Are Expensive Sunglasses Worth the Splurge?

We’re officially in the throes of summer. Whether you’re an adventurer who fancies the great outdoors, or you’re an avid beach bum who loves to shoot the breeze, it’s safe to say that sunglasses will be a part of your summer wardrobe arsenal this year.

But sunglasses can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars, so it’s worth asking— are expensive sunglasses worth it? Well, they can be if you’re looking to make a long-term purchase, and you’re willing to pay a premium for style, high-quality materials and top-of-the-line performance. If you’re on the fence, it’s good to know what you’re getting into. So, let’s dive in.

Why are some sunglasses so expensive?

Sunglasses’ frames are typically made with acetate, metal, aluminum, stainless steel and titanium, which all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Acetate, titanium, and stainless steel tend to be the most durable and lightweight, and the most comfortable as a result. But they’re also some of the most expensive because these materials can be difficult and expensive to work with. Some brands that employ these materials decide to handcraft their sunglasses. Aluminum and various plastics, which are all perfectly capable of holding lenses on your face, can be less expensive and just as stylish. What’s more, they also tend to be more durable. (And you’re less likely to mind when they get beat up.)

Lenses also play a big role in price, depending on what they’re made of. There’s a wide variety of materials, but some of the most notable are CR-39 (a plastic polymer composite that’s clearer than cheaper plastics), crystal glass, nylon, polycarbonate, G-15 crystal and optical grade glass. Crystal glass and CR-39 tend to be two of the more expensive options that give you the clearest view of the world through the tint, while the others tend to be cheaper and slightly more durable.

Persol

Do you want good polarization?

Polarized lenses provide added protection to block certain kinds of light–usually through an added film or other high-tech means. UV rays, and light in general, exhaust your eyes, and polarization provides some relief. When we spoke with Dave Barton, founder of premium eyewear brand David Kind about whether some polarized lenses are better than others, he put it this way: “A polarized lens in a $10 pair of glasses is going to have some of the properties of a polarized lens in a $500 pair of glasses …But, you’re getting 30 percent more effectiveness and quality, and maybe 50 to 80 percent more durability when you start going up.”

The ranks of polarized lenses go roughly like this: cheaper glasses use acrylic or acetate material with a polarized film in between, better glasses use glass with injection-molded polycarbonate lenses and/or polarized CR-39 lenses and the best glasses use polarized crystal glass. Durability and acuity differ from lens to lens, due to their makeup and their UV levels. Polymers, plastics and nylons are strong, durable lens materials that some expensive sunglasses use. When it comes to UV protection 100% UV or UV400 protection is your best option.

Do you really need polarization? Reasonable people can disagree, but Aaron Behle of SALT. Optics has a strong opinion. “Everyone [should have polarized lenses,” he says. . “It is absurd to be wearing a sunglass, especially a premium sunglass, that does not have a polarized lens. Beyond UV protection and reducing the amount of light that penetrates the lens, which virtually all sunglasses have, the real point of having a sunglass is being able to see clearly and without eye strain in the constant barrage of reflected light.”

Will you be less likely to lose them if you paid a pretty penny?

We get it. It can be hard to justify spending hundreds of dollars on sunglasses when you can also grab a $20 pair. Bottom line, if you’re willing to make an investment, and you want or need the performance that premium materials offer, you’re not just throwing money down the drain. Popular brands such as Ray-Ban, Persol, American Optical and SALT. Optics offer, arguably, some of the best frames and lenses.

Expensive sunglasses have drawbacks. Lightweight metal frames (like titanium, stainless steel, silver, alloy), can easily get broken with one fatal drop. And crystal glass lenses are in more danger of cracking than some cheapo plastic ones. It’s going to be a sad day if you happen to stumble and drop your aluminum sunglasses that have crystal glass lenses.

If you’re spending upwards of $200 for a pair of sunglasses you better be prepared to keep them close and hold them near and dear. Consider expensive sunglasses as an investment—a pricey investment that puts you and your eye health first.

But if you’re not up to the challenge of babysitting a pair of expensive specs, and you just don’t want to have to spend all your time outside squinting, cheaper glasses will treat you just fine.

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SALT. Optics Columbia 56

• $610.00 at saltoptics.com

Persol

Persol 649—Original

• $261.00 at Persol

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Knockaround Glossy Black and Tortoise Shell Fade Sunglasses

• $35.00 at knockaround.com

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