Where to Shop for Totally Unique Sunglasses in Vancouver

Now that summer is in full swing (praise be!), the gorgeous weather is the perfect excuse to treat ourselves to a new pair of shades. No matter what your sunglasses style is (hipster minimalism or OTT maximalism), Vancity has got you covered—literally—with a selection of trendy eyewear boutiques. Looking to satisfy your craving for new sunnies? These are the best places to shop for sunglasses in Vancouver. And if you want to shop your way across the country, check out our fave sunglasses shops in Canada.

Clearly

Find it: 961 Robson St., 2152 W 4th Ave., clearly.ca
The low-down: This bright and spacious boutique started out as an online business in 2000 selling only contact lenses. Now with three brick-and-mortar boutiques and a selection of designer glasses later, it’s safe to say Clearly is one of the go-to spots for new and noteworthy frames—like Derek Cardigan who was one of the biz’s first designer collabs.
Brands: Bolon, Derek Cardigan, Kam Dhillon, Love, Oakley, Ray-Ban and more
The pair we love: Derek Cardigan’s Firefly-53 in Matte Black is the perfect mix of contemporary athleisure and vintage minimalism with the round frames, orange tinted lenses and a sleek metal bar.

Bailey Nelson

Find it: 1135 Robson St., 2169 West 4th Ave., 202 Carrall St., plus other locations in Calgary and Toronto, baileynelson.com
The low-down: This Australian-based company has quickly become a favourite in the True North thanks to the brand’s clean-cut designs and timeless aesthetic—not to mention their minimalist shops with fresh foliage and chic wooden tables.
Brands: Bailey Nelson
The pair we love: The Francesca for when you want to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Lotus Eyewear

Find it: 1177 Robson St., lotus-eyewear.com
The low-down: If you’re looking for designer sunglasses without spending your month’s rent on one freakin’ pair, stop by this family-owned boutique to for your fashion fix. They’ve got licensed opticians and optical stylists in-store to help you find frames that fit your face shape and style.
Brands: Céline, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Prada, Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, Versace and more
The pair we love: Céline’s Cat-Eye Sunglasses in Ivory for the perf throwback look that still feels fresh

Durant Sessions

Find it: 315 W Cordova St., durantsessions.com
The low-down: From the rich panels of wood around the space to the vintage records, this Gastown boutique is the definition of rustic-chic. The shop has even been visited by a few Riverdale stars (so clearly their shades are Southside Serpents-approved).
Brands: Alain Mikli, Dutil Eyewear, Eyevan 7285, Oliver Peoples, Northern Lights, RetroSpecs and more
The pair we love: Dutil’s 3PM with cobalt lenses is both a staff and client fave because of it’s timeless, simple design and vintage-inspired look which truly never goes out of style.

Bruce Eyewear

Find it: 219 Abbott St., bruceeyewear.com
The low-down: With almost 20 years in the optometry business, this quirky eyeglasses shop prides itself on its careful selection of “logo-free eyewear” from independent designers from across the globe. You won’t be sad to say goodbye to the same tired pair of shades you’ve been rocking since high school when you shop Bruce Eyewear’s cool sunnies.
Brands: Barton Perreira, Cutler and Gross, Gold & Wood, Lunor, Mykita, Rapp, Thom Browne, Yuichi Toyama and more
The pair we love: Fleye Copenhagen’s lobster frames with a red tint and red metal accents