Top Trendsetters: Discover the Best Shades Brands of Today

Shades play a vital role in enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functional comfort of any living space. Whether you're seeking a serene sanctuary with light-filtering options or a bold statement with vibrant colors, selecting the right brand can make all the difference. With a vast array of choices available, identifying the best brands for shades can be both an exciting yet daunting task. To assist in your selection journey, we have curated a comprehensive list of top-performing shade brands renowned for their quality, design, and innovation—find out more about these leading names below.

Illustration of shades

Best brands of shades in 2025

Ray-Ban

Ray-Ban is a leading brand in the eyewear industry, renowned for its iconic and stylish sunglasses. With a global market share of around 12% in the eyewear sector as of 2022, Ray-Ban dominates the market, particularly in the United States where it holds a 20% market share. The brand's Aviator and Wayfarer lines are top-sellers, with the Aviator line accounting for approximately 30% of total Ray-Ban sales. Ray-Ban's lenses offer superior optics, 100% UV protection, and innovative technologies such as polarization and Chromance lenses. Founded in 1936, Ray-Ban has expanded its presence to over 130 countries since its acquisition by Luxottica Group in 1999.

Oakley

Oakley is a standout performer in the sport and performance sector of designer eyewear, commanding a market share of approximately 15% in the US sunglasses market. Known for its high-quality and durable products, Oakley's revenue has consistently increased with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8% over the past five years. The brand is particularly popular among athletes, accounting for about 25% of its total sales, and its Prizm lens technology makes up around 40% of its total lens sales. Oakley's products are highly regarded for their comfort, versatility, and robust performance, making them a favorite among cyclists, runners, and triathletes. With over 600 patents related to eyewear technology, Oakley solidifies its position as a pioneer in the field. For an in-depth review, check out this analysis of the Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep.

Persol

Persol, an Italian luxury eyewear brand founded in 1917 by Giuseppe Ratti, is renowned for its high-quality sunglasses and optical frames. The brand, known for its innovative Meflecto system and iconic Silver Arrow trademark, has been a favorite among pilots, sports drivers, and style icons, including Steve McQueen. Persol expanded its presence globally, opening its first boutique on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in 1991, and was acquired by Luxottica in 1995. The brand is celebrated for its crystal lenses made from glass and its exclusive production in Italy. Persol's commitment to quality and tradition has maintained its status as a powerhouse in the luxury eyewear market.

Maui Jim

Maui Jim is a renowned American sunglasses manufacturer, founded in 1980 on the beaches of Maui, Hawaii, and now headquartered in Peoria, Illinois. As of 2015, it was the third-largest producer of sunglasses globally and commands around 10% of the U.S. sunglasses market. Known for its patented PolarizedPlus2® lens technology, Maui Jim sunglasses block 100% of UV rays, eliminate glare, and enhance color, clarity, and detail. The company offers over 125 different styles of polarized sunglasses sold in more than 100 countries and has earned the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation. In October 2022, Maui Jim was acquired by Kering Eyewear.

Smith Optics

Smith Optics, founded in 1965, is a renowned brand in the eyewear industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality sunglasses, goggles, and helmets. The company, now part of the Safilo Group, achieved record revenue results in 2021, becoming the largest owned brand in Safilo's portfolio. Known for innovative products such as 3D-printed customized snow goggles and helmets, Smith Optics caters to various outdoor sports including skiing, snowboarding, biking, and motocross. With annual revenue ranging between $200 million to $500 million, Smith Optics continues to excel in the market, especially in North America where its performance has been outstanding. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a favorite among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

Costa Del Mar

Costa Del Mar is a renowned brand in the eyewear industry, particularly celebrated for its innovative and high-quality polarized sunglasses. Founded in 1983, Costa Del Mar has set new standards with its 580 lens technology, which boasts a 99.9% polarizing efficiency and enhances color clarity by filtering out harsh yellow light and blocking high-energy visible (HEV) light. Their lenses are designed to provide superior clarity, color enhancement, and functionality, making them ideal for fishing, outdoor sports, and everyday use. Costa Del Mar's commitment to innovation and excellence has made it a go-to brand for anglers and water enthusiasts worldwide. The brand's products are known for their durability and performance, reflecting their dedication to advancing lens technology. For more insights into their future eyewear innovation trends, visit their website.

Warby Parker

Warby Parker has established itself as a leading producer of stylish and affordable eyewear, particularly shades, with a market share that has grown from 4% in 2017 to 7.2% as of 2024. The company's direct-to-consumer model and strong online presence have enabled it to outpace the broader US eyewear industry in year-over-year growth, even sustaining performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Warby Parker's average spend per customer is slightly above $200, making it a more affordable option compared to competitors like Lenscrafters and Cohen's, which average over $300 per customer. The brand's innovative marketing strategy, including social media and brand partnerships, has been crucial in attracting and retaining customers. With a valuation that has seen significant growth, Warby Parker continues to expand its market presence and diversify its offerings.

Gucci

Gucci is a leading producer of high-quality shades, contributing significantly to the global sunglasses market. In 2023, luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Chanel collectively accounted for about 15% of the sunglasses market, catering to high-income consumers. Gucci's brand value has seen substantial growth, increasing from $5.44 billion in 2016 to $18.11 billion in 2022. The brand's revenue from sunglasses and other products has been robust, with over 1 million units of Gucci sunglasses sold in 2020. Gucci's strong presence in the Asia-Pacific market, where 36% of its revenue is generated, further solidifies its position as a top luxury brand.

Prada

Prada, a prestigious brand under the Prada Group, is a global leader in luxury eyewear, contributing significantly to the sunglasses market. Prada and other luxury brands collectively account for about 15% of the market in the United States, catering to high-income consumers. The global sunglasses market, which includes Prada's offerings, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2030, reaching USD 36.44 billion by 2030. Prada's presence is strong in regions like North America and Europe, where the brand is available through various distribution channels, including brand outlets, independent distributors, and online retail platforms. The brand's commitment to innovation and style has made it a favored choice among fashion-conscious consumers.

Tom Ford

Tom Ford is renowned for producing some of the best eyeshadows in the luxury makeup market, known for their creamy finish, high pigmentation, and effortless blending. The Spring 2022 collection features three new eye quad offerings: Tiger Eye, Smoky Quartz, and Rose Topaz, each offering a range of satin, shimmer, and matte shades. These eyeshadows apply smoothly, whether using a brush, applicator, or fingertips, and are praised for their delicate pigment and long-lasting coverage. Despite some minor issues like fallout with darker shades, Tom Ford eyeshadows are a favorite among makeup artists and enthusiasts alike. The brand's commitment to quality ensures that each palette provides a luxurious makeup experience. For an in-depth review of these stunning quads, visit the Tom Ford Spring 2022 Eye Quads review.