21 Best Italian Sunglasses Brands: Top Styles & Craft

Ciao, fashionable souls! It’s your friend Max here, the one who adores everything Italian. Today, I’m here to brighten your day with insights into the best Italian sunglasses brands, an accessory necessary under the blaring sun, and a style statement that adds that perfect zing to your outfit. 

So, if you’ve been daydreaming about the quintessential pair of Italian sunglasses to add to your collection, you’ve landed in the right place. 

Let’s dive straight into the world of refined style and superior craftsmanship with our curated selection of the best Italian sunglasses brands, where heritage meets innovation.

1. Luxottica: The Crown Jewel of Italian Eyewear Brands

Honestly, the story of Italian eyewear can never start without mentioning the giant in the industry, the Italian eyewear brand Luxottica (website). This Milanese marvel, a brainchild of the visionary Leonardo Del Vecchio, has been gracing us with stylish eyewear since 1961.

Picture this: a conglomerate that’s a delightful umbrella sheltering renowned brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and many more, offering you the epitome of fashion and quality right from Milan, the fashion capital of the world.

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Did you know Luxottica is the powerhouse behind many fashion and luxury brand eyewear lines? Oh yes, Luxottica stands as a renowned entity globally, holding the reins of several prestigious brands.

Apart from nurturing famed in-house labels, it is also the creative force behind the eyewear collections of eminent names such as Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Burberry, Bulgari, Ferrari, Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Valentino, and Versace.

And it doesn’t end there! This Italian eyewear manufacturer owns the popular LensCrafters and Sunglass Hut outlets, where you can find various designs to suit your style. 

Since 2018, Luxottica embarked on a new chapter, amalgamating with its French counterpart, Essilor, to form EssilorLuxottica. This Italian-French conglomerate, with its headquarters nestled in Paris, exemplifies a vertically unified multinational powerhouse in the eyewear industry

2. L.G.R

During a 2005 visit to his grandfather’s optical store in Asmara, Eritrea, Luca Gnecchi Ruscone stumbled upon a collection of sunglasses dating back to the colonial era. 

Enchanted by the sophistication and grace of the frame designs, he transported these relics back to Italy, crafting a limited series of replicas inspired by his findings.

L.G.R. (website) specializes in quality sunglasses and optical frames with tempered mineral glass lenses. Every pair of L.G.R sunglasses encapsulates artistry and allure, conceived and hand-forged in Italian workshops prioritizing quality materials, excellence, uniqueness, and narrative richness.

L.G.R Popular Sunglasses Styles

• Reunion Model: These sunglasses are sought after for their ultimate round frame, crafted meticulously in Italy using Mazuchelli acetate and Barberini mineral glass lenses.

3. Persol

Persol (website) is a hallmark of Italian luxury eyewear and one of the most iconic Italian brands. With a history spanning several decades, the brand effortlessly marries classic elegance with contemporary design, offering eyewear that transcends fleeting trends.

The brand’s name, emanating from the Italian phrase “per il sole,” translates to “for the sun.” Initiated in 1917 by the visionary Giuseppe Ratti, Persol initially served the needs of aviators and race car drivers.

Distinguished by its silver arrow emblem, Persol is celebrated for its trailblazing approaches, including the pioneering Meflecto system – a precursor in developing spring hinges for glasses. 

This Italian brand boasts a storied connection with the luminaries of the global film industry, becoming a preferred choice both on and off-screen, integrating seamlessly into the daily lives of numerous celebrated cinema figures.

Persol Popular Sunglasses Styles

• 649 Model: This iconic model is a preferred choice for many. People love this model for its distinctive design and keyhole bridge that epitomizes sophistication.

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4. Sestini

Sestini Eyewear (website), inaugurated in 2020 by Carlo Sestini, stands as a beacon among Italian designer sunglasses brands, embodying the essence of artisanal craftsmanship in Italy. This brand is dedicated to handcrafting sunglasses, employing sustainable materials and the expertise of a master craftsman with four decades of experience. 

The brand releases sunglasses in limited, individually numbered batches to foster sustainability. Each Sestini sunglasses purchase includes a velvet box, a faux leather case fabricated from recycled plastic bottles, a reusable lens cloth, and a maintenance manual. 

