The Obtainer - 7/30/25, Wednesday
Cory Ohlendorf
July 30, 2025
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The Coolest Sunglasses You’ve Never Heard Of (Until Now)
You’ve seen them. You know them. Everyone does. It seems like every summer, without fail, a whole lot of men reach for the same old pair of Ray-Bans or Persols. Classic? Yes. Reliable? Sure. Boring? Perhaps. If you care about your style even a little, your sunglasses should do more than just block the sun—they should signal taste. Which is why we went digging for a few lesser-known labels doing things differently.
Whether you're into vintage-inspired wireframes, bold acetate statements, or just want something that won't make you look like every other guy out there, these are the brands to know now. Each brings a fresh perspective to the table—along with excellent craftsmanship, thoughtful details and plenty of cool points. And bonus: most are available at reasonable prices from retailers you already shop, so you can add to cart without a second thought.
Our Picks |
Article One
Best for: Weekend warriors who want something tougher
Don't let the sleek look fool you—Article One's frames are designed to keep up. Handcrafted with performance details like sport temples and soft, adjustable nose pads, they're built for biking, sweating and surviving summer heatwaves. The Hoffman blends function and form like few others.
Hoffman sunglasses,
$250 by Article One
Meller
Best for: Affordable European edge
Barcelona-based Meller is proof that stylish, quality sunglasses don't have to cost a fortune. With designs that blend Mediterranean minimalism and fashion-forward shapes, their frames look way more expensive than they really are. The Chauen brings a unique translucent olive frame with retro squared-off lenses—a standout for under 100 bucks.
Chauen sunglasses,
$65 by Meller
Akila
Best for: The design-savvy minimalists
Designed in Los Angeles and handmade from eco-conscious cellulose acetate, Akila's frames feel like something you'd find in a MoMA gift shop—in the best way. Clean, blocky shapes and interesting colorways make these ideal for daily wear. The Apollo is their signature style and comes in a range of finishes.
Mal sunglasses,$220 / $145 by Akila
Crap
Best for: Bold personalities into nostalgia
With names like The Radio Haze and The Idle Daze, Crap Eyewear doesn't take itself too seriously—but it does make great sunglasses. Based in Venice Beach and clocking in under $100, they're perfect for pool parties, weekend road trips or adding a pop of personality to a fit. They've got a throwback early 2000s charm, too.
The Kush Cowboy sunglasses,
$129 by Crap
 | The sales and discounts our team is currently watching. |
 One of the best board shorts on the market, these comfortable trunks are made from recycled fishing nets with performance-centered design details and smooth heat-sealed seams.
|  Timex's Legacy Tonneau Chronograph draws inspiration from the iconic watch styles of the '70s with a chunky 42mm stainless-steel case and multi-layered silver-tone dial.
|  This elevated knit crewneck T-shirt is made from a soft and cushy cotton-blend terry yarn with a plush toweling texture, making it easy to dress up and down.
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“ | Luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton and Hermès, have raised prices to offset losses, though some, like Chanel, have rolled back hikes after sales dropped.” | |||||
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