Protect Your Eyes In Style With These Sunglass Brands

You may think that sunglasses are simply an accessory. But, if they offer 100% UV-protection, they also protect the eyes from damaging ultraviolet rays.

Exposure to UV can increase the risk of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and cancer—even on a cloudy day. Ultraviolet rays can also damage the thin skin around the eyes, which can lead to wrinkles. In fact, research suggests that wearing sunglasses “as frequently as possible from a young age” is the key to minimizing the damage to the eye and surrounding skin.

I am living proof. I used to be ridiculed for wearing oversized frames all of the time, even in the pool. In fact, after the age of 18 you won’t find many (if any) pictures of me outside without sunglasses on because my light hazel eyes tear up instantly when the sun hits them. But at almost fifty, the wrinkles around my eyes are only visible when I laugh or smile, which I attribute mostly to wearing big sunglasses the majority of my life.

Regardless of how you perceive sunglasses, there are many brands that put a premium on both style and performance so you can protect your eyes and look polished simultaneously. To get a pulse on the latest trends I tapped Gina Lamanna, a seasoned stylist who has nearly 30 years of experience working with private clients and collaborating with global fashion brands, an entrepreneur, and the founder of The Fondle Project, a non-profit dedicated to helping women thrive beyond breast cancer.

“It’s all about a retro revival right now,” she tells me over a call. “Cat eye sunglasses are back. I don’t wear them, but love seeing them.” Oversized shades are coming back, although I am not sure if they ever left. “You can’t go wrong with big Jackie O-style glasses or a retro aviator, which is my favorite. You can buy a rad pair of aviators at a vintage store or find them anywhere from Ray-ban, H&M, Zara to the big brands like Loewe and Gucci. Tinted lenses are another big trend as are pastel-colored frames for spring like buttercup yellow, white, and celery green. Elevated athleisure is the trend for fashion this season, so we are also seeing sportier styles.” Sunglass shapes that are angular and brightly colored are also playing prominently and are certainly nods to the 80s and 90s.

Whatever your style preference, I rounded up three brands that offer on-trend styles that are worth the investment to help protect your eyes and the skin around them.

Aliana Rose

I was recently introduced to the brand Aliana Rose, and instantly gravitated towards the aesthetic that offers classic styles with a sprinkle of punk rock. Founded by Dr. Sophia Visanji, an optometrist with almost two decades of experience of seeing patients and hearing feedback about other optical brands that helped her see where the gaps in the market were for her own brand.

“Aliana Rose was officially launched in 2022 (official date is 2/22/22) as a way to combine my years of clinical knowledge with my passion for design. The name is a tribute to the women in my family—my mother and sisters—so it’s a deeply personal project as well,” she tells me on a call. “I wanted to create something that balanced both functionality and fashion, offering high-quality frames that not only looked great but also provided superior comfort and fit.”

Visanji continues, “Sunglasses are a medically necessary accessory. It’s not only important to protect one’s eyes from UV for ocular diseases—but also from debris and dust. In cities like Miami, New York, Chicago, and LA there is a lot of construction and sunglasses act like a shield from the particles flying around.” I couldn’t agree with her more.

The brand’s aesthetic is bold, but Visanji explains to me that all of the styles “have an old soul vibe.” Each collection is named and inspired by different locations around the world along with past fashion eras. “For instance, our Cali collection was inspired by an eyewear style that was popular in the 70s era with colorways named for different parts of the golden state. All of the styles are designed in New York City with high quality Italian Mazzuchelli Acetate at a price point that is truly accessible.”

Lowercase NYC

Lowercase NYC is known for its sleek, minimalist designs, with an urban flare and ideal for those looking to make a subtle yet stylish statement while staying protected from the sun. Initially founded by Gerard Masci and Brian Vallario in 2016, the brand was later acquired by MODO eyewear brands in 2023.

Lowercase uses premium materials, like Italian and Japanese acetate that is hypo-allergenic and designed to adapt to one’s head shape overtime ensuring comfort and stainless steel for durability. The sunglasses come in a wide variety of lens types that provide excellent UV protection and glare reduction to protect the eyes and are made in their factory located in Brooklyn, New York.

“Lowercase NYC has always been focused on creating beautifully designed, locally made, luxury eyewear. We are so proud to be one of the only eyewear brands produced in New York, with a unique, 30-step detailed process, which from start to finish, takes about two weeks to complete,” Lowercase NYC’s CEO, Rebecca Giefer tells me over email.

Between the stunning colorways, the quality, and the various styles—you can’t go wrong with Lowercase sunglasses.

MODO Eyewear

If you have ever felt like plastic sunglasses are too heavy for your face—then MODO Eyewear is for you. I know I am in this camp. I hate seeing indentations where my glasses sit on the bridge of my nose that typically only happens when I wear oversized frames, which I adore. So, when I came across MODO Eyewear, I was thrilled that I didn’t have to suffer even with a bigger frame.

MODO was founded 35 years ago by Alessandro Lanaro. Each of the brand’s collections are inspired by vibrant cities like Milan, Stockholm, and New York, where the brand was born. “For the MODO frame, lightness isn’t just a feature – it’s a commitment. No matter if the frame is crafted from the thinnest titanium or chunky acetate, a MODO frame will never weigh you down and is designed to keep up with your pace of life,” MODO’s CEO of America, Rebecca Giefert shares with me over email.

These sunglasses are game changers in the lightness department. Once you put these frames on you feel firsthand how most of the other frames are lacking when it comes to comfort—both in the glass frames and and the arms, which are flexible rather than rigid. I definitely know where I will get my next frames for my prescription readers.