Collection: Cutler and Gross Sunglasses

Our collection of Cutler and Gross sunglasses brings together one of Britain's most respected names in handmade eyewear, presented in full at Ardor Eyewear as a genuine, authorised stockist. Founded in London in 1969, Cutler and Gross has spent more than half a century proving that a pair of sunglasses can be both an instrument of comfort and a quietly confident statement of taste. Every frame in this edit is produced using traditional craft techniques, and every pair we sell is 100% authentic, supplied through legitimate channels and ready to be fitted with prescription lenses if you need them. Whether you are searching for a bold acetate silhouette, a feather-light metal aviator or a discreet everyday frame that flatters without shouting, this is where the search begins.

The story behind Cutler and Gross sunglasses

Graham Cutler and Tony Gross opened their first shop on Knightsbridge Green in 1969, and within a few short years they had become the eyewear of choice for designers, artists, musicians and discerning Londoners who wanted something that the high street simply did not offer. The brand's philosophy has always centred on a single idea: that eyewear should be made slowly, by hand, from the finest materials, with no compromise on fit or finish. That approach explains why so many people who buy their first pair of Cutler and Gross sunglasses tend to come back for a second and a third.

Unlike mass-produced labels, Cutler and Gross frames are made in small workshops where each pair passes through many sets of hands before it is finished. Acetate is cut from solid blocks, tumbled for days to achieve a deep, lustrous shine, and hand-polished rather than coated. The result is a frame that feels substantial in the hand and warms gently to the skin. For UK shoppers who appreciate provenance and longevity over fast fashion, this collection sits comfortably alongside other heritage names in our wider range of designer sunglasses.

What you will find in this Cutler and Gross sunglasses collection

This edit spans a broad spread of silhouettes and model families, with prices that typically run from around £310 to £450, reflecting the hand-finished construction and premium acetate and metal used throughout. You will encounter heritage numbered styles such as the 1306, 0005, 9001, 0847, 1334 and 1007, each carrying its own character. Some lean into the chunky, architectural look that the brand is famous for, while others are pared back and refined for those who prefer understatement.

Colourways range from classic black and rich Havana tortoiseshell through to translucent crystal tones and softly marbled acetates that catch the light differently as you move. Because the colour is laid into the material rather than printed on top, these tones age gracefully and resist the fading you sometimes see on cheaper frames. If you are drawn to the warm depth of tortoiseshell in particular, you may also enjoy browsing our dedicated edit of tortoiseshell sunglasses across other brands once you have explored what Cutler and Gross has to offer.

Signature shapes and who they suit

Cutler and Gross is best known for confident, generously proportioned frames, but the line is more versatile than its reputation suggests. Bold square and rectangular acetates add structure to softer, rounder faces and give a fashion-forward edge to any outfit. Rounded and panto shapes lend a gentle, intellectual air and pair beautifully with stronger jawlines. Slim metal styles, including refined aviator silhouettes, offer a lighter touch for anyone who wants designer credentials without the visual weight. If you love the classic teardrop look in particular, our broader aviator sunglasses collection is worth a look alongside this one.

How to choose Cutler and Gross sunglasses for your face shape

Choosing the right frame is mostly about balance and contrast. The general principle is that angular frames flatter rounder faces, and softer, curved frames flatter more angular faces. Use the notes below as a starting point rather than a strict rulebook, because fit and personal taste always matter more than any formula.

• Round faces: Look to the brand's square and rectangular acetates. Defined corners and straight brow lines add structure and the illusion of length.
• Square faces: Rounded panto styles and softly curved frames soften a strong jaw and bring welcome balance.
• Oval faces: One of the most adaptable shapes, an oval face carries almost anything, so feel free to go bold with an oversized acetate.
• Heart-shaped faces: Frames that are wider at the brow and taper towards the bottom, including subtle cat-eye and aviator profiles, restore proportion.
• Oblong or long faces: Deeper frames with more height shorten the appearance of the face and add a flattering width.

If you would like to compare designer silhouettes purely by their outline, our shape-led collections such as square-shape sunglasses and round-shape sunglasses make it easy to see how a particular geometry sits before you commit to a brand.

Getting the fit and sizing right

Every Cutler and Gross frame carries three measurements, usually printed on the inside of the temple arm: the lens width, the bridge width and the temple length, expressed in millimetres. The lens width typically sits between roughly 45mm and 55mm across this collection, while the bridge governs how the frame rests on your nose. If you already own a pair of glasses or sunglasses that fit well, comparing these numbers is the quickest way to gauge a good match. A well-fitting frame should sit level, rest lightly on the bridge without pinching, and keep the lenses clear of your cheeks when you smile.

Materials, lenses and the Ardor prescription service

The two principal materials here are premium cotton-based acetate and lightweight metal, sometimes combined in a single frame. Acetate offers depth of colour, warmth against the skin and a reassuring weight, while metal allows for slimmer profiles and adjustable nose pads for a more customised fit. Both are chosen for durability as much as looks, which is part of why these frames justify their place among the finest UK eyewear.

