How to start a sunglasses business: Guide with key steps + tips [2025]

With fashion and trends, sunglasses have transcended their functionality to become genuine accessories, both practical and aesthetic, true markers of identity. Today, they offer a blank canvas on which designers can express their artistic vision. If you dream of making your mark on the fashion industry and creating your own sunglasses business, you've come to the right place.

The emergence of ephemeral trends and increasingly demanding consumers don't make it easy. However, with the right amount of creativity, perseverance and knowledge, you can turn your passion for eyewear into a thriving business. The possibilities are endless, and the sunglasses provided by your business could well become the next must-have style statement!

Table of contents

• Is starting a sunglasses business profitable?
• How much does it cost to start a sunglasses business?
• How do you make your own line of sunglasses?
• Who can make sunglasses?
• All about eyewear manufacturing
• Where to have "made-to-measure" eyewear manufactured?
• 8 Steps to start your own Eyewear Brand
• Final Words

Is starting a sunglasses business profitable?

According to Grand View Research, in 2023,?the worldwide market for sunglasses was valued at approximately 23.52 billion USD. It's expected to expand with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2024 through 2030. Launching your own sunglasses business offers plenty of potential for profit due to the high demand and the fashion-driven nature of the market, allowing for significant markups on cost.

Sunglasses are both a practical necessity and a style statement, leading to repeat purchases and opportunities for brand loyalty. By targeting specific niches or trends, businesses can differentiate themselves, commanding higher prices.

The scalability of such ventures, through online sales channels and global markets, further enhances profitability. Effective cost management, innovative marketing, and a strong online presence can drive sales volumes and margins, making a sunglasses business a potentially lucrative endeavor.

How much does it cost to start a sunglasses business??

It's difficult to give an exact figure in terms of how much money you will need to invest when starting a sunglasses business, as the total startup cost can vary widely based on scale, location, and business model. That being said, there are several key expenses to consider before launching your future sunglasses venture, each contributing to the overall cost.

Initial costs include product development, which covers design and prototyping of the sunglasses. Manufacturing costs can be significant, depending on whether you opt for domestic production or overseas manufacturing, which might offer lower costs but comes with higher minimum order quantities and logistics expenses.

Inventory storage and management also need consideration, requiring space either purchased or leased. Marketing and branding efforts are essential for establishing your presence in the market, involving expenses on advertising, website development, and social media campaigns, in order to help attract new customers and later keep existing customers loyal.

In addition, you'll want to factor in legal expenses for business registration, patents, or trademarks to protect your designs and brand identity. Finally,?distribution costs encompass shipping and handling, either directly to consumers or to retailers.?

How do you make your own line of sunglasses?

Before a customer can push open the door of their local optician or surf online to find your products, you need to follow certain steps, from style to logistics, to create a brand synonymous with must-haves!

• Find inspiration: It all starts with an idea, a style, a design. This first step involves taking the time to check out current trends in fashion and optics to find the look that's right for you. Browse magazines, read blogs, visit boutiques, and study the designs of popular brands to better understand consumer preferences.
• Conceive the design: Once you've found your inspiration, it's time to let your creativity run wild. Draw up your ideas, create sketches and think about the features that will make your sunglasses unique. Think about the shape, the materials, the colors, and all the details that will help your products stand out. Be sure to ask for outside advice if needed to refine your concept!
• Find the right materials: The quality of the materials you choose is central to the creation of durable, attractive frame designs. Do thorough research to find reliable optical suppliers offering quality materials such as acetate, titanium, or metal. Make sure that you also choose high-quality lenses that guarantee good vision and maximum sun protection.
• Move on to production: If you don't have the technical skills to make the glasses yourself, you'll need to work with specialized craftspeople or manufacturers. Don't hesitate to share your ideas and designs with them so that you can get prototypes that meet your expectations.
• Test and adjust: Before launching your brand on the market, plan to test your prototypes. Try them out yourself, and ask friends and family to try them out too. Take feedback and suggestions into account, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your sunglasses are perfectly comfortable while maintaining the desired aesthetic.

Who can make Highend sunglasses for your brand?

Before creating your own sunglasses brand, it's best to understand the ins and outs of the business. Opticians play an important role in the manufacturing chain, especially when it comes to prescription eyewear. These vision professionals are trained to assess and correct certain visual problems directly, in exchange for a prescription for corrective lenses from a doctor. Thanks to their expertise, they're able to design great eyewear that precisely meets the needs of each customer.

Opticians work closely with lens manufacturers, who are experts in creating high-quality optical lenses. These specialized companies use cutting-edge technologies to manufacture customized lenses, guaranteeing clear, sharp vision. What's more, they offer a wide range of special coatings, such as anti-reflective, anti-scratch, and polarized lenses, to further enhance the visual experience.

