Fashion evolves, trends come and go, but one thing will always be true: we need to protect our eyes from the sun’s rays and sunglasses are the fashionable way to do it. But sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement, and brands are finding ways to provide lenses that are both fashionable and practical to consumers. From eyeglasses with photochromic transition lenses, to sunglasses with polarized lenses or even night vision lenses, the top brands have thought of it all. So on your quest for eyewear that’s both stylish and useful, take a look at this list of the top five sunglasses brands according to Ranker.
- Ray-Ban: This brand has been on top of the eyewear food chain since the 90s — it sold 10 million units worldwide in 1998. A certain style of Ray-Ban, the Wayfarer, has been available since 1953 and is reported to be the best-selling style in history. It was made famous by many celebrities, including the fictional Blues Brothers. Using anti-glare technology, Ray-Ban’s polarized sunglasses increase clarity and reduce eye strain.
- Maui Jim: This brand’s humble beginnings took place on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui. With sun in mind in more ways than one, Maui Jim makes sunglasses in a variety of styles, from aviator to cat-eye, all with polarized lenses that block 100 percent UV rays.
- Oakley, Inc.: This brand designs sports equipment as well as sunglasses, so you can bet you’ll find sunglasses suitable for wear while playing sports within their repertoire. Oakley makes fashion sunglasses as well, but it’s a go-to brand for sport performance sunglasses, specifically. And if you damage a pair of lenses while playing your sport of choice, you can find a pair of replacement lenses for sunglasses online. Replacement lenses for sunglasses can be found for different styles and in different colors, polarized or non-polarized.
- Persol: This brand’s sunglasses have a classic, vintage flair. If you’re a movie buff, you may recognize the Persol 714 men’s sunglasses as the same style that Steve McQueen wore in the film “The Thomas Crowne Affair” in 1968. Not only can you look like the “King of Cool” in a pair of Persol sunglasses, but you can rest easy knowing your eyes are protected with their polarized lenses as well.
- Prada: Bold, classy, and fresh from the runway, Prada’s sunglasses are the high-end eyewear that celebrities and fashionistas sport. Though they’re beautiful, they can be expensive, which is most likely why Prada isn’t higher on the list. You may not find replacement lenses for sunglasses this one-of-a-kind, but think of it as an investment piece for your wardrobe.
