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Sunnies: all about yours

minimalist

Veteran

Where do you buy your sunglasses, and what do you look for?

How many pairs do you have in circulation? How often do you replace? Do you use cases? What about those tether necklaces?

What's your routine for cleaning and maintaining them?

What price range is reasonable for your purposes?

In the past, I've prioritized technical and sourcing aspects of sunglasses: UV protection, polarized, well-made, and not Luxottica. Meeting these conditions means that flattery hasn't been at 100%. My current pair of sunglasses was chosen under time pressure, with assistance of a sales associate who was knowledgeable about everything except style, so I've never loved them.

I take meticulous care of eyewear, so I expect a long lifespan and I don't mind paying a lot.

Now that I've updated my prescription specs, I'm looking for new shades. Probably two pairs: one for outdoor activities (hiking, etc.) and one for street wear.

So tell me: how do you sunglass?

And bonus question: any feelings, preferences about sunnies on others?

Shopping

43 replies

Latest reply was from Aziraphale

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ray-Ban Gal through and through. Have two pairs with prescription lenses - hence I don't have drawers full of sunnies and take really good care of the pairs I have. (I can't just lose a pair of sunnies).

Ray-Ban RB2180 49mm

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texstyle

(website)

Veteran

RayBan - always been my favorite. Where I live they are a daily necessity.

Ray-Ban 'TECH' 59mm Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

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Diana

Veteran

Mine are prescription as well so I just have 1 pair at the moment. I have a wide face and prefer my sunglasses to be BIG so it's hard for me to find ones I like that will also take prescription lenses.

https://www2.bonlook.com/sungl.....el/volcano

ETA: I keep them in a hard case, and put my regular specs in the case when I am wearing the sunnies. I keep a microfiber cloth in the case as well for cleaning both my regular specs and the sunnies (I spritz with plain water if necessary, but usually just the cloth gets the smudges off fine).

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The Cat

Veteran

I buy sunglasses anywhere. I never buy expensive ones, because I often forget my sunglasses somewhere or place them on chairs etc. where they get ruined when people sit down on them.

I look for colours and shapes I like and which suit my face. And of course, UV protection is important.

Right now, I have seven pairs. I usually buy two or more pairs every summer.

It may shock or disappoint you to hear how I clean my sunglasses: with hot water and two drops of soap. Quick, easy and effective! My reading glasses are treated the same way, and I have had several of them for two years or more. (I HAVE tried many other remedies, including expensive ones from friends who are optometrists, but they just don't work so well for me.)

Anonymous

I have three pair.

Fashion from Old Navy. Love them to death.
Maui Jim Sport. Wear when I am working out.
Prescription. New. Haven't worn them yet.

JuniperGreen

Veteran

Like Diana I have prescription glasses so just the one pair, and I also struggle to find the right sizes/shapes for my wide face.

I love my Persol - they were an investment to be sure but I smile every time I put them on, and the "cost per wear" is surely mere cents by now! I will definitely consider the brand for my next pair of everyday specs (though I love my current pair of Oliver Peoples).

The last non-prescription pair I bought was from See Eyewear - I found the folks there are quite good about helping to find a flattering shape without a lot of sales pressure.

PERSUN Persol Unisex Po3105s Sunglasses

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Sal

Veteran

Two pairs- Ray Ban Aviators from 2011 (showing wear). And Ralph Lauren tortoiseshell, 5 months old.

Hugely important to my style- keep in case, love them!!

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LaPed

Veteran

I really like Suncloud. I'm told (by a gear-industry friend) that they're manufactured by Smith, but they're sold at a much lower pricepoint since they're not marketed as designer. I used to wear the Cookie, but they changed that model to be slightly larger (found this out when I tried to order a replacement), so now I'm wearing the Mosaic, which I like even better. I have a smaller face, and I find Suncloud has a good selection of small styles that are still full-coverage. I bought both on sale, but I like them enough now that I'd be happy to pay full price for my next pair. Unless I lose or break them, I can usually get 5-6 years out of a pair before they get too scuffed up to be useful.

I also keep a pair of Knockarounds in the car -- for my husband, and as backup for me. I can't stand driving without sunglasses.

Anonymous

I'm also a Suncloud fan. I always used to buy really cheap sunglasses (as I'd seem to lose them every couple of years) so $50 seemed like a lot the first time I bought a pair, but I love them! They fit well, I like the look (I have Cookie in black & Aviator in gunmetal) and their functionality is excellent. If I were to get a prescription pair, I would use Warby Parker.

