If you are looking for a new pair of sunglasses, you might be tempted to find where to buy Luxottica glasses – one of the most well-known companies, the huge corporation that dominates the eyewear industry. Luxottica owns brands like Ray-Ban, Persol, Oakley, and Armani, as well as making frames for fashion houses like Burberry, Ralph Lauren, and Tom Ford.
But did you know that Luxottica does not own many other sunglasses brands that offer high-quality, stylish, and unique frames at reasonable prices? In this blog post, we will introduce you to 12 of the best non-Luxottica sunglasses brands and show why you should look beyond the Luxottica brands for your next pair of sunglasses.
Why you should look beyond luxottica owned brands for your next pair of sunglasses
Luxottica is a giant in the eyewear industry. However, its market share varies depending on the source. According to Euromonitor International, Luxottica’s market share was 14% worldwide before its merger with Essilor in 2018. After the merger, EssilorLuxottica now occupies nearly 30% of the global market share. In the US, Luxottica accounts for 60% of all sunglass sales. However, industry data has consistently shown that Luxottica’s share of eyeglass frame sales in the US is below 20%. Some sources claim that Luxottica holds 80% of the market, while others put the company’s market share as low as 10%.
While this may sound impressive, it also has some drawbacks for consumers. For one thing, Luxottica can charge high prices for its products since it faces little competition. For another thing, Luxottica can limit the variety and innovation of its products since it has no incentive to differentiate itself from itself and other outlets.
This means that if you buy a pair of sunglasses from a Luxottica-owned brand, you might be paying more than you need to for a product that is not very original or distinctive. You might also be missing out on some of the benefits that other brands can offer, such as better quality, more features, or more personality.
That’s why we recommend you check out some of the best sunglasses brands not owned by Luxottica. These brands are independent, creative, and diverse. They have their vision and style, and they cater to different tastes and needs. They also use high-quality materials and craftsmanship and offer reasonable prices.
Here are 12 of them that we think you should know about.
Warby Parker: Affordable and stylish acetate frames with a try-at-home service
Warby Parker is an independent glasses brand founded in 2010 to provide affordable and fashionable glasses. It sells a variety of glasses brands with on-trend and classic designs made from premium acetate and titanium.
One of the best things about Warby Parker is its try-at-home service. You can order five pairs of glasses online for free and try them at home for five days. You can then keep the ones you like and return the rest. This way, you can find custom glasses with the perfect fit and style for you.
Warby Parker also has a social impact program called Buy a Pair, Give a Pair. For every pair of glasses sold, Warby Parker donates them to someone in need through its partner organizations.
One of our favorite models from Warby Parker is the Lyon Sunglasses in Black Sky Eclipse. They have a rectangular shape that suits most face shapes, and they feature scratch-resistant lenses that block 100% of UV rays.
Randolph Engineering: Hand-Made metal aviators made in the U.S.
Randolph Engineering is a family-owned company that specializes in metal-frame aviator sunglasses in a variety of styles. The company was founded in 1972 by two engineers who wanted to create the best sunglasses for pilots and military personnel.
Randolph Engineering sunglasses are made in the U.S. with a 200-step hand-made process. They use only premium materials of stainless steel, gold plating, and mineral glass lenses. They also have a lifetime warranty on their frames.
Randolph Engineering sunglasses are worn by celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, and Robert Downey Jr., as well as by U.S. presidents and astronauts.
One of their best-selling models is the Aviator II Sunglasses in Matte Chrome with Gray Lenses. They have a classic aviator shape with bayonet temples that fit comfortably under helmets or hats. They also have polarized lenses that reduce glare and enhance contrast.
Zenni Optical: Premium frames starting at just $29.95
Zenni Optical is another independent brand that Luxottica does not own. It makes affordable sunglasses and eyeglasses in both modern and retro designs. Perhaps the best thing about the brand is how affordable it is—premium frames start at just $29.95.
Zenni Optical sells online only, which allows it to cut out the middlemen and offer lower prices. It also has a wide range of options for customization, such as lens coatings, tints, and prescription types. You can even upload your photo and try on the different brands of frames virtually.
Zenni Optical also has a social mission to provide access to vision care for everyone. It partners with organizations like the Lions Club and Timmy Global Health to donate glasses and funds to people in need.
One of our favorite models from Zenni Optical is the Browline Sunglasses in Tortoiseshell. They have a vintage-inspired look with a metal browline and acetate rims. They also have polarized lenses that reduce glare and enhance clarity.
