Le Specs / Miu Miu
Whether you’re wandering through the city in search of ancient temples in Kyoto or admiring the iconic whitewashed cliffside villages and volcanic beaches of Santorini, no accessory feels more essential than a good pair of sunglasses.
Especially as an Australian summer is soon upon us, avoiding prolonged exposure to UV rays is vital for maintaining eye health. Quality sunglasses with UV400 protection are designed to block 99–100 per cent of harmful UVA and UVB rays, helping to keep your eyes protected no matter where your travels take you.
Beyond protection, sunglasses are also the perfect sartorial addition to a travel wardrobe. “It’s clear that the 1990s are back, and we see that in clothing, accessories and of course, sunglasses,” says Stewart Walson, Product & Supply Chain Vice President of Sunglasses Hut. If you’re looking for your next shade, Walson adds: “We see a lot of rectangle and oval micro-frames, with thick acetate in solid black, tortoiseshell or stark white, paired with slim lenses.”
Beyond protection, sunglasses are also the perfect sartorial addition to a travel wardrobe. Whether you’re capturing the perfect photo in front of the Trevi Fountain or are five Aperol spritzes deep in conversation with friends – or strangers – sunglasses are a must-have companion for your next sojourn.
Below, we’ve curated a list of our favourite sunglasses brands available in Australia for dapper sun protection during travel, from the iconic statement frames of Gucci to affordable yet fashion-forward Australian labels like Le Specs, Quay Australia and more.
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GT‘s Editor’s picks
- Best affordable sunglasses: Le Specs
- Best for adventure travel: Oakley
- Best Australian made: AM Eyewear
- Best statement sunnies: Gucci
Le Specs
Best for: affordability
A global favourite since 1979, Le Specs is an affordable Australian-born brand known for their large variety of frames in men, women and unisex styles. With polarised lenses, bold on-trend styles and solid UV400 protection, Le Specs are a stylish and practical travel companion for wherever your adventures take you.
Also available at:
Quay Australia
Best for: Instagram-worthy frames
Another cult-favourite on the list, Quay Australia’s legacy is in their bold and fashion-forward styles, all at an accessible price point. Perfect for both men and women, their frames offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, perfect for travellers who want to look good without worrying about losing an expensive pair.
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Ray-Ban
Best for: a reliable pair
For those after a timeless classic, there’s nowhere better than Ray-Ban. Available at a variety of retailers, their range offers polarised options, exceptional build quality and iconic styles that work from the city to the beach, and anywhere in the world.
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VEHLA
Best for: minimalists
Founded in Australia in 2019 by Georgia Williams, Vehla Eyewear unisex frames are constructed with a minimalist profile, fit for those seeking luxury styles at an accessible price point. Their sunglasses undergo mandatory UV testing and comply with Australian standards, and you can find the lens category on each of the product listing descriptions on site.
AM Eyewear
Best for: Australian-made
Australian-made with handcrafted acetate frames and quality polarised lenses, AM Eyewear offers a boutique alternative that punches well above its price. Since 2003, the brand has long been recognised as Australia’s first luxury eyewear brand, handcrafted with meticulous attention and created in small batches for quality that doesn’t sacrifice style.
Oakley
Best for: active and adventure travellers
Oakley offers the gold standard for performance eyewear, with industry-leading Prizm lens technology, polarisation, and near-indestructible frames built for active travel. They are designed with exceptional clarity and specialised contrast enhancement for sports, and secure fits – whether you’re skiing on alpine slopes or trekking through basecamp or Mount Kilimanjaro.
Also available at:
Tom Ford
Best for: luxury and sophistication
Ideal for travellers who prioritise style and craftsmanship, Tom Ford’s range of luxurious frames are not only coveted for their unique designs, but for their premium lens quality and UV protection, produced by Marcolin (a world leader in eyewear) in Italy.
Also available at:
EPOKHE Eyewear
Best for: creatives and surfers
Designed in Australia, Epokhe approaches the craft of sunglasses with an art-first philosophy. The clean, architectural aesthetics of the brand, alongside their quality polarised lenses and durable construction, are beloved by the surf and creative crowd for good reason. The lenses are crafted from premium CR39 material, offering high optical clarity, scratch resistance and 100% UVA and UVB protection.
Miu Miu
Best for: resort and luxury travel
The little sister of Prada, established in 1993 by Miuccia Prada, the brand serves as a more experimental luxury offering, and their sunglass range is no exception. Their lenses come in playful, fashion-forward designs with vintage inspiration and a strong UV protection for the style-conscious traveller. Similar to other luxury houses, the premium price tag is more of a high risk for loss on trips, so wear with caution.
Also available at:
Velvet Canyon
Best for: colour
Influenced by frames of the 1960s and 1970s, this modern Australian favourite offers rich coloured lenses, vintage-inspired silhouettes, and UV400 protection that photographs beautifully on holiday.
