Seeing Stars: The Best Luxury Eyewear Brands For Men

If there’s one item not to cheap out on, it’s your glasses. Unlike almost anything else you own, they’ll be worn on a daily basis. They’ll follow you from boardroom to bar and everywhere in between, mingling with tailoring, T-shirts and even your sweatpants and hoodie come the weekend. There’s no other piece that gets this much wear, so if you’re going to invest in one thing, luxury eyewear makes the most sense.

Luxury eyewear is about more than just looking the part. It’s about putting your money into something meticulously crafted, thoughtfully designed, and built to last. These frames are made to make a statement, whether subtle or bold, and if you buy right, you can feel the difference before you even put them on.

Below, we’ll explore what exactly makes a pair of glasses ‘luxury’ before delving into some of the brands leading the way in the world of high-end specs and sunnies.

What Makes An Eyewear Brand ‘Luxury’?

Craftsmanship

Moscot

The difference between a luxury frame and a cheap, mass-produced equivalent is night and day. True luxury eyewear is often the result of hours or even days of work by skilled artisans. Think handcrafted hinges, perfectly polished edges and carefully moulded nose pads – every detail is honed to absolute perfection. Many brands also produce their frames in small batches, ensuring precision and attention to detail.

That said, keep in mind that many high-end fashion brands market their frames as ‘luxury’, pricing them accordingly. In reality, they’re churned out in huge volumes at the same factories where cheaper glasses are produced. So, always check where your frames are made if you want genuine luxury, not just an expensive brand name.

Attention To Detail

Garrett Leight

The devil, as they say, is in the details – and luxury eyewear brands really take this to heart. From the hand-painted enamel on temples to custom-milled patterns on the arms and bridge, these touches are what set their frames apart.

Even the most seemingly minor details – like the logo placement or the choice of hinge system – speak volumes about the care taken in production.

Materials

Moscot

Top-tier materials are the foundation for a great pair of glasses. Italian acetate, lightweight titanium and even exotic woods make the cut. These aren’t just chosen for how they look – they offer unmatched comfort, durability, and performance, too.

For sunglasses, expect lenses that provide superior optical clarity and UV protection, often sourced from the best and most respected lens manufacturers in the world.

Heritage And Brand Perception

Cutler and Gross

A brand can’t simply swan onto the scene, charge outlandish prices and call themselves ‘luxury’. It doesn’t work like that.

Real luxury brands are built on decades, sometimes centuries, of history and heritage. They’ve earned their reputation over a long time, and people are willing to pay higher prices because of this.

The Brands That Define Luxury Eyewear

Oliver Peoples

If you’re into luxury that doesn’t need to shout to be heard, then Oliver Peoples’ understated frames will probably be right up your street. Hailing from LA, the unofficial global capital of sunglasses, the label specialises in handcrafted eyewear that’s carefully pieced together in either Italy or Japan.

Think vintage aesthetics with contemporary touches and intricate attention to detail. There’s a reason these frames are a firm favourite of some of the big screen’s biggest names.

Shop now at Oliver Peoples

Tom Ford

Tom Ford doesn’t do things by halves, and the brand’s eyewear collection is no exception. With bold silhouettes and signature ‘T’ temple details, these glasses are as sharp and considered as the brand’s world-famous tailoring.

Handcrafted in Italy, they blend classic shapes with contemporary flair, which goes for everything from oversized sunglasses to understated specs for the office.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Garrett Leight

Another company born in Los Angeles, Garrett Leight takes aesthetic cues from its hometown’s relaxed, sun-soaked vibe. Founded by the son of Larry Leight, the creator of Oliver Peoples, the brand brings a fresh approach to luxury eyewear.

The quality across both Garrett Leight and Oliver Peoples is comparable, but the former is definitely geared towards a slightly younger crowd. If you’re under 50 and looking for frames with quality and character in equal measures, this is an excellent brand to shop.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Cutler and Gross

A British institution, Cutler and Gross has been crafting eyewear for the style set since the sixties. Handmade in Italy, these are fun yet tasteful frames that blend quirky British design with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.

Think thick acetate frames with bold shapes and a slightly retro vibe – the kind of specs that can lend even the dreariest of faces a bit of personality.

Shop now at SSENSE

Moscot

There aren’t many eyewear brands that can rival Moscot’s heritage and prestige. Founded in the Big Apple in 1915, this iconic label is not only one of the city’s oldest businesses but a global icon in eyewear design.

Signature models like the Lemtosh, Miltzen and Zev have become favourites among A-listers, with admirers including Johnny Depp and Ryan Gosling. It’s easy to see why Moscot remains a go-to for deep-pocketed individuals and those in the know.

Shop now at END.

Matsuda

Lovers of fine craftsmanship and design could do much worse than a pair of glasses from Matsuda. All of the brand’s specs and shades are meticulously handcrafted in Japan, featuring high-end materials and ornate detailing that set them apart from the crowd.

Expect hand-engraved patterns, unique finishes, beautifully thought-out details, and an equally well-thought-out design. Less eyewear, more artwork.

Shop now at SSENSE

Kirk Originals

In 1919, the Kirk family transformed an old sewing machine into a tool for cutting eyewear. It was the beginning of London’s favourite cult eyewear brand.

Decades down the line, the unearthing of a trunk full of vintage Kirk frames inspired the launch of the Kirk Originals line, which pays homage to the brand’s archive designs, using high-quality materials and subtle contemporary details to bring classic styles back to life.

Shop now at Kirk Originals

Jacques Marie Mage

Even frames from luxury eyewear brands can feel a little tired and formulaic. If you want something completely out of the ordinary that you’re highly unlikely to see anyone else wearing, then Jacques Marie Mage is a good place to start looking.

We’re talking about avant-garde designs in highly limited runs, built using the finest and rarest of materials. The result is truly special, but it comes with a price tag to match.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Mykita

German brand Mykita offers a modern, minimalist take on eyewear without sacrificing durability or functionality. Many of its frames incorporate a patented screwless hinge system and use high-end materials in their construction.

Each pair is handcrafted in Berlin, and frequent collaborations with fashion designers and artists keep things fresh and fun.

Shop now at Farfetch

Linda Farrow

Established in 1970, Linda Farrow’s eyewear is a firm favourite among fashion insiders. Known for its oversized silhouettes and luxurious materials, the brand frequently collaborates with designers to create standout frames.

From 24K gold-plated aviators to bold acetate cat-eyes, these glasses exude high-fashion appeal and uncompromising quality. However, they don’t come cheap, so don’t be surprised to find yourself parting with £1,000+ for the honour of owning a pair.

Shop now at Farfetch