When it comes to frames, we're entering the world of creativity and design. Frame manufacturers play an essential role in making sunglasses that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their talented craftsmen shape and assemble materials, whether steel, plastic, acetate or even more exotic materials like wood. They create shapes, colors, and textures to suit every taste and style.

Fashion designers and renowned brands bring their unique touch to the world of eyewear. They collaborate with manufacturers (Luxottica, Marchon, Marcolin, Safilo, etc.) to design exclusive collections that reflect current trends. These collaborations fuse technical expertise and style to offer cutting-edge eyewear.

Where to have "made-to-measure" eyewear manufactured?

For brands seeking to combine quality and aesthetics, the choice of manufacturing location is crucial. The best option for your future sunglasses business will depend on your vision, your location, the tastes of the people in your target audience, and of course, the money in your budget!

• Italian craftsmanship: Tradition in the service of elegance

Among the most popular destinations for eyewear brands, Italy tops the list. The country is renowned for its craftsmanship and heritage in the manufacture of luxury products. From small family-run factories to renowned workshops, Italy offers a wide range of expertise. Italian master craftspeople work with high-quality materials and pay meticulous attention to detail. By choosing Italy, brands ensure a perfect marriage of tradition and refinement.

• German precision: The alliance of ingenuity and technology

Germany is synonymous with precision and advanced engineering. Brands seeking impeccably finished eyewear often turn to this country. German manufacturers use modern production methods to create lightweight, durable frames. They also place great emphasis on ergonomics and a perfect fit to offer wearers optimum comfort. Brands committed to innovation and quality find Germany a partner of choice.

• The Asian avant-garde: Innovation in design

In recent decades, Asia has established itself as a central hub for the optical industry. Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China have become popular destinations for brands seeking avant-garde designs. These countries are renowned for their expertise in technology, research and development. Brands wishing to push back the boundaries of design and explore new, never-before-seen models find Asia a hotbed of innovation and creativity.

Looking for a trusted eyewear supplier with high-quality products, competitive pricing, and global shipping? Eyewearglobo.com is your go-to partner for all things eyewear. As a leading B2B wholesale eyewear manufacturer, Eyewearglobo offers a diverse range of optical frames, sunglasses, and customizable designs to suit every market need. Whether you're an eyewear retailer, brand owner, or distributor, our ready stock and custom eyewear solutions ensure you get premium products with fast turnaround times.

With five production lines and strict quality control standards, we guarantee exceptional craftsmanship and durability in every pair. Our flexible MOQ options, private labeling services, and OEM/ODM capabilities make it easy for businesses of all sizes to scale and succeed.

Partner with Eyewearglobo.com today and bring your eyewear business to the next level! Contact us now for bulk orders and exclusive deals.

8 Steps to start your own Eyewear Brand

Step 1: Plan and Strategize

Effective planning is crucial when starting a business, and it involves several key decisions:

• Business Model Choice: Decide whether to establish a physical store, an online platform, or both. For a physical eyewear store, location is key, while an online venture requires a well-designed website and platform selection.
• Naming Your Business: Selecting a unique and relevant name is vital. Spend time brainstorming to find a name that aligns with your business’s mission and your personal preferences.
• Budget Planning: Assess the costs involved. Typically, a physical storefront will have higher expenses compared to an online business.
• Identifying Your Target Market: Consider that a large portion of adults need vision correction, with many preferring glasses. Your target market should include a wide range of ages, from children to adults, encompassing both those needing corrective lenses and those seeking fashionable eyewear.

Step 2: Understand Your Market

Before launching your own eyewear brand, conducting in-depth market research is crucial to ensure the success and relevance of your products in the competitive landscape. Understanding your target market enables you to tailor your design, pricing, and marketing strategies effectively to meet their needs and expectations. By examining the demographics, preferences, and buying behavior of potential customers, you gain valuable insights that can influence product development and promotional tactics.

Additionally, evaluating the existing eyewear brands in the market is essential. This involves identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling points, which can help you in identifying gaps in the market and opportunities for differentiation. By doing so, you can position your brand to offer something distinct and appealing.

Step 3: Establish Your Brand Identity

Having thoroughly researched your market, define your brand identity. This is a fusion of your brand’s values, personality, and visual elements like your brand name, logo, color palette, typography, and more. This identity should mirror the expectations of your target market and personify the unique attributes of your brand. An effective brand identity fosters brand recognition, loyalty, and trust among customers.

Step 4: Create an eyewear brand businessplan

Create a thorough business plan that outlines your brand’s goals, target audience, product range, marketing strategy, distribution avenues, and financial forecasts. A meticulously crafted business plan serves as a valuable roadmap to navigate the journey of launching and expanding your enterprise effectively.

Furthermore, your business plan should include well-thought-out pricing tactics. These tactics must not only ensure competitiveness in the market but also maintain a profitable margin for your business. It’s important to consider various pricing strategies, such as cost-plus, value-based, or competitive pricing, and choose one that aligns best with your brand positioning and customer expectations.

