Are Designer Sunglasses Worth the Investment? A Guide to Buying a Quality Pair

Last updated on June 16th, 2023 at 01:57 pm

Designer sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory that add the finishing touch to your outfit, they can also be a statement piece that will last a lifetime–if you take care of them.

When it comes to designer shades, many brands claim to offer superb quality, but not all of them actually live up to those claims. 

It’s up to you to look for great quality, keeping in mind that certain brands are known for great workmanship, materials, and style. 

Here’s what we look for in a great pair of designer sunglasses and some of our favorite pairs made by the top brands.

A Guide to Buying Quality Sunglasses

What to Consider

We all want to get an amazing deal, but we can’t forget about quality. The next time you’re shopping a designer sunglasses sale at your favorite boutique or online, make sure you look beyond the price. 

A pair of sunglasses may look fabulous, but that doesn’t mean they’ll last beyond a few wearings. You want to find high-quality sunglasses that are well made and will hold up to normal wear.

Here are some things to look for as you shop for your next pair of sunglasses:

• Sound construction: Check the glasses to make sure that the lenses are well-fitted in the frames and that the frames show no cracks or fragile areas that may bend, twist, or snap easily. Check the hinges to ensure that they move smoothly and support the weight of the glasses on your face.
• UV blocking technology: Make sure the glasses block UVA and UVB rays. This is not something you can tell just by the darkness of the lenses. Choose sunglasses that offer 99% or 100% protection against dangerous UV rays. This should be your most important consideration when selecting sunglasses.
• Comfort: You may find a pair of glasses you like and that protect your eyes, but if they aren’t comfortable, keep slipping down your nose, or feel too small, you won’t want to wear them. Comfort matters, so don’t skip this important consideration. 

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to what materials they prefer their sunglasses to be made of too. Some favor metal frames as they can be more stable and long-lasting, but the downside is that they don’t come in as wide a range of sizes or colors. 

Plastic frames are more affordable and offer a far wider array of style options. 

Glass or plastic lenses? This is also a personal choice. Whether you are buying prescription sunglasses and the strength of your prescription will come into play.

A Few of Our Favorite Designer Sunglasses

Here are just some of our top picks when it comes to designer sunglasses. We all have different tastes and our own individual style, but we hope these ideas will be a jumping off point as you think about your next pair of quality designer shades.

Versace square women’s black/dark gray sunglasses

Versace is known for making a statement, but always elegantly. These oversized, square sunglasses are bold, with classic Versace metal branding on the arms. 

The ultimate color for sunglasses is black, as it works with everything, and the oversized silhouette never goes out of style.

Gucci gold and Havana green sunglasses

Looking for a pair of shades with a nostalgic, vintage vibe, but that still look modern? Gucci has you covered.

These sporty, 80’s aviator-esque glasses feature slender tortoiseshell arms. The simplicity of the arms, featuring the gold Gucci branding, balance out the gray-green lenses that are the focal point of these statement glasses.

And, a splash of gold over the bridge of the nose and at the corners of the lenses adds something extra to an already unique look.

Givenchy square women’s black/dark gray gradient 

Givenchy is all about understated, classic luxury. This pair of classic black, lightweight sunglasses is boldly framed, but in a classic shape that will last for decades. 

Apart from the tiny, elegant Givenchy branding in gold along the arms, this pair has a solid black frame with a dark gray gradient lens.

These will go with every outfit, from jeans and a white tee to a cocktail dress at a wedding. You can’t go wrong with this timeless choice.

Moschino cat-eye women’s dark Havana/dark gray gradient

This is the perfect pair of sunglasses for the woman who wants her eyewear to stand out. The bold frame, with its angles and cat-eye shape, is definitely eye-catching.

Couple this with the classic tortoiseshell finish, and then add an opulent, gold metal chain detail draped across the top of the frames and down the arms, and you have a pair of sunglasses that is versatile and chic. You’ll stand out in the crowd in this stylish pair of shades.

Burberry aviator women’s gold-brown/brown gradient sunglasses

Warm, tawny, and as golden as a summer afternoon, these retro aviators are an excellent addition to any collection. The tea-colored, gently sloping aviator lenses are draped in gold metal frames and arms.

Next to the temple, you get a tiny glimpse of the classic Burberry check that adds a little extra flair. If you’re shopping the sales this year, this is one pair you certainly do not want to leave on the shelf.

Investing in quality designer eyewear is a great way to add versatility to your look. These are just a few pairs of designer shades that we think are the ultimate in style, sophistication, form, and function. That said, if these aren’t aren’t exactly your taste, use the shopping tips we provided to find your perfect pair of sunglasses. 

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