Where to Shop for Totally Unique Sunglasses in Toronto

Fashion trends may come and go, but a flattering pair of sunglasses are forever. There’s a reason why Audrey Hepburns’ Breakfast at Tiffany’s shades are iconic and will never go out of style. If you want to get your hands on a pair that you’ll want to rock all year long, here are the best places to shop for sunglasses in Toronto. From a trendy accessories boutique to a buzzy American eyewear brand, you’ll have to hit up these brick-and-mortar spots before the summer ends. Not in the 6 for your next sunglasses shop? Here are our fave shops from coast to coast.

Opticianado

Find it: 2919 Dundas St. W, opticianado.com
The low-down: This bright and airy boutique specializes in vintage eyewear and modern styles from independent designers. Owner Jordan Paul—who has over 15 years of experience in the industry—and his team can find you your dream throwback frames fit for modern day. Brands: A carefully curated collection of vintage finds from the 1950s to the early 1990s, plus more modern styles from Bevel, Cazal, Oliver Peoples, Ray-Ban, Saville Row, Yellows Plus and more The pair we love: Any one of their vintage frames with a pink hue—turns out seeing the world through rose-coloured glasses is better

Spectacle

Find it: 752 Queen St. W, 18 Rack House Mews, 3342 Yonge St., spectaclelovesyou.com The low-down: With three locations dotted around the city, OG eyewear retailer is a fave amongst the sunglass-obsessed in the city. They carry both local and international designers (including covetable vintage finds), so you’re bound to find a pair that will blown. your. mind. Brands: Cazal, Dita, GLCO, Ic! Berlin, Moscot, Oliver Peoples, Super, Thierry Lasry and more The pair we love: The Vintage Balenciaga 7887 can cover up literally everything from a botched eyeliner job to puffy bags under your eyes after a wild night out.

Ollie Quinn

Find it: 387 Queen St. W, 45 Ossington Ave., 2509 Yonge St., plus other locations in Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and more, olliequinn.ca The low-down: The use of carefully sourced materials and gorgeous in-house design are just two reasons why we cannot get enough of this UK-based eyewear brand. Their creations are truly timeless for those in need of a classic pair of sunnies that will protect your eyes for years to come. Brands: Ollie Quinn The pair we love: Roz in Marble, a classic pair with statement-making details like the slight cat-eye shape and on-trend marble pattern

Zane

Find it: 753 Queen St. W, visitzane.com The low-down: Wondering where all of Toronto’s It Girls buy their high-fashion shades? Look no further than this ultra cool accessories boutique on Queen Street West. You’ll find the all of the latest must-try trends—like micro sunnies, candy-coloured lenses and transparent frames. Brands: Elizabeth and James, Le Specs, Shevoke, Spitfire and Valley Eyewear The pair we love: Shevoke’s Bertie for all of you babes looking to hop on the tiny sunglasses bandwagon (so... all of us?)

Warby Parker

Find it: 684 Queen St. W, 3401 Dufferin St., Yorkdale Shopping Centre, warbyparker.com The low-down: This buzzy American retailer has only two locations in Canada and they just so happen to both be in the 6. The brick-and-mortar stores are adorned with colourful murals on the walls and library-inspired shelves of glasses and books. Plus, their gorgeously designed frames are all made-to-order from their headquarters in New York City. Brands: Warby Parker The pair we love: Any of their brightly coloured frames from the Haskell Prism collection to celebrate Pride—chic shades for an important cause? Count us in.