Furthermore, the brand accentuates its environmental commitment by planting a tree with every transaction.

Sestini Popular Sunglasses Styles

• Sei Frames: This style is renowned for its classic shape and timeless allure. They are characterized by thick archival acetate structures available in rich tonal hues.

5. Ray-Ban

Ray-Ban (website), a prominent brand boasting both American and Italian heritage, emerged as a beacon in the luxury sunglasses and eyeglasses sector in 1936, thanks to the initiative of Bausch & Lomb. 

The brand has carved a niche in the market through its renowned Wayfarer and Aviator collections. In a significant business move in 1999, Bausch & Lomb sold the brand to the Italian eyewear giant Luxottica Group in a staggering $640 million deal. 

Craftsmanship lies at the heart of Ray-Ban sunglasses, with each pair meticulously handcrafted in Italy, embodying an impeccable quality standard derived from the premium quality materials integrated into every piece. 

The brand doesn’t merely rest on its historical laurels; it constantly evolves, intertwining timeless aesthetics with innovative technology. 

This dedication to excellence and a ceaseless pursuit of sophistication ensures Ray-Ban’s steadfast position as a pioneer in the eyewear sector, resonating with a clientele that appreciates enduring style and unmatched refinement.

Ray-Ban Popular Sunglasses Styles

• Wayfarer: This model has achieved iconic status, continuously being a global top choice for eyewear enthusiasts.
• Aviator: Initially conceived for aviators, this model showcases a teardrop lens silhouette complemented by a slender metallic frame.
• Clubmaster: Drawing inspiration from the 1950s, the Clubmaster boasts a prominent browline frame, finding favor among discerning cultural connoisseurs.

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6. Carrera Sunglasses

Carrera (website) is a distinguished eyewear brand from Italy specializing in crafting sunglasses and sports eyewear. Established in Austria in 1956 by the visionary Wilhelm Anger, the brand presently functions from its headquarters in Padova, Italy, under the stewardship of the Safilo Group S.p.A.

Renowned for their chic aesthetic and premium material quality, Carrera sunglasses have carved out a niche in the fashion industry. 

A favored choice among celebrities, Carrera’s offerings have graced numerous films and music videos, consistently being praised for its ageless styles, pioneering technology, and unmatched refinement.

Carrera Popular Sunglasses Styles

• Carrera 1001/S: These oversized square sunglasses showcase a vibrant fusion of black and white acetate, enriched with a hint of Carrera’s signature red and accented with distinctive stripe detailing along the frame front.
• Carrera 8037: These men’s sunglasses blend lightness and flexibility, fabricated from Memory Metal. They boast a rectangular form and an athletic visual appeal.
• Carrera 2022: These gender-neutral sunglasses are characterized by full-rim frames crafted from feather-light acetate, available in many hues.

7. Gast

Based in Milan, Gast (website) emerges as a standalone eyewear label dedicated to delivering premium handmade Italian sunglasses that won’t break the bank. 

The brand artfully crafts its pieces utilizing cellulose acetate from leading vendors such as Mazzucchelli and eco-friendly bio-acetate, known for its recyclable and biodegradable properties. 

The manufacturing journey is meticulous, encompassing over 50 stages, from carving the acetate to the final polish. Every piece of Gast eyewear embodies a rich tapestry of varied cultures and hues, absorbing the eclectic spirit and fashionable pulse of the multicultural Milanese landscape.

Gast Popular Sunglasses Styles

• Gast Studio: This metallic iteration boasts a squared frame highlighted by refined lines, semi-flat lenses, and slender stems adorned with acetate tips, lending these spectacles a contemporary flair.

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8. Retrosuperfuture

Established in 2007 by Daniel Beckerman, Retrosuperfuture (website) has carved a niche in the eyewear market with its contemporary and unique designs. The brand blends timeless aesthetics with cutting-edge innovation, providing a rich array of trendy shapes.

Retrosuperfuture Popular Sunglasses Styles

• Classic Black, Ciccio Black, Aalto Black, and America Black are standout styles known for their modern and unique design aesthetics.

