretty picture.
How to choose the right glasses
To make sure you’re not just buying an expensive label but a pair that truly serves its purpose, keep these recommendations in mind:
- Lenses are the first thing to pay attention to. Look for 100% UV protection, polarization, and anti-reflective coatings. Even with an expensive brand, this may not be a default option.
- Look at the frame, materials, and small details. If the arms are too thin or the metal is weak, they may lose their original appearance after a year. Pay attention to how they sit on your nose and whether there is any pressure or slipping.
- Don’t choose based on the logo — trust your feelings. When you put them on, they should be comfortable from the very first second. If after a couple of minutes you want to take them off, then they are not for you.
- Look at the brand’s specialization. Each brand has its own purpose, for example, for sports or everyday use, but there are also those that are only suitable for special occasions.
Trends for 2025
Futuristic shapes combined with retro angular frames are becoming increasingly popular. Balenciaga, Acne, and Prada have been actively experimenting with these shapes for quite some time.
- Eco-friendly materials. Models made from recycled plastic are at the peak of interest.
- High-tech lenses. Not just UV, but adaptive optics, improved polarization, anti-glare.
- Small-batch designer brands are gaining popularity. People want uniqueness, and brands like Jacques Marie Mage and Cutler and Gross are responding to this demand.
1. Ray-Ban
Why everyone knows the brand: One of the most popular brands in the US and indeed in the world. Founded in 1936 by Bausch & Lomb.
Their strengths:
- Classic models: Aviator, Wayfarer, Clubmaster.
- Affordability: It’s a big brand, yet the prices remain reasonable.
- Combination of style and time-tested quality: If you want “one pair of glasses to last at least a few years,” Ray-Ban is often the first choice.
- In 2025, Ray-Ban is also experimenting with smart lenses (AR smart) in collaboration with Meta.
Cons — what to look out for: Mass-market brands may have fewer technical “bells and whistles” (advanced coatings) compared to more niche brands.
2. Persol
History: An Italian brand with a truly rich and long history.
What they do well:
The famous Meflecto flexible temple system (for a better fit) that really works.
Handcrafted, often “made in Italy,” with strict quality control.
Classic models with history — for example, the Persol 714, which became popular thanks to Steve McQueen.
Balance between style and practicality — they are not just “pretty pictures” but also have sufficient technology for modern glasses.
When to choose Persol: If you want glasses with design, character, manual quality control, and a solid set of technologies.
3. Maui Jim
Origin: The brand comes from Hawaii, where else could good sunglasses be invented? Founded in 1980, it has since carved out a niche for itself as one of Ray-Ban’s main competitors.
Technology: PolarizedPlus2 is their proprietary polarization and lens processing technology, which provides high-quality color reproduction without distortion and excellent contrast in both sunny and cloudy weather.
Why people love the brand:
Your eyes get less tired in bright sunlight and glare (especially on the coast, in the snow, and in other conditions).
Large catalog for any occasion (including sports and classic styles) and even non-standard shapes.
In 2022, the brand joined the large Kering Eyewear company, which allowed them to significantly strengthen their position and move forward
Disadvantages — nuances: Sometimes the price is above average, especially for premium versions.
4. Oliver Peoples
History: A brand with a luxury, premium style, now owned by a major player in the market — Luxottica.
What’s notable:
Their designs are perfectly minimalist and refined in detail.
They use thin materials. joints and details play a big role in the design.
Positioning: Quality comes first — it’s both fashionable and impeccably made.
When to choose Oliver Peoples: If you like interesting design, uniqueness, and originality, and focus on quality, then this is an excellent choice.
5. Oakley
Oakley is a brand associated with an active lifestyle, sports, and technology.
Key aspects:
They use durable, lightweight, high-tech lenses and coatings.
Popular for sports and active recreation (cycling, running, water sports, hiking, traveling).
A high tech brand focusing on design.
Cons: Oakley’s designs are often “sporty” and may not suit everyone, especially if you want glasses for everyday wear.
6. Bajío
A niche brand that often pops up in reviews as ultra-high-quality sunglasses. GearJunkie
Their strengths:
High-quality lenses, especially for bright sunny days.
A smaller production scale means more attention to detail and better quality control.
Often mentioned in reviews alongside Maui Jim and Smith as a brand “for the most demanding buyers.” GearJunkie
Suitable if: you want something more unique and original, more niche.
7. Smith
Brand essence: a brand focused on sports, nature, active leisure, swimming, and everything related to indoor and outdoor activities. GearJunkie
Pros:
- Excellent optics, anti-glare coatings, resistance to stress and minor lens scratches.
- Variety and wide selection of models, adaptable to different lighting conditions.
- Good price/quality balance in its niche.
- When: if you are a super-active person (you love cycling, hiking, skiing) and need durable glasses, then this is an excellent choice.
8. Spy
Spy is another sports brand that cares about good design, often mentioned alongside brands such as Smith and Bajío. GearJunkie
Pros:
- 2-in-1 design – sports technology and style.
- Actively implements technologies that improve visual perception and provide good protection against glare/distortion.
- Good for a second pair of glasses if you want “sports + street.”
9. Jacques Marie Mage
A brand loved by connoisseurs of unique and beautiful design. GQ+1
- What makes this brand interesting:
Small production runs, hand-assembled pieces, collectible series, and strict quality control. - Bold frame designs, “not for everyone,” but that’s what makes the brand stand out from other brands.
- They use high-quality materials that have been tested repeatedly.
Ideal if: you want glasses that will make you stand out.
10. Gentle Monster
A relatively young South Korean brand that constantly experiments with design—perfect if you want to be remembered on Instagram.
- Why they stand out:
Bold design, futuristic shapes, experimental lenses. - The visual perception of these glasses is excellent, and you will definitely be remembered on Instagram.
- The brand is growing rapidly, with several dozen stores in different countries and locations around the world.
When: if you care about the wow effect, hype, bold shapes, originality, and Instagram-approved glasses.
A few “extra” brands worth mentioning
Prada — a fashion house that produces eyewear lines with a signature aesthetic. The quality is high, but the price can be steep depending on the model, reaching up to ,000.
Tom Ford Eyewear — luxury style, recognizability, and premium quality, selling for an average of 0 (which is not cheap), but the retro style of these glasses is superb.
Costa del Mar — especially for those who live by the water or love fishing and water sports, because their lenses cope well with glare and are among the most technologically advanced on the market.
To be honest, sunglasses are not about trends, but about how they make you feel — their design, their lenses, even the case they come in. It’s about expressing your character and individuality. Some give you confidence, others let your eyes rest, and some simply make your look stand out every day.
Good glasses are like a good family: you don’t even notice they’re there, but with them everything is somehow better and more comfortable.
What I consider a mistake is chasing after a brand — chase after that feeling when you look at yourself in the mirror and think:
“Yes, this is me.”
