Eyewear is more than just a medical necessity for improved vision – for many, it’s an essential accessory that completes their look. When it comes to designer eyewear brands, Moscot and Garrett Leight are two of the most iconic and well-loved names.
Both are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and timeless silhouettes, but they each bring something unique to the table. Keep reading this in-depth comparison of Moscot and Garrett Leight to determine which brand best suits your personal style and eyewear needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Moscot | Garrett Leight |
| History | Founded in 1899 in NYC | Founded in 2010 in California |
| Frame Styles | Vintage-inspired, iconic silhouettes like Lemtosh and Miltzen | Contemporary remix of mid-century shapes like Wilson and Harding |
| Materials | Italian and Japanese acetates, detailed barrel hinges | Custom cellulose acetate, lightweight titanium |
| Craftsmanship | Handmade in NYC using century-old techniques | Handcrafted in France and Japan emphasizing precision |
| Fit | Extensive sizing options, custom lens services | Lightweight materials, adaptable sizing for comfort |
| Pricing | $360-$950+ for optical, $360-$700+ for sun | $340-$520 for optical, $340-$495 for sun |
| Best For | Vintage enthusiasts, detailed ornamentation | Understated refinement, modern lightweight feel |
Overview of Moscot and Garrett Leight
- Moscot
Founded in 1899 on New York’s Lower East Side by Hyman Moscot, Moscot is one of the oldest eyewear companies in the United States. They’re known for their vintage-inspired frames handcrafted from top-grade materials like acetates from Italy and Japan.
Moscot takes pride in being a family-owned business that infuses over 100 years of heritage into each design. In addition to their iconic optical collections, Moscot creates specialty frames for brands like Coach and HBO’s hit series Euphoria.
- Garrett Leight
Based in California, Garrett Leight eyewear was founded in 2010 by Garrett Leight, son of famous optician Larry Leight. Inspired by his family’s rich optical history, Leight introduced his own eponymous line focused on seamlessly blending vintage-cool with a modern aesthetic.
Garrett Leight sources premium materials from Japan and France to produce lightweight, comfortable frames known for their understated refinement.
The brand has partnered on special collections with everyone from Frank Sinatra to surf company OP to NBA star Chris Paul.
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Key Differences Between Moscot and Garret Leight:
Both of them are world famous eyewear brand. They have distinct feature and also have some similarities. Here we’ll explore some differences between them.
- Frame Styles and Designs
Both Moscot and Garrett Leight are known for reimagining mid-century vintage frames, but they each put their own spin on timeless silhouettes.
Moscot Frame Styles
Moscot is renowned for their iconic acetate frame styles that have graced the likes of Johnny Depp, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Murray. Some of their most famous designs include:
- Lemtosh: Moscot’s spin on the classic wayfarer shape featuring a thick browline and detailed rivets. Offered in optical and sunglass versions.
- Miltzen: A stylish squared-off cat eye frame with a keyhole bridge first introduced in the 1960s. Comes in optical, sunglass, and clip-on styles.
- Nebb: Moscot’s take on the traditional browline frame featuring an upswept eye wire and saddle nose bridge. Available as both eyeglasses and sunglasses.
Moscot also reintroduces archival shapes from their extensive archives like the Amor cat eye and Renny round frame. Many of their styles feature three-barrel hinges and five-barrel rivets that nod to the brand’s vintage roots.
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Garrett Leight Frame Styles
Garrett Leight’s eyewear designs blend elements of the 1950s and 1960s for a contemporary look. Some most iconic Garrett Leight frames include:
- Wilson: Garrett Leight’s signature semi-rimless frame featuring sleek metal eye wires and a keyhole bridge. Offered in a multitude of colors.
- Harding: A slim rectangle frame inspired by mid-century fashion. Characterized by its fine steel rim and adjustable nose pads.
- Kinney: A rounded acetate frame with subtle cat eye shaping. Known for its lightweight feel.
Like Moscot, Garrett Leight also partner collaborations and special collections around designs like the Newport ship port frame and the vintage-inspired Butterfly range. Many frames utilize modern lens technology like photochromic or blue light-filtering options.
- Quality and Materials
Moscot and Garrett Leight both utilize premium materials and quality craftsmanship to produce durable, comfortable eyewear.
Moscot Materials & Quality
Based in New York, Moscot produces all of their eyewear locally using time-tested techniques. Their frames are carefully handcrafted from Italian and Japanese acetates known for their refined finish and lasting durability.
Each pair features sturdy spring hinges and detailed barrel rivets. Moscot also takes pride in the extensive quality control performed at their Bedford factory before shipping out frames worldwide.
Garrett Leight Materials & Quality
Garrett Leight works with family-owned manufacturing partners in France and Japan that share their rigorous eye for quality. Many frames use custom cellulose propionate acetate sourced from Japan, known for its lightweight flexibility.
Durable stainless steel and titanium are precision-crafted into thin eyewires to maintain a featherweight feel. Each frame undergoes thorough inspections for excellence.
Both Moscot and Garrett Leight offer frames meant to stand the test of time with proper care and maintenance. Their premium materials and hand-finished detailing ensure many years of wear.