9. Antica Occhialeria

Antica Occhialeria (website), a revered eyewear label, resides in the historic city of Florence, Italy. Established in 1956 by the discerning and artistic aficionado Lucio Enrico Di Nardo, the venture initially began as a fusion of an optical boutique and a haven for vintage eyeglass collections.

In the hands of his heirs, the enterprise metamorphosed into a genuine artisanal eyewear sanctuary, where time-honored traditions seamlessly blend with the present, birthing creations that are meticulously hand-finished.

Drawing inspiration from Di Nardo’s extensive assembly, the eyewear pieces echo a somewhat nostalgic and retro essence, marked by incredibly distinctive craftsmanship in their designs.

10. Ophy Eyewear

Ophy Eyewear (website) is recognized for its artisanal, handcrafted sunglasses with unique designs inspired by modern futuristic architecture. Crafted in Italy, these sunglasses represent the pinnacle of eyewear craftsmanship, embracing the essence of contemporary aesthetics.

Ophy Eyewear Popular Sunglasses Styles

• Lloyd Model: This model is famous for its bold oval shape and art-inspired geometric details, setting it apart in the market.

11. Ferilli Eyewear

As an eco-conscious brand, Ferilli Eyewear (website) is committed to crafting sunglasses using locally sourced and sustainable materials like prickly pear fiber, olive wood, and ebony. The brand integrates innovative materials offering exclusive, classy eyewear pieces.

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12. Safilo

With a rich heritage dating back to 1878, Safilo (website) is a testament to Italian craftsmanship expertise in eyewear production, including optical frames, sunglasses, sports eyewear, and related accessories.

Recognized for its commitment to innovation and the continuous exploration of novel materials and forms, the company maintains a robust presence in the research and development arena.

The group manages a portfolio of intrinsic brands, including Carrera, Polaroid, and Kate Spade, alongside licensing contracts with numerous esteemed high-end labels.

13. Lozza

Rooted deep in Italian history since 1878, Lozza (website) holds the title of the oldest eyewear brand in Italy. Revered for its unmatched craftsmanship and stylish designs, it is a paragon of Italian culture, identity, and style, encapsulating years of tradition and innovation in each piece.

Lozza Popular Sunglasses Styles

• Zilo: This style is characterized by a continuous metal core and is adorned with the Lozza logo on the frame and lenses. Its two lens options offer a seventies flair adaptable to any face size.

14. Vanni Occhiali

Founded in 1987 in Turin by the automobile-industry-rooted Vitaloni family, Vanni Occhiali (website) quickly became synonymous with imaginative and stylish eyewear.

The brand intricately melds vivid hues and meticulous attention to detail in each piece, crafted exclusively in Italy from premium materials like unique acetates and metals with novel finishes.

Inspired by the Milanese artist and entrepreneur Giovanni Vitaloni, the design philosophy hinges on four pillars: vibrant color usage, detailed craftsmanship, Italian heritage, and an adherence to globally admired Italian aesthetics.

This approach has enabled Vanni to craft exclusive, uniquely styled acetate frames, becoming the brand’s signature.

Vanni Occhiali Popular Sunglasses Styles

• Vanni VS 3050: These women’s sunglasses showcase a full-rim acetate frame complemented by semi-round lenses, earning accolades for their fashionable appeal and superior quality.

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15. Tavat

Established in the serene foothills of the Dolomites, Tavat (website) epitomizes Italian luxury in eyewear, seamlessly integrating expert craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. 

These premium products envisioned in California and meticulously brought to life in Italy’s Dolomites, offer a harmonious blend of functionality and simplicity, embodying the brand’s founding ethos since its inception in 2010.

Tavat utilizes top-notch materials like cellulose acetate and eco-friendly bio-acetate, a hallmark of sustainability renowned for its recyclability and biodegradable properties. 

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Tavat sets itself apart with its melanin-infused lenses, a revolutionary technology ensuring unparalleled eye protection. 

This feature enhances visual clarity, augments contrast, and minimizes glare without altering natural colors, promising a superior and environmentally conscious eyewear experience.