Anonymous

I only buy higher-end quality glasses with coated lenses and appropriate protection . That sounds obnoxious, but what I mean is that it just ends up that way. I wear them everyday , and fit and comfort and the quality of the protection is of paramount importance, and you just don't get that with fun, "fashion" glasses. I have about 4 pair in rotation at any given time and might add one new pair a year . Right now it's Ray Bans and Kate Spade in heavy rotation. Do I use the cases? No *hangs head in shame*. They either live on top of my head, or in the drink cup holder of my car. Those lovely cases are all far too bulky for my tote or purse. Do I use strings or lanyards? No. Price point? When I decide what I want in my new pair, I figure out a price ceiling and stick with it. Max is usually $300.

anchie

Veteran

I currently wear only one pair of sunglasses, a black RayBan which are probably at least 7 years old. They are still going strong but I am actively looking for a new pair for some time now. I would like to find a pair that is not black, preferably gray or navy. I still have not find pair that ticks all my boxes, but since it is not such an imminent need I am patient in my search for perfect pair.

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viva

Veteran

I have a pair of Fetch sunglasses (all profits to animal rescue) for walking, etc.. They were less than $100 and are polarized.

I also have a pair of Krewe sunnies for when I want to look cool. haha. Apparently this is kind of an "it" brand, who knew? (Picture below shows Kristen Bell wearing some recently.) I came across them in a boutique in Austin and loved how they fit my face. They are a bit funky and are made in New Orleans. They were an investment, about $190 I think (used a coupon). I have paid a bit more in the past for Maui Jim's mini aviators, maybe $225.

It does pain me to pay a high price for sunglasses because it's so easy for me to misplace things with all of my travel. On the other hand, I find my face hard to fit, so when I find something that works, if I am in need of glasses I often jump. Also, being prone to headaches, I really need and use sunglasses. I use a soft case about 90% of the time.

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Anonymous

I adore sunnies, and have to try on at least a couple of pairs if I'm passing a display of them. My ones for this summer are Kate Spades, with a pink-and-orange case to keep them in. I clean them with a microfiber cloth and some lens-cleaning solution. Gotta keep them sparkling clean for maximum glamour!

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Scarlet

Veteran

I need prescription sunnies, so I have only one pair of Ray Bans, aviator style. I am also quite limited because I have a narrow face and many frames are just too large. I am contemplating getting a pair of Maui Jims because they do prescription with polarisation and mirrored lenses.

The Cat

Veteran

Regarding cases: I have many (several of them are gifts from friends), both hard and soft ones and in various colours and styles. And I use them often. My favourite ones are soft and silvery.

Regarding feelings and preferences about sunnies on others: I feel insecure when speaking with people (especially people I haven't met before) who are hiding behind dark glasses. Eye contact is important, so I would prefer people to take off their glasses for at least half a minute when talking with me.

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

I am limited by the small size of my head - most frames are just way too large/wide for my face. I take good care of my sunglasses and they get nearly daily wear. My previous pair I bought in 2009 (or 2010) started disintegrating early last year and I managed to find a good replacement last summer. I am a one-pair wearer, replacing as needed but not really alternating. I'm not too worried about the cost as long as the sunglasses meet my needs and aesthetic preferences. That said, I think I'd be hard-pressed to spend more than $300 on a pair. I tend to keep my sunglasses on my head or on a shelf (high, definitely not within sitting range, hehe); they travel in their case on longer trips if I'm not wearing them. Cleaning is easy with the special cloth that comes with them.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

For many years, my default was Ray-Ban Wayfarers. But last winter, I decided to branch out and to try and find something a little bigger, a little more round or more cat-eye, and I had high hopes for the Club-Rounds. I set an initial budget of about $300. I tried many glasses (mostly at Sunglass Hut), but none seemed right and I felt like the SA's were just trying to compliment me rather than to offer constructive, knowledgeable advice. I wasn't at all sure that my money was going to be well-spent on something updated and more flattering than my Wayfarers. Long story short, I still have a pair of Wayfarers that I've worn for many years (I usually have just the one nice pair) and I have a bunch of cheap (like, $14) sunglasses that I wear for sport--having discovered that I have a habit of diving off the boat with sunglasses still on my face I DO try to take care of my glasses by keeping them in a hard case (when they are riding in a tote) or by wrapping them in a soft cloth (when they are in my purse or car) and they live in my jewelry drawer during off-season.

kerry

Veteran

I used to just buy cheapies because I'm not very careful with my sunglasses. But I have a sensitive area right behind my ears that hurts if I wear sunglasses too long until I met Maui Jim. My husband convinced me to buy a pair (Baby Beach) in winter 2014 before a beach vacation and I've never been without them since. It feels like I'm wearing nothing so they go the distance. I will replace these exact pair when they wear out.

https://ca.mauijim.com/en/shop.....baby-beach

Yes, I use a case but they often end up on my head too ...

Staysfit

Veteran

I have prescription lenses in Oakley's for running. An absolute must. They are technical glasses and don't fog up or let light in the sides creating glare. They are good for winter sports also.

