QUAY–The Bold & Trendy Eyewear Brand Everyone is Obsessed With

We're ready to go ahead and dub QUAY glasses the social media sunnies of the summer! The sunglasses you've probably already seen splashed across social media are the same ones you're going to see in real life as you hit the beaches and city streets this summer. If you aren't already familiar with these internet-famous frames, QUAY is an Australian sunglasses brand that has scratched the itch for affordable luxury with its collection of bold, fashion-forward eyewear.

This once-indie Australian brand is now a global sensation that's loved by influencers, celebs, and trendsetters. However, you don't need to be an A-list celebrity to get your hands on these oversized frames and irresistible designs for men and women. These shades are eclipsing ultra-expensive eyewear by delivering designer-style looks with no designer price tags in sight! 

Is QUAY a good brand to get into if you're shopping for sunglasses? We pride ourselves on recommending only the most on-trend and high-quality products, and QUAY has consistently impressed us with its stylish designs, accessibility, and undeniable presence in the eyewear industry.

From Festival Tents to Global Fame

Founded in 2004 in Melbourne, Australia by a husband-and-wife team, QUAY quickly became a favorite on the festival scene. The brand's effortlessly cool look captured the essence of festival fashion like nothing before. Soon, QUAY moved from festival booths to the international market to become a global brand sold in more than 35 countries. 

Devoted shoppers also flock to flagship stores in the United States and Australia to snatch the latest designs in person. In addition to being one of the biggest sunglasses brands, QUAY now offers prescription glasses that let you bring your festival spirit to the office.

If you're wondering how to pronounce QUAY, it's KEY. The brand's name actually refers to a platform built alongside a body of water for boats.

The QUAY Collection: Shades, Blue Light Glasses & More

While QUAY is a brand with strong festival connotations, it has everything from preppy to practical looks in its collection.

Statement Sunglasses

You can get pretty addicted to this brand if you love collecting statement sunglasses. QUAY does an amazing job with thick, chunky, it-was-a-long-night sunglasses that are so fun to hide behind on certain days. There are even some toned-down statement sunglasses that are intriguing without being overpowering. The brand's signature frame shapes include aviator, aviator shield, square, round, narrow, and cat-eye.

If you're looking for the most iconic sunglasses from QUAY, we have a few suggestions. The unisex NIGHTFALL is a shield-style look that features an oversized flush lens combined with a minimal frame for a cool, futuristic look that feels like a feather against the bridge of your nose. This happens to be QUAY's No. 1 seller.

If you prefer to dive in with a cool and classic aviator look that feels a little less stylistically ambitious, the HIGH KEY TWIST frames offer a comfortable fit in four finishes.

Blue Light Glasses

QUAY has a full lineup of blue light glasses in stylish ultra-crisp frames that are perfect for the commute, the office, or a night out. We're obsessed with the bookish vibes of the clear, metallic, and tortoise-shell frames in this category.

Prescription Eyewear

QUAY has an incredible lineup of stylish prescription glasses that let you keep an ever-so-subtle "festival" streak to your look. QUAY's telltale geometric shapes translate gorgeously to its traditional frames. 

We especially like the signature QUAY aviator frame that's been translated to a thinned-out prescription look in gold or silver with the ALL CAPS RX collection. When it comes to bringing that chunky festival look to a streamlined design that's good for the office, we appreciate the BOLD TYPE RX and EXEC RX frames.

Accessories

QUAY sells really sturdy and roomy sunglasses cases that help to crush-proof your new frames. QUAY is clearly a brand that understands the "collector" personality of people who love sunglasses because consumers can purchase one-case, two-case, and four-case options that let you fit up to four pairs of sunglasses into a single easy-to-tote box. Features like embossments and velvet lining keep your glasses safe and pampered when they're not on your face.

Do you like to take your sunglasses with you on your travels? QUAY sells a gorgeous zip case with a wrist strap that literally lets you keep your glasses at your fingertips.

Celebrity Collabs

QUAY routinely partners with celebrities and influencers to roll out limited-edition collections with fun themes. 

For example, the famous 12-piece QUAY X PARIS collection from 2022 features fun and funky Y2K-themed designs. In 2024, SZA was part of QUAY's spring reset campaign promoting its top-selling TTYL and On Set styles. 

While red-hot collabs come and go, QUAY also has a permanent Celebrity Inspired collection featuring its popular ALL IN, Backstage Pass, High Profile, and YADA YADA frames.

