The Shady Series, Part III: Models to consider

Choosing sunglasses can be a bit intimidating once you step beyond Ray-Bans and Persols. There must be hundreds, if not thousands, of models at this point. Thus, to make your choice a bit easier, Agyesh and I have pulled together a list of our favorite brands and models, and then broken them up them up into three price tiers. The price tiers are a bit rough, since each company makes a range of glasses, so it might worth clicking around to see if any of the neighboring categories have something that fits your budget.

Note that nearly all sunglasses on the market today, including the ones below, are made by three companies – Luxottica, Safilo or Marcolin. It would be a mistake, however, to assume that this means all sunglasses are the same quality. Manufacturers can make frames according to a wide range of standards, so be careful about being reductive. To really determine quality, follow our earlier guide instead.

Priced under $150

Classic Specs: Beaumont, Amherst, Exeter, Irving, Brighton
Randoph Engineering: Aviators, Concorde, Sportsman, collaboration lines with Michael Bastian (more expensive)
American Optical: Original Pilot, General, Saratoga
Warby Parker: Griffin, Jasper, Thatcher
Polo Ralph Lauren: Retro, Classic Aviator, Thin Round
Shuron: Escapade, Freeway, Ronsir, Revelation
Ray Ban: Wayfarer, Clubmasters, Caravan, Aviators, Cats, collaboration line with Brooks Brothers (check Sartorially Inclined to read about various Wayfarer models)