Whether you are at the beach, the lake, partying it up in the city, or camping in the mountains this Fourth of July weekend, there are so many ways to celebrate! This year, we have decided to show our appreciation to our lovely State of Red, White, and Blue by highlighting some of the most iconic and world changing top American eyewear brands that have been built from the ground up right here at home.

Some you will recognize, and maybe others you won’t… But one thing’s for sure, you’re not a true patriot unless you know them all!

Arnette

 

In 1992, Arnette eyewear was founded by Greg Arnette in a one-car garage in Orange County, CA. In fact, Arnette was a pioneer in terms of youth eyewear and was considered the first eyewear brand for counter culture in America. Today, Arnette is headquartered in Encinitas, California.

 

 

Maui Jim

 

Maui Jim was created in the Hawaiian Islands and produces the best eyewear has to offer in terms of UV protection, anti-glare technology, and comfortable style. Maui Jim sunglasses are made with special lenses that create a deeper color contrast for a more brilliant, visual experience. Today they are headquartered in Peoria, Illinois.

 

 

 

Oakley

 

Oakley was founded in 1975 by Jim Jannard in the Foothill Ranches of California. Oakley eyewear specializes in ready-to-wear sports performance glasses and provides the U.S. military and law enforcement with eyewear for eye protection. They hold more than 600 patents for eyewear, materials and performance gear.

 

 

Ralph Lauren

 

Dating back to 1967, Ralph Lauren has been redefining American fashion. Luxurious and sophisticated Ralph Lauren eyewear is sold all over the world, but they are still headquartered in New York City, New York, to this day.

 

 

Randolph Engineering

 

Without a doubt, Randolph Engineering tops our list for “most patriotic” American eyewear brand. Randolph Engineering has been a longstanding American eyewear brand since 1972 and all of their eyewear is proudly Made in the USA. They sell sunglasses, shooting eyewear, as well as prescription frames. Not to mention, they are the prime contractor for providing aviator sunglasses to the United States military. Headquartered in Randolph, Massachusetts.

 

 

Ray-Ban

 

In 1937, American company Bausch & Lomb founded the Ray-Ban eyewear brand that we all know and love today. Ray-Ban rose to success by first providing the U.S. Army Air Corps with specialized anti-glare aviator sunglasses, and then the parent company confirmed the patent to sell their products commercially. Headquartered in Rochester, New York.

SPY

 

SPY eyewear was founded in 1997 by three action sports and motorsports enthusiasts that wanted to provide athletes with better performance eyewear. To this day, the brand works with a world-class roster of athletes such as snowboarder Shaun Palmer, surfer Sunny Garcia, BMX rider Jamie Bestwick and NASCAR driver Richard “The King”. The company is based out of Southern California.

 

 

Thom Browne

 

Thom Browne grew up in Pennsylvania and now operates his New York-based menswear and womenswear brand. Easily one of the top American eyewear brands when it comes to high-end fashion, Thom Browne has quickly gained international fame and recognition for his unconventional designs for men. Thom Browne eyewear creates modern designs with a vintage feel.

 

 

 

Tom Ford

 

In 2005, Tom Ford opened his first retail store on New York’s Madison Avenue which remains the headquarters to this day. Tom Ford eyewear is sold around the globe and has received international recognition for the brand’s luxury products and sensual designs.

 

 

 

Polaroid

 

Founded in 1937 in Cambridge, Massachusetts by Edwin Land this company is credited with creating some of the first (if not the first) sunglasses with a polarized filter. A brand that you can always rely on, Polaroid has been a leader in eyewear research and development for many years. To this day they continue to create some of the most advanced lenses in the business.

 

 

 

Now that we’ve covered these awesome top American eyewear brands, it’s time to grab the fireworks, fill the coolers and celebrate big this year with your own patriotic eyewear!