Some brands are household eyewear names, like Ray-Ban or Oakley. However, other brands have been around for decades, but they remain under the radar.
Theo Eyewear is one of those brands. While they’re not as well-known as the major brands, they do have some devoted fans. But are their glasses worth buying?
At a Glance
- Theo Eyewear has been around since the ’80s. This brand has made waves for creating quirky, funky, and daring glasses.
- They focus on sunglasses and eyeglasses with unique frames. There’s lots of color, sculptural designs, and reimagined classics, including round specs and aviators.
- The brand is independent and doesn’t sell directly to customers through its own site. Instead, they supply boutiques worldwide with their collections.
- The glasses are popular with eyewear lovers and collectors who want something a little less traditional.
- The premium quality comes with a premium price tag, with styles ranging around the $450–$600 mark.
Where Is Theo Eyewear From?
Theo Eyewear was founded in Belgium in 1989. They’re known for their catchy motto, “Theo loves you,” which started as a memo on an order form. It has now become part of the brand’s identity.
The founders, Wim Somers and Patrick Hoet, were opticians who had their own store and tried their hand at designing frames.
The initial idea was to create eyewear that was different from the common mainstream styles of the ’80s. Now, the brand is sold in over 1,400 stores across 50 countries, including the U.S.
They retail in eyewear boutiques rather than selling directly through their own site. But each year they add new styles, making them less about mass production and more about curated collections.
What makes them stand out
The thing that you’ll notice when looking at the collections of Theo Eyewear is that they’re not like every other pair of glasses.
They’re designed (yes, not just made but actually designed) to be a conversation starter, a pair of glasses that makes a statement and gets people wondering why their own glasses are so boring.
That’s the thing: glasses might be a medical device, but it doesn’t mean that they have to be bland.
Theo Eyewear proves it with exciting shapes, colors, and fun collections. They take traditional eyewear and switch it up, transforming everyday shapes like the aviator into a design feature.
They’re not trying to replicate every designer brand out there. They’re not looking to be as sleek and sophisticated as Celine or as sporty as Oakley. Rather, the architectural, sculptural, and artistic styles are meant to be distinctly ‘Theo.’
Don’t Be Scared of Color
Theo Eyewear reminds us that color isn’t something to be scared of! Glasses can be bright, bold, and have something to say. They’re also a way to show off your personality.
For example, the Theo ‘Toppings’ collection combines classic black frames with a pop of color on the rim. The combination makes for an exciting statement that will get you noticed. But beyond getting compliments, Theo glasses are about having fun with your personal style and not being afraid to take risks.
They are the complete opposite of traditional, rectangular, black glasses. So go wild and express yourself.
Nutty or Brilliant?
Theo Eyewear may not be for everyone. Some styles might appear (at first glance) downright nutty. For example, the ‘Mint Matcha’ glasses mix colors like lime green and yellow with oversized aviator-style frames. It may all seem a bit… much.
And the truth is, they are out there. These are not the average pair of glasses for the faint-hearted. While some styles are more subdued and classic, the majority are fun and verging on wild.
What Do Customers Say?
Redditors seem to love the brand because of the frames’ uniqueness. The frames are also generally applauded for their high-quality fit and feel.
They don’t have their own Trustpilot, most likely because they don’t sell directly to consumers. Instead, they operate through official partners and boutiques. So if you want to check reviews or get advice on Theo Eyewear, it’s best to contact a local eyewear branch that sells them.
The Core Collections and Styles
Theo Eyewear offers several collections that carry their trademark quirky designs. They even have fun names like ‘Friskos’ and ‘Bourbon Way.’ Some have more obvious influences, like the ‘Pagoda’ collection, which features angular and architectural shapes. But others are less on the nose.
These Friskos sunglasses, for example, embody the Theo brand with the shocking pop of color and the unapologetic shape.
The Bourbon Way glasses create a liquid bourbon effect through high-quality acetate frames. These are a play on classic acetate glasses, showing how the brand innovates on common eyewear shapes and materials.
How much do Theo glasses cost?
The price depends on the style and the boutique or country you buy from. In general, Theo is a premium brand with prices around $450-$600 on average.
If you’re looking for more affordable but still unique options, EZContacts has plenty of great pairs to try. For example, the Oakley Pitchman glasses come in an orange shade similar to Theo’s bourbon glasses. For sunglasses, the Ray-Ban Wayfarers Puffers come in numerous bright shades.
FAQs
Is Theo Eyewear good quality?
Yes, the glasses are handcrafted in Belgium using high-quality materials, including titanium and acetate. They offer a premium look and feel.
Are Theo glasses worth it?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you have a higher budget and want to invest in unique, quirky frames that people will ask you about, then yes. These are ideal for those who want to step outside their comfort zone or who love being daring with fashion.
