Quay Australia Sunglasses Review: Your New Go-To Shades for Style & Affordability
Hey there, sunglasses lover! With summer just around the corner, I know you‘re probably on the hunt for a stylish new pair of shades that won‘t break the bank. Well, I‘m excited to introduce you to a brand that I‘ve personally fallen in love with: Quay Australia.
In this comprehensive Quay Australia sunglasses review, I‘ll be sharing everything you need to know about this trendy eyewear brand, including their history and values, most popular styles, quality and value, customer reviews, and even some insider tips for scoring the best deals. As a fashion enthusiast and avid Quay wearer myself, I‘ve done extensive research and testing to bring you my honest, unbiased opinion. So let‘s dive in and find your perfect pair of Quay shades!
Getting to Know Quay Australia
Founded in 2004 by Australian couple Linda and Allen Hammond, Quay Australia (pronounced "key") has quickly become a go-to sunglasses brand for celebrities, influencers, and fashion lovers around the world. What started as a small startup operating out of the couple‘s garage has now grown into a global lifestyle brand with a presence in over 35 countries.
So what sets Quay apart from other affordable sunglasses brands? For starters, they have a unique design philosophy that‘s all about pushing boundaries and having fun with fashion. Quay‘s in-house design team is constantly coming up with fresh, innovative styles that combine the latest trends with timeless silhouettes. From vintage-inspired round frames to futuristic cat-eyes and everything in between, Quay offers a huge variety of sunglasses to suit every face shape and personal style.
But Quay isn‘t just about looking good – they‘re also committed to doing good. The brand partners with a variety of charitable organizations to give back to communities in need, both in Australia and around the world. For example, in 2020 Quay donated over 20,000 pairs of blue light glasses to healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. They‘ve also collaborated with nonprofits like Dress for Success and the Starlight Children‘s Foundation to empower and support underserved communities.
Now that you know a bit more about the brand behind the shades, let‘s take a closer look at some of Quay‘s most popular sunglasses styles for women and men.
Quay Sunglasses Styles for Women
Aviators
Quay offers several modern takes on the classic aviator style, including the bestselling High Key. This oversized aviator features a sleek metal frame and comes in a range of fun lens colors like pink, purple, and blue. Another popular aviator style is the Muse, which has a slightly more angular shape and comes in both metal and acetate frame options.
Cat-Eyes
If you‘re looking for a pair of sunglasses that exudes retro glamour, Quay‘s cat-eye styles are perfect for you. The Reina is a boldly angular cat-eye with a thick acetate frame, while the Chacha has a more rounded shape and dainty metal details. Both styles come in a variety of colorways and look amazing paired with a red lip and vintage-inspired outfit.
Round Frames
Quay‘s round sunglasses are equal parts retro and modern, with unique details that make them stand out from the crowd. For example, the Jezabell features a delicate metal frame with a double bridge detail, while the Apollo has a thicker acetate frame and colored mirrored lenses. These styles look great on square, heart, and oval face shapes.
Oversized
Go big or go home with Quay‘s oversized sunglasses styles. The Noosa is a statement-making square frame with a thick acetate construction and gradient lenses, while the After Hours has a slightly rounded shape and comes in both neutral and bold colorways. Oversized sunglasses are perfect for adding a touch of mystery and glamour to any look.
| Style | Frame Material | Lens Colors | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Key | Metal | Pink, Purple, Blue, Smoke | Heart, Square Face Shapes |
| Muse | Metal & Acetate | Black, Tortoise, Gold | Oval, Round Face Shapes |
| Reina | Acetate | Black, Tortoise, Clear | Heart, Oval Face Shapes |
| Noosa | Acetate | Black, Tortoise, Purple | Round, Oval Face Shapes |
Quay Sunglasses Styles for Men
Wayfarers
The wayfarer is a classic sunglasses shape that looks good on pretty much everyone, and Quay has several modern variations to choose from. The Walk On has a traditional wayfarer shape with a glossy black frame and dark lenses, while the Hardwire has a more angular shape and comes in both acetate and metal frame options.
Aviators
Quay‘s aviator sunglasses for men range from classic to contemporary. The x Desi High Key Mini is a sleek, streamlined take on the aviator with mirrored lenses and a metal frame, while The Playa has a more futuristic shape and comes in unique colorways like black and red.
Round Frames
Add a touch of vintage-inspired style to your look with Quay‘s round sunglasses. The Magnetic has a thin metal frame and colored mirrored lenses for a throwback vibe, while the Poster Boy has a thicker acetate frame and a keyhole bridge detail. Round sunglasses look especially good on those with angular or square face shapes.
Rectangle Frames
Rectangle sunglasses are a great choice for adding a bit of edge and mystery to your look. Quay‘s bestselling rectangle style is the Outshine, which has a slightly rounded shape and a keyhole bridge. For a bolder look, try the Helios, which has a flat brow and colored mirrored lenses.
| Style | Frame Material | Lens Colors | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwire | Acetate & Metal | Black, Tort, Silver | Square, Oval Face Shapes |
| The Playa | Metal | Gray/Silver, Gray/Black | Heart, Square Face Shapes |
| Magnetic | Metal | Blue, Green, Purple | Round, Oval Face Shapes |
| Helios | Acetate | Black, Tort, Khaki | Heart, Square Face Shapes |
Quality & Value
One of the biggest selling points of Quay sunglasses is the incredible value they offer. With most styles priced between $50 and $80, Quay shades are significantly more affordable than designer sunglasses brands, but they don‘t sacrifice quality or style.
