Best Sunglass Shops in Pittsburgh

From aviators to oversized and even the shutter shades of the 1980s, sunglasses have been a staple for fun in the sun, but a good pair of sunglasses does so much more than shade your eyes from the sizzling summer sun. They give your style that extra something special, discretely hide nonverbal cues during a poker game and even transform into a last-ditch hair accessory when pushed back on your head. Whether you're looking in need of sunglasses for fashion or function, you're guaranteed to find a shade for every budget and style at these five stores rated the best sunglass shops in Pittsburgh.

The Optical Outlet Pittsburgh
4048 Beechwood Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 421-9274
www.opticaloutletpgh.com

Located on Beechwood Boulevard is The Optical Outlet, a family-owned and operated eyewear business. For more than 50 years, The Optical Outlet has been one of Pittsburgh's longest family-operated businesses, and one look inside this Squirrel Hill store and it's easy to see why. With more than 50 brands of sunglasses, including Burberry, Nike and Ralph Lauren, you're guaranteed to find the look you want for less. Be sure to print out the store's online coupon for 20 percent off sunglasses with any prescription eyeglass purchase.

Charming Charlie
1500 Washington Rd. Suite 1305
Mt. Lebanon, PA, 15228
(412) 531-1018
www.charmingcharlie.com

Charming Charlie is the only name you need to know if you're looking to make a big fashion statement on a small budget. This chic boutique's color-coded displays make shopping for the perfect pair of shades fun and simple. Whether you consider yourself a punk princess, a vintage diva or a Bohemian babe, there are sunglasses to match your inner fashionista. Charming Charlie is located on the lower level of The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon.

Pittsburgh Eye Associates
Medical Building
4424 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
(412) 683-0500
www.pittsburgheyeassociates.com

Are you in need of prescription sunglasses, but finding it hard to score a stylish, quality pair that fits your budget? Let the staff at Pittsburgh Eye Associates open your eyes to their huge selection of sunglass styles. The Penn Avenue office boasts display cases of more than 700 frame styles by designers like Coach, Prada and Dolce and Gabbana. More than 100 of these designer frames are priced well below $50 and include a one-year warranty, making Pittsburgh Eye Associates a top shop for those who need a fashionable pair of prescription sunglasses that won't exceed their insurance benefit allowance.

Related: Sunglasses Important For Protecting Kids' Eyes

Top Gear Bicycle Shop
639 Wexford Bayne Road
Wexford, PA 15090
(724) 799-8796
www.topgearbicycleshop.com

Cyclists' eyes are exposed to many elements, like wind, dirt and harsh UV rays. This means sunglasses are not only crucial for protecting their eyes, but also an essential accessory for an enjoyable biking experience. When it comes to cycling eyewear, no one tops Wexford's Top Gear Bicycle Shop for innovative, functional and stylish sunglasses. The shop stocks a wide selection of Rudy Project, an athletic sunglasses line launched in Italy by founder Rudy Barbazza more than 25 years ago. Try a pair on for yourself and see cyclists throughout Pittsburgh turn to Top Gear Bicycle Shop for comfortable, high-quality sunglasses. Rudy Project sunglasses are available with QuickChange lenses and prescription options.

Pepper's Eyeware
3001 Pulawski Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(800) 998-4786
www.peppersusa.com

Pepper's Eyeware, headquartered in Pittsburgh's Polish Hill, is the nation's leader in polarized sunglasses. This local store carries everything from discontinued styles to hundreds of the latest sunglasses for men and women. Ladies will love the sleek, sexy look of the Bombshell Collection while men will feel super sporty rocking a pair from Pepper's Super Sport (SSP) Collection. Pepper's understands that protecting your eyes is a lifetime investment and provides an unlimited lifetime warranty on all its eyewear.

Related: Best Eyeglass Stores In Pittsburgh

Jessica Wasik lives in Pittsburgh where works as a full-time figure skating coach sharing her passion with todays generation of young skaters. A graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies, Jessica is also a contributing writer for Allegheny West Magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.