You might have wondered how sustainable your clothes are, but have you ever questioned your eyewear? Sustainable sunglasses and glasses do indeed exist, and I’d love to guide you on what to look for in your next pair! From bio-based frames, to eco lenses, to upcycled, vintage, and even recycled pairs… Let me talk you through my collection, and the best brands out there!
As a start, if you’re looking for sustainable eyewear, there are six key areas to consider, which I’ve listed below. I wanted to write this guide after weighing up different aspects that led me to my pairs, and by following this guide, hopefully you’ll also be able to get the best combination of style, sustainability, and functionality too. On top of that, I’ve listed the best ethical sunglasses and eyewear brands in the UK at the end of this guide.
What To Look For In Sustainable Sunglasses & Eyewear
As a sustainable fashion writer and author of multiple sustainable shopping guides, I hope you’ll trust my opinion here. I’ve also consulted my sister – a qualified optometrist – to ensure the medical element is carefully covered (because protecting your health is the most important aspect, always).
First – do you really need a new pair of glasses? If you have a great pair that need fixing, see if you can take them back to the retailer. Many will have a warranty, and if it’s out of warranty, you could look at taking out glasses repairs instead. If you do need a new pair of sunglasses, here are the credentials to help you find the best pair for you and the planet…
1. Get Prescription Lenses From Your Optician
For those of you who need prescription sunglasses, get these from your optician. While you can walk out of your opticians with a prescription and order glasses online, you miss out on an important step: fitting. And where your glasses sit on your face changes how effective your prescription is.
2. Always Get UV Protection
Did you know you can sunburn your eyes? UV light from the sun affects our eyes, just like our skin. Over time, too much sun exposure can cause eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration, so wearing sunglasses is a health issue as much as it is a style choice.
When looking for sunglasses, it’s best to go for ones that come with new lenses to ensure full UV protection. The tint or colour of the glasses doesn’t make a difference – it’s about the coating. Look for credentials such as “blocks 100% of UV rays”, “optical grade 100% UVA/UVB lenses” or “UV400”, which mean the same thing. For fans of bug-eyed sunglasses and wraparounds, you may also be pleased to hear that the bigger the sunglasses, the better the protection!
3. Find Out Who Makes Your Eyewear & Sustainable Sunglasses
Next, try looking for social sustainability. After all, shouldn’t we expect supply chain transparency with eyewear?! Whether you’re looking for UK-made glasses – Peep is a family-run business upcycling frames here in the UK – or Italian craftsmanship, like PALA and Wires employ – it’s good to know who makes your glasses, and how they are treated.
4. Look For Sustainable Materials
When it comes to glasses, it’s easy to assume that there’s just plastic, metal, and glass involved. But this is changing for the better, with new bio-materials and recycled options:
- Bio-acetate: A new alternative to cellulose acetate, replacing petroleum oil with plant oils
- Recycled plastic: For cheaper frames, plastic is often used. Choose recycled plastic.
- Recycled metals: Alongside solutions to plastic, some brands offer recycled metals in their eyewear.
5. Choose A Case, Cover, And Cloth
Caring for your clothes is an important practice in making fashion more sustainable. The same can be said for glasses and sunglasses! Keep your case and cloth in good condition, and clean your glasses often.
6. Make A Note Of Repairs & Recycling Services
Finally, look out for places that offer repairs and recycling. Accidents still will happen! Most of the brands listed below do offer repairs, and it’s worth knowing before you buy.
My Eyewear Collection
Eco-Friendly Frames by SmartBuyGlasses
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an automatic way to check if your new frames were made from sustainable materials? That’s what the team at SmartBuyGlasses thought, and you can now filter their glasses and sunglasses by frame material. Choose ‘eco-friendly’ to cast a wide net, or go for specific materials if you have a preference. My (gifted) eyeglasses are from here!
Vintage Frames by Peep
One of the best discoveries I’ve made in the eco-friendly glasses space is Peep! Peep upcycle vintage frames, and fit them with brand new lenses or sunglass lenses. It’s circularity at its finest! My black sunnies shown here were gifted from Peep and I adore them (and my partner also sometimes borrows them too!)
Jimmy Fairly Sunglasses
For boutique glasses, my top pick is Jimmy Fairly. I mean, ‘fair’ is literally in the name. I’ve always had great experiences in Jimmy Fairly stores – the last time I popped in, I had a staff member help repair a slightly askew arm on my sunglasses for free. Their frames are built to last and mine have been on many a holiday now. In addition to their cool designs and sustainable practices, they also offer eye tests in-store, making them the perfect place to ensure you get the right fit too.
13 Of The Best Sustainable Sunglasses Brands In The UK
With all that said, here are my recommendations when it comes to eyewear brands for 2026!
Avantguard: Premium eyewear with a sustainable approach.
Bloobloom: Ethically made and climate neutral certified eyewear.
Bird: The UK’s first B Corp certified eyewear brand, hailing from sunny Devon.
CHPO: 100% recycled plastic sunglasses with recycled pouches too.
Coral Eyewear: Everyday and sports frames made with recycled and sustainable materials.
Eyespace: B-Corp Certified eyewear brand making designer sunglasses.
Hemp Eyewear: Iconic hemp acetate frames with modular design for easier repairs and recycling.
Jimmy Fairly: French eyewear brand with a bio-acetate range – they gifted my brown pair of sunnies!
MONC: Spectacles and sunglasses made with bio-acetate and a focus on longevity. Read my review →
PALA: B-Corp bio-acetate eyewear brand giving back with every pair of frames sold.
Peep: Vintage upcycled frames for glasses and sunglasses with repairs and recycling. Read my review →
Retrospecced: Retro and vintage frames, offering eye tests and home trial service.
SmartBuyGlasses: Select eco-friendly frames using their materials filter! My glasses are from here.
Let me know if this guide helps you find a new pair of frames!
