Glasses straps look simple enough, but they can really be tricky to use. Which end are you supposed to attach to where? Is this how they’re supposed to look on glasses? Are they supposed to be tight? It’s easy to get tripped up if it’s your first time using this eyewear accessory.
Let’s learn about glasses straps and figure them out once and for all!
What Are Glasses Straps?
Glasses straps, which are also known as eyeglass retainers, are eyewear accessories that attach to the arms of your glasses to secure the frames.
Keep in mind that they’re different from eyeglass chains. Chains dangle, while these straps sit snugly and securely on your glasses’ arms. They prevent accidental drops, especially when you’re on the move.
Think of basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He famously wore glasses straps to secure his eyewear during games. Back then, the straps Abdul-Jabbar used were custom-made by Bucks trainer Bill Bates. He used an elasticized band that was attached to the arms.
You’re luckier than Abdul-Jabbar, though. Because now, you’ve got lots of strap options.
Choosing Your Glasses Straps
There are so many glasses straps on the market today! You can choose from glasses straps made from a variety of materials and with different lengths/adjustability, attachment methods, and styles.
Material
Glasses straps are typically made from either silicone, nylon, neoprene, or leather. Silicone straps are easier to clean, plus they’re lightweight. Nylon and neoprene straps generally come with more design options. Leather straps are classic, but they’re also a bit clunkier.
Length and Adjustability
Your glasses strap should fit around your head comfortably. It shouldn’t be too loose nor too tight. Ideally, you should be able to adjust it as needed. It should stay securely in place, too.
Attachment Method
Straps attach to glasses in several ways. You can find elastic straps that slip over and wrap around the arms. Or, choose from straps that hook, clip, or loop onto the arms.
Remember, though, straps aren’t typically compatible with all eyewear. For instance, an elastic strap might not fit slim wire-frame glasses. If you’re not sure about this, check reviews or the strap manufacturer’s site.
Style
You can find glasses straps that match the design of your glasses. The matching that I’m referring to here is not just the fit or compatibility. I mean, if you have sporty eyewear, you can find matching sporty glasses straps… in multiple color options, at that!
How to Put on Your Glasses Strap
Ready to attach your strap? Here’s what you’ll need to do.
Loop-Style Straps
Stretch the loops and place them around the arms. Make sure that they fit snugly around the arms by tightening the coil. To adjust, just move the loops further up the arms.
Slip-Over Style
Push the ends of the straps onto the tips of the arms. They should slip over snugly. Push the straps further up the arms for a tighter fit.
Hook or Clip-Style Straps
Like the loop-style straps, place the strap ends along the arms. And then, just use the hooks or clips to secure them onto the eyewear.
Wearing Your Glasses
Once the glasses strap is attached, just wear your eyeglasses like normal. You can tighten the strap around your arms if you need to secure your glasses while playing sports or doing activities that require you to move a lot. Glasses can freely (and safely) dangle around your neck, too.
Common Issues You May Run Into
The strap keeps slipping
If the strap keeps slipping off or unhooking from your eyeglasses, then there are two things to consider: you didn’t attach the strap securely enough, or your eyeglasses and strap aren’t compatible.
If you’re attaching the strap via a hook or clip, tighten the clip or lock. For a slip-over, try to push the strap closer to the hinges so more of the arms are covered.
If you suspect incompatibility, check with the strap manufacturer. Some of them publish user recommendations for their straps.
The strap is too tight or too loose
Glasses straps have adjustment mechanisms, usually at the center of the strap. With slip-over straps, you may need to push the arms further into the strap.
The strap is uncomfortable
Uncomfortable straps might be caused by a material allergy. Or, you simply may not like how the particular strap fits. The best way to deal with this is to switch glasses straps.
Cleaning and Maintenance
While glasses straps are relatively cheap, you still want your bang for your buck when you buy these. So, make sure to regularly clean and maintain your straps.
Silicon, neoprene, and nylon straps can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Leather straps need a little more love. You need to buy specialized leather cleaning products for these. Remember to always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning their products.
Who Needs Glasses Straps
Sport buffs
Don’t let your glasses keep you from enjoying your favorite sport. You don’t have to be an Abdul-Jabbar to give yourself game-changing glasses straps!
Outdoorsy types
When you’re out in nature, you need an easy way to secure your eyewear. Glasses straps are quite handy in making sure your glasses stay put!
Children
Eyeglasses aren’t cheap. Likewise, they’re made of parts that might break and hurt your child. Glasses straps are great for securing your kid’s eyewear.
People with medical conditions
Some medical conditions are marked by limited mobility and loss of bodily control. Straps help secure the eyewear of patients.
Professionals who face hazards at work
For some people, work can be more dangerous when their eyewear isn’t held in place. Strap them close to you at all times using a glass strap.
TL;DR
Glasses straps offer a simple yet effective solution for securing your eyeglasses.
- A glasses strap is something that you attach to the arms of your eyewear to keep them in place.
- You can choose from a variety of glasses strap materials and with different lengths and adjustability, attachment methods, and styles.
- These straps can be easily attached to your eyewear as long as they’re compatible.
- If you find that the strap is too tight or loose, you can adjust it by moving its placement along the arms or by using the strap’s adjustment mechanism.
- If the strap keeps slipping, just tighten the attachment and test to make sure it’s secure.
- Clean and maintain your straps regularly so they last you a long time.
- You’ll love straps if you like sports or nature, or if you have a dangerous job or a medical condition. Kids need glasses straps, too.
