Whatever the weather, sunglasses make the perfect addition to any outfit. Whether it’s chic, translucent shades to wear indoors or thick, sun-shielding frames to take on summer vacays, they’re probably one of the most important and underrated accessories of all time. We’ve rounded up a collection of our go-to sunglasses brands that, granted, you can enjoy all year round but are especially perfect for taking along to festivals, garden parties and summer getaways.
For sun protection, opt for the trusted lenses of optician Jimmy Fairly, whose sustainable sunglasses range is crafted from bio-acetate, a plant-based and biodegradable material. For frames that were made for flexing fits, check out the micro-sunglasses offering Christianah Jones, a firm favorite amongst the likes of Bella Hadid and Beyonce, or Poppy Lissiman, whose cult-loved styles have been worn by Justin and Hailey Bieber.
Take a look at Hypebae’s selection of sunglasses (and clear lenses too) below, and while you’re here, take a look at the best swimwear brands for fuller busts.
AWD Eyewear
If your sunglasses are doing all the talking, AWD should be on your radar. The design-led eyewear label has already caught the attention of some of music’s coolest names, with Charli XCX sporting its ORA shades on the opening night of her North American tour, while KATSEYE’s Lara Raj and Yoonchae wore the same silhouette for the group’s “Animal” music video. With a roster of bold silhouettes made for standing out, AWD is proof that eyewear can be much more than an afterthought.
Lexxola
Lexxola is the ultimate cool-girl sunglasses brand, having outfitted the likes of Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. The London-based label, founded in 2019, quickly went from newcomer on the scene to global sensation with its retro-modern, acetate frames and colored lenses. This one’s a cult-fave for the city-girls.
BRU
For eyewear with a bit more edge, LA-based label BRU is one to know. Founded by husband-and-wife duo David and Paige Adams, the brand takes a thoughtful approach to design, creating high-quality frames that play with contrasting colors and mixed materials. With a focus on smaller-fitting silhouettes, BRU offers a fresh perspective on your everyday shades, balancing distinctive design with wearability. Already featured on stars including Kylie Jenner, Bad Bunny and Justin Bieber, BRU is making a case for being the next major glasses takeover.
Sub Sun
Rooted in music culture, London-based eyewear label Sub Sun is bringing a rock ‘n’ roll edge to your sunglasses rotation. Founded by DJ Bradley Zero, the brand draws inspiration from music archives, vintage gig footage and iconic album covers to create frames infused with nostalgia. Its designs have caught the attention of artists and creatives alike, with previous collaborations spanning musician Joel Gion of The Brian Jonestown Massacre and British designer Nicholas Daley. Most recently, Sub Sun teamed up with rising rock band Geese to create a custom wraparound bug-eye frame, complete with the band’s signatures engraved on the inner temples. Also worn by artists including Green Tea Peng and Nightmares on Wax, Sub Sun’s shades are made for those who like their eyewear with a bit of culture.
CHIMI
Swedish eyewear label CHIMI was founded by childhood friends Daniel Djurdjevic and Charlie Lindström after Charlie struggled to find a replacement for a pair of sunglasses he’d broken years earlier. That search sparked a brand built around creating frames worth wearing on repeat, balancing expressive design with everyday ease. Since then, CHIMI has grown into one of Sweden’s leading eyewear names, championing the idea that sunglasses are more than just a finishing touch. Recently spotted on Kate Moss and her daughter Lila, alongside Troye Sivan and Shay Mitchell, CHIMI is about to be your new staple.
Side Eye NYC
New to the eyewear scene but already making waves, Side Eye NYC is the label to know for sunglasses with a little extra attitude. Inspired by New York’s effortlessly cool street style, the brand serves up bold silhouettes and playful detailing that instantly pull a look together. Despite launching just three months ago, Side Eye NYC has already caught the attention of fashion’s favourite It-girls, with Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber and Vittoria Ceretti all spotted wearing its designs. Blending downtown energy with a confident aesthetic, the label is making a strong case for letting your sunglasses do the talking.
