The Sunglasses Maluma Wears: A Complete Guide to His Iconic Eyewear Style

Maluma predominantly wears luxury eyewear from brands like Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Balenciaga, frequently opting for the iconic Versace Medusa Biggie frames. He also maintains a popular collaboration with Quay Australia, offering accessible versions of his signature bold, shield-style, and retro-inspired sunglasses to fans globally.

Few global icons have influenced contemporary men’s fashion as profoundly as Juan Luis Londoño Arias, known professionally as Maluma. By 2026, his evolution from the "Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy" to the high-fashion "Don Juan" persona has solidified his status as a muse for major European fashion houses. Central to this transformation is his eyewear. For Maluma, sunglasses are not merely functional accessories; they are architectural statements that define his silhouette. Whether he is performing at a sold-out stadium or sitting front-row at Paris Fashion Week, his choice of frames dictates global trends.

The Versace Era: The Medusa Biggie and Beyond

Maluma’s relationship with Versace is perhaps his most significant fashion partnership. As a face of the brand, he has single-handedly revitalized the popularity of the Medusa Biggie line. These sunglasses, characterized by their low-profile, rectangular shape and the wide temples adorned with the gold Medusa medallion, were originally made famous by hip-hop legend Biggie Smalls in the 1990s.

Maluma’s adoption of these frames in the early 2020s, and his continued use of them into 2026, represents a bridge between vintage street culture and modern luxury. The Medusa Biggie comes in various iterations, including the classic black acetate, transparent neon shades, and even white-rimmed versions. Maluma often chooses the oversized or "Maxi" versions of these frames to create a more dramatic, high-fashion look that suits his stage presence.

Beyond the Biggie, Maluma is often seen in Versace’s more experimental designs. This includes rimless "mask" styles that wrap around the face, often featuring intricate gold hardware on the bridge or temples. These pieces emphasize his affinity for the "Neo-Baroque" aesthetic—a blend of classic Italian opulence and futuristic street style.

The Quay x Maluma Collaboration: Style for the Masses

Recognizing that his fan base spans diverse economic backgrounds, Maluma partnered with Quay Australia to launch a more accessible eyewear line. This collaboration was pivotal because it allowed fans to replicate his high-fashion look without the four-figure price tag of Italian luxury brands.

The Quay x Maluma collection features several standout models that reflect his personal taste:

• On the Fly: A modern take on the classic aviator with a more squared-off bottom and bold brow bar.
• So Serious: Narrow, rectangular frames that tap into the Y2K aesthetic, a style Maluma has championed throughout 2025 and 2026.
• Hindsight: Large, flat-top shield glasses that provide a "celebrity-incognito" vibe while maintaining a sharp, aggressive edge.

These frames often feature "smoke" or "gradient" lenses, which Maluma prefers for their ability to hide the eyes while remaining wearable in lower-light environments, such as indoor events or evening parties.

High-Fashion Experimentalism: Balenciaga and Dolce & Gabbana

When Maluma isn't wearing Versace or his own Quay line, he frequently rotates through pieces from Balenciaga and Dolce & Gabbana (D&G). His choice of Balenciaga often leans toward the "Dynasty" or "LED" collections. The Balenciaga Dynasty frames feature a thick acetate construction with a massive gold "BB" logo on the hinge, aligning with the "logomania" trend that remains relevant in 2026.

His partnership with Dolce & Gabbana has showcased a more Mediterranean, classic-glamour side of his style. He often wears their "DG Logo" sunglasses, which feature oversized square frames and thick temples. During his 2024-2025 "Don Juan" world tour, he was seen in custom D&G visors that featured metallic finishes and integrated lighting, pushing the boundaries of what eyewear can be in a performance context.

Technical Specifications of Maluma’s Favorite Frames

To understand why these sunglasses look so good on Maluma, one must look at the technical details. Most of his preferred luxury frames are made from high-grade cellulose acetate. Unlike cheap plastic, acetate is a plant-based material that offers a deep, rich color and a substantial weight. It is also hypoallergenic and can be adjusted by an optician to fit the wearer's face perfectly.