Step 5: Select Your Eyewear Products

With a well-defined brand identity, it’s time to decide the type of eyewear products you wish to offer. Choices range from prescription glasses and sunglasses to reading glasses. Ponder on design, material, and color options. Consider whether your range will include frames made from traditional materials such as metal or plastic, or you’re leaning towards more sustainable materials like wood or recycled components.

Further, think about the level of customization you want to offer your customers. Can they mix and match frames and lenses? Do you want to cater to niche segments such as sports eyewear or focus on universally appealing designs? Complementary accessories such as cases, cleaning cloths, and chains not only enhance the customer experience but also offer additional revenue streams. These product choices should echo your brand identity and resonate with your target market.

Step 6: Partner with the Right Manufacturer

Having selected your product line, the next step is finding the right manufacturer. Wonnda comes into play here. It’s a digital platform that connects brands with top-tier European private label, white label, and contract manufacturing suppliers. Sourcing and launching your new eyewear brand becomes a breeze with Wonnda’s expansive product ideas and an excellent network of manufacturers.

Step 7: Create Your Brand Website

Once your products and manufacturer are ready, turn your focus towards your virtual storefront, i.e., your brand website. Crafted around your brand identity, your website should showcase your products through high-quality images and descriptions. Clarity in pricing, shipping, and return policies build trust and transparency with your customers. With website builders like Wix or Shopify, crafting a stunning website requires no coding skills.

Step 8: Boost Your Brand

Lastly, unleash your brand into the market and draw customers to your website. Leverage your brands social media, email marketing, influencer marketing, and other digital marketing strategies to generate brand awareness and drive website traffic. Targeting customers with special promotions, discounts, or referral programs can be a good starting point. As your brand grows, consider collaborations with retailers or setting up your physical stores.

7 Reasons Why Designer Sunglasses Are Worth the Investment

Luxury sunglasses aren’t just about style—they offer superior craftsmanship, durability, and protection that cheap alternatives simply can’t match. Whether you’re looking for unparalleled lens quality or a timeless fashion statement, designer sunglasses provide long-term value that makes them worth every penny. Here’s why:

1. Superior Craftsmanship & Premium Materials

High-end eyewear brands use top-tier materials like Italian acetate, titanium, and carbon fiber, ensuring lightweight durability and long-lasting wear. Unlike mass-produced frames, luxury sunglasses undergo meticulous hand-finishing for a refined, polished look.

2. Advanced Lens Technology

Cheap lenses often provide little more than tinted plastic. In contrast, designer sunglasses come with UV400 protection, polarized coatings, and anti-glare technology, safeguarding your eyes from harmful rays and reducing eye strain.

3. Unmatched Comfort & Ergonomic Fit

Luxury brands invest in precise engineering to create perfectly balanced frames that won’t pinch or slip. Adjustable nose pads and contoured temples ensure all-day comfort, making them ideal for prolonged wear.

4. Timeless Style & Fashion Statement

Trendy knockoffs come and go, but designer sunglasses remain iconic and sophisticated. Whether it’s the classic Ray-Ban Aviators or Gucci oversized frames, luxury eyewear elevates any outfit effortlessly.

5. Exclusivity & Brand Prestige

Wearing a pair of designer sunglasses signifies status and refined taste. Many luxury brands offer limited-edition collections, ensuring you own a unique, coveted piece.

6. Long-Term Durability & Resale Value

Luxury eyewear is built to last. With scratch-resistant lenses, reinforced hinges, and premium coatings, they withstand daily wear far better than their cheaper counterparts. Some classic models even appreciate in value, making them a smart investment.

7. Sustainable & Ethical Manufacturing

Many designer sunglasses are crafted with eco-friendly materials and ethical labor practices, ensuring a responsible and sustainable production process that supports fair wages and environmental responsibility.

When it comes to eyewear, quality beats quantity. Investing in designer sunglasses means prioritizing comfort, protection, and timeless elegance, making them an essential addition to any wardrobe.

Final Words

Remember, launching your eyewear brand is just the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. Continual evaluation and improvement is the key to sustaining in this dynamic market. Keep a pulse on the latest eyewear trends, customer feedback, and industry insights. This ongoing learning process will aid in refining your product line, improving customer service, and adjusting marketing strategies as needed. Regular interaction with your customer base through social media channels, email surveys, or even through direct engagement can provide invaluable insights. Use this information to continuously adapt and grow, ensuring your brand stays relevant, competitive, and profitable.

Embarking on the journey of launching your own eyewear brand calls for thoughtful planning, research, and execution. The steps outlined here can provide a robust foundation for a successful eyewear brand that resonates in the market. Keeping customer-centricity at the core, create products and experiences that align with your brand identity and values.