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Vintage Frames Company Review 2026: Is Vintage Frames Company Worth It? We Break Down 8 Best-Sellers
Last updated October 2026 · Researched from vintageframescompany.com, press coverage and public customer feedback
Editorial image from Vintage Frames Company
Sunglasses with gold-plated metal, rope detailing and hip-hop heritage for $125 to $325: is that a bargain or a branding exercise? That is the question most shoppers have when they land on Vintage Frames Company, a Montreal eyewear brand that describes itself as the largest supplier of designer vintage sunglasses, vintage eyewear and vintage jewelry in the world. The shop pairs genuine deadstock archive pieces with its own in-house frames, and the in-house line is where most of the best-sellers come from.
This review is a researched one, not a hands-on test. We went through the brand's own product pages, shipping and returns policies, and the independent press we could find, then compared the eight best-selling frames side by side. All prices are listed at time of writing (October 2026) and can change. Bottom line: the designs are distinctive and the entry prices are fair for gold-plated metal frames, but the 7-day return window and the thin supply of independent customer reviews are worth knowing before you order.
Quick Verdict
Best for: shoppers who want statement aviators and bold acetate frames with a 70s to 90s streetwear feel
Skip if: you want a generous return window, or you need a quiet, understated everyday frame
Price range: $125 to $325 for the best-sellers we reviewed
Our rating: 4/5, based on design range, transparent policies and press history, minus a point for the short returns window and limited independent reviews
What Is Vintage Frames Company?
Vintage Frames Company is a Montreal-based eyewear label led by Corey Shapiro, often profiled in the press as the "Eyewear Don". According to the brand and trade coverage, it started in 2008 as a seller of original deadstock designer eyewear, meaning unused vintage frames found in old warehouses and optical shops, and it began producing its own frames in 2018. The company describes its archive as the largest of its kind, and it has been profiled by outlets such as Forbes and CoolHunting, and in a 2025 UK optical trade feature. Those archive size figures are self-reported, so treat them as marketing rather than audited fact.
Today the catalogue mixes archive finds with signature collections: gold-plated aviators in 18KT and 24KT finishes, thick acetate shades, and collaborations such as the limited Diplomats frame. Many styles are offered in both sun and optical versions, and you choose from a wide menu of lens tints on the product page.
Is Vintage Frames Company Legit?
Based on what we could verify, yes. The company has operated for roughly 18 years according to its own history, it lists a Montreal facility from which orders ship Monday to Friday, it publishes clear shipping and returns terms, and its frames are carried by established retailers such as END. Clothing. Press coverage from Forbes and CoolHunting is hosted on its own site, but the original outlets are real publications.
What we could not find is a meaningful volume of independent customer reviews. A search turned up no Reddit threads and no Trustpilot page for this company, only listings for a similarly named but unrelated business. The celebrity client names that appear in some profiles are secondhand and unconfirmed. In short, the business looks real and long-running, but the experience of everyday buyers is not well documented online. Buy from the official store or an authorized retailer, because well-known sunglass styles are frequently copied.
The Best Vintage Frames Company Products, Reviewed
1. Boss Double Rope Edition 18KT Two-Tone Rose Gold — Best for Statement Aviators
Boss Double Rope Edition aviator in 18KT two-tone rose gold, Vintage Frames Company
Price: $275 · Material: 18KT two-tone rose gold · Frame: Rose / White Gold · Lenses: Dusty Rose, Light Concrete, Tobacco Gradient, Clear
The Boss Double Rope Edition is the brand's take on a new aviator silhouette, finished with twisted rope detailing along the frame and paired with its best-selling signature lens colors. It is available in both sun and optical versions, which makes it one of the more flexible picks if you want the same look for prescription wear. The two-tone rose and white gold finish is warmer and softer than classic yellow gold, so it suits a wider range of skin tones. It is also among the pricier models in the best-seller lineup.
Pros
Distinctive rope detailing that photographs well
Sun and optical versions available
Four lens options, including clear
Cons
At $275 it is a real splurge for gold-plated metal
Ornate detailing is not for minimalists
2. XXL Black Acetate — Best for Bold, Oversized Style
XXL Black Acetate frame in glossy black, Vintage Frames Company
The brand calls the XXL its most iconic frame, and describes it as having appeared in many cultural moments over the past three decades. It is a large frame by design, so expect a lot of coverage and a confident look rather than a subtle one. With six lens choices, including a burgundy gradient and a yellow tint, it offers the widest color range in this roundup. If you have a smaller face, check the measurements on the product page before choosing, since the size is part of the point.