The lenses in Maluma's high-end glasses are typically made from CR-39 or polycarbonate. For his outdoor appearances, he often opts for polarized lenses to reduce glare, particularly when he is photographed in sunny locations like Miami or Medellin. However, for red carpets, he frequently uses non-polarized gradient lenses. These lenses are darker at the top and lighter at the bottom, allowing his eyes to be partially visible to cameras while still providing a sense of mystery.

Matching the Look to Your Face Shape

Maluma has an oval/diamond face shape, characterized by high cheekbones and a slightly narrowed forehead and chin. This is often considered the "universal" face shape for eyewear, as almost any frame style looks balanced on it. If you are looking to replicate his style, consider how his choices interact with his features:

1. For Square Faces: If you have a strong jawline like Maluma but a more squared forehead, look for his Quay aviators or the rounded versions of the Versace line. These soften the angles of the face.
2. For Round Faces: Mimic Maluma’s more aggressive looks by choosing the Balenciaga Dynasty or the Versace Biggie. The sharp, rectangular angles of these frames provide much-needed definition to a rounder face.
3. For Small Faces: Maluma often wears oversized "shields." If you have a smaller face, these can be overwhelming. Look for the "mini" versions of the Medusa Biggie or the more narrow Quay styles to get the vibe without being swallowed by the frames.

The Cultural Impact of Maluma’s Eyewear

In 2026, the "Maluma Effect" on the eyewear industry is measurable. Data from luxury retailers indicates that whenever Maluma is photographed in a specific frame, search volume for that model increases by over 300% within 48 hours. He has successfully moved sunglasses from the category of "utility" to "essential fashion pillar" for men in the Latin music and global pop scene.

Furthermore, his willingness to wear "gender-fluid" styles—such as heavily embellished frames or smaller, cat-eye shapes—has encouraged his male audience to be more adventurous. He frequently breaks the traditional rules of masculine eyewear, proving that confidence is the primary requirement for pulling off bold designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Maluma wear prescription sunglasses?

While Maluma has not publicly focused on his need for corrective lenses, he has been seen in "lifestyle" frames that can easily be fitted with prescription lenses. Many of his Versace and Quay models are "RX-able," meaning the frames are sturdy enough to hold prescription glass or high-index lenses.

Where can I buy the exact sunglasses Maluma wears?

For his luxury looks, you can find the Medusa Biggie and other frames at Versace official or high-end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Sunglass Hut. For his more affordable styles, the Quay Australia website maintains a "Maluma" category that lists his current collaborations and personal favorites.

How much do Maluma’s sunglasses typically cost?

The price range is broad. His Quay collection frames usually retail between $65 and $95 USD. His luxury frames from Versace, Balenciaga, and Prada typically range from $300 to $650 USD. Limited edition or custom-made performance visors for his tours can cost upwards of $1,200 USD.

What color lenses does Maluma prefer?

Maluma frequently alternates between classic black, deep smoke, and warm brown gradients. However, for more avant-garde looks, he has been seen with transparent yellow or "cherry" red lenses, particularly when he is aiming for a retro-70s or Y2K futuristic aesthetic.

Are the sunglasses Maluma wears suitable for sports?

Most of the frames Maluma wears are "lifestyle" or "fashion" frames, not designed for high-impact sports. However, he is a known fan of Oakley, specifically the Sutro model. These are professional-grade cycling and lifestyle shields that offer the impact resistance and grip necessary for physical activity.

Practical Advice for Buying Inspired Eyewear

When purchasing sunglasses inspired by Maluma, prioritize frame quality and UV protection. While the aesthetic is important, ensuring the lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection is critical, especially if you are choosing the oversized shield styles Maluma favors, as these allow more light to hit the eyes if the lenses are not high-quality.

If you are buying the Versace Medusa Biggie, be wary of the weight. High-quality acetate is heavy; if the glasses feel flimsy or extremely light, they may be replicas. Authentic Versace frames will have "Made in Italy" etched into the inner temple and will come with a certificate of authenticity.

For those on a budget, look for "dupes" that mimic the rectangular acetate shape. Many mid-tier brands have adopted the "Maluma aesthetic" by creating low-profile, thick-temple sunglasses that offer the same swagger without the designer price tag.

Next Action: To start building your Maluma-inspired collection, visit a local high-end eyewear boutique to try on a pair of rectangular acetate frames. This specific shape is the cornerstone of his 2026 look and serves as the most versatile entry point into his signature style.