Who's Wearing QUAY?

QUAY can't really be considered a trendy brand because it built its base slowly by selling to festival fans starting in 2004. However, it's been discovered by fashion-obsessed millennials and Gen Z shoppers who love statement sunglasses. People who like to pepper their sunglasses collections with eyewear brands like Poppy Lissiman and VEHLA enjoy picking up a pair of QUAYs for less than what they're used to spending.

Of course, festival-goers and music lovers who helped to build this brand's authenticity still cling to the brand's refreshingly edgy and carefree aesthetic. More recently, Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Cardi B have all been snapped wearing QUAYs.

Why QUAY Stands Out in a Sea of Sunglasses Brands

In a world full of sunglasses brands, QUAY is the cool kid that just gets it—bold, trendy, and totally wearable. So, what makes QUAY stand out from the rest? Let’s dive in and take a closer look.

Runway-Worthy, Wallet-Friendly

QUAY's mastery of using cool geometric shapes and oversized features without recreating "drugstore sunglasses" that cost a ton is so refreshing. These are truly runway-worthy, wallet-friendly looks. At between $65 and $85 per pair, QUAY makes high-fashion eyewear accessible.

Oversized & Iconic

We love the way QUAY throws it back to oversized and iconic looks that once meant you were someone important who needed to hide behind your shades. There's something refreshing about aspirational eyewear that reminds you that you can be anyone when you're behind these shades.

The Ultimate Instagram Aesthetic

QUAY has dominated social media marketing to inspire millions of people to see the world through this brand's perspective. Like its sleekly funky designs, QUAY's influencer-driven campaigns never feel forced. There's something aspirational and relatable about seeing how busy influencers style their looks around QUAY glasses while attending events or traveling.

UV Protection + Polarized Lenses

While it's easy to get lured in by what we'll call the ultimate Instagram aesthetic, QUAY eyewear is actually a great choice if you want to protect your eyes with comfortable, well-supported frames, and durable lenses. While fashionable, these aren't just "fashion" glasses. QUAY offers scratch-resistant lenses with UV protection and options for polarized lenses.

The Viral Success Story: How QUAY Became a Cult Favorite

QUAY only feels like it came out of nowhere if you haven't been paying attention. This brand first got hot in the 2010s with help from its digital-first marketing and collaborations with celebrities who had already become aware of QUAY through its reputation as the go-to festival eyewear brand. 

However, one of the big spotlight moments for QUAY was when their Kylie Jenner collection sold out within moments of its launch back in 2017. You haven't been able to scroll Instagram since without seeing someone wearing a pair of QUAYs!

With demand for these ultra-affordable glasses climbing, QUAY was able to make it easier for fans to pick out a pair of their own by launching several flagship stores and an e-commerce platform. QUAY also has partnerships with major retailers like Nordstrom and ASOS that help buyers discover exclusive designs.

Should You Buy QUAY? Here's Our Take

QUAY is a great option if you want trendy sunglasses that don't cost a fortune. For the price, QUAY offers true designer-look glasses that also provide a sturdy, secure and comfortable fit. 

These aren't "fast fashion" glasses that you're only going to wear a few times. QUAYs are meant to be your everyday sunglasses and your prescription glasses as well. 

However, the rule for entry with this brand is that you have to really be comfortable with bold sunglasses that make a statement. While some designs in the QUAY lineup are definitely more subdued, you won't get the utilitarian or sporty look that you'll get from brands like Oakley or Ray-Ban.

Questions About QUAY

Is QUAY a good brand?

Yes, QUAY is considered a quality option for regular sunglasses and prescription glasses. The brand is known for its frames offering edgy takes on traditional silhouettes.

Are QUAY sunglasses good quality?

QUAY is considered a designer-dupe sunglasses brand that offers better quality and eye protection compared to "fashion" sunglasses brands. Frames are designed to be lightweight and comfortable.

What’s special about QUAY sunglasses?

QUAY provides sunglasses that are made from high-quality materials and that are priced below $100. The brand is best known for its flattering oversized festival sunglasses that are beloved by influencers and celebrities.

Do QUAY glasses have a warranty?

Yes, the QUAY warranty covers sunglasses, prescription glasses, and blue light glasses against manufacturing defects from one year of the date of purchase. QUAY will repair or replace any covered item.