I have two pairs of fashion sunglasses, also prescription. I just replaced a pair of Marc Jacob Sunnies that were 10 years old. I loved them. I don't recall the designer of my new frames. I am spendy on my glasses, like everything, I don't usually lose things and I take good care of what I own. My optometrist has refillable spray bottles with cleaning solution. I fill them with rubbing alcohol and use that with a microfiber cloth to clean my glasses.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I just wandered over to the Maui Jim's website and I saw a few styles that look promising! Thanks for the head's up, Sterling and Kerry and Viva and Scarlet!

Tisa

I've got two pairs.
Burberry sunglasses for "normal" daily wear, and "no-name" sunglasses with prescription lenses for sport activities.

I've had both of them for almost 10 years, and have no intention of getting rid of them as long as they're in good condition.
My Burberry sunglasses still look like new, while the other pair shows some signs of wear only under very close inspection, even though I've had both pairs for close to 10 years.
I use disposable pre-moistened lens cleaning wipes, and when I leave house with my sunglasses I always take a case or a pouch for them with me as well.

Both pairs were under $200, but I also got both of them with significant discount.

I have a rather small head, which means I don't have many options to choose from.
As long as my current pairs stay in good condition, I have no intention of replacing them.

JAileen

Veteran

I have three pairs of prescription sunglasses. They are plain on top, with readers on the bottom.
1. Rayban Wayfarers, a smaller size in tortoise shell. I wear these most of the time.
2. Oliver Peoples small round glasses in tortoise shell.
3. Etnia Barcelona large round glasses in a wood grain. These are too big.

I had lasik more than 15 years ago and think I may need regular glasses.
I have an appointment tomorrow.

All of mine have all the protection.

I thought Luxottica owned everything except Costco. I saw a piece on 60 Minutes, but it was year or two ago.

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jill58

Veteran

I wear contacs much of the time and tend to buy cheap sunglasses and "readers" (multi-packs, generally purchased at Marshalls or TJ Maxx). I think investing in good sunglasses makes sense if you're switching back and forth between prescription glasses and sunglasses. I tend to just throw the cheap ones in my purse without a case, unlike my actual glasses which I take very good care of (although I too use a drop of soap and water for cleaning). I am very casual about readers too and often lose them when I'm out in the world.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I have two pairs with prescription lenses, one Ray Ban, the other I'm not sure what brand. I much prefer having a separate pair of prescription sun glasses to having transition lenses in my regular glasses. I also have a pair of regular sunglasses (inexpensive) for the rare times I wear contact lenses.

rachylou

Veteran

I have these olive and navy Kate Spade (I think it is) that are so cool, but aggravating. They pinch. Or, if I adjust the ear pieces so they don't - they just fall right off.

So really my faves are a pair of clear pink ones from Target. Super comfortable.

Sara L.

Veteran

I have one pair of decent sunglasses for running and skiing but my everyday ones are super cheapie ones. I'm terrible about losing them, scratching them, etc. I buy them from Target or the gas station or wherever I happen to be.

Scarlet

Veteran

Oh, care, I forgot to answer that part. I am quite disciplined about keeping my Ray Bans in the case they came in with the cleaning cloth. I clean with dish soap and water and dry with a soft paper towel.

Emily K, I'd be interested to hear if any works out for you. I won't go shopping till later in the summer.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I only have prescription sunglasses. I need them to drive, and I wear them nearly every day. My main one (pic 1) is a pair of Robert Marc aviators with gunmetal frames. I've had them maybe three years now, and the lenses are getting scratched -- they've endured all kinds of abuse. I wear them for running/cycling/hiking, etc., as well as for everyday use.

My second pair (in my profile pic, and in pic #2) are vintage, circa 1930?, from a great little shop in Amsterdam. They fitted them with prescription lenses for me. They were my 50th birthday present from my husband almost two years ago. They're very delicate, so I don't wear them every day -- I save them for times when I know I will take care with them. I need to make sure I put them in a case when I take them off, because they bend easily.

I also have a pair of really nice gold-frame Oliver Peoples aviators from about five years ago, but I don't wear gold as often, so they kind of feel like they clash with what I wear. However, the bigger issue is that the lenses have a very warm tint to them, and since I'm often wearing them when I go out to take photos, they really mess with my sense of the colors I'm seeing. I wear them sometimes just to go out for walks and such, when I know I won't be photographing.

Funny that I seem to default to aviators and wire frames for sunglasses. So many frames are so big on my small face that these always seem to suit me best. Since I need prescription sunglasses, I only buy them from My Eye Doctor, where I go for my eye exams and eyeglasses.

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Style Fan

Veteran

I wear really good quality sunnies. I don't wear prescription lenses (except for driving when I am tired or reading). Right now I have 2 pairs. I have had them for over 7 years. One is Hugo Boss and the other is Dolce & Gabbana. I like them large and tortoise shell coloured. I find the cases to be too big for my bag. Why do they do that?

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