A guide to Designer Sunglasses Care
Designer sunglasses do more than block the sun. They protect your eyes, complete an outfit and often say something about your personal style. You are also paying for better materials, clearer lenses and reliable UV protection.
That quality still needs looking after. Even an expensive pair can end up scratched, bent or faded if you are careless with them. A few simple habits will keep them looking good for much longer.
Get to Know Your Sunglasses
It helps to know what your sunglasses are made from. A typical pair includes the frame, lenses, nose pads, hinges and arms. Each part needs slightly different care.
Plastic frames, for e.g. can warp if they get too hot. Metal frames may be more resistant to heat but can corrode if regularly exposed to moisture or salt. Lens coatings can also be damaged by the wrong cleaning products.
Keep the care information that came with your sunglasses as It may include advice specific to the frame material or lens coating.
Store Them Properly
A proper case is still the best protection. Choose a hard case with a soft lining and put your sunglasses away whenever you are not wearing them.
Avoid leaving them loose in your handbag, pocket or car. Keys and other items can scratch the lenses while heat inside a parked car can warp the frame or damage lens coatings.
Keep them away from damp places too. Moisture can affect metal parts and gradually weaken some plastics.
Shielding Your Sunglasses from Excessive Heat
Heat is the enemy here. It can warp your frame, damage your lens coatings and even affect the shape of your lenses. You shouldn’t leave your sunglasses in your car, near heating devices or under direct sunlight for a long time. A good habit to have is to store them in a cool and dry place every time you’re not wearing them.
Handling: A Gentle Touch Goes a Long Way
Proper handling will extend your sunglasses' life. Always hold your sunglasses by the frame, not the lenses so you don’t get smudges or scratch them. When putting them on or taking them off, use both hands to make sure you don’t mess with their alignment.
Wearing Sunglasses on Top of Your Head
Even though it is super convenient at times, wearing sunglasses on your head can cause the frames to stretch and lose their original fit. This not only affects how the sunglasses look on you but it will lead to discomfort and slippage when you wear them after a while. Instead, when you're not using them, hang them on your shirt or use a glasses strap.
Cleaning
Cleaning your sunglasses isn't just about keeping your vision view clear; it's mainly about hygiene! Dust, sweat, skin oils and makeup can build up over time and degrade lens quality or even cause your skin to become irritated. Use a microfiber cloth and a lens cleaner designed for coated lenses. Don’t use any harsh cleaners, as they will most likely cause significant damage.
Have the Fit Checked Occasionally
Frames can loosen or shift after months of regular wear. The arms may sit unevenly or the hinges may start to feel loose.
An optician can straighten the frame, tighten the screws and check the fit. You do not need to visit constantly but an occasional adjustment can stop a small problem from becoming permanent damage.
Try Not to Lose Them
Designer sunglasses are not cheap so give them a regular home. Use the same drawer, shelf or case each time rather than putting them down wherever you happen to be.
A glasses cord or chain can help when you are travelling, walking or spending time outdoors. You can even attach a small tracker to the case if you have a habit of misplacing things.
Take Extra Care at the Beach
Sand, salt water and strong sun can all damage sunglasses. A single grain of sand trapped under a cleaning cloth can leave a noticeable scratch.
After a beach day, rinse the sunglasses gently with fresh water to remove salt and sand. Let them dry, then wipe the lenses with a clean microfibre cloth. Do not rub them while they are still gritty.
Keep them in their case when you are not wearing them and never leave them sitting on a hot towel in direct sun.
Are Designer Sunglasses Worth It?
A good pair of designer sunglasses can be worth the price if the lenses offer proper UV protection, clear vision and a comfortable fit. Better frames can also last for years rather than one summer.
The name on the side does not make them indestructible though. Their lifespan still depends on how they are stored, cleaned and handled.
Summary
Looking after designer sunglasses is not that big of a job. Put them back in the case, clean them with the right cloth and get the frame adjusted when it starts to feel loose.
These small habits prevent most scratches, bent arms and damaged coatings. Treat them well and they should keep protecting your eyes and looking good for years.
