clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

LA's 18 Most Stylish Shops For Summer-Ready Sunglasses

By Natalie Alcala
View as Map
By Natalie Alcala

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.

Given that LA's seasons consist of sunny and sunnier, it's no surprise that our city is stacked with cool eyewear stores.

To ensure that your precious peepers are protected while you pool-party-hop this holiday weekend and beyond, we've rounded up a handful of boutiques that offer a superior selection of frames, from legends like l.a. Eyeworks on Melrose to new kids like Illesteva on Abbot Kinney.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Cateye Spectacles

Copy Link
If you're on the hunt for vintage specs, this retro haven will satisfy all your needs. Cateye's lineup includes stunners by Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, Persol, Gucci and Ray-Ban. In addition to stocking one-of-a-kind pieces, the shop also has entire lines that are decades-old but still in immaculate condition alongside some new styles from Dita, Andy Wolf Eyewear and Victory Optical. [Photo]
708 N Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 664-3939
(323) 664-3939

Daas Optique

Copy Link
Nestled on the bustling stretch of Larchmont Blvd, this eyewear boutique owned by San Francisco eyewear specialist Alexander Daas is stocked with frames from independent and luxury brands including Mykita, Salt. Optics, Tom Ford and more. [Photo]
161 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 466-4396
(323) 466-4396

Dan Deutsch Optical Outlook

Copy Link
From Chanel to Celine to Versace, this is your place for top-tier designer frames. A favorite among LA's top artisans, Dan Deutsch operates eight locations in LA. We're frequent visitors of the West 3rd St store. [Photo]
8358 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 658-6181
(323) 658-6181

Dita Legends

Copy Link
Sleek and futuristic, this store carries Dita's full range of oversize, glam frames as well as vintage options from labels like Carrera. [Photo]
7625 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 658-7078
(323) 658-7078

Eyetailor

Copy Link
Owner Sung Kim, an l.a. Eyeworks vet, has developed a following for his craftsmanship in fitting frames. His stock includes his own line as well as options from Paul Smith, Salt. and Bevel. [Photo]
4310 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 664-2020
(323) 664-2020

Garrett Leight California Optical

Copy Link
Following in the footsteps of his parents (founders of Oliver Peoples!), Garrett Leight carried on his family's eyewear legacy with his own shop which stocks a variety of too-cool, logo-free shades that you'll want to wear season after season. [Photo]
165 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 931-4018
(323) 931-4018

Gentlemen's Breakfast Vintage Eyewear

Copy Link
As the name states, this boutique specializes in men's vintage eyewear—specifically, from the 1920s through the 1980s. Owner Van de la Plante travels the world in search of pristine frames from years past. He sells his finds alongside other old school men's accessories; to complete the men's club vibe, scotch is on offer. [Photo]
1101 Mohawk Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 306-6766
(323) 306-6766

Gogosha Optique

Copy Link
Eyewear guru Julia Gogosha is seriously committed to sourcing the newest and most unique glasses out there. From limited editions to collaborations and one-of-a-kinds from brands like Cutler and Gross, Salt. and RVS, the frames at times approach work-of-art status. [Photo]
3208 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 660-1122
(323) 660-1122

Hotel de Ville Vintage Eyewear

Copy Link
Aside from a retro-inspired house line, this favorite has shelves full of new styles, European imports, and deadstock options. [Photo]
7422 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90036
(323) 634-9911
(323) 634-9911

l.a. Eyeworks

Copy Link
Three reasons l.a. Eyeworks is awesome: They have L.A. in the name, bangin' sales on a truly eclectic mix of glasses, and finally, Simpsons creator Matt Groening draws their ads. [Photo]
7407 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 653-8255
(323) 653-8255

Oliver Peoples

Copy Link
What do Zooey Deschanel, Kristen Stewart, Robert Downey Jr. and Rooney Mara all have in common? Besides being screen-stealing brunettes, they're all high-flying fans of Oliver Peoples. Co-founded in 1987 by native Angeleno Larry Leight, the iconic eyewear house is known for producing classically cool specs that transcend trends. [Photo]
8642 West Sunset Boulevard, Sunset Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90029
(310) 657-2553
(310) 657-2553