- Fit and Sizing Options
Finding the right size and shape is crucial for all day eyewear wearability. Here’s how Moscot and Garrett Leight compare when it comes to fit and sizing:
Moscot Sizing & Fit
With its century-long optical heritage, Moscot frames are designed specifically with fit and comfort in mind. Their vintage-inspired styles cater towards a variety of face shapes with sizing options ranging from 45 to 55 mm bridge sizes and 140 to 150 mm temple arm lengths.
Each style is handcrafted around geometric shaping for optimal lightness and wearability. As a prescription eyewear retailer, Moscot also specializes in customized lens fitting services.
Garrett Leight Sizing & Fit
Garrett Leight eyewear is handmade to be lightweight and comfortable for daily wear. Sleek thin metals and flexible custom acetates help their vintage shapes adapt to different face profiles. Sizing ranges between 45 to 50 mm bridge widths and 140 to 145 mm temple arm lengths.
Each frame undergoes careful measurements during production to achieve precision fit. Garrett Leight also offers single vision and progressive lens options.
With extensive sizing choices and custom lens services, both Moscot and Garrett Leight accommodate a wide spectrum of fit needs and prescriptions. Their expert craftsmanship ensures all-day comfort.
- Price Range and Cost Overview
As premium designer brands, Moscot and Garrett Leight eyewear represents an investment. Here is an overview of what to expect when it comes to pricing:
Moscot Price Range
- Optical frames: $360 to $950+
- Sunglasses: $360 to $700+
Moscot eyewear is handmade with care in New York using premium Italian and Japanese acetates. Each frame generally ranges from $360 for simpler acetate styles up to $950+ for more ornate shapes with embellishments like gold leaf or rare materials. Their vintage-inspired sunglasses cost $360 to $700. Moscot occasionally offers special collaborations priced higher.
Garrett Leight Price Range
- Optical frames: $340 to $520
- Sunglasses: $340 to $495
The core Gary Leight collection features handcrafted frames ranging from $340 to $520 for optical eyewear and $340 to $495 for sunglasses. The pricing reflects the brand’s emphasis on custom materials and timeless production techniques. Limited edition styles run slightly higher. Overall, Garrett Leight eyewear delivers sophistication and enduring relevance at an attainable luxury price point.
Both Moscot and Garrett Leight represent considerable investments and make for memorable lifetime purchases with proper care. Their pricing reflects unmatched quality and design heritage.
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Moscot Vs. Garrett Leight: Which is Better For You?
Deciding between Moscot and Garrett Leight comes down to personal preferences and aesthetic tastes. Here are some key considerations:
Moscot pros:
- Iconic vintage silhouettes from a century-old brand
- Deeper sizing options, custom lens services
- Handcrafted in NYC with meticulous quality control
- Luxe embellishments and rare materials on some designs
- Reliable everyday eyewear built to last generations
Garrett Leight pros:
- Refined contemporary spin on mid-century eyewear
- Wide range of modern lens options like photochromic
- Lightweight feel with comfortable sizing range
- Sleeker styling for professional settings or understated wear
- Attainable pricing for the quality
Both Moscot and Garrett Leight craft eyewear designed to stand the test of time with a sense of heritage. Moscot celebrates its long-standing legacy with enduring vintage shapes, while Garrett Leight puts a fresh spin on historic designs.
Ultimately, it comes down to your favorite look and priorities. Moscot excels at finely detailed frames with a touch of embellishment, while Garrett Leight captures accessible luxury. Both deliver lasting quality and style built to live on for years to come with proper care.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Moscot eyewear is renowned for its exceptional quality and durability. Each pair is meticulously handcrafted from premium materials at their NYC factory. With over 100 years of optical heritage, Moscot rigorously inspects frames for excellence. Their vintage-inspired shapes are made to withstand generations of wear.
Garrett Leight is considered an attainable luxury brand. While not as expensive as many high-end designers, their frames deliver refined quality on par with pricier labels. They use custom acetate and thin metals for a featherweight feel. With an emphasis on style and comfort, Garrett Leight represents a smart investment.
Johnny Depp is frequently spotted wearing the iconic Moscot Lemtosh frame in public. The thick browline wayfarer style suites Depp’s rugged aesthetic. Moscot has also collaborated with the actor on a limited edition Johnny Depp Zolman Collection featuring embellished frames inspired by his personal style.
Moscot eyewear is priced higher due to the meticulous craftsmanship and premium materials used in each frame. As a made in NYC brand, production costs are higher compared to outsourced overseas manufacturing. The complexity of details like riveted hinges and custom templating also contribute to pricing. The frames are intended as lasting investments.
The Verdict
When it comes to heritage brands, you can’t go wrong with either Moscot or Garrett Leight eyewear. Both offer impeccable quality and enduring silhouettes to suit any personal style.
Vintage aficionados may favor Moscot for its century-long legacy, while Garrett Leight wins points for modern lightweight materials and contemporary styling.
Ultimately, choose the brand that aligns best with your aesthetic, fit needs, and budget. With proper care, your Moscot or Garrett Leight frames are built to withstand the test of time in both optical and stylish form.