Tavat Eyewear: Handmade frames with innovative technology
Tavat Eyewear is a family-owned independent eyewear company based in the foothills of the Dolomites, Italy. It specializes in providing technical products of excellent quality and reasonable price, with each frame produced in small batches by some of the best eyewear artisans in Northern Italy.
Tavat Eyewear combines craftsmanship and innovation with iconic design, using modern materials and production methods while respecting its heritage. The frames are crafted by hand from Italian acetate, stainless steel, or precious metals. The lenses are made from mineral glass or polycarbonate, with features such as polarization, anti-reflective coating, or blue light filtering.
Tavat Eyewear has several collections that showcase its unique style and technology in hand made frames. One of them is the SoupCan collection minimalist frames, inspired by the industrial design of soup cans. The frames have a distinctive hinge mechanism that resembles a can opener and a cylindrical shape that fits comfortably on the face.
One of our favorite models from the SoupCan collection is the Pantos 2.0 | C X Sunglasses in Black Matte. They have a classic Pantos shape with a contemporary twist. They also have polarized lenses that offer superior contrast and protection.
Chrome Hearts: Luxury brand with a rock and roll edge
Chrome Hearts is a luxury brand founded in 1988 by Richard Stark, a former leather craftsman for Hollywood movies. The premium brand name is known for its edgy and rebellious style, featuring Gothic motifs, precious metals, and leather.
Chrome Hearts makes sunglasses, jewelry, clothing, accessories, furniture, and fragrances. The sunglasses are handmade in Japan or the U.S., using high-quality materials such as titanium, sterling silver, gold, and diamonds. The frames are often embellished with crosses, daggers, fleur-de-lis, and other symbols.
Chrome Hearts sunglasses are worn by celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Kanye West, and David Beckham. They are also sold in limited retail locations around the world, making them exclusive and coveted.
One of our favorite models from Chrome Hearts is the Beast III Sunglasses in Black. They have a bold and masculine shape with a thick acetate frame and metal details. They also have polarized lenses that offer 100% UV protection.
American Optical: The original pilot sunglasses with metal frames
American Optical is a historic eyewear company founded in 1833 in Massachusetts. It is the oldest optical company in America and has a rich history of innovation and excellence. It was the first to make eyeglasses for the U.S. military, NASA, and the medical field.
American Optical is best known for its original pilot sunglasses, designed in 1958 for the U.S. Air Force. These sunglasses have a classic aviator shape with a metal frame and bayonet temples. They also have impact-resistant lenses that provide 98% UVA and 100% UVB protection.
American Optical sunglasses are made in the U.S., using raw materials sourced from America. They are durable, comfortable, and stylish sunglasses. They are also an affordable price, compared to other premium brands.
One of our favorite models from American Optical is the Original Pilot Sunglasses in Gold with Green Lenses. They have a timeless and elegant look that suits any occasion. They also have a lifetime warranty on their frames.
Quay: Trendy and affordable sunglasses
Quay is a sunglasses brand that was founded in 2004 in Australia. It offers trendy and affordable sunglasses for both men and women. Music, festivals, and street style inspire quay sunglasses. They feature bold shapes, colors, and details.
Quay sunglasses are also polarized, which means they have a special filter that blocks out glare and enhances clarity. Polarized sunglasses are especially useful for driving, water sports, or snow activities. They also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Quay sunglasses are sold online and in select retailers around the world. They are also on trend and popular among celebrities and influencers, such as Jennifer Lopez, Lizzo, Chrissy Teigen, and Kylie Jenner.
One of our favorite models from Quay is the High Key Sunglasses in Black Fade. They have an oversized aviator shape with a metal frame and a gradient lens. They also have adjustable nose pads and a signature logo on the temple.
Moscot Eyewear: A century of classic new york style
Moscot Eyewear is a family-owned company founded in 1915 by Hyman Moscot, a Jewish immigrant who sold eyeglasses from a pushcart on the Lower East Side of New York. The company is now run by the fifth generation of Moscots, who continue to uphold the tradition of quality and style.
Moscot Eyewear has two collections: the Originals and the Spirit. The Originals are based on the vintage frames that Hyman and his son Sol Moscot designed and sold in their shop. The New York City culture and lifestyle inspire the Spirit. Both collections feature timeless shapes, colors, and details.
Moscot Eyewear is worn by celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jake Gyllenhaal. It is also featured in movies, TV shows, and magazines. It has flagship stores in New York, London, Tokyo, Seoul, and Beijing, as well as an online store and authorized resellers.
