I've always been on the hunt for things that last. I hate the feeling of constantly replacing items, especially when it comes to everyday essentials. Recently, I needed to buy new sunglasses, and the thought of shelling out a fortune, only to have them break within a year, was incredibly frustrating.
Since I now need prescription sunglasses, the stakes are even higher. Replacing them isn't just about the cost of the frames; it's about the lenses too. I started wondering: are there really any "Buy It For Life" (BIFL) sunglasses out there that don't cost as much as my prescription glasses? My experience with cheap sunglasses hadn't been great, but the super expensive ones felt like a gamble.
I remember years ago, I used to buy those cheap sunglasses with UV protection – the kind you find at H&M or similar stores. They did the job for a while, but they never lasted more than a season or two. I treated myself to a nicer pair eventually, but I still questioned whether they were worth the investment.
After some trial and error, I've found that it's best to go to either extreme of the price spectrum. I considered biting the bullet and investing in a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses. I've heard great things about their lens quality and durability. On the other hand, I’ve also had decent luck with those typical polarized pairs you can find online for around $20. I’ve found that the pairs in the middle price range often don’t offer the quality lenses or frames to justify their higher cost.
I also discovered the importance of avoiding certain brands. I found out that a large company controls a significant portion of the eyewear market, and the price-to-quality ratio for their brands isn't always the best. Some of their house brands include names like Alain Mikli, Arnette eyewear, Costa Del Mar, Eye Safety Systems (ESS), Native Eyewear, Oakley, Oliver Peoples, Persol, and Ray-Ban. While some of these brands offer excellent products, it's worth doing your research to ensure you're getting good value for your money.
I also gave Goodr sunglasses a try. I have a few pairs, and while I wouldn’t necessarily classify them as BIFL, they've held up surprisingly well for the price. I learned to avoid the ones with reflective lenses, as they tend to scratch easily. The plain ones, however, are cheap and have lasted me a few years. They are a great option if you need something affordable and relatively durable.
Someone suggested looking at sunglasses made for fishermen or tradespeople. These are often built to withstand tough conditions and offer excellent protection. Brands like Maui Jim, TRADIE, and Sun God were mentioned. I haven't tried TRADIE or Sun God yet, but Maui Jim is definitely on my radar.
Recently, I've also been exploring vintage-inspired frames. I came across some beautiful acetate frames online, which are perfect now that I need prescription lenses. I really like the look of the Vintage Acetate Optical Eyeglasses Frame Men Retro Myopia Prescription Glasses Women Luxury Brand Glasses Frame Small Eyewear Grey Tortoiseshell from Cinily Design. The grey tortoiseshell pattern is classic, and the frames seem sturdy enough to last. I am considering giving them a shot. It's worth checking out Cinily Net for more stylish and functional eyewear. I’ve been impressed by their selection of Cinily Design frames.
No matter how durable your sunglasses are, proper maintenance is key. I’ve learned this the hard way. I realized that no pair of sunglasses will survive being repeatedly dropped or mistreated. Here are a few things I do now to keep my sunglasses in good condition:
Finding durable, affordable sunglasses is possible, but it requires some research and a bit of luck. Here's a summary of what I've learned: