Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory – they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. With so many brands on the market, it can be tough deciding between trendy, designer shades like Garrett Leight and Oliver Peoples.
These two brands offer high-quality, stylish sunglasses but have some key differences that may make one a better fit for your needs and style.
This comprehensive guide will compare Garrett Leight and Oliver Peoples sunglasses across factors like price, style, quality, and brand reputation to help you determine which is the right choice.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Oliver Peoples | Garrett Leight |
| Frame Styles | Refined, vintage-inspired shapes with ornate detailing | Modern, casual silhouettes with subtle design flairs |
| Price Range | $400-$600+ | $300-$400 |
| Quality | Meticulous Italian craftsmanship with premium materials | Very good quality control using high-end cellulose acetate and metals |
| Brand Image | Elite luxury status and pedigree | Contemporary urban cool and accessibility |
| Variety of Frames | Core classic shapes with limited editions | Diverse frame options and innovative shapes |
| Availability | Exclusive boutiques and high-end retailers only | Flagship stores plus e-commerce and major department stores |
Overview of Garrett Leight and Oliver Peoples
Garrett Leight California Optical was founded in 2011 by Garrett Leight, the son of famous eyewear designer Larry Leight who founded Oliver Peoples.
Garrett Leight draws inspiration from his family’s optical heritage while injecting his own modern, urban aesthetic. The brand focuses on clean, timeless silhouettes with a mix of vintage inspiration and contemporary details.
Oliver Peoples was founded in 1987 with a mission of blending refined luxury with cultured sophistication. The brand pioneered the rise of premium eyewear and became synonymous with craftsmanship and style.
Oliver Peoples emphasizes superior quality and meticulous attention to detail in their handmade frames.
While both brands have a shared heritage and Los Angeles roots, they offer distinct styles, price points, and brand images.
Comparing Frame Styles and Design
When it comes to frame styles and design, Oliver Peoples and Garrett Leight have quite different aesthetics.
Oliver Peoples eyewear has a polished, upscale look. Frames often feature retro shapes and details inspired by iconic styles of the past. Commonly used elements include keyhole bridges, linear metal accents, and ornamental filigree.
Popular models like the Sheldrake, Clifton, and Gregory reflect the brand’s classic, refined aesthetic. The use of premium materials like acetate, buffalo horn, and precious metals lends an air of luxury.
With ornate details and vintage-inspired shapes, Oliver Peoples sunglasses make a sophisticated style statement.
Garrett Leight opts for a more contemporary, casual look. Their eyewear collections feature minimalist shapes with subtle design flairs. Rounded acetate frames with sleek lines exemplify the brand’s understated yet modern style.
Garrett Leight also incorporates Japanese influences, seen in details like thin metal bars and low-profile wires inspired by traditional Japanese eyewear. Best-selling models like the Wilson, Randolph, and Kinney have a clean, urban sensibility.
Textured cellulose acetate and matte metals provide laidback contrast to shiny metals and glossy acetate. The overall aesthetic is fresh and youthful.
Depending on your personal style sensibilities, one brand may suit you better. Those wanting a polished, retro vibe will appreciate Oliver Peoples, while Garrett Leight offers modern cool.
Price Comparison
There is a clear price difference between Oliver Peoples and Garrett Leight eyewear. Oliver Peoples is positioned as a luxury, premium brand; their artisanal, vintage-inspired designs come at upper echelon pricing.
Most frames cost $400-$500, with some specialized or limited edition styles running over $600.
Garrett Leight aims for a more accessible price point while still delivering quality. The majority of their sunglass styles cost between $360-$400. Certain models like the wire frame Lincoln or metal semi-rimless Kinney come in around $300.
While not cheap, Garrett Leight prices offer consumers designer style at less than many high-end competitors.
The price gap between the two brands is closing as Garrett Leight moves slightly upmarket.
However, Oliver Peoples remains well above in terms of luxury pricing.
The price reflects the meticulous Italian craftsmanship and precious materials that go into Oliver Peoples eyewear.
For buyers on a budget, Garrett Leight provides an attractive mid-level option. But for those wanting true luxury detailing, Oliver Peoples commands the premium price tag.
Quality and Durability Factors
Durability and longevity are important when investing in designer sunglasses. Both Garrett Leight and Oliver Peoples emphasize quality, but there are some differences in their materials and manufacturing.
Oliver Peoples makes quality and craftsmanship cornerstones of their brand. Their frames are handmade in Italy from exclusive, premium materials. Acetate frames undergo a painstaking 30-step process to achieve gorgeous patterning and depth.
Metal frames also showcase intricate detailing like engraved filigree. Custom-crafted hinges provide smooth open/close functionality. With meticulous construction and high-end materials, Oliver Peoples eyewear is built to last.
Garrett Leight also focuses on quality, sourcing premium cellulose acetate from Japan and Italy. Brand founder Garrett Leight has an extensive background in optics, and the technical craft of eyewear construction. Garrett Leight frames meet stringent quality control standards.
