Sunglasses are not just a way to protect your eyes from the sun – they can also be a personal fashion statement and a fun accessory that completes your outfit.

The best sunglasses brands on the market are the ones that combine quality and style. Think Ray-Ban, Oliver Peoples and Prada, just to name a few.

Each of these top sunglass brands produces premium sunglasses that feature distinctive designs, impeccable craftsmanship, durable materials, and high-quality lenses that give you 100% protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Whether you are looking for a unique designer piece or a more classic look, you are sure to find the perfect glasses for your personality at one of the sunglasses brands listed below.

Top 10 Sunglasses Brands

Ray-Ban Sunglasses

It’s no surprise that Ray-Ban is the frontrunner among the best sunglass brands in the world.

After all, this traditional company has been making high-quality, stylish sunglasses for more than 80 years. The Aviator-style sunglasses were originally developed for the military, but went on sale to the public in 1937.

Today, Ray-Ban’s iconic Wayfarer sunglasses are one of the most recognizable fashion accessories in the world. It has been worn by equally famous people – from Muhammad Ali and President John F. Kennedy to Bob Dylan and Michael Jackson – and has helped Ray-Ban define “cool” for generations.

The enormous popularity also ensured that Ray-Ban glasses found their way onto the silver screen. For example, popular actor Marlon Brando wore aviator glasses in The Wild One, while Clint Eastwood made the Balorama model famous in Dirty Harry. Other well-known film appearances include Tim Roth with Clubmaster frames in Reservoir Dogs and The Blue Brothers with Wayfarers.

If you are looking for an irresistible movie icon look, Ray-Ban should be your first choice.

There is a wide selection of frames and different price ranges to fit almost any budget – another reason why Ray-Ban is a top brand despite fierce competition from other sunglasses brands.

Oakley Sunglasses

Oakley is another popular brand that is internationally known for its high-quality sunglasses.

Since the introduction of its first sunglasses – the Factory Pilot Eyeshades model – in 1984, Oakley has been the brand of choice for people who enjoy sports and outdoor activities. The sporty feel of the brand’s sunglasses is now its trademark and sets Oakley apart from the competition.

Over the years, Oakley sunglasses have become a mainstream sunglasses brand, though of course they continue to be a must-have accessory for athletes and people with active lifestyles. The company’s popularity peaked in the 1990s, when almost everyone seemed to be wearing Oakley sunglasses.

A key advantage of these sunglasses is that they combine sporty style with polarized lenses that protect your eyes from unwanted glare and make it easier to see past reflections – especially on the water.

This makes Oakley’s offering perfect for people like American Olympic triathlete Gwen Jorgensen, who has had to compete in varying light conditions, or Olympic volleyball player Kerri Walsh, who has noticed sharper contrast between the ball and the sky with these glasses.

These glasses are also ideal for non-athletes, as they reduce glare on bright sunny days.

Maui Jim Sunglasses

This high-end brand produced its sunglasses exclusively in Hawaii for a while, where the company’s founders were inspired to design sunglasses that could withstand the intense sunlight on the islands.

Once the sunglasses became available in the mainland United States, sales of Maui Jim sunglasses skyrocketed. This is because the brand offers high- quality lenses that allow people to see colors more brilliantly and their surroundings more clearly.

Today, these sunglasses are very popular in the world of haute couture, and you can find both sporty and trendy sunglasses for every taste. You can also choose between lenses with and without prescription.

Maui Jim successfully competes with other luxury brands thanks to the durable quality of its sunglasses. Especially frequent travelers and beach lovers like to wear Maui Jim.

American Optical Sunglasses

American Optical is another famous sunglasses brand – and also one of the oldest in the world, with over two centuries of production.

While the first sunglasses were simple eyeglasses with tinted lenses in different colors, over the years American Optical focused on innovative technologies that brought the company to the forefront of the industry.

The brand became truly popular in the mid-20th century when it produced the sunglasses worn by astronaut Neil Armstrong and the other crew members of Apollo 11 during the world’s first moon landing, an event watched by millions on television.

American Optical is best known for its rugged, durable sunglasses – a pair from this top brand can easily last for years, making them a quality investment.