The Sunglasses Tier List - BEST Brands of 2024 RATED

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[@jpjacobsenbr]

It would be great if the video had chapters, markers on KZbin, brand by brand. Cheers from a Brazilian fan!

[@maxsilva2853]

🇧🇷

[@HGRELEdmonton]

Another great video! I have been wearing Maui Jim for decades but, I am excited for my new Robert-crafted Masunaga Monk with Zeiss Adaptive Sun!

[@jessetirayoh]

I'm so glad I found your channel. My very first real purchase of sunglasses was a Randolph and I'm already super impressed with them. To hear that there are so many other brands that are better than them is honestly a joy to hear.

[@VolrathMTG]

I could feel the excruciating pain of you being unbiased on Barton Perreira and placing them in the "Perfection" category. Every pore in your being was fighting the urge to throw them in a trashcan. Lol Very good video Robert, I appreciate all of your insight and time!

[@chrisknight3750]

Fantastic to find someone like you who really knows his stuff. Instant subscribe!

[@pipoune91]

I love sunglasses, and enjoyed your video a lot, thank your for your expertise, you really sounded like a true passionate expert. Subscribed !

[@nikolayshumkin8106]

Hi Robert. Thanks for the very informative video. Great as usual. Just wondering what do you make of Monokel eyewear brand? My feeling is that they occupy the same niche with Gast and the likes, an affordable luxury - designed in Europe and made in China, but to the highest standards.

[@Soulkal1979]

L’écurie Paris!!! Saw the collection and amazing quality and craftsmanship! Every piece is a work of art.

[@nickcorleone8709]

Great video, would be useful for a list of each brand in each category, as it’s difficult to tell each brand just by the logo when reviewing your categorisation.

[@michaelparry3977]

Love the video, great insight. Love to hear your thoughts on Silhouette? I'm sure these guys make their own lenses too don't they? How do they stack up to Zeiss lenses in your opinion? And weren't they the sunnies of choice of the Queen? I have a number of Neu Bau which I believe are a sister company, and personally I love them; design and lenses.

[@barbarak8158]

TY Robert! I enjoy your videos!

[@chasekemp4982]

I miss the pre luxotica era of Oakley. My favourite being the X-metal series❤

[@christophernicolson5086]

I had a pair of Romeo 2.0 back in the day. Total shame.

[@cytherians]

I picked up a pair of Oakley sunglasses recently, on a really nice deep discount sale offered on the brand site. Overall the quality wasn't bad, but I've got an older pair of Oakley sunglasses and I could tell the difference. I took advantage of the free return offer. Never again...

[@user-li7wv3uf1q]

Hey Robert, watching you open up that pair of Masunaga Monk frame was hilarious! Cracked me up silly. Was like watching a little kid with his new toy 😂... like a levitating samurai wielding his katana! (You need to watch the new tv series Shogun - fantastically well-made!) Another amazing video from you again. Thank you for that. 😊

[@George-zj2ll]

Cazal is my new go-for after watching this video. Really amazing designs.

[@garyasajar]

I'm a big fan of Rayban Wayfarer and Clubmaster. This video is very informative. I became an eyewear expert by just watching this. Thank you!

[@thespectaclefactory]

Thanks for watching!

[@JackD8824]

Nothing quite like Masunaga - well put and a great tier list. Thanks for making content!

[@user-zr7zo8lx2b]

Hey TSF, new sub and watcher/binger here. You've taught me soooo much about the industry and perceived quality vs actual quality. Also glad this is pretty new because I have a question that I've not been able to find an answer to online. A hypothetical - "I am starting an eyewear company focusing on Sunglasses with classic styling and a focus on extremely high quality lenses. Saw I want to set design parameters on lenses that would say "I want lenses that are X color, let in Y light, reduce or eliminate glare and feedback, and are highly scratch resistant and at meet USA Mil-Specs." Who would you go to to have them designed, spec, and made?

[@ronstackhouse6521]

I’m 100% with you on Serengeti. I have three pair and their optics are amazing. The first pair of sunglasses I ever put on where the image was so clear it blew me away. Still a go-to brand for me.

[@thespectaclefactory]

Thank you for sharing

[@Marruk1995]

Hi, thanks for the amazing informative video. I would love to hear what you think of Evil Eye (formerly known as Adidas) compared to the Nike frames, they're running the interchangeble lenses for a long time already.

[@destrozar]

This video has been a real education. Thank you

[@thespectaclefactory]

I'm glad you thought so! Thanks for watching

[@Legend_Face]

Glad to see Dita up at the top. Their handmade Japanese frames are just gorgeous to me!