Optical Sphere

Copy Link
This spec-happy shop was recommended by Beautiful Fül's Alejandro Rodriguez for its stellar collection of vintage eyewear. Find retro treasures ranging from classic to straight up exotic and weird creations you won't find anywhere else. [Photo]
8026 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 852-9255
(323) 852-9255

RetroSpecs

Copy Link
RetroSpecs specializes in one-of-a-kind eyewear, much of it hand-crafted. They're also restoration specialists, and run every antique frame that they find through an intensive cleaning and polishing process. [Photo]
363 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 657-4217
(310) 657-4217

Selima et Benjamin

Copy Link
This white-on-white shop is a collaboration between East Coast retailer Selima Salaun and Cali eyewear designer Benjamin Montoya. You'll find both their lines here, plus new and vintage looks from labels like Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs. [Photo]
225 26th St., Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 260-0160
(310) 260-0160

Society of the Spectacle

Copy Link
Sisters and frame obsessives Amy and Katie O’Connell have been serving the Eagle Rock population since 2007, offering retro-ish designs from cool brands both well and lesser known. On the shelves are styles by Garrett Leight, Francis Klein, Fiction, Dita and Salt., among others. [Photo]
4563 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 255-4300
(323) 255-4300

Warby Parker

Copy Link
Find all of Warby Parker's cool-kid sunnies at their new permanent shop in the lobby of The Standard, Hollywood. From cat-eyed to wayfarers to aviators, they've got all sorts of frames for every style. [Photo]
8300 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
(323) 370-6690
(323) 370-6690

Crap Eyewear Showroom

Copy Link
Back in April, Crap Eyewear opened its vibrant showroom and headquarters, to the public, just in time for Coachella. The quaint space features high ceilings, tons of natural light (perfect for selfies), and hosts Crap's full range of sunglasses, including all bestsellers and those just-launched spring 2015 styles. [Photo]
228 Main Street #14, Venice, CA 90291

Illesteva

Copy Link
This cult-favorite, NY-based brand opened its first West Coast flagship earlier this year, offering Venice shoppers its full range of stylish specs and sunglasses. The space also features a build-your-own bar, where customers can learn how to customize their frames. [Photo]
1329 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
(310) 581-0800
(310) 581-0800
© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Cateye Spectacles

708 N Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90029
If you're on the hunt for vintage specs, this retro haven will satisfy all your needs. Cateye's lineup includes stunners by Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, Persol, Gucci and Ray-Ban. In addition to stocking one-of-a-kind pieces, the shop also has entire lines that are decades-old but still in immaculate condition alongside some new styles from Dita, Andy Wolf Eyewear and Victory Optical. [Photo]
708 N Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 664-3939
(323) 664-3939

Daas Optique

161 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Nestled on the bustling stretch of Larchmont Blvd, this eyewear boutique owned by San Francisco eyewear specialist Alexander Daas is stocked with frames from independent and luxury brands including Mykita, Salt. Optics, Tom Ford and more. [Photo]
161 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 466-4396
(323) 466-4396

Dan Deutsch Optical Outlook

8358 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
From Chanel to Celine to Versace, this is your place for top-tier designer frames. A favorite among LA's top artisans, Dan Deutsch operates eight locations in LA. We're frequent visitors of the West 3rd St store. [Photo]
8358 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 658-6181
(323) 658-6181

Dita Legends

7625 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Sleek and futuristic, this store carries Dita's full range of oversize, glam frames as well as vintage options from labels like Carrera. [Photo]
7625 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 658-7078
(323) 658-7078

Eyetailor

4310 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Owner Sung Kim, an l.a. Eyeworks vet, has developed a following for his craftsmanship in fitting frames. His stock includes his own line as well as options from Paul Smith, Salt. and Bevel. [Photo]
4310 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 664-2020
(323) 664-2020

Garrett Leight California Optical

165 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Following in the footsteps of his parents (founders of Oliver Peoples!), Garrett Leight carried on his family's eyewear legacy with his own shop which stocks a variety of too-cool, logo-free shades that you'll want to wear season after season. [Photo]
165 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 931-4018
(323) 931-4018