Pros
Six lens options, from classic black to bright yellow
Works as sunglasses or optical frames
Strong brand heritage behind the shape
Cons
Large size may overwhelm narrower faces
Same $275 price as the gold aviators, which feels steep for acetate
3. Detroit Player Signature Series 18KT Gold — Best Budget Entry Point
Detroit Player Signature Series in 18KT yellow gold, Vintage Frames Company
Price: $125 · Material: 18KT yellow gold · Frame: Yellow Gold · Lenses: eight options including Gray Gradient, Blue Light Blocker, Grape Pop Gradient Multi Flash and Clear
At $125, the Detroit Player is the easiest way into the brand. According to the brand, it is made with vintage machinery and techniques and is a unisex style meant to work from day to night. The eight lens options are the biggest in this list, and they include a blue light blocker for screen use as well as playful flash-mirror finishes. If you want to test the brand's quality without paying $275, this is the logical place to start.
Pros
One of the lowest prices in the best-seller list
Eight lens choices, including a blue light blocker
Unisex design
Cons
So many lens options can make choosing difficult
Gold plating will wear over time with heavy use, as with any plated frame
4. The Diplomats x Vintage Frames Limited Edition Gold — Best for Collectors
The Diplomats x Vintage Frames limited edition frame, Vintage Frames Company
Price: $250 · Material: glossy black frame with 24K gold logo · Frame: Glossy Black · Lens: Black
This limited edition celebrates the 25th anniversary of Harlem's The Diplomats and features the group's logo in 24K gold on a glossy black frame, according to the brand. It comes in a single lens color, so there is nothing to configure, and the appeal is clearly about the collaboration rather than customization. As a limited release, availability may be short, so check stock before planning around it.
Pros
Genuine culture-driven collaboration
24K gold logo detail
Simple, one-option purchase
Cons
Limited edition, so it may sell out
Only one lens color
5. Narcos Masterpiece 18KT Gold — Best for Chain-Link Detail
Narcos Masterpiece aviator in 18KT gold, Vintage Frames Company
Price: $225 to $325 depending on configuration · Material: 18KT yellow gold plating · Frame: Yellow Gold · Lenses: Amber Yellow, Matte Mirror Black Gradient, Light Rose, Light Brown, Yellow Gradient and more
The Narcos is an aviator with a twist, literally: the brand says it has chain-like detail embedded in the frame structure, paired with calm amber gradient lenses. It sits in the Masterpiece collection, which is where the company puts its more elaborate designs. Eight lens options give you everything from soft rose to matte black mirror. The price range is wide, so check the final price for the lens you choose before adding to cart.
Pros
Chain-link framework is a genuine conversation piece
Amber lenses are flattering and easy to wear
Large selection of mirror and tinted lenses
Cons
Price varies by option, up to $325
The bold detail may feel too loud for office wear
6. Bal Harbour Rimless Drill Mount 24KT Gold — Best for a Lightweight, Rimless Look
Bal Harbour rimless drill mount frame in 24KT gold, Vintage Frames Company
Price: $325 · Material: 24KT gold, drill mount · Frame: Yellow Gold · Lenses: Asphalt Gradient, Blue Gradient, Brown Gradient, Pink Gradient Photochromatic, Amber, Black, G15 Green Gradient, Flash Gold
The Bal Harbour is the most expensive frame in this roundup and the only rimless one. It uses a drill mount construction, with the lenses attached directly to the frame, and reinforced V-Decor sides. The lens is a larger rectangular size 56, and the brand says photochromatic lenses move from light to dark between indoors and outdoors. The brand also notes it is an oversized drill mount, and that it suits wider faces especially well. Drill mount frames tend to be less forgiving of drops than full-rim designs, so careful handling matters.
Pros
24KT gold finish and rimless design stand out
Photochromatic option for changing light
Eight lens choices
Cons
Highest price in the group at $325
Rimless construction needs gentle handling
7. Medellin 18KT Two-Tone Yellow Gold — Best for 70s Miami Style
Medellin two-tone aviator, Vintage Frames Company
Price: $125 · Material: 18KT two-tone yellow and white gold · Frame: Yellow / White Gold · Lenses: Clear, Asphalt Gradient, Mellow Yellow, Pastel Blue Gradient, Smoke Brown
The Medellin is a newer addition to the Signature Series, with a distinctive flat bridge and inspiration drawn from the 1970s Miami Beach era, according to the brand. The five lens options lean into Art Deco colors such as pastel blue and mellow yellow. It can be ordered for both sun and optical wear, and a two-tone rose and white gold variation also exists. At $125, it is one of the best value picks for fashion-forward buyers.
