Yes — Quay Australia’s sunglasses are manufactured in China. The Melbourne-born brand works with third-party manufacturers there, which is how it keeps its on-trend designs at affordable prices.
Here’s what we know about Quay’s manufacturing, why the location doesn’t determine quality on its own, and how the brand maintains its standards.
Quay Australia: Brand Origin and Overview
Before we delve into where Quay sunglasses are made, let’s take a quick tour of the brand’s origin and history. Quay Australia was founded in Melbourne in 2004 by Linda and Allen Hammond. Originally, the couple began by selling their products at music festivals across the country, capturing a unique blend of the festival spirit and sun-soaked Aussie lifestyle in their designs. Over the years, Quay has grown exponentially and its sunglasses have gained popularity worldwide, mainly because of their affordable prices and stylish designs.
Quay Australia’s Manufacturing Process: Where Are Quay Sunglasses Made?
When it comes to the manufacturing process, Quay Australia has not publicly disclosed the specific details about their factories’ locations. What we know is that Quay works with third-party manufacturers to produce their sunglasses, and the brand’s sunglasses are manufactured in China. Manufacturing arrangements can change over time, so for the most up-to-date information, it’s best to reach out to the brand directly.
However, it’s important to note that the origin of production does not inherently determine the quality of the product. Quay Australia has been consistent in delivering high-quality products to their consumers, keeping up with their commitment to exceptional design and style without compromising the product’s durability.
Production Quality and Standards
Materials and Design
Quay Australia places a significant emphasis on the quality of their products. The brand uses high-quality materials, such as polycarbonate and metal for frames, ensuring durability and a comfortable fit. The lenses are made of a tough and shatter-resistant polycarbonate, which comes with 100% UV protection. This means that all Quay sunglasses offer full protection against both UVA and UVB radiation, which is an essential factor in eye health.
Quality Checks and Assurance
Quality assurance is an integral part of Quay Australia’s manufacturing process. Each pair of sunglasses goes through several quality checks throughout the production process to ensure they meet the brand’s high standards. This includes everything from checking the material quality to testing the final product for UV protection levels.
Brand Reputation and Consumer Perception
Quay Australia has established a strong reputation in the eyewear industry. With endorsements from numerous celebrities and influencers, the brand has become a globally recognized name. It has also received positive customer reviews for its trendy designs, affordable pricing, and quality of sunglasses.
Despite the production being primarily based in China, consumers continue to trust and purchase Quay products. It is widely understood that a product “made in China” does not equate to it being of lower quality, as long as stringent quality control measures are in place.
Final Thoughts
Quay’s China-based manufacturing is an open fact, not a red flag — the brand pairs it with quality materials, UV-protective polycarbonate lenses, and multi-stage quality checks. Affordable pricing comes from the production model, not from cutting corners on the essentials.
When buying affordable sunglasses from any brand, verify the UV protection claim rather than the country of origin — full UVA/UVB protection is the spec that actually protects your eyes, and reputable brands print it on the packaging or product page.
Content reviewed and updated in October 2026.
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