Is designer eyewear one big rip-off? It’s easy to think big brand names are eyewear scams when you see those prices.
Designer eyewear can range from hundreds of dollars to even thousands if you love gold and diamonds, so let’s uncover if it’s worth the splurge.
Why Is Designer Eyewear So Expensive?
Designer eyewear can be costly because of a few factors, including branding.
What do I mean by branding? Well, big designer brands like Chanel or Gucci are household names. They are famous brands that celebrities love to wear. They have massive annual runway shows, and millions of customers across the world splurge on their products.
These brands make eyewear that costs more because they can charge more. They know that customers will pay premium prices to be spotted with that Versace or LV logo.
But it’s not a scam. These designer brands have decades of expertise behind them and make both trendy and classic designs.
Designer eyewear can be of better quality
If you value quality and award-winning designs, then designer eyewear is worth it.
Designer eyewear can be better quality than fast-fashion cheap eyewear, which also makes it more expensive. Designer brands manufacture their eyewear through big, reputable companies like EssilorLuxotica and De Rigo Group, which have head offices and manufacturing plants in Europe.
Some of the factories where designer eyewear is made have been around for decades. For example, the Safilo Group, which manufactures eyewear for brands including Carolina Herrera and Kate Spade, recently invested nearly $100 million in a production facility in Padua, Italy. It shows that many designer brands make their eyewear in reputable factories.
In some locations, such as Italy, the craft has been passed down through generations. That means there’s a focus on high-quality construction.
Fast fashion, on the other hand, is often manufactured in less reputable factories. There is no emphasis on quality. It’s more about churning out cheap styles.
The materials and construction can cost more
Designer eyewear is usually made from high-quality materials like acetate and metal. The construction is made to last as they are trialed and tested. They also use cutting-edge lenses, such as polarized lenses and prescription lenses that use innovations like Eyezen.
Fast-fashion and unbranded eyewear can be made from cheap plastics using cheap construction methods. These materials can be more prone to discoloration, chipping, and breaking.
Cheap construction and poor materials can cost you more in the long term. Why? Because they’re likely to break faster, which means you will need to keep replacing them.
I’ve been there, and replacing your third pair of sunglasses in a year is not fun or cheap!
Why Designer Eyewear Is Worth It
Designer eyewear is made to be durable and stylish. It’s made to last for years, so you’re investing in a timeless accessory. Some sunglasses, like the Ray-Ban Aviator or the Oakley Frogskins, are staples that have been epic for years and aren’t going anywhere.
There are also styles that are designed for certain purposes, like sports sunglasses or transition eyewear. These models are worth it because they can help you see with more clarity, sharper contrast, and provide greater eye protection.
Designer Eyewear by specialized brands
Designers, including Oakley, Ray-Ban, and Maui Jim, specialize in eyewear. Unlike other big brands (Chanel, Versace, Gucci, etc.), they don’t make dresses or handbags; all their focus is on eyewear. That means that they invest heavily in innovations and collaborations that further the quality of their products.
I’m talking about huge collabs like the Ray-Ban x Meta glasses, which can capture images and even answer calls. Or what about Oakley’s investment in technologies like Prizm™ lenses, which adjust the contrast depending on your activities (like running, driving, and watersports) for more clarity.
These designer eyewear brands are worth the price because many of their products feature game-changing lenses, modified materials, and tested construction methods.
It goes beyond simple fashion design and into the realm of engineering.
How Designer Eyewear Can Outperform Cheap Eyewear
Does your eyewear offer a warranty?
Designer eyewear usually comes with a manufacturer’s warranty when you purchase it. It’s usually valid for at least one year. It covers defects or manufacturing faults, so you can replace or have your eyewear repaired.
It also acts as a kind of promise that your eyewear was designed to perform well. Not all cheaper eyewear comes with a warranty. So if it falls apart or has some defects, you’ll have to fork out for another pair. It’s frustrating and can make you feel ripped off.
Does your eyewear offer UV protection?
Designer sunglasses have UV protection so your eyes are shielded from harmful rays. Cheaper brands, on the other hand, may use cheap lenses that don’t offer the same level of UV protection (if any at all!)
Designer Eyewear Models That Are Worth the Splurge
Now, if you’re wondering which models are worth the splurge, you’re in luck. I’m going to help you avoid scams and pick my favorite unisex models that all have lots of positive reviews!
Classic sunglasses
You can’t go wrong with a pair of Ray-Ban metal aviators; they have been popular ever since Tom Cruise wore a pair in Top Gun. Today, they are still as big as ever!
Timeless eyeglasses
Tortoiseshell frames are a timeless design that doesn’t go in and out of fashion. These eyeglasses by Oliver Peoples have a simple round shape and cool frames, and they look great on a range of faces.
Performance sunglasses
If you’re into sports or enjoy running, you could benefit from some high-performing, protective sunglasses. The Maui Jim HO’OKIPA model is my favorite because it has a wrap-around shape, nose grips, and is lightweight. Plus, they just look really cool.
TL;DR
So there you have it, designer eyewear is not just one big scam! There’s more to it than the price tag:
- People pay more for big brands because they look great, are durable, and give people logo envy.
- Designer frames are manufactured to last with high-quality materials and top-notch construction.
- High-end eyewear comes in specialized models with superior UV protection, vision enhancement, and correction.
- Invest in classic models and check reviews before purchasing designer eyewear.
Bottom line: Designer eyewear costs more because it’s durable and made with high-quality materials, and it also often comes with a warranty to cover defects or manufacturing faults.
