Quay Australia

Recorded answer text · Google AI Overviews · 11 October 2026

- Velvet Canyon: Born in Byron Bay, known for vintage-inspired, sustainable luxury acetate frames and 100% UV protection. - Le Specs: An iconic Australian eyewear staple since 1979, famous for bold, affordable, and celebrity-worn statement frames. - Good Citizens: Based in Sydney, celebrated for eco-friendly, modular, and repairable sunglasses made from recycled single-use plastic bottles. - Poppy Lissiman: Recognised for avant-garde, colourful, and fashion-forward geometric shapes. - Quay Australia: Originally launched for festival culture, now a go-to for diverse, oversized, and trendy sunnies. - Bailey Nelson: Offers high-value, low-maintenance frames with full-service optometry and prescription capabilities in-store. - Spotters & Mako: Specialized performance and polarized eyewear brands praised heavily across Australian local forums for harsh glare and water conditions. - Cancer Council: A trusted, budget-friendly staple for everyday UV400 and polarized sun protection across adult and children sizes.

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### Top International Heritage & Sport Brands Available in Australia

- Ray-Ban: Timeless classics like the Original Wayfarer and Clubmaster available via Ray-Ban Australia and major stockists. - Oakley: Industry leader in sport-performance and lifestyle frames (such as the Holbrook XL) featuring Prizm lens tech. - Maui Jim: Famed for superior polarization and clarity, particularly popular for coastal and water use. - Gentle Monster: Voted by Vogue as a leading contemporary designer eyewear brand.

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If you'd like to narrow down the list, tell me:

- What is your budget? (e.g., under $100, $150-$250, luxury) - What will you use them for? (e.g., everyday fashion, driving, beach/water sports, or prescription lenses) - Do you prefer a specific frame style? (e.g., aviator, cat-eye, oversized, or square)

Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 11 October 2026

# Best sunglasses brands in Australia (2026)

If you're shopping for sunglasses in Australia, I'd shortlist Le Specs, Ray-Ban, Oakley, AM Eyewear, Poppy Lissiman and VEHLA\. They cover everything from affordable everyday sunnies to premium designer frames and performance eyewear. Recent Australian fashion roundups also highlight brands such as Raie, Velvet Canyon and Deering. www.broadsheet.com.aufashionjournal.com.auwww.gourmettraveller.com.au

## My top picks

!Le Specs Contemplation Black Rectangle Sunglasses | David Jones

1\. Le Specs

(Best all-rounder)

Affordable to mid-range

Trendy, versatile frames that work for everyday wear, holidays and casual outfits. A strong starting point if you want fashionable sunglasses without spending designer prices. fashionjournal.com.auwww.elle.com.auwww.justsunnies.com.auwww.gourmettraveller.com.au

Shop Le Specs

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!Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer RB2140 Sunglasses Black/Green 54

2\. Ray-Ban

Classic · Mid-range to premium

Best for timeless styles such as Wayfarers and Aviators. Ideal if you want one reliable-looking pair that won't quickly date. Polarised options are available. www.gourmettraveller.com.auwww.euromonitor.comwww.justsunnies.com.au

Shop Ray-Ban Australia

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!Óculos de Sol Oakley Holbrook - Relógios Campana - A Sua Loja de Relogios Originais Online

3\. Oakley

Sport · Driving · Outdoors

My pick for active lifestyles, cycling, running and outdoor adventures. Look for sport-specific fit, secure frames and polarised lenses if reducing glare is a priority. www.gourmettraveller.com.auwww.euromonitor.comwww.justsunnies.com.au

Shop Oakley Australia

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!AM Eyewear Dom Aztec/Smoke Lenses Sunglasses | Afterpay

4\. AM Eyewear

Premium · Statement frames

Great if you prefer distinctive silhouettes, quality acetate and a more elevated Australian design aesthetic. A strong option for a premium everyday pair. www.broadsheet.com.aufashionjournal.com.auwww.gourmettraveller.com.auwww.euromonitor.comwww.justsunnies.com.auwww.elle.com.au

Shop AM Eyewear

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![Heyuboy - Green - Poppy Lissiman](

