The weather has been rather undecided recently but we all know as soon as a single beam of glorious light shoots down through those clouds, we automatically reach for our favourite sunglasses. We wear them partly for psychological reasons in the hope the sun will remain and also it is a key accessory which nowadays people are more willing to spend money on to complete their Summer look. There are a vast amount of sunglass brands on the market so we have narrowed down a lengthy list to our favourite top ten designers. Some are well established in the industry and still going strong, whereas others are quite new to the scene and offer some of the coolest options available in stores now. 

Finlay & Co

Founded in 2012, this company (pictured above) offers some of the most wearable designs on the market. The British brand claim their sunglasses to be extremely durable with frames available in either acetate or hardwood. My preference is the Carnaby in the natural wooden frame. This design is of a timeless wayfarer shape and looks great with the contrasting lighter Maplewood down the sides.

Thierry Lasry

With the French designer's father being an optician and mother a designer, it is easy to understand why the creativity of this brand is so highly admired in the industry. Thierry Lasry glasses are renowned for their flat-fronted design which give an automatic modern and futuristic feeling.

Larke Optics

One of the key factors about this exciting brand, is that they are entirely handmade in England. Quite a rare feat these days! Using the finest Italian acetate, this brand has created some of the highest quality frames out there. If you are a fan of a more minimal but striking design, then this is the brand for you. Out of 9 unisex designs, my personal favourites for men would be the Gill or Alden in the horn or ink. I highly advise you discover this brand!

Cutler and Gross

One of the first pioneers of making eyewear fashionable, Cutler and Gross still produce some of the best designs around. They are well known for their outstanding quality and quirky frame shapes. I would say this brand is certainly for the more 'fashion forward'.

Carhartt

This classic workwear brand has created some classic sunglasses including their simple Super Wayfarer design. The matte black are my preferred colour as they make a timeless addition to your wardrobe.

Taylor Morris Eyewear

Don't be put off by the fact one of the original boys from Made in Chelsea started this brand! Relatively new to the scene, Charlie Morris and MIC's Hugo Taylor launched their designs in 2013. The designs, including the Rollright and Vredefort, all stem from classic shapes but with modern detailing, including their 3 gold plated circles down the sides of the arms of each pair.

Hook LDN 

Probably the newest on the scene, this brand uses the expression of music as inspiration behind their designs. They are generally aimed at the younger consumer with an accessible price point. Parklife, Supersonic, Blitz and Rhapsody are the names of the styles available in the current collection.

Article by Menswear Style