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Raise your hand if you've already lost your favorite pair of sunglasses this summer. Now raise your hand if you're secretly sick of last year's frames. If you currently have your hand raised, then this list is for you. We've pulled together fifteen of Chicago's best eyewear shops, from indie boutiques specializing in out-there vintage to major chains specializing in just about everything you can perch on the top of your nose. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments.—Reporting by Jared Hatch and Jenny Berg
Originally open in the Loop in 1920, this shop is now in the heart of Lincoln Square. Its eyewear selection ranges from on-trend to rare and vintage, and specs represent eras from 1930s through the 1970s. [Photo: via Yelp]
Open since 2004, this Southport shop is the real deal: it's owned by optometrists. The store's offerings range from comprehensive eye exams to laser-vision correction, and it also stocks sunglasses. Frames come from Paul Smith, Oliver Peoples, and Prada. [Photo: via Yelp]
This adorable Lakeview shop— decked in hues that remind us of Pee-Wee's Playhouse—has been kicking since 1998. A selection of "unique frames" includes includes limited-production goods from small labels in Europe, Japan, and North America. [Photo: via Yelp]
This Ravenswood shop—which stocks sunglasses from brands such as Persol and Gucci—is dedicated to good deeds. Its owner, Dr. Matthew Gifford, travels to Honduras each year to give eye exams. [Photo: via Yelp]
The team at Eye Want believes that eyewear should be made in small batches and assembled by hand in a country known specifically for eyewear production. Visit their shop for hundreds of styles from independent brands hailing from France, Japan, England, Italy, Germany as well as original vintage styles from America. [Photo credit]
A Division Street staple for sunglasses and prescription frames, this spot carries brands like Mykita and Paul Smith. Bonus: rotating art exhibits spruce up its walls. [Photo: via D/Vision]
One of Chicago's retail treasures, Labrabbit is where the stylish, bespectacled set heads for contemporary and vintage frames. [Photo: via Labrabbit Optics]
Tucked away on the fifth floor of the 900 Shops, this hidden gem stocks stylish eyewear from brands like Oliver Peoples, Prada, Mykita, and Robert Mark. [Photo: via Glasses Ltd.]
Designer brands are the focus (get it?) at his Mag Mile shop. Find frames from McQueen, Persol, Balenciaga, Gucci, Armani, and more. [Photo: via Solstice]
Laid out like an art gallery with gilded frames and gleaming wood fixtures, this is the South Loop spot for serious eyewear. Co-owned by a duo of highly pedigreed optometrists, the shop offers eye exams, specialized contact lenses, and eyewear from brands like Chanel, Salt. Optics, and IC! Berlin. [Photo: via Solo Eye Care]
This Old Town shop has a doctor on site, and carries sunglasses from global brands. Items come from Tom Ford, Salt, Lafont, and more. [Photo: via Facebook]
Originally open in the Loop in 1920, this shop is now in the heart of Lincoln Square. Its eyewear selection ranges from on-trend to rare and vintage, and specs represent eras from 1930s through the 1970s. [Photo: via Yelp]
Open since 2004, this Southport shop is the real deal: it's owned by optometrists. The store's offerings range from comprehensive eye exams to laser-vision correction, and it also stocks sunglasses. Frames come from Paul Smith, Oliver Peoples, and Prada. [Photo: via Yelp]
This adorable Lakeview shop— decked in hues that remind us of Pee-Wee's Playhouse—has been kicking since 1998. A selection of "unique frames" includes includes limited-production goods from small labels in Europe, Japan, and North America. [Photo: via Yelp]
This Ravenswood shop—which stocks sunglasses from brands such as Persol and Gucci—is dedicated to good deeds. Its owner, Dr. Matthew Gifford, travels to Honduras each year to give eye exams. [Photo: via Yelp]
The team at Eye Want believes that eyewear should be made in small batches and assembled by hand in a country known specifically for eyewear production. Visit their shop for hundreds of styles from independent brands hailing from France, Japan, England, Italy, Germany as well as original vintage styles from America. [Photo credit]
A Division Street staple for sunglasses and prescription frames, this spot carries brands like Mykita and Paul Smith. Bonus: rotating art exhibits spruce up its walls. [Photo: via D/Vision]
One of Chicago's retail treasures, Labrabbit is where the stylish, bespectacled set heads for contemporary and vintage frames. [Photo: via Labrabbit Optics]
Tucked away on the fifth floor of the 900 Shops, this hidden gem stocks stylish eyewear from brands like Oliver Peoples, Prada, Mykita, and Robert Mark. [Photo: via Glasses Ltd.]
Designer brands are the focus (get it?) at his Mag Mile shop. Find frames from McQueen, Persol, Balenciaga, Gucci, Armani, and more. [Photo: via Solstice]
Laid out like an art gallery with gilded frames and gleaming wood fixtures, this is the South Loop spot for serious eyewear. Co-owned by a duo of highly pedigreed optometrists, the shop offers eye exams, specialized contact lenses, and eyewear from brands like Chanel, Salt. Optics, and IC! Berlin. [Photo: via Solo Eye Care]
This Old Town shop has a doctor on site, and carries sunglasses from global brands. Items come from Tom Ford, Salt, Lafont, and more. [Photo: via Facebook]
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