One of our favorite models from Moscot Eyewear is the Lemtosh Sunglasses in Tortoise with Green Lenses. They have a round shape with a keyhole bridge and diamond rivets. They also have polarized lenses that offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.
RetroSuperFuture: Modern and unique designs made in italy
RetroSuperFuture is a sunglasses brand that was founded in 2007 by Daniel Beckerman, a creative entrepreneur who wanted to create eyewear that was both contemporary and original. The brand is known for its innovative shapes, colors, and collaborations.
RetroSuperFuture sunglasses are made in Italy, using high-quality acetate and lenses. The colorful frames are often inspired by art, music, culture, and fashion. Zeiss, a leading manufacturer of optical products, makes the lenses.
RetroSuperFuture sunglasses are worn by celebrities such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Kanye West. They are also sold in select retailers and online.
One of our favorite models from RetroSuperFuture is the Caro Sunglasses in Black. They have a geometric shape with a thick acetate frame and a metal bridge. They also have tinted lenses that offer 100% UV protection.
Gentle Monster: Oversized and avant-garde frames from South Korea
Gentle Monster is a sunglasses brand that was founded in 2011 by Hankook Kim, a visionary entrepreneur who wanted to create an eyewear brand that was both artistic and functional. The brand is known for its oversized and avant-garde frames, as well as its immersive and experiential retail spaces.
Gentle Monster sunglasses are made in South Korea, using high-quality acetate and lenses. Futuristic concepts, such as aliens, robots, or parallel universes, often inspire the frames. Carl Zeiss Vision, a leading manufacturer of optical products, makes the lenses.
Gentle Monster sunglasses are worn by celebrities such as Beyoncé, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and BTS. They are also sold in select retailers and online.
One of our favorite models from Gentle Monster is the Kubo Sunglasses in Black. They have a rectangular shape with a thick acetate frame and a metal bridge. They also have tinted lenses that offer 100% UV protection.
Oliver Goldsmith: The iconic British brand behind audrey hepburn’s sunglasses
Oliver Goldsmith is a British eyewear company founded in 1926 by Phillip Oliver Goldsmith, a visionary designer who revolutionized the industry with his innovative and glamorous frames. The company is now run by the fourth generation of the Goldsmith family, who continue to uphold the tradition of excellence and style.
Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses are made in Japan, using high-quality acetate frames and lenses. The past often inspires the frames, but with a modern twist. The lenses are made by Zeiss or Barberini, two leading manufacturers of optical products.
Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses are famous for being worn by celebrities and royalty, such as Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Michael Caine, and Princess Diana. They are also featured in movies, such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Charade, and The Thomas Crown Affair. They are sold in select retailers and online.
One of our favorite models from Oliver Goldsmith is the Manhattan Sunglasses in Dark Tortoiseshell. They have a cat-eye shape with a thick acetate frame and a keyhole bridge. They also have tinted lenses that offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.
Maui Jim: Superior contrast and polarization sunglass brand from Hawaii
Maui Jim is a sunglasses brand that was founded in 1980 in Hawaii. It started as a small company that sold sunglasses on the beach and grew into a global leader in polarized lens technology. Maui Jim sunglasses are designed to enhance the natural beauty and colors of the island while protecting the eyes from glare and harmful rays.
Maui Jim sunglasses are made with patented PolarizedPlus2 lenses, which offer four levels of protection: polarization, anti-reflective coating, bi-gradient mirror, and color enhancement. These lenses eliminate 99.9% of glare, block 100% of UV rays, and enhance contrast and color.
Maui Jim sunglasses are available in various styles, shapes, and materials. They are also customizable, with options for prescription lenses, lens tints, and frame colors. They are sold online and in authorized retailers around the world.
One of our favorite models from Maui Jim is the Peahi Sunglasses in Matte Black with Blue Hawaii Lenses. They have a wraparound shape with a nylon frame and rubber nose pads. They also have blue mirror lenses that offer a stylish look and a high level of contrast.
Conclusion
As you can see, Luxottica does not own many sunglasses brands, and they offer high-quality, stylish, and unique frames at reasonable prices. Whether you are looking for classic, modern, or avant-garde designs and styles, you can find them among these brands.
We hope this blog post has helped you discover some new sunglasses brands you want to try in 2023. Remember, sunglasses are not only a fashion accessory but also a necessity for protecting your eyes from harmful rays and glare.
So, don’t settle for the same old brands that everyone else is wearing. Explore some of the best non-Luxottica sunglasses and find your perfect pair. You might be surprised by how much they can enhance your look and vision.