Fun fact: nearly 80% of all major eyewear brands (see: Ray-Ban and Persol) are designed, marketed, and owned by Italian mega-company, Luxiottica. Yet, in an industry dominated by big brands making cheap sunglasses with high prices, there remain a number of independently owned, American brands out there challenging the status quo. Pick up a pair of these and not only will you be the envy of many, but you’ll be supporting American businesses as they struggle to fend off an Italian juggernaut bent on monopolizing the sunglass market.
Oliver Peoples
This California based company was founded in 1987 with “a passion for superior product… and an obsession with service.” They have since grown to become the must-have sunglasses from LA. Unlike many of the mainstream “luxury” eyewear brands’ that are obsessed with plastering their names to your temples, Oliver Peoples sunglasses are void of prominent branding. Instead, their unique vintage design allow these sunglasses to truly speak for themselves. Identifying these novelties in passing can be somewhat difficult, but that just makes it that much more meaningful when you do. Authentic Oliver Peoples sunglasses aren’t cheap, but investing in a pair might not be a bad idea if you plan to be fraternizing with a fashionably conscious crowd. You’ll instantly become the coolest guy in the room.
Shwood
A self proclaimed “experiment with nature,” Shwood prides itself on the use of natural and/or recycled materials to create a pair of sunglasses that looks as unique as it feels. While I can’t say I’ve ever looked at my old pair of Ray Ban’s and thought, “These would be a lot cooler if they were made out of wood,” I also can’t say it’s a bad idea. I recently had the opportunity to see these in person, and have to admit: these are some of the most unique sunglasses I’ve ever experienced. Trying them on, you immediately notice a different weight than the plastic or metal frame glasses you’re undoubtedly used to. They feel substantial without feeling heavy. They feel finely crafted. And while the actual design of the sunglasses borrow heavily from Ray Ban and Persol, you won’t have any trouble standing out in these. In fact, you should probably consider wearing a t-shirt that says “Yes, my sunglasses are made of wood” if you buy a pair. It’ll end up saving you a lot of breath.
Warby Parker
If you’ve ever gone sunglass shopping only to find yourself frustrated by having to choose between inexplicably overpriced brand names or ridiculously low quality knock offs, you should know that at least you aren’t alone. Aimed at filling this void in the marketplace (and providing an alternative to Luxiottica brands), Warby Parker is making waves in the industry by providing exceedingly high quality sunglasses at affordable price points. Starting a just south of $100, these sunglasses are truly an incredible value that are backed up by a one-year, no-scratch guarantee for the lenses. That might not sound like a big deal to some of you, but it would certainly come in-handy for me. And similar to the model popularized by TOMS, Warby Parker donates a pair of prescription glasses for every pair they sell. To-date, they have donated over a million pairs of glasses to people in need. So, you should really consider buying a pair of these sunglasses for yourself. Not only will you be supporting American business and helping to provide prescription glasses to those in need, but you’ll have a great pair of sunglasses that will look good and last for years to come. ∎