Crucially, most Cutler and Gross sunglasses in this collection can be glazed with prescription lenses. At Ardor we offer single vision, varifocal, bifocal, blue-light filtering, tinted and photochromic options, so you can turn a pair of designer shades into prescription sunglasses tailored to your eyes. If you wear a correction for distance, our team can fit polarised or tinted prescription lenses for driving and bright days; for everyday glare you may also like to explore our wider range of prescription sunglasses. Prescription orders generally take around 7 to 10 working days for glazing, and UK delivery is free.

Polarised and tinted options

For driving, the coast or any high-glare environment, polarised lenses cut reflected light from water, roads and glass, reducing eye strain and sharpening contrast. If polarisation is your priority across brands, our specialist polarised sunglasses edit gathers the strongest options in one place. Tinted and gradient lenses, meanwhile, offer a softer, more fashion-led look while still providing UV protection.

Styling Cutler and Gross sunglasses

Part of the enduring appeal of this brand is how easily it crosses between smart and casual. A bold black acetate square frame brings a creative, architectural edge to tailoring and looks especially sharp with monochrome outfits. Havana tortoiseshell flatters warm autumnal palettes, camel coats and denim alike, and tends to soften a look rather than sharpen it. Slim metal frames suit minimalist, contemporary wardrobes and pair neatly with linen in summer.

Because these are investment pieces rather than throwaway accessories, many customers treat a Cutler and Gross frame as a signature they return to season after season. If you are building a considered eyewear wardrobe, it can be worth pairing a statement pair from this collection with a more neutral everyday option from our black sunglasses edit, so you have one frame for impact and one for effortless daily wear.

Men's and women's Cutler and Gross sunglasses

Cutler and Gross has always taken a refreshingly unisex view of design, and a great many of the frames in this collection are happily worn by anyone, regardless of how they might traditionally be categorised. That said, if you prefer to shop by a more defined aesthetic, our broader men's sunglasses and women's sunglasses collections gather frames that lean towards particular proportions and styling cues. The bolder, larger acetates in the Cutler and Gross range make confident choices for women who like a statement, while the slimmer metal and classic panto styles are perennial favourites among men who value understated quality.

Caring for your Cutler and Gross sunglasses

Handmade acetate and metal frames reward a little care. Clean the lenses with a microfibre cloth and a spot of lens cleaner or warm soapy water rather than dry tissue, which can scratch coatings over time. Always use both hands to put on and remove your sunglasses, as this keeps the hinges aligned and prevents the arms from loosening. Store them in their case when not in use, and avoid leaving them on a car dashboard or anywhere they will sit in prolonged heat, which can warp acetate. With this minimal routine, a quality frame will look its best for years.

Why buy Cutler and Gross sunglasses from Ardor Eyewear

As an authorised UK stockist of genuine designer eyewear, Ardor guarantees that every pair of Cutler and Gross sunglasses you order is 100% authentic, never grey-market or counterfeit. We offer free UK delivery, a complete in-house prescription glazing service, and a 14-day returns policy should you change your mind, with return postage paid by the customer. Beyond Cutler and Gross, our shelves carry the wider world of premium eyewear, from our headline sunglasses range to clear-lens designer glasses, so you can build a complete eyewear wardrobe in one place with the confidence of buying from a trusted specialist.

Frequently asked questions

Are Cutler and Gross sunglasses worth the price?

Cutler and Gross frames are handmade in small workshops from premium acetate and metal, with each pair passing through many stages of cutting, tumbling and hand-polishing. That craftsmanship, combined with materials chosen for longevity, is what sits behind the typical £310 to £450 price range. For shoppers who value provenance, comfort and a frame that lasts for years, they represent genuine value rather than a quick fashion buy.

Can I have prescription lenses fitted to Cutler and Gross sunglasses?

Yes. Most frames in this collection can be glazed with prescription lenses through Ardor's in-house service. We offer single vision, varifocal, bifocal, blue-light, tinted and photochromic options, including polarised tints for driving. Prescription orders usually take around 7 to 10 working days to glaze and deliver.

Are these sunglasses genuine?

Every pair is 100% authentic. Ardor Eyewear is an authorised UK stockist, so your Cutler and Gross sunglasses are supplied through legitimate channels and arrive with the brand's own packaging and documentation.

How do I know which size will fit me?

Check the three measurements printed inside the temple arm of any frame you already own that fits well, namely the lens width, bridge width and temple length in millimetres, then compare them with the sizing on the product page. A good frame should sit level, rest lightly on your nose and keep the lenses clear of your cheeks.

Do Cutler and Gross sunglasses offer UV protection?

Yes, the lenses provide full ultraviolet protection as standard, shielding your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. If you would like polarised lenses to cut glare from roads and water, we can fit these as part of the prescription or plano lens service.

What is the delivery and returns policy?

UK delivery is free. Non-prescription orders are dispatched promptly, while prescription orders take around 7 to 10 working days for glazing. We offer a 14-day returns policy, with the customer responsible for return postage.

Are Cutler and Gross sunglasses suitable for both men and women?

Many of the frames are designed to be unisex, so they suit anyone drawn to the style. If you prefer to shop by a particular look, you can also browse our men's and women's sunglasses collections to find proportions that match your taste.