Not too long ago, the only answer to “Amazon sunglasses?” would’ve been an emphatic: “They exist!” The ‘Zon has always been a haven for time-strapped shoppers looking to snag cheap-o sunnies before they jet off to Capri. But recently, the Everything Store has made a concerted effort to round out its UV-blocking assortment, calling in favors from big-name brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, fashion set upstarts like Chimi, and adding a couple of cult favorite affordable eyewear experts to the mix, too.
To save you the time of sifting through the mega-retailer’s endless sunglasses assortment, we took a cheery, not-at-all-frazzling jaunt through the digital morass to unearth the waviest shades worth your dollars—and the brands we trust to provide ’em. From retro-leaning frames to gleaming polarized lenses, the best Amazon sunglasses have come a long way.
8 GQ-Approved Frames Available on Amazon
Ray-Ban
Ray-Bans have been around for a very long time, but they never, ever get old. They started with the aviator back in 1936—a cool 89 years for those playing the home game—and they’ve been running the Wayfarers for more than 70 years now. In other words, they know how to make sunglasses. If you make it past the headliners, you’ll find some incredible, lesser-known, lesser-worn styles that go just as hard.
Chimi
A favorite of style and price-conscious fashion types, Stockholm’s Chimi—which also opened a store in New York City recently—specializes in simple designs that gently stretch the boundaries of conventional silhouettes. Freshly stocked at Amazon, all of the brand’s styles use premium Italian acetate, and come with UVA and UVB protection—no style over substance here.
Randolph Engineering
A success since they hit the market, Randolph Engineering got its start making eyewear for the US military in the ‘80s. Over subsequent decades, it’s become one of the most popular, celebrity-approved purveyors of sun-blocking eyewear in the world. (Seriously, check out their “Who’s Wearing Randolphs” tab.)
Under Armour
You don’t become a household name in sports by turning out poor-quality products. Shopping Under Armour sunglasses is like shopping anything else from the brand—you can trust that the product is tested, properly designed, and that it’s all going to be that much more affordable, thanks to the scale the brand produces at. You’ll also inherit the inevitable aura that comes with wearing any sports-leaning gear.
Le Specs
Founded in Australia in 1979, Le Specs turned a cult following into global adulation. And for good reason: they have a frame for pretty much everyone—whether you’re looking for something super flashy or something under the radar.
Kolo
Sometimes, simple just works. Like, really, really well. Kolo subscribes to this theory, dialing in a tight line of vintage-inspired acetate sunglasses, then making them in a whole bunch of eminently wearable colors.
Sunski
Considering the state of things, it’d be very cool if all companies placed an earnest emphasis on sustainability. Unfortunately, they don’t—but fortunately, Sunski does. Crazy seriously. They even invented a way to make their sunglasses out of post-industrial scrap plastic and make all their cases from recycled polyester.
American Optical
For those who like some pedigree, AO has been making glasses since 1833, predating the radio by 60 years. They’ve been worn by presidents, NASA space crews, military pilots, baseball players, and basically everyone else in the intervening years, and haven’t fallen off a bit.
Oakley
Your childhood favorite athlete’s favorite sunglasses have made a furious comeback—shoutout Ichiro’s Thump 1.0’s—and somehow, even after all these years, they still look as futuristic and teched-out as they ever did. Despite a host of imitators, no one does a Fire Iridium lens quite like Oakley.
Carrera
Carrera got its name from the Carrera Panamericana, a 2000-mile, open-road race that ran in Mexico in the early 1950s—it was about as dangerous it sounds—and has always had adrenaline coursing through its veins, partnering with brands like Ducati and Porsche since it was founded in 1956. They’re best known for their big frames, but have plenty of others worth checking out.
Oliver Peoples
Literally founded on Sunset Boulevard, Oliver Peoples has been cranking out some of the most coveted, beautifully-designed sunglasses for more than three decades now. Come for the timeless styles, stay for the insane level of engineering.
Garrett Leight
Oliver Peoples was co-founded by Larry Leight, and Larry Leight’s son Garrett clearly got his dad’s knack for making impossibly-cool, impeccably-made, LA-worthy frames. Slightly more easygoing than his forebears, every pair of sunglasses in his catalog absolutely thrives in one of the sunniest places on the planet.
Persol
Persol’s are (probably) most well-known for making Steve McQueen’s go-to sunglasses, and rest assured that you can still get those same frames. And while it would be easy to rest on those (historically sturdy) laurels, Persol has continued to make some of the best eyewear, anywhere.
Goodr
Goodr started out making super affordable running sunglasses, but have since expanded their catalog to include all the hits. And it’s all still affordable and built to move—or just have a good time.
Knockaround
As implied by their name, Knockaround sunglasses aren’t meant to be babied. And if you’re looking for something that looks great, won’t break the bank and can hold up to serious wear, they’re a great place to start.
Sungait
Most of the time, sunglasses under $20 will feel like sunglasses under $20—regardless of how they look. But Sungait’s not only look great, they feel like glasses that will set you back in a much more significant capacity. Buy these for the beach, end up wearing them more than your expensive pair.