Tavat Popular Sunglasses Styles

• Ex-Cam Airman: This variant showcases a square silhouette accentuated with streamlined contours, semi-flat lenses, and slender arms ending in acetate embellishments.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the Italian fashion powerhouses that have expanded their repertoire to include stylish and luxurious sunglasses.

16. Gucci

A beacon of luxury in the fashion industry, Gucci (website) extends its expertise to crafting high-quality sunglasses. The eyewear line predominantly features bold-framed glasses and sunglasses, showcasing a wide array of designs, including classic aviators and cat-eyes, making a strong statement of extravagance and class.

Gucci Popular Sunglasses Styles

• GG0712S Model: This luxury staple with its bold, oversized frame and iconic Gucci stripe, perfectly complements outfits from the best Italian knitwear brands, embodying grandeur in every glance.

17. Prada

Prada (website), a name synonymous with luxury and quality, offers a collection of stylish and finely crafted sunglasses. The brand stands as a beacon of exceptional design and quality, carving a niche in the fashion industry with its innovative approach to eyewear.

Prada Popular Sunglasses Styles

• Prada Symbole: Loved for its elegant and modern aesthetics, this model showcases a sleek frame complemented by the iconic Prada logo on the temples.

18. Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana (website), a powerhouse in the Italian fashion scene, offers a stunning collection of sunglasses that seamlessly merge style, craftsmanship, and innovation. Each piece is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence and luxury.

Dolce & Gabbana Popular Sunglasses Styles

• Re-Edition Sunglasses: A foray into the Dolce & Gabbana legacy, honoring the aesthetic currents of the 1990s and early 2000s.

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19. Bvlgari

Boasting over a hundred years of expertise in crafting premium luxury items, Bvlgari (website) naturally shines in the realm of sunglasses. This iconic Italian establishment prominently features design inspirations rooted in Roman, Greek, and Parisian influences, alongside echoes of the Italian Renaissance and Art Deco periods.

20. Trussardi

Trussardi, a prominent name in the fashion industry, is known for its high-quality sunglasses and accessories. The brand offers a curated collection of stylish and well-crafted eyewear that reflects Italian craftsmanship at its finest.

21. Emporio Armani

Emporio Armani (website), a revered name in the Italian fashion industry, offers a remarkable range of fashionable sunglasses. The brand combines style, craftsmanship, and innovation to present modern and elegant eyewear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What glasses brands are made in Italy?

A few renowned Italian quality sunglasses brands encompass Luxottica, L.G.R, Vanni Occhiali, Persol, Ferilli, Sestini, Ophy Eyewear, Ray-Ban, Retrosuperfuture, Safilo, and Lozza. These brands stand out for their fashionable designs, premium materials, and superior craftsmanship.

What Italian company makes all sunglasses?

When it comes to made in Italy sunglasses, Luxottica dominates the market, harboring numerous brands of sunglasses brands within its portfolio, such as Ray-Ban, Persol, and Oakley.

Who is Luxottica, and how do they own so many sunglasses brands?

Luxottica, established in 1961 by Leonardo Del Vecchio, has risen to prominence due to its focus on vertical integration and successful acquisitions and mergers, making it a giant in the eyewear industry.

Are sunglasses made in Italy good?

The Italian sunglasses brands offer products that are a testament to quality, style, and innovation, promising you a product and an experience that exudes luxury and class.

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What are some of the most popular women’s Italian sunglasses brands?

A variety of stylish designs and high-quality materials are presented by prominent women’s Italian sunglasses brands such as Versace, Ferilli Eyewear, Ray-Ban, Prada, Sestini, Gucci, Lozza, L.G.R, Dolce & Gabbana, Retrosuperfuture, Vanni Occhiali, Ophy Eyewear, Persol, and Safilo. These brands cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

What are some of the most popular men’s Italian sunglasses brands?

Numerous stylish designs and premium materials are featured by renowned men’s Italian sunglasses brands such as Lozza, Vanni Occhiali, Retrosuperfuture, Persol, Safilo, Sestini, Ferilli Eyewear, L.G.R, Ray-Ban, and Ophy Eyewear. These brands meet a range of tastes and preferences.