[@natureins4644]

I love Dita frames as they are quite oversized and very fashionable like Mach 5 offering unparalleled sun protection during California summers. my go to frames for any prolonged sun exposure. Otherwise I prefer Jmm frames. Frankly I wouldn’t wear Cartier frames. Respectable, yes but a bit boring to me. Some stigma attached to them, too. Luxury? When you have so many places selling them here including discounted at Costco in California?

[@Legend_Face]

So true! Dont get me wrong, Cartier has their place in the simplistic “classic” styles, but they certainly aren’t that luxurious.

[@waxe6742]

What do you make of SPY sunglasses and the Happy frames? Great video thanks

[@RaySchutz]

Glad to see you gave Randolph a little love. Got me Maui Jim Kaiwi Channel; blue lenses, a Randloph 23k white gold with cobalt lenses in my meager collection and just got ordered Cartier Panthere rimless grey lenses. I'm done for a while. Carpe Diem. You are a greaat Ambassador.

[@rodrigorodrigues-gc4wf]

Hi Robert, I like very much a french brand that calls Brett. I'm sure you also know. Did you have some opinion about?

[@adamvukovic1601]

Miga Studio brand from Italy looks stylish

[@wissamatrouny3214]

Newly discovered. Very informative. Thanks. Your thoughts on Lindberg and William Morris, and what you're wearing Undostrial Fuse :) they look cool.

[@thespectaclefactory]

Undostrial Fuse are wonderful - check my recent trip to Nigeria video where I reviewed them fully. Lindberg are very good glasses but quite overrated - there are much better options available nowadays, except for the horn and precious models. WM do not impress me at all. I don't like the styles or the quality

[@11mikecasey]

Hi there. Great video. Any ideas where i can get these Gast Olli in this colourway from please ?

[@klubs1237]

Would love your opinion on Warby Parker, I enjoy the styles I’ve seen from them and they’re more on the affordable end so I’m curious about the quality

[@alancrome3684]

Those cazal frames are awesome! I hate big gaudy frames, but something about them, the way they fit, it just works lol

[@jnturner506]

Great review! Would love your comments on Silhouette sunglasses (I live in Israel, and here they're rated as best, above the Ray-Bans, Oakleys, Maui Jims, etc)

[@TheVelvetRoom-ul7gx]

I’m debating about pulling the trigger for a pair of Robert le Roche. Still love my Barton Perreira but the Masunaga frames are incredible. This is the first time I’ve had a close look at them and I’m hugely impressed. Well done Rob. Another excellent video.

[@avmelidor]

I truly enjoy your videos

[@pellekuipers4076]

I just received a new pair of Persols. My previous pair lasted 8 years and they felt like good quality glasss to me. Sadly on the new ones, one of the arms wobbles and it’s not simply the hinge that is loose. I’ll send them back but I’m debating whether I should just go for one of the brands you mentioned after watching this video

[@amirtyr]

What do you think about Saint Laurent ? I liked the frame but not sure about the quality.

[@martinmedina2696]

Hi Robert , thats an a very good video, what do you think about Paul Smith sunglasses?

[@gallaashish]

Have you tried eyevan?? What is your option of them.

[@adamvukovic1601]

Hope during time you would update this topic list with top 50 😎. I think also than could been included brands like Matsuda, Vysen, Peter and May , Rigards , Massada .....

[@wadsworth2351]

I believe i've asked you this before but...i only have two requirements when it comes to choosing sunglasses: 1. the lenses must be the absolute best 2. the frames must be incredibly light whilst still being sturdy and flexible. I am leaning more towards Mykita right now but i know almost nothing about their lenses (not the Leica collab. those are out of my budget) but i am considering alternatives. Any suggestions?

[@gabriell4031]

From the first time I laid my eyes on a JMM frame I knew it spoke high quality to me. I wear and enjoy nothing but high quality. As soon as I put on a pair of JMM for the first time I knew they were cemented for me as my favorite. 7 pairs later the attraction is still there. The attention to detail and the way they stand out on my huge head just makes me feel complete. When someone else who has a pair catches mine it feels like a cult of the know. I get questions and compliments all the time on all of my frames. They are just on another level for me.

[@PacmanB17H25]

What are your thoughts on the American Optical brand? Always wondered if they were of any quality!

[@jsmith1174]

What tint did you go with on your undostrial lenses? I want to order a pair

[@jonathanbowman9920]

Thoughts on American Optical? I wear the original pilot which looks similar to the Randolph. I also have a pair of the saratoga's from AO. A better version of the wayfarer. Would like to know your thoughts on their products.

