Top 10 German Eyewear Brands

German eyewear manufacturing commands global respect due to its centuries-old craftsmanship traditions, rigorous scientific approach, and relentless pursuit of innovation. Since the 19th century, German eyewear brands have led the industry with their exquisite craftsmanship, premium materials, and ergonomic designs. Let’s delve into the German eyewear sector to introduce you to the top ten outstanding brands that epitomize German quality and serve as ideal choices for your next eyewear purchase.

1.Rodenstock

Established in Würzburg by Josef Rodenstock in 1877, Rodenstock is a pioneering company in German lens and frame production. With headquarters in Munich, it has nearly 4,000 employees worldwide and operates sales subsidiaries and distribution partners across more than 80 countries. In 1880, Rodenstock introduced the world’s first “coated lenses,” revolutionizing the market.
By 1898, the farm at Vaterstetten was converted and expanded to become a lens and optical glass production facility.
Despite economic downturns that led to the closure of other factories, Rodenstock maintained its leadership position in lens production and development from its Regen site.

2.FLAIR

The history of FLAIR, a German eyewear brand, dates back to 1946 when Ing. Eugen BecL founded the company after his expertise in steel allowed him to craft eyewear using steel.
FLAIR specializes in high-end fashion-forward eyewear, becoming a pioneer in the rimless perforated spectacle frames market internationally.
Today’s FLAIR collection integrates new elements, primarily featuring German steel, biosteel, and Japanese titanium treated to be hypoallergenic and resistant to oxidation.
Each pair of FLAIR glasses uses advanced technology to seamlessly embed the lens mounting within the frame, coupled with laser bonding techniques to eliminate traditional joints, ensuring cleaner, more stable, and durable eyewear.

3. ic! berlin

ic! berlin is a high-end, handcrafted eyewear brand from Germany, founded by Ralph Anderl in 1996. Initially, Anderl, along with Philipp Haffmans and Harald Gottschling, created thin steel frames but decided to start their own venture, HGA Gesellschaft, selling their own designs under the brand name ic! brille, which later became ic! berlin in 1997.
ic! berlin frames are crafted from 0.5mm-thick stainless steel without the use of screws, welding, or adhesives, ensuring elasticity and lightweight construction. The brand holds a patent for its innovative hinge design.

4. ByWP

Launched in 2004 by German designer Wolfgang Proksch, ByWP (short for ‘by Wolfgang Proksch’) combines modern aesthetics with industrial design culture.
The brand focuses on technical applications, ensuring comfort in both frame fit and design. This commitment has won ByWP the iF Design Award and Red Dot Design Award.
ByWP glasses are made entirely in Germany from ultra-thin 0.5mm German stainless steel and high-quality acetate, embodying sophisticated engineering and superior German craftsmanship. The brand’s frames feature sleek architectural lines that remain timeless in their appeal.

5. Mykita

MYKITA was established in 2003 in Germany by Harald Gottschling, Daniel Haffmans, Philipp Haffmans, and Moritz Krueger. Gottschling and Haffmans were previously founders of ic! berlin.
MYKITA resolved issues they couldn’t overcome earlier, such as dirt accumulation and breakage of silicone parts, and the inability to adjust frames to different ear heights.
MYKITA glasses are constructed from 0.5mm-thick, medical-grade stainless steel with a patented screw-less, weld-less hinge design, resulting in an incredibly lightweight yet robust product.
Known for its bold and innovative designs, MYKITA continues to dominate the market for ultralight eyewear.

6. STEPPER

STEPPER is a premier German eyewear brand founded by Hans Stepper in 1970. Unlike the prevalent use of plastic, Stepper utilized multi-level casting technology to create comfortable, lightweight, and resilient glasses.
STEPPER is renowned for its exceptional comfort, choice of materials, and diverse collections, including its iconic “S” series made from medical-grade stainless steel.

7. Zeiss

Carl Zeiss AG is a German multinational corporation specializing in the manufacture of optical systems, industrial measuring equipment, and medical devices. Founded in Jena by Carl Zeiss, Ernst Abbe, and Otto Schott in 1846, Zeiss is renowned for its precision optics.
As a leading manufacturer of eyeglass lenses, Zeiss focuses on providing optimal visual comfort. Zeiss lenses are characterized by extraordinary precision, with tolerances so tight that if a 70mm diameter lens were magnified to a 26km lake, its surface ripples would vary no more than 0.1m.
Zeiss offers single vision, digital, progressive, driving, sunglass, and indoor lenses, each tailored to meet specific user needs.

8. Escada

Founded in 1976, Escada is known for designing and producing high-quality clothing for professional women. ESCADA eyewear mirrors the brand’s ethos with clean lines, sophistication, and individuality.
Its frames feature intricate temple decorations and versatile color palettes to cater to mature, stylish women.
Each ESCADA eyewear piece is a unique creation, combining innovative design with high-tech quality assurance. Offering various series and colors, ESCADA caters to the discerning tastes of its clientele, enhancing their personal style and charm.

9. Volkswagen Eyewear

Volkswagen Optical Glasses are designed by the globally recognized German automaker Volkswagen.
The combination of acetate lenses and metal temples features a raised nose pad design, making them suitable for wearers with smaller Asian noses.
Volkswagen eyewear adheres to straightforward, business-like styles without any flamboyant elements, reflecting the understated elegance synonymous with the car brand. Comfort and visual experience are paramount, upholding the distinct German attention to detail.

10. lunor

Lunor, a prestigious German eyewear brand, was founded by Gernot Lindner, an avid collector of antique glasses.
Lunor crafts handmade spectacles inspired by vintage eyewear from 1650 to 1950, microscopes, binoculars, and incorporates classical aesthetics into contemporary designs, often referred to as ‘modern antiques.’
Alongside rectangular frames, Lunor also produces round frames adorned with tortoiseshell hues, evoking a sense of 18th-century artistry.
To achieve a smooth and lasting metallic sheen, Lunor eyewear undergoes multiple layers of electroplating and ten days of polishing. Titanium is used for nose pads, ensuring a perfect fit against the wearer’s nose, while the hinges are intricately designed to ensure durability and comfort.
Lunor refrains from overt branding, instead emphasizing value through meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of its eyewear.

These top ten German eyewear brands not only dominate the domestic market but also set a high benchmark for German-made products globally. Regardless of whether you seek corrective eyewear, fashionable designs, or prioritize eye health, these brands offer a range of options to suit individual needs. When selecting from these esteemed German eyewear brands, consider your eye condition, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences to ensure you choose eyewear that is both scientifically sound and personally expressive.