QUAY
QUAY Australia is probably one of the most well-known sunglasses brands out there. From celebrity collabs to Love Island partnerships, it’s gone from strength to strength in recent years and continues to be a faultless go-to for sunnies fans. One of our favorite-ever releases is a partnership with superstar SZA, resulting in an eight-piece collection of the singer’s favorite silhouettes.
Hot Futures
Founded by Jake Jarvis in East London, Hot Futures now has two stores in the UK, stocking its extensive range of sunglasses and opticals. Handmade with high-grade cellulose acetate, the brand proudly offers 100% UVA/B protective optical quality lenses, and its frames are complete with robust alloy hinges and hardware.
Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban is definitely a household name at this point, but its recent team-ups with the likes of A$AP Rocky and Coperni have officially elevated the brand to it-girl status. Known for its pioneering Wayfair silhouette, the brand now has a pretty wide range of trend-led silhouettes that are perfect for any face shape.
IZIPIZI
IZIPIZI is a B Corp certified brand, focused on reducing its carbon footprint alongside creating fashion-forward frames that’ll stand the test of time. With a wide range that spans reading, sports and even kidswear, the optical offering is a pretty impressive one. Their range is focused on joy and color, so definitely not one for the minimalists among us.
Jimmy Fairly
London-based eyewear brand Jimmy Fairly is known for its wide range of styles across glasses and sunnies, not to mention its stellar collaborations which, in the past, has included the likes of Miista and Carel. Its latest release was a team-up with Los Angeles label Reformation, which featured a collection of 10 classic silhouettes like aviators and cat-eye frames in a range of colored lenses.
Thierry Lasry
French designer Thierry Lasry is known for his eclectic eyewear, fusing artistic aesthetics with signature silhouettes. His latest release is a collaboration with Cult Gaia — resulting in two chic eyewear silhouettes, “Jazz” and “Jaya” in classic colorways of black and white, along with translucent pinks, blues and greens.
Le Specs
Le Specs is a one-stop shop for everything eyewear, most notably known for its collections with Christopher Kane’s “More Joy” label. Offering a range of sunnies for every occasion, its selection is one of the most varied. Most recently, the brand teamed up with LA label Ian Charms for a Y2K-inspired collection for it-girls everywhere.
Ace & Tate
Similarly to Jimmy Fairly, Ace & Tate provides a range of optical lenses and sunnies along with eyewear accessories like chains, cords and clip-ons. Aside from being a fully-fledged optician, the brand offers a selection of fashion-forward frames and lenses in three different frame widths to suit every head shape. Previously, Ace & Tate has teamed up with GANNI, Polly Nor and Ahluwalia.
Gentle Monster
Gentle Monster is a brand that needs no introduction. From viral collaborations with BLACKPINK’s Jennie to Maison Margiela, the eyewear brand is one that’s become known for its innovative packaging, immersive experiences and distinctive frames — perfect for channelling every type of fashionista.
Poppy Lissiman
Celeb-approved Poppy Lissiman has been worn by the likes of Justin Bieber and Paris Hilton — known for its playful approach to eyewear and tongue-in-cheek designs. It’s a brand perfect for tapping into our inner party girl, something we’re all looking forward to doing this summer.
Christianah Jones
Another fashion fave, Christianah Jones is the London-based, Black-owned brand known for its distinctive, teeny-tiny frames in various colors. An easy way to elevate any beach or poolside look this summer, the viral unisex silhouettes are the perfect addition to any vacay.
MELLER
Barcelona-based MELLER makes classic silhouettes in fun colored frames and lenses, alongside its tongue-in-cheek campaigns that tell you everything you need to know about the brand. From iconic aviators to signature sunnies, it’s got something to suit every taste.
bloobloom
Another London-based label, bloobloom began as an online eyewear retailer, which has since expanded into numerous physical stores. Similar to Ace & Tate, the brand offers a range of silhouettes in three different widths, promising fashion-forward styles at an affordable price range.