[@parrisgeorge9708]

I may be wrong but I believe that American Optical also still has a contract for pilot glasses along with Randolph Engineering. I own a pair of them that were given to me by a friend that was a crew member on B-52's when they had a bomb wing in Rome NY.

[@ahastar1141]

I have a pair as well and absolutely love them

[@scupworks8940]

Amazing video! Very interesting. What do you think about Vuarnet? They also have glass lenses (afaik) and were famously worn by James Bond. Cheers

[@krishnakanthcake]

i have akoni Ulysses . black and gold . so perfect ultra awesome . i hope i never lose them

[@TheKristenCardiasmenosProject]

Its cool to see a sunglasses tier list! Nice job!

[@adamvukovic1601]

What is your opinion about Akoni ? ( Swiss based Eyewear crafted in Japan )

[@razeliezerbenmoshe8052]

what was the name of the glasses lenses that reduce glare and see better when you drive at night?

[@chepibe2011]

Your thoughts on Celine? Thanks!

[@muhammetozbek529]

Wow, learned so much from you. Thank you so much! Where would you rank the brand "Police". I recently bought one from their collabration with F1 driver Lewis Hamilton . Quality seemed nice

[@adamvukovic1601]

Hi Robert, It would been interesting to know your opinion about Eyepetizer ( Italy ) ?

[@mrmonday42]

Awesome tier list, you kept my interest for the entire video. I would love to see you do a tier list of only made in Japan sunglasses because there are so many Japanese brands you didn't cover.

[@cytherians]

I think that's a great idea, having a video dedicated to the top 10 Japanese eyewear brands. As for Japanese made (and marketed elsewhere), that would be a huge list.

[@mrmonday42]

@@cytherians Obviously he can't cover everything, but I would love to hear his thoughts on the made in Japan sunglasses that he has been hands on with

[@cytherians]

@@mrmonday42 The Japanese are leaders in eyeglass frame production and a dedicated video on the best brands from Japan would be wonderful.

[@danielhelms16]

What are your thoights on Smith Optics? I have a couple of casual frames (admittedly, some are very cheapy), but their sport/cycling, and of course, snow goggles have been amazing for me. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on their Chromopop and overall build.

[@shino8854]

Carrera, Oakley, Rayban....these are the brands I have been buying for the last decade. The ones you have on the Amazing tier, most I haven't even heard about 😂😂

[@tomcremers]

Hi, Which are the Japanese brands you speak of which are in its own league? I own a Mykita and Matsuda myself. And Eyevan, NativeSons and Retrosuperfuture. How would these brands compare on this scale? Also my favourite brand at the moment is Lindberg, could you give some more information on this brand in terms of quality

[@Amr.Abdelwahed]

I came across Bentley eyewear made by Estede..What do you think about them?

[@jaremy511]

Which brands are made with Zeiss lenses?

[@dennyjzl]

Kind regards! What do you think of John Varvatos Frames?

[@johnalcala1284]

What brand/model metal frame glasses are you wearing during most of the video? I want a pair!

[@damongray8530]

I just got a pair of Moncler glasses. The lenses aren't particularly great, but style is amazing. I take that back, the lenses are ok, light weight, but not polarized. I have oversized face shield which really helps block glare on peripheral and give me amazing range of view. Comfort... if you wear them too close they steam up so you need to carefully leave some space

[@johnortiz566]

Could you please rate Native Sons and SALT? Both brands are of excellent quality and are made in Japan. I enjoy watching your videos, and they have stirred my interest in eyewear.

[@arpeltier]

Needed sunglasses for flying, so of course I went with Randolph aviators. I have 2 pair and love them!

[@raymondng9107]

Great video. Thank you so much

[@thespectaclefactory]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Faouzi7]

I heared much good reactions about the brand Max Pittion. What’s your opinion on them?

[@Likko77]

I`ve been using Von Zipper Elmore for YEARS. Just bought my 2nd pair in a differen frame color. Made in Italy

[@gengator4543]

Hey Robert it’s Matthew C., you know I’m going to have a million brands to add, so I’ll just make a list: -Four nines 999.9 -Effector -Groover Spectacles -Yellow Plus -Guepard -Yuichi Toyama -Yohji Yamamoto -Ptolemy 48 -Platoy/Tintoy -Ayame -BJ Classic -True Vintage Revival -Kaneko Optical -Hakusan Glasses -Boston Club -Solakzade Eyewear -Taylor With Respect -Nishide Kazuo -Factory900 -Kamemannen -Matsuda -Massada Eyewear -Masahiromaruyama -Eyevan 7285 -Arthod -Lesca Lunetier -Arthod -Akila -Juapin Paris -Curry and Paxton -Vysen Eyewear -Max Pittion -Leisure Society -Gentle Monster -Balmain -Hoet Couture Eyewear -Jean Paul Gaultier -John Dalia -John Varvatos -Movitra -Parasite Eyewear -Andy Wolf Also I love the video, thank you for always making the world of eyewear a cool place. I appreciate you as always. Still love my JMM Arshile that you made the lens for. -Matthew C.

