The eyewear market is drowning in fakes! Fake glasses take advantage of buyers, and they allow scammers to make a quick buck at your expense.
It’s understandable why they do it. Well-known brands have built trust with their customers. You know their products, so your purchase decision is easier and faster. This is something that fakers long for, and they take the easy route. They slap an identifiable logo on their shoddy products to make you buy them.
Sadly, though, they’ve gotten so good at it that sometimes, you can’t tell which ones are fake! Let’s get into a few signs to keep an eye out for to ensure the eyewear you buy is legit.
Brand Power
If you want products that sell, you want to build a well-known brand. That’s why eyewear manufacturers invest heavily in marketing and advertising. This endeavor includes brand logos and identifiable markers (for example, Nike’s swoosh). With a bigger budget, you can also get celebrity endorsers.
Brand identifiers are the first thing that you should look at when assessing the authenticity of eyeglasses. Look for the logo and other identifiable markings.
Of course, this is easier said than done. It’s not like you’d mistakenly buy an Abibas instead of an Adidas. The differences between authentic eyewear and fakes can be so subtle, you’d need reading glasses to see them!
Logo/Brand Identifiers
Do your Gucci glasses have the double G insignia? How about the curved O on your Oakleys? Or, the RB on your Ray-Bans?
If you are familiar with the brand you’re buying, this should be easy to spot. Or else, go online so you can do a visual comparison. Go to the official brand website to see what their brand imagery looks like.
Logo Placement
Logos and brand markings are typically seen along the temple arms and hinges of eyeglasses. Sometimes, manufacturers include them in the lenses, nosepads, and bridges, too.
For instance, on the Ray-Ban RX4340V WAYFARER, you’ll find their logo near the hinges. Their cursive logo is also printed on the right lens. On the left lens, you’ll find a simple “RB” etched.
Consistency and Details
Look for these logos and markings and make sure they’re consistent. They should be sharp and not blurry or smudged. The alignment should be perfect. It’s a red flag if anything seems slightly off. The details matter most when it comes to premium, authentic glasses.
When I say details, this also includes specifics about the glasses. Like on the Ray-Ban Wayfarer, you’ll find the model number and size printed along the inside of the left temple arms. On the inside of the right temple arm, you’ll find the logo again and the manufacturing location.
The Feel of Authenticity
How the eyeglasses feel is also something you need to assess. Authentic premium eyewear manufacturers use superior materials for their products. This is something that is tactile. You don’t need to have a degree in eyewear-making to sense the difference.
For example, take the Giorgio Armani AR5135T glasses. While they look like your usual wire-frame eyewear, these are actually made from titanium. So, expect these light glasses to still have a solid, substantial feel. They shouldn’t feel like cheap, wiry glasses.
How do you tell? Just pick up your glasses. Notice that authentic eyewear feels well-balanced and sturdy, regardless of style and make. High-end brands use durable materials, such as titanium, premium acetates, and advanced composite materials.
Assess the hinges. These are crucial sections of your eyewear when it comes to function. They should work smoothly and securely.
Let’s go back to the earlier Ray-Ban Wayfarer example. Authentic Ray-Bans Wayfarers have seven-prong hinges, with three on one side and four on the other. These hinges are fastened using proprietary Ray-Ban metal studs. They’re tell-tale signs that you’ve got legit Ray-Bans!
Lens Quality and Features
Take notice of the lenses that come with your eyeglasses purchase. Top brands typically include markings that distinguish their lenses from the rest.
I mentioned earlier how Ray-Bans have their cursive logo on the right lens and the initials RB on the left lens. Other brands have this as well. Oliver Peoples, for instance, has what they call their “breath logo.” Blow on your OP lenses, and when condensation forms, you’ll see markings on the lens.
Aside from these signs, check that the lenses provide a “perfect” view. Your lenses should be crisp and clear, with zero distortions. They shouldn’t seem cloudy. When you use them, you shouldn’t experience odd visual effects. Visual distortions can cause eyestrain and headaches, so these are big no-nos!
The Whole Package
Premium brands make sure that their packaging and documentation are as substantial as the glasses themselves. They have got to be unboxing video worthy!
Luckily, this gives you another way to assess if your glasses are legit. Just take a look at the box that they came in.
The real deal won’t come in flimsy plastic or shoddy boxes. When you order authentic eyewear, it should come in a nice box, enclosed with a premium eyeglass case, branded cleaning cloths, and a certificate of authenticity.
Here are a few things to inspect once you get your eyewear package:
- Make sure that you get an authenticity card. This is your proof that you have legit designer glasses.
- You should also have a user manual. This will just show you the working parts of your glasses.
- Your authenticity card and the box that your eyeglasses came in will include the model and serial numbers of your eyeglasses. The information that’s on your eyewear, card, and box should match.
How EZContacts Ensures Authenticity
At EZContacts, we source our merchandise directly from manufacturers. We buy some of our most popular products in bulk, which allows us to sell items cheaper than other retailers.
Your EZContacts products will come with all the accessories provided by the manufacturer to ensure authenticity, such as a warranty card, a certificate of authenticity, and branded cases and cloths.
So, if you’re looking to bargain hunt, you’re safe starting here!
The Price Is Right!
If you’re out shopping for the lowest prices, be prepared to encounter fake glasses. That’s just the way it is. You get what you pay for. Counterfeiters will sell at lower-than-market-rate prices.
Of course, this does not mean that shops with lower prices are selling fake eyewear. You just need to do a little research first. A quick site search or a scan of review sites will let you know which shops provide quality, authentic eyewear. Consider what verified buyers say. Read the reviews. And, instead of looking for the lowest price, look for a fair price.
Premium glasses are made with superior materials and come with a quality guarantee. Their selling prices will necessarily align with that.
Don’t let all this turn you off from bargain hunting for the best deals in quality eyewear. If anything, I hope this helps you with your next purchase. Bargain hunt all you want! With this guide, you know what to look for to make sure that what you’re buying is legit.
TL;DR
- Fake glasses are everywhere because branded products are easier to sell. Buyers trust top eyewear brands.
- One of the first things to look for in assessing whether your glasses are legit is the branding. This includes the logo and other distinguishing marks associated with the brand.
- Logos and markings should be crisp, consistent, and located in the correct spot.
- Premium eyeglasses manufacturers use superior materials. You will feel this when you handle their products. Authentic eyewear feels substantial and solid.
- The lenses of legit branded glasses are clear and have zero distortions. Some include the brand’s logos.
- The packaging of authentic eyewear looks and feels substantial, too, and it includes a case, cleaning cloth, and documentation about your glasses.
- Extremely low prices are also red flags for fake glasses.
- Look for fair-priced, genuine eyewear from legit sources. Read verified buyers’ reviews to get to know your sources.
