The stylish guy’s guide to six under-the-radar shades
You’ve seen them. You know them. Everyone does. It seems like every summer, without fail, a whole lot of men reach for the same old pair of Ray-Bans or Persols. Classic? Yes. Reliable? Sure. Boring? Perhaps. If you care about your style even a little, your sunglasses should do more than just block the sun—they should signal taste. Which is why we went digging for a few lesser-known labels doing things differently.
Whether you're into vintage-inspired wireframes, bold acetate statements, or just want something that won't make you look like every other guy out there, these are the brands to know now. Each brings a fresh perspective to the table—along with excellent craftsmanship, thoughtful details and plenty of cool points. And bonus: most are available at reasonable prices from retailers you already shop, so you can add to cart without a second thought.
Best for: Weekend warriors who want something tougher
Don't let the sleek look fool you—Article One's frames are designed to keep up. Handcrafted with performance details like sport temples and soft, adjustable nose pads, they're built for biking, sweating and surviving summer heatwaves. The Hoffman blends function and form like few others.
Hoffman sunglasses,
$250 by Article One
Best for: Affordable European edge
Barcelona-based Meller is proof that stylish, quality sunglasses don't have to cost a fortune. With designs that blend Mediterranean minimalism and fashion-forward shapes, their frames look way more expensive than they really are. The Chauen brings a unique translucent olive frame with retro squared-off lenses—a standout for under 100 bucks.
Chauen sunglasses,
$65 by Meller
Best for: The design-savvy minimalists
Designed in Los Angeles and handmade from eco-conscious cellulose acetate, Akila's frames feel like something you'd find in a MoMA gift shop—in the best way. Clean, blocky shapes and interesting colorways make these ideal for daily wear. The Apollo is their signature style and comes in a range of finishes.
Mal sunglasses,
$220 / $145 by Akila
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Best for: Bold personalities into nostalgia
With names like The Radio Haze and The Idle Daze, Crap Eyewear doesn't take itself too seriously—but it does make great sunglasses. Based in Venice Beach and clocking in under $100, they're perfect for pool parties, weekend road trips or adding a pop of personality to a fit. They've got a throwback early 2000s charm, too.
The Kush Cowboy sunglasses,
$129 by Crap
Best for: Vintage nerds who want something modern
London-based Oscar Deen specializes in reworking rare frames found at European flea markets, turning retro silhouettes into modern classics. Each pair is handmade in Italy with Mazzucchelli acetate and comes with a hand-stitched leather case. The Fraser is a current favorite—it's a '60s-style aviator that's been slimmed down to feel more current.
The Fraser sunglasses,
$250 by Oscar Deen
Best for: Guys who obsess over details
We first discovered this cult Japanese brand when our newsletter, Bandana, presented their picks for the best eyewear from Japan. EYEVAN was a 1970s brand that was relaunched in 2013, taking design cues from old-world industrial tools, vintage eyewear and architectural blueprints. It doesn't chase trends. They're not cheap, but the frames define timelessness with brushed metals, mixed materials and meticulous construction.
The 762 sunglasses,
$560 by EYEVAN
From stretched out temples and broken hinges to scratched lenses, here’s how to fix common problems with sunglasses.
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