While the materials may not reach the same luxury level as Oliver Peoples, Garrett Leight’s quality remains excellent for the price.
For those demanding the utmost in fit, finish, and durability, Oliver Peoples leads the pack. But Garrett Leight still delivers thoughtfully made, long-lasting frames.
Brand Reputation and Status
Over decades in the eyewear industry, Oliver Peoples has built a reputation as a pinnacle luxury brand. The storied Hollywood heritage, emphasis on handcraftsmanship, and sophisticated aesthetic cement Oliver Peoples as a premium label.
Today the brand has an elite, exclusive image, often seen on celebrity and fashion insiders. While attractive to some buyers, the upper crust reputation may intimidate others.
Despite a shared lineage, Garrett Leight follows its own path forging an image as a contemporary, urban label. The relaxed vibe and modern styling appeal to a younger demographic not aspiring to old-world luxury status.
While not inexpensive, Garrett Leight feels more accessible and down-to-earth. This makes the brand less overtly prestigious but potentially more inviting to a casual wearer.
Ultimately, which brand has more appeal comes down to lifestyle and preferences. For those that value luxury pedigree and brand prestige, Oliver Peoples certainly represents an aspirational choice.
Buyers wanting great design without the pomp may feel more aligned with Garrett Leight’s cooler image.
Variety of Frame Shapes and Colors
Oliver Peoples and Garrett Leight take differing approaches when it comes to frame variety.
Oliver Peoples eyewear collections tend to center on a few core shapes.
These classic silhouettes like the Sheldrake, Clifton, and Gregory appear season after season in new colors and material mixes.
There are also limited edition frames exclusive to the brand.
However, the overall frame selection is refined and focused rather than extensive.
Garrett Leight continuously expands their range of frame offerings. In addition to mainstay styles, the brand experiments with innovative shapes and color combos. New collections debut diverse options rather than iterations of the same shape. The expanded selection aims to hit varied fit and style needs.
Buyers wanting a wide range of frames to mix and match may gravitate to Garrett Leight. But Oliver Peoples devotees appreciate the focused cultivated classics approach.
Availability and Retail Locations
Due to differences in brand scale and strategy, Oliver Peoples and Garrett Leight eyewear has divergent retail availability.
As an elite luxury brand, Oliver Peoples distribures products selectively through high-end channels. Boutique locations allow personalized service and showcase the brand’s sophisticated image.
Oliver Peoples also partners with a small network of premier fashion retailers like Barney’s and Bergdorf Goodman. Overall, retail availability is limited to uphold exclusivity.
Garrett Leight takes a more accessible distribution approach to reach a broader audience. The brand operates flagship locations in fashion-forward cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Tokyo.
But Garrett Leight also sells through trendy e-tailers like Mr. Porter and premium department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s. The multi-channel retail presence improves accessibility for shoppers.
Those with access to high-end shopping locales can try on both brands in person. But Garrett Leight’s wider distribution offers more purchasing options to buyers everywhere.
Should You Choose Oliver Peoples or Garrett Leight?
With a grasp on how Oliver Peoples and Garrett Leight compare across important factors, you can determine which brand best suits your eyewear needs:
- Oliver Peoples is the choice for buyers who value luxury finishes, premium craftsmanship, and exclusive brand image. The sophisticated, retro styling also attracts those looking for a polished aesthetic.
- Garrett Leight appeals to consumers wanting very good quality paired with contemporary design at an accessible price point. The relaxed, urban style caters to a trendy crowd.
Also Read: Is Pelagic Better Than Costa Sunglasses?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Oliver Peoples and Garrett Leight are connected brands. Garrett Leight was founded by Oliver Peoples founder Larry Leight’s son, Garrett. So there is a direct family lineage between the two companies. Both brands share an appreciation for quality, Los Angeles roots, and refined optical style.
Garrett Leight occupies an upper contemporary market position – a step below true luxury pricing but still investing in premium details and quality. The $300-$400 price range and wider product availability create an aura of accessibility. While not an overt status symbol like Oliver Peoples, Garrett Leight still delivers a touch of upscale flair.
Yes, Oliver Peoples is positioned firmly in the luxury eyewear market. The $400-$500+ pricing, emphasis on Italian craftsmanship, elite brand image, and limited distribution all classify Oliver Peoples as a luxury house. Vintage inspiration and ornamental detailing also lend the frames an air of cultured sophistication.
Oliver Peoples glasses are very well-made and use top-notch materials like acetate, buffalo horn, and metals. As a premier luxury brand, quality is a central focus. The handcrafted Italian manufacturing ensures precise construction and stunning finishes. So yes, Oliver Peoples makes exceptionally good quality optical frames.
Final Thoughts
There is no universally “better” option – it comes down to personal style, budget, and lifestyle fit. Both Oliver Peoples and Garrett Leight make excellent products for the right customer.
Identify which brand qualities matter most to you to pick shades you’ll love wearing for years to come.
