Luxury Sunglasses Brands in India to Watch out For [August, 2024]

Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory – they are an essential tool for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays and glare. When investing in a pair of high-end shades, you want to ensure you’re getting the best quality, style, and protection for your money. Luxury sunglasses brands offer premium materials, superior craftsmanship, advanced lens technology, and timeless designs that elevate any look while providing ultimate visual comfort. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of luxury eyewear, exploring the top brands in India, how to choose the best sunglasses for your needs, and the different types of high-end shades available. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or simply seeking the best eye protection, our ultimate guide to luxury sunglasses brands has you covered.

Tommy Hilfiger

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Tommy Hilfiger is a globally recognized fashion brand known for its classic American style, high-quality craftsmanship, and accessible luxury. The brand’s sunglasses collection features a range of timeless silhouettes and modern, trend-focused designs, all crafted with premium materials and attention to detail.

Top Picks:

• Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Square Sunglasses Grey Frame, Grey Lens – Pack of 1: Classic square style sunglasses with a lightweight stainless steel frame and 100% UV protection grey tinted lenses. The medium fit is ideal for most men.
• Tommy Hilfiger Unisex Wayfarer Sunglasses Grey Frame, Grey Lens – Pack of 1: Trendy wayfarer design sunglasses with a grey acetate frame and matching grey lenses. Provides complete UV protection. Unisex styling suits both men and women.

Ray-Ban

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Founded in 1937, Ray-Ban has been a leader in the luxury eyewear industry for decades. The brand is known for its iconic styles, like the Aviator and Wayfarer, which have remained fashion staples for generations. Ray-Ban sunglasses are crafted with premium materials, including high-quality acetate and metal frames, and feature advanced lens technologies for superior clarity and protection.

Top Picks:

• Ray-Ban Aviator Classic: The classic aviator silhouette with crystal glass lenses and sturdy metal frame. Suited for medium to large face shapes. Provides optimal visual clarity and 100% UV protection.
• Ray-Ban Wayfarer: The iconic wayfarer style reinvented with contemporary color combinations. Features lightweight acetate frames, crystal lenses and signature Ray-Ban branding.

Oakley

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Oakley is a leading luxury eyewear brand known for its cutting-edge technology, high-performance design, and sleek, modern aesthetics. The brand’s sunglasses are engineered with advanced materials and features to optimize visual performance and protection during sports and outdoor activities.

Top Picks:

• Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL: Designed for performance and protection. The XL interchangeable lens design offers versatile lens options. Features impact resistance and a lightweight, stress-resistant O Matter frame.
• Oakley Flak 2.0 XL: Ideal for medium to large face sizes. The XL rectangle shape with High Definition Optics provides razor sharp clarity. Extended lens coverage offers excellent sun protection.

Persol

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Founded in 1917 in Turin, Italy, Persol is renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and timeless, elegant designs. The brand’s sunglasses are handcrafted using the finest materials, with some frames taking up to 30 steps and several months to complete. Persol’s iconic arrow motif and Meflecto flexible temples ensure a comfortable, secure fit.

Top Picks:

• Persol PO3249S: Timeless foldable aviators designed specifically for smaller faces. Hand assembled acetate frame with flexible arrow hinges and crystal brown lenses.
• Persol PO0649: Iconic aviator style reinvented with a smaller lens dimension. Features acetate arrow temples, adjustable nose pads. Available in dark havana frame with crystal green lenses.

Prada

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Prada is a luxury fashion house known for its innovative designs, premium materials, and impeccable Italian craftsmanship. The brand’s sunglasses collection features bold, avant-garde shapes, luxurious finishes, and advanced lens technologies for a perfect blend of style and functionality.

Top Picks:

• Prada PR27NS: Bold angular cat-eye sunglasses with acetate frame and arms. Oversized shape makes a statement. Available with dark lenses and innovative UV/UVB protection.
• Prada Linea Rossa PS 01SS: Sport-inspired square sunglasses with wrap-around temples. Gray gradient lenses and adjustable rubber nose pads. Lightweight but durable frame construction.

