4 Cool Affordable Sunglasses Brands You Didn't Know About
Sunglasses used to fall into two camps: the ultra-trendy, questionably economical ones on one side and the higher-quality, pricier options on the other. Familiar names like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Persol have always offered mid-tier pricing. While those brands have their charm, why not liven things up a bit?
Enter a wave of indie eyewear brands redefining affordable sunglasses with super chic shades made from materials usually found in high-end competitors. This wave is getting much more interesting. Premium acetates and metal wire cores are now standard—and most pairs are around $150, sometimes even less. It's not pocket change, but it's reasonable enough to get a few styles without feeling guilty.
Check out some inexpensive sunglass brands and their standout silhouettes to inspire your summer repertoire.
1. AKILA
AKILA is an indie eyewear brand from Los Angeles specializing in handmade limited-run eyewear. The brand offers a range of sunglasses, from classic to unique shapes with colored frames and a steady stream of new sunnies through collaborations with trendy brands.
They are also committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly acetate, optical-grade recycled lenses, and plastic-free biodegradable packaging to craft and ship eyewear. AKILA delivers big on quality and style without putting a major dent in your paycheck.
Material: Eco-friendly acetate, optical grade recycled lenses
UV Protection: 100% UVA/UVB protection
2. Cubitts
Established in 2013 by Tom Broughton in his apartment on Cubitt Street, Cubitts is an eyewear brand committed to producing high-quality, resistant eyewear. Each pair is meticulously handmade by expert artisans in their London studio at King's Cross.
The brand transcends gender with sunglasses, crafting each pair for faces, not labels. Every design is a masterpiece, celebrating the uniqueness of each individual. With a wide range of sleek frames, you will find a pair that will stand the test of time and never go out of style.
Material: Acetate, titanium, steel, combination
UV Protection: 100% UVA/UVB protection
3. CHIMI
CHIMI is a Swedish eyewear company that creates minimalistic sunglasses with a futuristic twist. Founded in 2016 by childhood friends Charlie Lindström and Daniel Djurdjevic, the brand's vision was to design casual and colorful sunglasses that are modern and selfie-friendly.
In addition to sunglasses, CHIMI also offers a range of cool ski goggles. The brand's commercial director, Jonas Löhr, emphasizes that Swedes excel at finding a middle ground, evident in CHIMI's approach of a low-key luxury feel with an accessible price point.
Material: High-quality acetate, stainless steel hardware
UV Protection: 100% UVA/UVB protection
4. Eyepetizer
Eyepetizer is a Milan-based brand that designs stylish, eccentric eyewear. Behind the brand name lies its essence: the word 'eye' merges with 'appetizer.' The brand's philosophy revolves around finding the taste of life in every moment, as hinted by its playful name.
Their designs transport you to a different reality, one free of the routine of day-to-day life, by injecting fun colors and interesting shapes into your outfits without paying fashion-house prices. They also invited innovation to the eyewear chat by working with revolutionary materials to craft ultralight steel frames.
Material: Ultralight steel frames, engraved designs
UV Protection: 100% UVA/UVB protection
Lock in the best affordable sunglasses on the market
From eco-friendly acetates to ultralight steel frames, these independent brands are redefining the middle lane of inexpensive sunglasses. With frames that won't break the bank or compromise quality, there's never been a better time to refresh your eyewear collection. Shop these friendly-priced independent sunglasses brands and step up your shade game.
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