Who is Scott Harris? Maybe you’ve seen or heard of Scott Harris eyewear, maybe your doctor even recommended a pair of their eyeglasses. But now, you’re here trying to learn more about the brand.
Well, I’m here to give you a deep dive into this growing eyewear brand!
The Scott Harris Backstory
The brand was founded in the early 2000s. It’s named after its founder, Scott Harris. He’s a veteran in the eyewear industry; his parents founded Europa Eyewear, an independent optometry company, in 1977. He learned all about the ins and outs of eyewear from a young age and went on to lead the family business.
His passion for eyewear has been an asset to Europa Eyewear, which is now the largest eyewear manufacturer in North America. That’s a big deal, and I’ll explain why.
Many of the biggest eyewear brands, such as Ray-Ban, Gucci, and Oakley, are either owned or manufactured by the big players, including EssilorLuxottica and Kering. They really dominate the sector, and most of their glasses are made in Italy or Asia. Historically, Italy has been a hub of eyewear manufacturing; there are numerous factories in the north of the country.
The fact that Europa Eyewear has managed to create a state-of-the-art eyewear factory near Chicago is impressive. Ironically, even though the company is called Europa, it’s now “made in America.” This alone brings in U.S. customers as it’s truly a homegrown brand.
But maybe the wildest thing is that Scott Harris was actually a comedian before he became a CEO. He’s mentioned in interviews that his comedy career gave him unique business insights he still uses today. Along with running his company, he’s also served on the Board of the Vision Council of America.
Europa is really involved with trends and new technologies in the eyewear space. Europa Eyewear has been importing and designing its own eyewear for decades, but Scott Harris is its own brand, designed in-house.
What Type of Eyewear Does Scott Harris Make?
The brand specializes in eyeglasses. They offer styles for men, women, and kids. The brand ethos is all about creating wearable yet bold styles.
In the collection, you’ll find a mix of colors, prints, and shapes. Compared to many other brands that either make super-trendy eyewear or very classic styles, Scott Harris falls somewhere in the middle.
They don’t make wild high-fashion frames like Gucci, Prada, or Chanel. No, Scott Harris eyewear is actually made for everyday people; the kind who work in offices, drive Ubers, or work as teachers. The designs are made to be comfortable and easy to put on with any outfit. They’re not fussy, but they are fashionable.
Their Instagram bio reads:
“Be bold or be sweet. Be daring or be chic. Be YOU! Scott Harris has the Eyewear to get you there.”
This just about sums up the brand. They make a wide variety of styles for a range of lifestyles.
Top Styles
There are quite a few styles that feature fun prints and colorways, such as the pair below. They’re like a bold take on Havana glasses; perfect for those who want a simple shape but an expressive print.
This style shows the more timeless Scott Harris eyewear designs. The light pink tone goes with just about anything, making it perfect for daily wear.
Then they also make classic men’s glasses that Clark Kent would be proud to wear. This horn-rimmed style is perfect for wearing to the office.
What’s the Quality Like?
For this part, I had to head into the one place on the internet where people tell it like it is: Reddit. I did it so you don’t have to!
Reddit reviews will always be a mixed bag, and no brand is going to get 100% perfect reviews, so I always take them with a grain of salt. However, generally, Scott Harris eyewear buyers had positive things to say, such as:
“I have lots of glasses, and my Scott Harris glasses are the ones I wear the most. I have two pairs and love them both.”
And…
“I have Scott Harris glasses, and I love them. The manufacturer in the US also has a few other lines that are similar in quality and style that I am also in love with.”
It seems some users really love that the brand is family-run and made in the U.S. Some wearers compared it to other high-end brands like Ray-Ban. However, a few reviews said the quality was subpar.
There aren’t many reviews online about the glasses. Because of that, it could be worth trying them on in person to see how they look and feel. That way, you can get a sense of whether they’re right for you.
How Much Does Scott Harris Eyewear Cost?
There is some good news: Scott Harris glasses won’t set you back a month’s rent. They’re actually quite affordable, given that they’re made in the States.
Starting around $200, they’re reasonably priced frames. That’s less than many designer brands. It’s more comparable to brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. These brands offer glasses for a similar price, or sometimes even less.
TL;DR
Scott Harris eyewear has been around for a few decades. It’s manufactured by Europa Eyewear.
- The CEO, Scott Harris, founded the brand. He also took over Europa Eyewear from his parents, who started it in 1977.
- The brand has a legacy in the American eyewear market and is also made in the U.S., at the largest eyewear factory in North America.
- They specialize in eyeglasses for men, women, and kids. The frames are expressive and fun, but there’s also a lot of classic styles.
- Reviewers online say the quality is generally good, and they can be long-lasting, but it’s always a good idea to find a style you like, then try them on or check the returns policy.
- Prices for Scott Harris eyewear start at around $200. This is generally considered to be affordable for premium frames. You can also find glasses from brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley at similar price points (and sometimes even cheaper).