5\. Poppy Lissiman

Bold · Fashion-forward

Particularly worth checking out if you love oversized, sculptural or retro-inspired frames. The designer is Western Australian-born, making this a fun local-label option. www.broadsheet.com.aufashionjournal.com.auwww.gourmettraveller.com.auwww.elle.com.auwww.justsunnies.com.auwww.choice.com.auwww.arpansa.gov.au

Shop Poppy Lissiman

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!VEHLA | Accessories | Vehla Dixie Choc Tortcinnamon Tortoise Shell Square Sunglasses | Poshmark

6\. VEHLA

Minimalist · Quiet luxury

A good choice for understated, vintage-inspired frames in refined colours. Particularly suited to a polished wardrobe and timeless styling. www.broadsheet.com.aufashionjournal.com.auwww.gourmettraveller.com.auwww.euromonitor.comwww.justsunnies.com.auwww.elle.com.au

Shop VEHLA

## More Australian brands worth knowing

!HIGH KEY Best Selling Aviator Sunglasses - Quay Australia

Quay Australia

Trend-led, oversized frames and aviators at accessible prices.

Shop Quay

![VENUS ZODIAC - Raie Eyewear](

Raie Eyewear

Minimalist, gender-neutral designs with a focus on considered materials and UV protection.

Shop Raie

!Velvet Canyon Velvetines Sunglasses Eco Tortoise | END.

Velvet Canyon

Vintage-inspired shapes with a modern, understated feel.

Shop Velvet Canyon

!Lincoln Sunglasses - Matte Black | Bailey Nelson New Zealand

Bailey Nelson

Worth considering if you need prescription sunglasses or want to try frames in person.

Shop Bailey Nelson

fashionjournal.com.auwww.justsunnies.com.auwww.gourmettraveller.com.auwww.elle.com.au

## What matters most when buying sunglasses in Australia?

- UV protection\: Check the label for compliance with AS/NZS 1067.1 and choose sunglasses with appropriate UV protection. - Lens category\: Category 3 is a good choice for bright Australian conditions, including the beach and driving. - Polarisation\: Particularly useful for reducing reflected glare from roads, water and sand. It is separate from UV protection. - Fit\: The frames should stay secure without pinching, slipping or touching your cheeks. www.choice.com.auwww.arpansa.gov.auwww.justsunnies.com.au

## Find the best brand for your style

What's your budget in AUD?

Under \$100

\$100-\$150

\$150-\$300

\$300+

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What look do you prefer?

Minimalist and classy

Luxury designer

Trendy and fashionable

Sporty

Classic and timeless

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What will you mainly use them for?

Everyday wear

Beach and driving

Sport and outdoor activities

Fashion and holidays

[Find my best sunglasses]

Recorded answer text · Perplexity · 11 October 2026

Australia has several excellent eyewear brands, ranging from handmade independent labels to technical sunglasses specialists:

- AM Eyewear - Best for Australian-made frames, bold shapes, and high-quality acetate; a strong all-round choice for distinctive everyday eyewear. - OTIS Eyewear - Best for stylish sunglasses with a relaxed Australian aesthetic and generally accessible pricing. - Pared Eyewear - Best for fashion-forward, contemporary frames and sunglasses with sculptural shapes. - Le Specs - Best for affordable, trend-led sunglasses and frequent seasonal collections. - Quay Australia - Best for oversized, celebrity-inspired sunglasses at approachable prices. - Pacifico Optical - Best for understated, premium frames with a clean coastal feel. - Sunski - Best for casual, outdoor-oriented sunglasses and practical everyday designs. - Banton Frameworks - Best for premium handmade frames, unusual colours, and limited-production designs. - Paul Taylor - Best for colourful, expressive eyewear; the Australian designer has been creating distinctive frames since 1993. - Lucy Folk - Best for luxury fashion sunglasses and jewellery-inspired styling; its eyewear is handmade in Italy and uses UV-protected lenses.

Best overall picks: AM Eyewear for Australian-made quality, OTIS for everyday sunglasses, Pared for fashion, and Banton Frameworks for premium handmade frames. Availability and manufacturing location vary by collection, so check the individual model before buying.