"Just like jeans or underwear, the sunglasses you wear depend mostly on personal preference. The silhouette that frames your face best, the color you prefer, and how much you’re willing to spend are all factors when shopping for the accessory. And, of course, you can’t talk about shopping for sunglasses without mentioning Ray-Ban. The brand is a tried-and-true classic in the market, but the high price tag and limited range of styles can leave a little to be desired. That said, a handful of low-key, affordable, and celebrity-approved brands are just as worthy of your wallet.
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Sunglasses play a massive role in accessorizing outfits, which means you can be as picky as you want when choosing a pair. Whether you’re shopping on a budget (we’ve included options under $50) or looking for a pair of sunglasses nobody you pass on the street will be wearing, these are seven of the best sunglass brands to shop that aren’t Ray-Ban.
The Editor-Vetted Brand: Le Specs
If you’re in the market for a versatile pair of sunglasses, let it be the Le Specs Outta Loves. I spent years on a hunt for my perfect shades, and the Outta Loves are not only universally flattering but actually affordable. Up until discovering the silhouette, I’d been at a loss to find sunglasses that complemented my face shape, but Le Specs delivers time and time again. Whether searching for a timeless pair of sunglasses or a trendy, statement-making pair, Le Specs’s best sellers are widely editor-vetted.
The Up-And-Coming Brand: Bru Eyewear
Emma Chamberlain has been wearing Bru Eyewear non-stop throughout this summer. Since the brand’s launch in 2022, it’s gained stamps of approval from Renee Rapp, Hailey Bieber, and more. Bru Eyewear pairs colorful lenses with neutral square and circular frames for a fun pop of color that’s still casually wearable but also totally exciting. Each pair is also named after historical buildings in California (where its founder grew up), which is a lovely touch.
The Under-$50 Brand: I-Sea
A chic pair of sunglasses doesn’t have to break the bank if I-Sea has anything to do with it. The Amazon Prime brand (so you can grab them in a pinch!) has a range of classic and trendy styles under $50. They also have a few dupes of popular styles, like the trending gold Celine glasses that went viral on TikTok. Whether you’re one to lose or break your sunglasses often, need a budget gift, or simply aren’t in the market to splurge on sunglasses, these are a great option.
The Celebrity-Approved Brand: Dmy Studios
Looking to invest in an elevated pair of sunglasses with a luxe feel sans a designer price tag? Opt for Dmy Studios, a low-key British brand with a co-sign from Bella and Gigi Hadid, Olivia Rodrigo, Kendall Jenner, and just about every stylish celebrity you can think of. Each pair has a chic ‘90s feel and is made with cellulose acetate, a plant-based, sustainable plastic derivative. The Valentina is notoriously sold-out and a celeb favorite, so don’t wait to get your hands on a pair.
The Brand Gen-Zs Love: Crap Eyewear
Crap Eyewear’s quirky branding, sustainable materials, and under $110 price tag is why they’ve become a Gen-Z staple. Olive green, warm yellow, and amber hues are found throughout the different styles that reflect the brand’s sporty, vibrant take on classic cat-eye, square, and circular frames. Their more subdued styles, such as the Dropout Boogie and Groove Pilot, also stand out.
The Vintage-Inspired Brand: Lexxola
Look anywhere in Williamsburg, New York, or Echo Park, California, and you’ll find a stylish person wearing a pair of Lexxola sunglasses. The TikTok-viral brand gives main character energy that spans generations. Their retro, rounded sunglasses will instantly transport you to the ‘70s, no bell-bottoms necessary. Daisy Jones and The Six fans will love styles like the Bella and Damian that have funky yellow frames, whereas the Cindy and Ida frames are more pared-back in silhouette and hue.
The Brand That Went Instagram Viral: Quay
If you were on Instagram in 2014, you wanted two things: A Triangl bikini and a pair of Quay sunglasses. Quay went Instagram-viral before that was even a thing and has continued to release of-the-moment styles ever since. Above all, each pair’s well-made construction and affordable price tag are why they’ve been able to stick around in popularity to this day. Speaking of, they just recently released a colorful collaboration with SZA.
Kaitlin Clapinski, Contributing Fashion Writer
Kaitlin is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers celebrity style, current trends, and everything else fashion-related. You can find more of her work in Marie Claire, Editorialist, The Zoe Report, and i-D Magazine, among others.