Types of Luxury Sunglasses

Aviators:

Aviator sunglasses, originally designed for U.S. military pilots in the 1930s, feature a distinctive teardrop lens shape and thin metal frames. This classic style offers a timeless, versatile look that complements a wide range of face shapes and personal styles. Luxury brands like Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, and Persol offer high-quality aviator sunglasses crafted with premium materials and advanced lens technologies.

Wayfarers:

Wayfarer sunglasses, first introduced by Ray-Ban in the 1950s, feature a trapezoidal lens shape and a thick, angular acetate frame. This iconic style has remained a fashion staple for decades, with its bold, retro-inspired aesthetic and versatile appeal. Luxury brands like Ray-Ban, Persol, and Tom Ford offer modern interpretations of the classic wayfarer design, incorporating innovative materials and unique color combinations.

Cat-Eye:

Cat-eye sunglasses feature an upswept frame shape that resembles the shape of a cat’s eye, with the outer edges of the frame angling upward toward the temples. This feminine, retro-inspired style is known for its glamorous, statement-making appeal and its ability to complement a wide range of face shapes. Luxury brands like Prada, Tom Ford, and Miu Miu offer high-end cat-eye sunglasses crafted with premium acetate and metal frames and advanced lens technologies.

Round:

Round sunglasses feature circular lenses and frames, offering a vintage-inspired, bohemian aesthetic. This style is particularly flattering on square and angular face shapes, as the soft, curved lines help to balance and soften strong features. Luxury brands like Ray-Ban, Persol, and Oliver Peoples offer a range of round sunglasses styles, from classic metal frames to bold acetate designs.

Square:

Square sunglasses feature rectangular lenses and frames with sharp, angular lines and corners. This bold, modern style offers a sleek, sophisticated look that complements round and oval face shapes. Luxury brands like Tom Ford, Saint Laurent, and Burberry offer high-end square sunglasses crafted with premium materials and cutting-edge lens technologies.

Why Invest in High-End Sunglasses?

When it comes to sunglasses, you often get what you pay for. While it may be tempting to grab a cheap pair off the street or at a fast-fashion retailer, these lower-quality shades may not provide adequate protection against UV rays, which can lead to eye damage and vision problems over time. Investing in a pair of luxury sunglasses offers several key benefits:

1. Uncompromising Quality: Luxury eyewear brands use only the finest materials, such as premium acetate, titanium, and stainless steel, to craft their sunglasses. These high-grade materials are more durable, lightweight, and comfortable than the cheaper plastics used in lower-end shades. The result is a pair of sunglasses that not only looks and feels luxurious but can also withstand daily wear and tear for years to come.
2. Superior UV Protection: One of the most crucial aspects of any pair of sunglasses is their ability to shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause a host of eye problems, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even cancer. Luxury sunglasses brands prioritize UV protection, using advanced lens technologies to block 100% of UVA and UVB rays up to 400nm. By investing in high-quality shades, you’re investing in the long-term health of your eyes.
3. Advanced Lens Technology: Beyond UV protection, luxury sunglasses often feature cutting-edge lens technologies to enhance visual clarity, reduce glare, and optimize performance in various lighting conditions. From polarized lenses that eliminate reflections off surfaces like water and snow to photochromic lenses that darken and lighten depending on the intensity of the sunlight, these advanced features provide a superior viewing experience and greater eye comfort.
4. Timeless Style: Luxury sunglasses are designed with both fashion and longevity in mind. Unlike cheaper, trend-focused shades that may look dated after a season or two, high-end sunglasses often feature classic silhouettes and design elements that remain stylish for years. By investing in a pair of luxury shades, you’re not only getting a fashionable accessory for the moment but a timeless piece that will elevate your look for seasons to come.
5. Exceptional Craftsmanship: Luxury eyewear brands take pride in their craftsmanship, with many sunglasses being handmade by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations. This attention to detail ensures that every pair meets the highest standards of quality and durability. From the precise alignment of the hinges to the smooth, seamless finish of the frames, luxury sunglasses are crafted with a level of care and expertise that sets them apart from mass-produced options.