Pros
$125 entry price
Flat bridge gives it a different profile from standard aviators
Sun and optical versions
Cons
Pastel lenses are more of a style choice than strong glare protection
Only five lens options
8. Fight Club 18KT Two-Tone Yellow Gold — Best for Attitude
Fight Club two-tone gold frame, Vintage Frames Company
Inspired by the 90s film character, according to the brand, the Fight Club blends gritty attitude with precise two-tone gold detailing and a sharp silhouette. It shares the $125 price of the Medellin and Detroit Player, so you can choose by shape rather than budget. The Salmon and Red lens options are the most fashion-forward, while Storm Gray is the practical everyday choice.
Pros
Affordable at $125
Strong personality and a clear story
Mix of practical and bright lens colors
Cons
Film-inspired theme will not appeal to everyone
Coloured lenses are less versatile than neutral tints
Quality and Durability
The brand describes its frames as made with vintage machinery and techniques, and states that every frame is inspected and packed by its team before shipping. We could not independently test build quality, and we found no detailed third-party durability reports. A few practical points apply to any gold-plated eyewear: plating can rub off at contact points over time, drill mount frames need careful handling, and acetate frames are generally more forgiving of daily knocks. The brand says damaged or faulty orders can be repaired or replaced after a carrier claim, which can take up to 30 days.
Shipping, Returns and Warranty
Processing: within 24 hours on business days, up to 5 business days during sales
Free shipping: orders over $150 shipping within the United States or Canada get free standard shipping
Ships from: Montreal, Monday to Friday
International: express and international rates appear at checkout, and duties or taxes may apply; the brand does not accept orders from a long list of countries, so check before ordering
Returns: 7 days after delivery, for exchange or store credit only, in original condition with all packaging; shipping costs are deducted from the credit
Damaged items: email within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the frame, case, pouch and outer box
The returns terms are the biggest drawback. A 7-day window and store credit instead of a refund is stricter than most online retailers.
Vintage Frames Company vs. Competitors
Mainstream designer brands: typically offer more recognizable logos and wider retail availability, but less of the vintage-archive and streetwear angle
Fast-fashion sunglasses: much cheaper, but usually without gold-plated metal, lens variety or a documented design heritage
Other vintage resellers: may stock original pieces, but often with limited sizes, no warranty and inconsistent condition, whereas this brand also makes new frames in its own line
How to Save at Vintage Frames Company
The sheet we work from lists the code JAYSONREVIEW as 15% off the entire order. We tested the cart through our link and the discount did not show up automatically, so we have not verified that 15% figure. Enter the code at checkout and confirm the total drops before you pay. You can also check the Vintage Frames Company promo code page for sale items, and see all current Vintage Frames Company coupon codes on our store page. Remember that free shipping starts at $150, so one $125 frame will not qualify unless you add something or the code brings an item to the threshold in another way.
What Real Customers Say
Independent feedback is limited, and we did not find a verified review page for this company. What follows is based on what the brand itself highlights and on general patterns for this type of product, so read it cautiously.
Praise theme 1: the design variety and strong visual identity
Praise theme 2: the wide lens selection, including optical-ready options
Praise theme 3: the brand heritage and pop-culture references
Complaint theme 1: the short return window and store credit only policy
Complaint theme 2: price relative to plated, non-solid materials, especially for the $275 and above models
FAQ
Are Vintage Frames Company sunglasses real gold?
The product names refer to 18KT and 24KT gold, but the brand describes the frames as gold-plated, so they are not solid gold.
Can I get prescription lenses?
Many styles are described as available for both sun and optical wear. Check each product page for prescription options.
Does Vintage Frames Company offer free shipping?
Yes, standard shipping is free on orders over $150 within the United States and Canada.
What is the return policy?
Seven days from delivery, for exchange or store credit, in original condition with packaging.
Is there a warranty?
The company's product pages mention a one-year warranty on manufacturer defects. Confirm the exact terms before you buy.
Final Verdict
Vintage Frames Company is a real, long-running eyewear brand with a clear point of view and a good spread of prices. If you want standout aviators and chunky acetate with a hip-hop and vintage pedigree, Vintage Frames Company is one of the more interesting places to shop, and the $125 models are the smart starting point. Be aware of the 7-day return window and limited independent reviews, and double-check any Vintage Frames Company promo code in your cart before you pay.
How We Researched This Review
We reviewed the brand's product pages, shipping and returns policies, and press coverage, then ran searches for independent customer feedback and found very little. We did not buy or wear these frames, so this is a research-based review. Prices, options and policies are as listed in October 2026 and may change.
