The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.

Sunny days are near! And it’s finally time to bring out our favorite sunglasses. We are huge fans of sustainable frames made from eco-friendly and upcycled materials, such as cork, bamboo, and recycled plastics. These brands are not only trendsetters in style but the conscious-consumer movement as well. Each is dedicated to sustainability, customer service, and giving back to people and planet.

Looking for a summer refresh? Check out our guide to cruelty-free sunscreen and sustainable swimwear.


Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Stylish


1. SOLO Eyewear

Best For | Polarized sunglasses
Sustainability | Repurposed bamboo & recycled plastic, recycle packaging and defective sunglasses
Price Range | $59–$99

SOLO Eyewear’s line of trendsetting, adventure-inspired sunglasses started as a college project. Since then, the company has been committed to the mantra #LiveandGive and has restored vision for over 13,000 individuals. By donating 10 percent of profits, SOLO provides eye exams, glasses, and cataract surgeries to those in need. It also offers free shipping & returns in the US.

Editor’s Review | “I tested the Belize style, and I love the narrow (but not too narrow) fit of these glasses, they fit my face just right! They’re also snug and don’t sink down my nose. The tortoise shell is matte and classic, adding a little extra interest to every outfit. I don’t have to worry too much about trying to ‘match’ these glasses since they go with everything. The visibility is also comfortable—not too dark, and not too light.” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade


2. Woodzee

Best For | Classic styles with a twist
Sustainability | Wood & bamboo, recycled skateboards, glasses recycling program
Price | $49–$240

Woodzee sunglasses combine sophisticated style with nature’s influence. We love the brand’s recycling program, which allows customers to recycle old frames and receive 50 percent off their next order. With a wide variety of stylish sunnies (and lots of colors to choose from) we’re certain everyone will find a pair they love. (The brand offers international shipping too!)

Editor’s Review | “I tested the Oakland and wow—the fit and the quality on these glasses is delightful. Sleek, smooth, classic, Woodzee has it all. The packaging is cardboard with a magnet in it—I thought it was a little excessive at first until I realized you could fold it backwards to flat-pack it when you’re not storing your sunnies—GENIUS. Woodzee is also a great place to get sustainable sunglasses from other brands like Otis and Sito!” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade


3. Zenni

Best For | Trendy styles and celebrity collaborations
Sustainability | Made from 100% post-consumer plastic, recyclable packaging, gives back to the Wyland Foundation
Price Range | $36–$40

Zenni is one of the best online sources for a wide range of eyewear, but did you know about their sustainable line? ReMakes by Zenni has their affordable, chic frames from 100% recycled plastic. Created entirely from certified recycled post-consumer plastic and shipped in a paper recyclable tube, this eco-friendly line comes in styles for men, women, and kids at price points that won’t break the bank.

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4. Pala

Best For | Sustainable sunglasses for the UK
Sustainability| Bio-acetate, carbon offsetting, sunglass bags made from 70% recycled PET, recycling service to UK customers
Price Range | 145 €–185 €

Pala uses Italian bio-acetate—a 100 percent plant-based, biodegradable material—to create these groovy frames. The brand also works with artisans in Ghana to weave its cases using recycled plastic. As for giving back? Pala works with eye-care projects in Africa. The B Corp is committed to a circular economy, aiming to reuse materials as much as possible, and always innovating to get better. Though they ship worldwide, they have free shipping and frames recycling services for UK customers.

Editor’s Review | “For on-trend sunnies in the UK and Ireland, Pala is my pick! The range is fun to browse through, and I tested out the Lich in the Flint colorway. This style would be better suited for someone with a slightly wider face, but they’re super lightweight and have playful large round lenses! (I might’ve been better suited to grab the Baobab or Thoko styles). The shade is subtle and strain-free, with a subtle gradient. Worth noting: brand’s recycled woven case—it’s a winner.” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade


5. Quince

Best For | Genderless, classic styles
Sustainability | Eco-friendly acetate
Price Range | $50

For a one-stop shop of affordable, sustainable styles for our closets and homes, we’re always turning to Quince. The brand is a TGT fave for its sustainable takes on timeless staples. Made from acetate, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic that comes from wood pulp and cotton, these classic sunnies will stand the test of time in both durability and style. We especially love the wayfarer and clubmaster styles for a unisex look that can be worn forever.

Editor’s Review | “I tested both the Charlie and Walker styles from Quince, whose entire line consists of timeless sunglass silhouettes at reasonable prices. The Charlie, pictured below, is a little large for my face but the legs curve in so they don’t slip down my nose. The Walker style is a perfect fit on me! I like that you can still see my eyes when I wear these. Especially if you’re already shopping with Quince (for men or women), add these cuties to your cart and you won’t regret it.” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade


6. Pela

Best For | Pay-what-you-want payscale
Sustainability | Recycled materials, less water, plastic, and carbon emissions, recycling program, gives back via 1% for the Planet
Price Range | $30–$40

Pela, who you might know for their cute phone cases, also has a line of sustainable sunglasses that are very chic, affordable, and low waste. The brand uses 33% less CO2e Emissions, 34% less water, and 82% less waste for their sunglasses production compared to conventional methods, which certainly adds up! The certified B Corp runs a recycling program so you can send in your old sunnies to be upcycled, recycled, composted and disposed of properly.

Editor’s Review | Pela’s sunglasses are so playful and priced affordably! I’ve always wanted a pair of cat-eye sunglasses and so I tested the Solana style which is super comfortable and sits high and close to my eyes. I feel like I want to sit poolside in Vegas with these babies. I wouldn’t recommend these for wider faces, as the edges sit quite flush with my temples, but Pela’s Parisian and San Fran styles (the orange pair pictured below) offer a bit more width without losing the cool factor.” – Emily, Editorial Director at The Good Trade


7. Proof Eyewear

Best For | Wood sunglasses
Sustainability | FSC-certified wood, cotton-based acetate, & repurposed skateboard decks, partner with nonprofits & conservations
Price | $85–$120

This Idaho-based brand is all about sustainability and giving back. Proof Eyewear frames are made with eco-friendly and recycled materials, and a portion of each purchase helps various causes, including health and vision clinics around the world. Want to get some shade overseas? Proof has sister sites in Peru, India, and Taiwan.


8. Eco

Best For | Colorful, retro styles
Sustainability | 95 percent recycled metal, works with Trees for the Future to plant a new tree for every purchase
Price | $75–$150

Looking to turn heads? Eco glasses are perfect for the trendsetting professional or city-dweller. These frames are as sustainable as they are stylish—the NYC brand uses 95 percent recycled metal, biobased castor seed oil, and recycled ocean plastic for its designs. Oh, and each purchase equals one newly planted tree. Win-win.


9. Sunski

Best For | Sunglasses for outdoor adventures
Sustainability | Recycled plastic, gives back via 1% for the Planet
Price | $48–$98

This proudly independent California brand developed its own sustainable material for sunglasses after seeing how few options were out there. Sunski’s frames are made from scrap plastic that would have otherwise ended up in landfills (so cool). Snag a pair for you and someone you love this summer (even for little ones, if you have ’em!).