How to Choose the Perfect Luxury Sunglasses

With so many luxury eyewear brands and styles available, finding the perfect pair of sunglasses can be overwhelming. To help narrow down your options, consider the following factors:

Face Shape:

Choose sunglasses that complement your face shape to create a balanced, flattering look. Here are some general guidelines:

• Round faces: Opt for rectangular, square, or geometric frames to add angles and elongate the face.
• Square faces: Choose rounded or oval frames to soften strong jawlines and add curves.
• Heart-shaped faces: Look for frames that are wider at the bottom, such as aviators or cat-eyes, to balance a broader forehead.
• Oval faces: Most frame shapes work well with this versatile face shape. Experiment with different styles to find your perfect match.

Lens Color and Tint:

The color and darkness of your sunglass lenses can impact both style and function. Here’s a quick guide to common lens colors and their benefits:

• Gray: Ideal for bright, sunny conditions, gray lenses reduce overall brightness without distorting colors.
• Brown/Amber: These lenses enhance contrast and depth perception, making them great for outdoor activities like hiking and driving.
• Green: Green lenses provide excellent contrast and color balance, reducing glare while maintaining true-to-life color vision.
• Yellow/Orange: These lenses filter out blue light, improving contrast and visibility in low-light conditions like fog and haze.
• Mirrored: Mirrored lenses reflect light away from the eyes, providing enhanced glare reduction and a stylish, eye-catching look.

Frame Material:

Luxury sunglasses are crafted from high-quality materials that offer both durability and comfort. The most common frame materials include:

• Acetate: A plant-based plastic known for its glossy finish, rich color options, and lightweight feel.
• Metal: Stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum are popular metal frame materials, prized for their strength, adjustability, and sleek appearance.
• Nylon: This lightweight, flexible material is often used in sports-oriented sunglasses for its durability and comfort.

Lens Technology:

Look for sunglasses with advanced lens features that enhance visual performance and protection. Some key technologies to consider:

• Polarized lenses: These lenses contain a special filter that blocks reflected glare from surfaces like water, snow, and glass, improving clarity and reducing eye strain.
• Photochromic lenses: Also known as “transition lenses,” these lenses darken when exposed to UV light and lighten in lower light conditions, providing optimal visibility in any environment.
• Anti-reflective coating: This coating minimizes distracting reflections on the rear surface of the lenses, improving clarity and reducing glare.

Brand Reputation:

When investing in luxury sunglasses, it’s essential to choose a brand with a proven track record of quality, style, and innovation. Research the brand’s history, craftsmanship techniques, and customer reviews to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.

Caring for Your Luxury Sunglasses

To ensure your luxury sunglasses remain in pristine condition for years to come, follow these simple care and maintenance tips:

1. Store your sunglasses in a protective case when not in use to prevent scratches, debris buildup, and accidental damage.
2. Clean your lenses regularly with a soft, microfiber cloth designed specifically for eyewear. Avoid using rough materials like paper towels or clothing, which can scratch the lenses.
3. When cleaning your sunglasses, use a gentle, soap-free cleanser or eyeglass cleaning solution to remove dirt, oils, and smudges without damaging the lens coatings.
4. Be mindful of extreme temperatures, as leaving your sunglasses in direct sunlight or exposing them to high heat can cause warping, discoloration, and damage to the frame and lenses.
5. If your sunglasses become loose or misaligned, take them to a professional optician for adjustments to prevent further damage and ensure a comfortable, secure fit.

FAQs

Q. What are the top luxury sunglasses brands?

Some of the top luxury sunglasses brands are Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, Prada, Tom Ford, Gucci, Cartier, Chanel, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Oliver Peoples, and Maui Jim. These brands offer exceptional quality, stylish designs, and premium materials.