Prada
Best for: city travellers and Italian elegance
A premier luxury accessory, Prada’s lens offerings come with their uncompromising and sophisticated Italian craftsmanship, with excellent lens quality and UV protection, making them a great choice for city travel and luxury escapes. Their styles are modern, minimalist and often retro-inspired, with key styles such as the Prada Catwalk a luxury pointer for the initiated.
Also available at:
Gucci
Best for: statement-makers
An instantly recognisable frame, Gucci’s high-quality collection comes with strong UV protection for travellers who see their sunglasses as a statement piece. From square and rectangle shapes to cat eye frames, their frames are often embellished with the GG logo – a suitable option for the worldly maximalists.
Also available at:
How to choose travel sunglasses
Eyewear is more than just a fashion statement. It’s often a necessity – especially for protection against UV rays, enhancing visibility and keeping your eyes healthy. There are a few factors you need to consider before purchasing a pair of sunglasses for travel:
UV protection: Sunglasses should provide 100% UVA and UVB protection, which is often labeled as UV400 in Australia. The darkness of the lens tint matters, too. Check for a lens category of 2, 3 or 4; the latter is designed for extreme glare, while category 2 is good for average, everyday sunlight. For the best protection against UV rays, style actually comes into play. Look for wrap-around styles that reduce exposure of UV rays from entering around the lens.
Polarisation: Polarisation is designed to reduce glare often caused by sunlight reflecting off surfaces such as water, snow and roads. “Polarised lenses drastically improve visual clarity and colour contrast, while reducing eye strain and squinting, making them essential for outdoor activities near water, snow, or roads,” says Walson. However, make sure you avoid leaving sunglasses in excessive heat as the film can peel in certain conditions.
Weight: While large, heavy glasses flow in and out of the trend cycle faster than your flight across the Pacific Ocean, weight can be a big deal when it comes to long travel days. Lightweight sunglasses can reduce fatigue during long travel days. Look for sunnies made of titanium, nylon or reinforced acetate for a lighter feel.
Choosing sunglasses based on your holiday
The beach: “I think travellers underestimate the difference in clarity that polarised lenses that cut through glare: from enjoying all the shades of turquoise water to spotting wildlife,” says Walson, who recommends a pair of polarised sunglasses for your beach holiday.
“One time I was on a boat excursion with my partner, and he kept asking me: ‘have you seen that fish? How about that one? Look at the colours of the water!’ and I could see nothing! Then I tried his Oakley sunglasses with Prizm Water polarised lenses, and my vacations on the water have never been the same.
The city: “Walking around cities means travellers will alternate between sun and shadow, and light conditions might vary a lot. I would pick a fashionable style with gradient lenses.” We recommend opting for lightweight, stylish frames with 100% UV protection that are comfortable enough for all-day sightseeing.
The snow: High-coverage, polarised sunglasses with 100% UV protection will help combat strong reflections from the snow and ice. “While skiers will wear goggles for their time on the snow, I would recommend shapes that guarantee full coverage to ensure maximum comfort while balancing the glow from the snow,” adds Walson.
The adventure: “The best sunglasses would be lightweight, with a secure fit and polarised lenses for enhanced visibility,” says Walson.
FAQs
A good pair of travel sunglasses should be lightweight, durable and comfortable for long days. It should also offer 100% UV protection, with the addition of polarisation if you’re often close to water.
“A great pair of sunglasses is something perfect for the wearer: not only the right fit, right pair for the right occasion, but something that allows people to be themselves in every situation,” says Walson, who encourages trying on glasses in store before buying them online.
Yes, polarised lenses significantly reduce glare from water, roads and reflective surfaces, making them well worth it for any travel involving driving, beaches, skiing or long days in bright sunlight. However, they’re not absolutely necessary if you choose to go without, given that polarisation can cost a pretty penny.
Ray-Ban, Oakley, Le Specs, Epokhe and AM Eyewear all offer unisex-friendly silhouettes that work effortlessly across genders.
While not essential, sunglasses can be helpful on long haul flights to reduce eye strain from bright cabin lighting and harsh window glare at altitude.
Keep your glasses in a sturdy, hard-shell case in your carry-on, rather than loose in your bag or tucked into a seat pocket. “Don’t rely on the individual material composition to ensure they are safe and stay in shape, and the lenses don’t get scratched,” adds Walson. “While titanium and nylon are durable and impact resistant, I would advise everyone to store their glasses and sunglasses in their own appropriate case.”
“Lightweight sunglasses in titanium or nylon can be a great option, perfect for sports and activewear,” says Walson. “That said, it all depends on individual preference and style. For example, Sunglasses in acetate excel in bold fashions and rich colours and are still a great option for those who don’t want to compromise on their style while on the road.”
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