hoosing new sunglasses can be a complicated and delicate affair. It seems as if everyone and their brother have a new shape, acetate, horn and tortoise available for the well-tailored gentleman. Well, we’ve taken the trial and error out of the task of choosing your latest pair. Here, we offer you our pick of some of the finest sunnies for spring and summer (and your bank account). From New York icons to Scandinavian flare, below are a few favourites that teeter upon that fine line between form and function, all the while giving the wearer a sense of individuality by having something just enough off the cuff and the radar.

Han Kjøbenhavn
These Danish sensations may be a relative newcomer, but their shapes and angles bring a unique architecture and elegance to the wearer. Imagine clean Danish aesthetics in a fistfight with a rowdy dockworker and you’ll get the idea. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the ‘Timeless’ with clip-on lenses.

Models:
Paul Senior – Snow
Timeless Clip – Amber

Availability: online

RAEN
Based in Encinitas, California, these guys have found the perfect way to melt SoCal inspirations into timeless looks, classical construction and unwavering style. Think mixed metals, rare acetates, lenses from Carl Zeiss and some rather clever collaborations with the likes of Warren Smith and Alex Knost. We dig.

Models:
Nera (Warren Smith Collaboration) – Matte Ivory
Squire – Jade

Availability: Autonomy (Fitzroy and Windsor) or online

MOSCOT
Few names flaunt the history and credibility of the New York eyewear institution. Since Sol Moscot and Co. opened their first retail shop in 1925, these guys have continued to set the benchmark for distinctive modern-vintage style, with a perfect balance of storied tradition and timeless cool.

Models:
Nebb – Smoke, Black or Tortoise

Availability: Incu

Garrett Leigh California Optical (GLCO)
Born on the shores of Venice Beach, California, GLCO brings a welcomed youth and tradition to the table (Garrett’s parents founded Oliver Peoples). Dedicated to classics, but always pushing forward, GLCO takes an artistic approach with precision technical elements and custom details like those vintage Japanese acetates we like so very much.

Models:
Harrison – Tokyo Tortoise/Amber Honey
Brooks – Champagne

Availability: Vanishing Elephant

Cutler and Gross
Graham Cutler once said that design should be practical, functional and look good – in that precise order – and we couldn’t agree more. Hand-finished frames, iconic designs and dynamic collaborations with the likes of Maison Martin Margiela make Cutler and Gross’s practice sunglass artistry at its finest.

Models:
1302 – Dark Turtle
0927 – Dark Turtle

Availability: Epatant