Q. Why are luxury sunglasses so expensive?

Luxury sunglasses use high-grade materials and quality craftsmanship which increase production costs. Brands also conduct extensive R&D and incorporate proprietary technology into lenses and frames. There are also licensing fees, marketing expenditures and retailer margins which add to the price.

Q. Are luxury sunglasses worth the money?

For many buyers, luxury sunglasses are worth the investment because you are paying for lenses that provide 100% UV protection and reduce eye strain. The frames are also extremely durable, comfortable and stylish. With proper care, luxury sunglasses can last 5-10 years or longer.

Q. How can I determine my face shape for sunglasses?

Stand in front of a mirror and use a lipstick or eyeliner to trace the outline of your face. Or have someone look straight at you and outline the face shape they see. Compare the outline to guides online to determine if your face is round, oval, square, heart, or diamond shaped. This can help select the most flattering sunglasses.

Q. Should sunglasses lenses be dark or light?

In general, gray, brown or green lenses ranging from light to medium darkness are ideal for everyday use. Darker lenses like mirrored or gradient are best suited for very bright, direct sunlight. Lighter rose or yellow lenses enhance contrast and depth perception. Specific lens tints cater to different activities like driving, golf, water sports, etc.

Q. How tight should sunglasses fit?

Sunglasses should fit snugly without feeling too tight. Make sure the frame aligns with your brow line and sits close to your temples without pinching. Arms should bend comfortably behind the ears without being loose. Nose pads should not leave marks on your nose. A proper fit prevents slippage and light leakage.

Q. What is the best designer brand for sunglasses?

Some of the top designer brands for luxury sunglasses are Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and Prada. These brands offer high-end craftsmanship with durable frame materials and advanced lens technology to provide maximum protection, visual clarity and stylish looks. Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer and Aviator styles are iconic. Oakley uses patented innovations for sports performance sunglasses. Persol handcrafts extremely high quality sunglasses in Italy. Prada focuses on fashion-forward shapes and technical finishes.

Q. Which brand is the best for sunglasses?

The best brands for sunglasses are those that use high-grade materials like acetate, titanium or stainless steel for the frames. Brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley and Persol rely on these durable materials. The lens quality is also important – polycarbonate, nylon and glass lenses from reputable brands ensure excellent optics. Additional factors that make a brand the best include polarization, UV protection, scratch-resistance and style. Based on these criteria, some of the top brands are Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and Prada.

Q. What is the most expensive sunglasses brand?

Some of the most expensive luxury sunglasses brands include Cartier, Bulgari, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Tom Ford and Kerin Rose Gold. These ultra high-end designer brands can cost $300 to even $500,000 for a single pair of sunglasses. The expensive price tags are due to the use of extremely rare, high-quality materials such as gold, diamonds, precious gems, and exotic leathers along with superior craftsmanship. The brands also reinforce exclusivity through limited edition collections.

Q. What are the top 10 sunglasses?

Based on quality, reviews and popularity, the top 10 sunglasses are:

1. Ray-Ban Aviator Classic
2. Ray-Ban Wayfarer
3. Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL
4. Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
5. Persol PO3249S
6. Persol PO0649
7. Prada PR27NS
8. Prada Linea Rossa PS 01SS
9. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Square Sunglasses
10. Tommy Hilfiger Unisex Wayfarer Sunglasses

These sunglasses deliver outstanding performance, protection and style. They use premium materials for durable, comfortable frames and high-clarity lenses that shield your eyes. Many of these models feature classic silhouettes that will remain in fashion for years to come.

Conclusion

When purchasing luxury sunglasses, look for trusted, reputable brands that offer durable frames, superior lens technology and timeless styling. A high-quality pair that flatters your face shape provides protection, visual clarity and versatility for years to come. With proper care and maintenance, luxury sunglasses are a sound investment to shield your eyes in style.