All Quay sunglasses are made with premium materials and feature high-quality lenses that offer 100% UV protection. Many styles also have scratch-resistant and shatterproof lenses, so you can wear them confidently all summer long. Plus, Quay offers a variety of lens options to choose from, including polarized, mirrored, and even prescription lenses.
When it comes to craftsmanship, Quay sunglasses are designed to last. The metal frames are lightweight yet durable, while the acetate frames are sturdy and substantial. I‘ve owned several pairs of Quay sunglasses over the years, and they‘ve all held up remarkably well despite daily wear and tear.
But don‘t just take my word for it – Quay‘s commitment to quality is something that the brand takes very seriously. As co-founder Linda Hammond said in an interview with Forbes, "From the beginning, we have always focused on delivering the best possible product at the best possible price. We want our customers to feel confident that they‘re getting a high-quality product that will last."
So how does Quay stack up against other popular sunglasses brands in its price range, like Knockaround and Privé Revaux? In my experience, Quay offers superior quality and more unique, fashion-forward styles. While I do own and love sunglasses from those other brands as well, I find myself reaching for my Quay shades most often because of their comfort, durability, and of course, their style.
Customer Reviews
Speaking of style, don‘t just take my word for it when it comes to Quay‘s sunglasses – thousands of other customers have fallen in love with the brand too. On Quay‘s website, most styles have an average rating of 4.5 stars or higher, with hundreds or even thousands of glowing reviews.
Customers frequently rave about the sunglasses‘ lightweight feel, all-day comfort, and stylish designs. Many reviewers also mention receiving tons of compliments while wearing their Quay shades. As one happy customer wrote about the High Key aviators, "These are my favorite sunglasses I have ever owned! They are so comfortable and the style is perfect. I get compliments on them all the time!"
Of course, no brand is perfect, and Quay is no exception. A small percentage of reviewers have reported issues with the lenses scratching easily or the hinges feeling a bit flimsy. However, Quay seems to take customer feedback seriously and offers helpful warranty and return options for defective or damaged products.
In my personal experience dealing with Quay‘s customer service team, they‘ve always been friendly, responsive, and eager to help. When one of my pairs arrived with a minor defect, they immediately sent me a replacement pair free of charge – no questions asked.
Overall, the vast majority of Quay customers seem to be extremely satisfied with their purchases. And if you don‘t absolutely love your new shades? Quay offers free returns within 30 days, so you can shop with confidence.
Promotions & Discounts
Now that you‘re probably itching to get your hands on a pair of Quay sunnies, you might be wondering how you can score the best deal. Fortunately, Quay offers plenty of promotions and discounts throughout the year to help you save on your new shades.
One of the easiest ways to save is by signing up for Quay‘s email list. Not only will you get a 10% off coupon code just for joining, but you‘ll also be the first to know about exclusive sales, new product launches, and special offers. Quay also frequently offers tiered discounts, like 20% off orders over $100 or 30% off orders over $150.
If you‘re a student, you‘re in luck – Quay offers a generous 20% off discount to anyone with a valid .edu email address. They also offer discounts for healthcare workers, first responders, and military members as a thank you for their service.
Another easy way to save on Quay sunglasses is by shopping through a cash back site like Rakuten or RetailMeNot. These sites frequently offer a percentage of your purchase price back in the form of cash or gift cards, which can add up to major savings over time.
And of course, keep an eye out for Quay‘s big annual sales, like the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale and the end-of-season clearance event. These sales often offer the deepest discounts of the year, with some styles marked down by as much as 70%.
Wrap Up
Phew, that was a lot of information – but hopefully, you‘re now feeling equipped with everything you need to know to make an informed decision about whether Quay Australia sunglasses are right for you. In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes – these sunnies offer the perfect combination of style, quality, and affordability that‘s hard to find elsewhere.
Whether you‘re looking for a classic aviator, a trendy cat-eye, or a unique round frame, Quay has a huge selection of sunglasses to choose from. And with most styles priced under $80, you can stock up on multiple pairs to mix and match with all your summer outfits.
I‘ve been wearing Quay sunglasses for years now, and I can honestly say they‘ve become my go-to shades for any occasion. I love the confidence boost I get from wearing a stylish pair of sunnies, and I always get compliments on my Quays when I‘m out and about.
Plus, I feel good knowing that I‘m supporting a brand that values sustainability, charitable giving, and creating a fun, positive community around fashion. In a world that can often feel heavy and serious, Quay is all about spreading joy and encouraging self-expression through accessorizing.
So what are you waiting for? Head to the Quay Australia website and treat yourself to a new pair (or two, or three) of sunglasses. And don‘t forget to use one of the discount codes or shopping hacks I mentioned to score an even better deal.
I‘d love to hear about your experience with Quay sunglasses, or answer any other questions you might have – so drop me a comment below. Here‘s to a summer filled with stylish shades, sunny days, and plenty of outdoor adventures!