Gentlemen's Breakfast Vintage Eyewear

1101 Mohawk Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026
As the name states, this boutique specializes in men's vintage eyewear—specifically, from the 1920s through the 1980s. Owner Van de la Plante travels the world in search of pristine frames from years past. He sells his finds alongside other old school men's accessories; to complete the men's club vibe, scotch is on offer. [Photo]
1101 Mohawk Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 306-6766
(323) 306-6766

Gogosha Optique

3208 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Eyewear guru Julia Gogosha is seriously committed to sourcing the newest and most unique glasses out there. From limited editions to collaborations and one-of-a-kinds from brands like Cutler and Gross, Salt. and RVS, the frames at times approach work-of-art status. [Photo]
3208 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 660-1122
(323) 660-1122

Hotel de Ville Vintage Eyewear

7422 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90036
Aside from a retro-inspired house line, this favorite has shelves full of new styles, European imports, and deadstock options. [Photo]
7422 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90036
(323) 634-9911
(323) 634-9911

l.a. Eyeworks

7407 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Three reasons l.a. Eyeworks is awesome: They have L.A. in the name, bangin' sales on a truly eclectic mix of glasses, and finally, Simpsons creator Matt Groening draws their ads. [Photo]
7407 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 653-8255
(323) 653-8255

Oliver Peoples

8642 West Sunset Boulevard, Sunset Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90029
What do Zooey Deschanel, Kristen Stewart, Robert Downey Jr. and Rooney Mara all have in common? Besides being screen-stealing brunettes, they're all high-flying fans of Oliver Peoples. Co-founded in 1987 by native Angeleno Larry Leight, the iconic eyewear house is known for producing classically cool specs that transcend trends. [Photo]
8642 West Sunset Boulevard, Sunset Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90029
(310) 657-2553
(310) 657-2553

Optical Sphere

8026 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
This spec-happy shop was recommended by Beautiful Fül's Alejandro Rodriguez for its stellar collection of vintage eyewear. Find retro treasures ranging from classic to straight up exotic and weird creations you won't find anywhere else. [Photo]
8026 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 852-9255
(323) 852-9255

RetroSpecs

363 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
RetroSpecs specializes in one-of-a-kind eyewear, much of it hand-crafted. They're also restoration specialists, and run every antique frame that they find through an intensive cleaning and polishing process. [Photo]
363 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 657-4217
(310) 657-4217

Selima et Benjamin

225 26th St., Los Angeles, CA 90049
This white-on-white shop is a collaboration between East Coast retailer Selima Salaun and Cali eyewear designer Benjamin Montoya. You'll find both their lines here, plus new and vintage looks from labels like Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs. [Photo]
225 26th St., Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 260-0160
(310) 260-0160

Society of the Spectacle

4563 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Sisters and frame obsessives Amy and Katie O’Connell have been serving the Eagle Rock population since 2007, offering retro-ish designs from cool brands both well and lesser known. On the shelves are styles by Garrett Leight, Francis Klein, Fiction, Dita and Salt., among others. [Photo]
4563 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 255-4300
(323) 255-4300

Warby Parker

8300 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Find all of Warby Parker's cool-kid sunnies at their new permanent shop in the lobby of The Standard, Hollywood. From cat-eyed to wayfarers to aviators, they've got all sorts of frames for every style. [Photo]
8300 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
(323) 370-6690
(323) 370-6690

Crap Eyewear Showroom

228 Main Street #14, Venice, CA 90291
Back in April, Crap Eyewear opened its vibrant showroom and headquarters, to the public, just in time for Coachella. The quaint space features high ceilings, tons of natural light (perfect for selfies), and hosts Crap's full range of sunglasses, including all bestsellers and those just-launched spring 2015 styles. [Photo]
228 Main Street #14, Venice, CA 90291

Illesteva

1329 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
This cult-favorite, NY-based brand opened its first West Coast flagship earlier this year, offering Venice shoppers its full range of stylish specs and sunglasses. The space also features a build-your-own bar, where customers can learn how to customize their frames. [Photo]
1329 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
(310) 581-0800
(310) 581-0800