If you try to search online for original designer sunglasses, you will have a hard time finding a pair that is less than 100 bucks. Even if you do, you won’t even be sure if you are getting the real thing or just an overpriced imitation. There are ways of determining whether a particular pair of sunglasses is the original item or not. However, the more important question is – is there a real advantage of buying Gucci or Christian Dior eyewear or are you only wasting your money on these expensive products when you can have the same quality with cheaper sunglasses?
If you have just shelled out 300 bucks on your new Armani shades, you will probably be devastated to know that there are 10-dollar sunglasses that can rival the quality of the high-end brands when it comes to protection against the sun. According to comprehensive studies conducted by Street Cents, there are many cheap sunglasses that perform just as well as branded products, if not better. It is quite safe to conclude that with the higher price of signature items, you are actually just paying for the brand name.
In order to make the smartest decision in choosing sunglasses, the first thing you should be looking at is the percentage of protection against UV rays, and not the brand name. As long as you make sure that your shades give you 100% protection – which actually blocks 98% of the harmful rays of the sun – you can be sure that your eyes will be well protected. It’s true that designer sunglasses do offer this kind of protection, but you can get the same protection from most 5 to 10-dollar sunglasses these days.
Another important factor you have to consider when buying a new pair of sunglasses is durability. No matter how much effort you put into caring for your sunglasses, it is virtually impossible to keep it scratch-free and in perfect condition for more than a few months. There are simply too many internal and external risk factors around that can cause damage to your sunglasses, regardless of how much you might have paid for your pair.
Some people have this silly notion that the more expensive their sunglasses are, the better protected they would be against scratches and other damages. In fact, it is often the case that more expensive pairs are actually more susceptible to damages since they are made from more delicate materials. Furthermore, if your 3-year-old niece or your retriever gets a hold of your sunglasses, not even its exorbitant price tag can protect it from sustaining any damages in the process.
Some designers may argue that they do make the extra effort to make their products more durable. While this is in fact true, the added protection they can give is really not that much and at the end of the day, it will be just as sturdy as the 5-buck pairs sold at the discount store around the block.
Now, we are not advocating against designer sunglasses. If you can afford to buy the 500-dollar Dior pair that you have been eying for a while, then go for it. The important thing is that you make your purchase knowing that the extra price will not give you extra protection. But if the great design and the classy brand will give you a boost of confidence and make you feel truly happy then buying the pair of designer sunglasses will definitely be a smart choice to make.
For great looking sunglasses in styles that are great with both men and women, be sure to check out Lacoste sunglasses. If you are looking for ladies sunglasses that are chic and stylish then see Ralph Lauren ladies sunglasses.