[@canibusnj]

Love vintage JPG. 👌🏾 I have a collection of about ten now. 💯

[@gengator4543]

@@canibusnj was thinking about getting a couple. They definitely are nice. Most of these brands I’ve tried and some of them I own, but it’s always interesting to hear Robert’s take on them. Vintage JGP is 100% worth every penny.

[@canibusnj]

@gengator4543 I was fortunate enough to get the model 55-3175 that JPG brought back last year. They were made famous by Tupac in the 90's. Two pair I want are model 55-5109 (A pair Tupac also wore) and the 56-5108, both in gold. Both are holy grails.

[@gengator4543]

@@canibusnj love those! Nice find!

[@SW-by9ob]

Would have been nice to see some cost information in the video for each brand. Just a rough £300-500 etc. would have bee very helpful in order to compare the relative value proposition.

[@user-mc7ph1qc1s]

I'm curious what Robert thinks about Gentle Monster as its a brand that rised in oposition to luxotica monopoly in korea

[@johngrath9773]

Very interesting. You should do a video on what makes a good sunglass lens.

[@thespectaclefactory]

Great idea!

[@Stole_Bg]

@@thespectaclefactory yes, and explain why RB 4179 which I have for a year now are bad ... and I am happy with them more than any sunglasses i had before (I am 60, and I had a really lot of them, fact I have a buch of them now...) ... how did Luxottica fooled me?

[@AsianTaeHyun]

Hi Robert, I'm currently selecting frames from a local optician using my insurance here in the United States. Sadly, the vision insurance is owned by Luxottica, but the optician stocks many brands that aren't Luxottica owned. For example, they have Blackfin, Matsuda, Ovvo, Flair, and others! This optician has recommended me De Stijl and William Morris; I was wondering if you've heard of these brands and what your thoughts were on them?

[@edjenkins100]

Thoughts on Tom Davies glasses? Don't think I've ever seen you mention them.

[@check4v]

Where can I find a larger version of the final chart?

[@katherinevogel3096]

As someone in charge of frame board management at my office, in an area where people can’t afford $500 for a frame alone, I’d be curious what manufacturers you would suggest I look into. We use Safilo, SD eyes, Luxottica, Marchon, Marcolin.

[@ghostridajohnblaze]

Great video! Would love to hear your thoughts on Dita.

[@cytherians]

That was very early on one of the first brands he covered, placed in the AMAZING slot.

[@NigoRattani-kq6cq]

Amazing presentation! I’m surprised it took me this long to run into your videos. As an eyewear professional such as yourself, you left out a unique feature with Randolph. They are the only brand with 3 different temple options to ensure the perfect fit. You also left out Vuarnet which IMO has one of the best lenses in the industry. JMM is king currently. If anyone can find a pair that fits and they love it. Get it now b/c if you wait, they most likely will se sold out. Masahiro Maruyama is the King of Japan. You can spot anyone wearing them from a mile. Also some gorgeous sunglass company that deserve some recognition: Matsuda Blake Kuwahara Thierry Lasry Lindberg Silhouette Thanks for making an inspiring video.

[@randallgriffin7358]

Nice review on style and quality. Can you add price? I'd like to see a best value matrix (quality x price) so I can find glasses that meet my quality needs without blowing up my budget. Thanks

[@pjp4875]

Would you recommend a model of sunglasses for w wide face? I am struggling finding both optical frames and sunglasses that are comfortable enough.

[@thespectaclefactory]

You should book a consultation with us on thespectaclefactory.com

[@HoranSFO]

Interested in your opinion of Luxembourg maker GOLD & WOOD.

[@m.zhuchkov_art]

Thanks! Very good review! BTW It would be great if you put your Tier List to the description. Cheers!

[@asecco]

I do like your videos and comments about eyewear even if sometimes I think or look for other things when I fall in love for this or that frame or Brand. I was wondering if you got your eyes on Lapima Brand from Brazil and what do you think about their frames. Also because I just know them via internet and had never touch a pair. But they do get my attention due to the frame treatment (not finishing ) I like the curves or I dont know, but they look interesting. One more thing. Just a little love story that crossed my path and I couldn't get rid of this passion. I once looking for a pair of Cuttler&Gross while visiting my son in Manchester I was presented to a pair of Taos Hoover Dennis Hopper which was not my idea to buy that day and I missed a chance, and that cost me 2 years calling to all the Jacques Marie Mage dealers and even contacting the JMM company begging for help. Long story short "true love always finds a way to happen" so I got a mail from some guys in New York saying that they just received a pair of my love, my JMM Taos Hoover n44. 2 years focused in finding that frame is a love story with a happy ending. Love JMM, love Cazal, love Persol and love dig deep into vintage flea markets and old stores with hidden treasure surprises

[@thespectaclefactory]

So glad you eventually found your perfect pair! Lapima look interestng, but I have no hands on experience with them unfortunately. If you get a pair perhaps you could send them in for me to work on

[@nataliaderevyanko8762]

With so many people needing prescription glasses nowadays I wonder if the lens quality is necessarily that important - what is the percentage of customers buying glasses with original lenses vs customized ones? Obviously, I have complicated correction and would hate to waste money on lenses I’d need to replace with very expensive customized lenses.

[@yehoshua77]

In California I see SALT. Optics in a lot of boutiques. Looks to be mostly Japanese acetate. Could you give your opinion of them sometime? I share your opinion of Luxottica, but can’t seem to shake my love of Ray-Ban. Recently got a pair of “Burbank” sunglasses and the acetate feels/looks pretty good and they even have burly 7 barrel hinges. For modern Ray-Ban they feel pretty good (especially with good prescription lenses).

[@Juan.Pulido]

I love matsuda as well to me they are also close to perfection in my opinion

[@apsul]

Great explanation thank you 👍🏻

[@wavygoods877]

I always loved ysl frames but hated the lenses. I’m going to try Jacques Marie Marge next!

[@thespectaclefactory]

JMM are certainly better

[@Dermie]

I am interested about Tavat, but do not want go to plastics. Does Tavat offer glass lenses for best optical quality?

[@nicolaslab1814]

What do you think about Silhouette sunglasses? Both the hinged and hingeless versions.

[@HoangLongNhan-pi9tj]

IO Eye Wears Can Find At New York City Right?

[@drlessismore]

AMAZING Video 👌🏼👌🏼

[@jacekwisniewski5989]

Hi, I've just discovered your channel, very informative I must say. Now I know I'm late on this but I'd appreciate if you could share your opinion on those brands: 1) Roka - exclusively sunglasses made in USA (Texas) from titanium 2) Orgreen created in Denmark made in Japan from titanium 3) Silhouette - well known brand from Austria. Thanks in advance.

[@thespectaclefactory]

Sorry! I think all 3 are really overrated and there are better alternatives out there. But these 3 brands you will find in a lot of optical stores as they have good distribution networks

[@jacekwisniewski5989]

@@thespectaclefactory Thanks, I'm not really surprised by your opinion other than maybe about Orgreen. I thought it's intriguing brand and what made me interested in them is that the frames are made in Japan but I guess you know more so I won't argue

[@nakurage]

I didn’t see Japanese glasses in this list NATIVE SONS, EFFECTOR. They are also of a very high level, what is your opinion about these brands?

[@adamvukovic1601]

Could you say anything about Miu Miu brand ( Prada Group ) ?

[@PatGigtainment]

What do you think about Mont Blanc eyewear? I just bought some online and have no idea what to except

[@mouisehay930]

Used to be zeiss lenses, not sure honestly but I like the style

[@TheKornheaD]

Hi! Is Kaenon sunglasses good?

[@webby2086]

Will say about Maui Jims I do agree the Keyring acquisition has been positive as noticed they been advising alot with their new collection and seen them partnering with Red bull .. hopefully their quality control improves as it can be hit and miss with certain styles (infamously the bird which i guessing now discontinued) so understand them being in the amazing tier but still would recommend them to people Think another brand you should look at are Sungod sunglasses as their a UK brand that ironically sponsoring McLaren F1 team along with Williams so maybe worth checking them out and their 8k lenses as Heard good things from the lenses

[@mindricity]

I'd love to hear your take on Matsuda.

[@G_F1]

Rate Retro Super Future! Also, intersting to see Matsuda is not on here given the affinity for Japanese eyewear.

[@worldofkriss]

Thoughts on yohji Yamamoto sunglasses or zegna

[@jonathanrobayo22]

Hey Robert do you still have the 8951 Porsche design in stock?

[@Forgoten214]

Do any of the top tier brands offer sunglasses for big heads? Such as size 8 or 63.5cm heads?

[@manyloosescrews]

What about Vuarnet!!! Blackfin and OVVO should get some love too. I really enjoy carrying TAVAT, they have been a dream to partner with and every line is remarkable in its own right.