Facebook"> clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Warby Parker's Boston showroom via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=535332856518405&amp;set=a.535332853185072.1073741828.532997580085266&amp;type=1&amp;theater">Facebook</a>
Warby Parker's Boston showroom via Facebook

8 Stores That Boast Unique, Designer, and Affordable Specs

View as Map
Warby Parker's Boston showroom via Facebook

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Sunglasses are often a transformative accessory. They offer movie-star allure, let you mimic iconic character, allow you to brave daylight with a hangover, and keep your peepers from burning at the beach. If you're addicted to frames or simply looking to replace those cracked-in-half shades from the bottom of your purse, here are eight Boston area shops that provide crystal-clear eye services and eclectic collections from the $100 range toward luxury pairs over $500.


Read More

SEE Eyewear

Copy Link
This rather hip chain with Boston and Cambridge locations sources unique designs from around the world, trying to keep cost low so that you don't pay an arm and a leg for eyewear. All frames are made exclusively for SEE.

Eye Q Optical

Copy Link
This locally-run optical boutique has locations on both sides of the Charles—Harvard Square and Jamaica Plain—focused on stylish and affordable frames. Along with signature collections, Eye Q carries German brand Mykita, Bevel, and a vintage inspired line called Relic.

Lunette Optic

Copy Link
With spots in both the Financial District and Hingham, Lunette serves up high end eyewear from Chanel, Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith, Tom Ford, Prada, and Cartier.

The Boston Sunglass Company

Copy Link
There's no denying that Boston loves its labels, and shops like The Boston Sunglass Company (situated at the W Hotel) is serving that demo with status symbol eyewear from Bulgari, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, and Gucci.

Warby Parker

Copy Link
This supplier to in-the-know eyewear enthusiasts opened its second showroom here in Boston just this past spring. The space boasts a library vibe, the full collection of frames, opticians, and expert staff.

Wellesley Optical

Copy Link
Wellesley Optical has deep roots in the area, with optician Gerald Kindness at the helm and a sophisticated collection of top European and Japanese eyewear brands. An in-house line offers sharp sunglasses, and a dedicated store-in-store boasts vintage Persol, Dior, Dunhill, and Emmanuelle Khanh. Finally, an "Eyewear Museum" offers the chance to look at and learn about eyewear of eras past.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Copy Link
Seeking a broad designer selection? Skip the boutiques and head to Saks for everything from contemporary lines like Karen Walker and Elizabeth and James to ultra fancy specs from Chloe, Dior, Givenchy, and Linda Farrow.

Vizio Optic

Copy Link
This award-winning Brookline Village shop is known for its top notch customer service and selection of sunglasses from Maui Jim, Mosley Tribes, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Robert Marc, and Lafont.

SEE Eyewear

This rather hip chain with Boston and Cambridge locations sources unique designs from around the world, trying to keep cost low so that you don't pay an arm and a leg for eyewear. All frames are made exclusively for SEE.

Eye Q Optical

This locally-run optical boutique has locations on both sides of the Charles—Harvard Square and Jamaica Plain—focused on stylish and affordable frames. Along with signature collections, Eye Q carries German brand Mykita, Bevel, and a vintage inspired line called Relic.

Lunette Optic

With spots in both the Financial District and Hingham, Lunette serves up high end eyewear from Chanel, Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith, Tom Ford, Prada, and Cartier.

The Boston Sunglass Company

There's no denying that Boston loves its labels, and shops like The Boston Sunglass Company (situated at the W Hotel) is serving that demo with status symbol eyewear from Bulgari, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, and Gucci.

Warby Parker

This supplier to in-the-know eyewear enthusiasts opened its second showroom here in Boston just this past spring. The space boasts a library vibe, the full collection of frames, opticians, and expert staff.

Wellesley Optical

Wellesley Optical has deep roots in the area, with optician Gerald Kindness at the helm and a sophisticated collection of top European and Japanese eyewear brands. An in-house line offers sharp sunglasses, and a dedicated store-in-store boasts vintage Persol, Dior, Dunhill, and Emmanuelle Khanh. Finally, an "Eyewear Museum" offers the chance to look at and learn about eyewear of eras past.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Seeking a broad designer selection? Skip the boutiques and head to Saks for everything from contemporary lines like Karen Walker and Elizabeth and James to ultra fancy specs from Chloe, Dior, Givenchy, and Linda Farrow.

Vizio Optic

This award-winning Brookline Village shop is known for its top notch customer service and selection of sunglasses from Maui Jim, Mosley Tribes, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Robert Marc, and Lafont.