Are sports sunglasses worth it?

When it comes to choosing sunglasses, one of the most common dilemmas is the classic showdown between cheap vs expensive sunglasses. A pair of sunglasses is more than just an accessory; they are your eyes' first line of defense against the sun's damaging rays. So, the question is: Are expensive sunglasses really better? Let's dive into this topic and provide some clarity.

The Heart of the Matter

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, it's important to understand that sunglasses range widely in price. From dollar store options to designer brands costing hundreds, even thousands of dollars, your options are vast. But what is the difference between cheap and expensive sunglasses?

Lens Quality

One major difference lies in the lens quality. High-quality lenses, often found in more expensive sunglasses, tend to provide better protection against harmful UV rays. While cheaper sunglasses may claim to offer "100% UV protection", it's important to remember that not all lenses are created equal. If the manufacturing process is less stringent, the protection may be uneven or less effective over time. Thus, are expensive sunglasses better for your eyes? In terms of consistent, long-lasting UV protection, the answer leans towards a 'yes'. With that said let's get one thing clear, when we talk about cheap sunglasses we are talking about the $10 price range. Once you get above $15, you really should expect your lenses to have full UV protection, so be on the lookout for that.

Build Quality

High-end sunglasses, low cost sunglasses, like ours at Faded Days Sunglasses, have a superior build quality for both their lenses and frames. They are designed to be durable, comfortable, and less prone to damage from falls or rough handling, particularly our polarized lens collection for regular sized heads, that have a flexible TR90 frame. If you've got a larger head, you'll know the struggle of finding glasses that fit properly. Faded Days Sunglasses specializes in sunglasses for big heads, ensuring comfort along with style and eye safety. Of course you can also expect our excellent build quality throughout these lines.

Lens Technology

Moreover, more expensive sunglasses often incorporate advanced lens technology. Polarized lenses, for example, not only protect your eyes from UV rays but also significantly reduce glare. Check out some of the best polarized sunglasses for men and women offered by Faded Days Sunglasses.

Style & Personalization

When you invest in expensive sunglasses, you're also often paying for unique designs, brand prestige, and personalization options. If you are looking for a pair of sunglasses that stand out from the crowd, but you don’t want to pay an extra $100 for a name, then the stylish mirrored sunglasses from Faded Days might be a perfect fit.

An Eye for the Right Pair

So, is there a difference between $10 and $30 sunglasses? The answer is yes, in terms of lens and build quality, UV protection, style, and fit. However, the "best" pair depends on your specific needs.

If you need sunglasses for occasional use, you should always go for a pair with full UV400 protection. If you're looking for long-lasting, stylish eyewear with high-quality lenses and a comfortable fit, but don't want to pay a ridiculous mark up for a name brand, Faded Days sunglasses have put together the full package at a very affordable price. Check out our stylish Classic Collection with full UV400 protection for just $20.

If you have a larger head – investing in a pair from Faded Days Sunglasses, like their classic 165mm Aviator Sunglasses, might be the way to go.

Remember, it's not about cheap vs expensive sunglasses; it's about finding the right pair for your eyes, your style, and your life. Your eyes deserve the best protection, so make your choice count.

Frequently Asked Questions

As we round off our exploration into the world of sunglasses, here are some FAQs to help clarify some common questions:

Is it worth it to buy more expensive sunglasses, like over $10?

Absolutely, if you're seeking superior protection, comfort, durability, and style. While a more expensive pair may initially seem like a splurge, they typically offer better UV protection and last longer, making them a sound investment for your eye health. With that said, once you get over the $100 mark, you're really just paying for a name at that point.

Is it good to buy cheap sunglasses?

Cheap sunglasses can be handy for occasions when you might lose or damage your pair, like at a beach or a music festival. However, their lower build quality and potentially less reliable UV protection can make them a less suitable option for everyday use.

How can you tell if sunglasses are good quality?

Good quality sunglasses often have sturdy frames, offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, fit well, and are comfortable to wear. Features like polarized lenses and mirror coatings are usually a sign of a high-quality pair.

Is it important to buy good sunglasses?

Yes, it's important. Good sunglasses shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. They also lessen glare, improving visual comfort when you're out in the sun.

What is the biggest problem with cheap sunglasses?

The biggest problem with cheap sunglasses is that they may not offer adequate UV protection. Plus, their lower quality lenses and frames may not hold up to regular use, making them less cost-effective in the long run.

What does a good pair of sunglasses cost?

The cost of a good pair of sunglasses can vary widely based on the brand, materials, and features. Generally, a reliable pair can range from $30 to several hundred dollars. We at Faded Days Sunglasses have worked extremely hard to develop excellent quality options in a reasonable price range.

What is the most important thing when buying sunglasses?

The most important thing when buying sunglasses is their ability to protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays. After that, consider factors like fit, comfort, durability, and style.

Why do people buy expensive sunglasses?

People buy expensive sunglasses for a variety of reasons, including better UV protection, superior build quality, brand prestige, and unique designs. Also, companies like Faded Days Sunglasses offer specialized sizing, such as sunglasses for big heads, catering to individual needs and ensuring a perfect fit.

Remember, while cost can be an indicator of quality, it's not always the case. What matters is getting a pair that offers adequate UV protection, suits your style, and fits you well. The team at Faded Days Sunglasses is always ready to help you find the perfect pair!

Where's the Biggest Bang for Your Buck?

When balancing quality, style, protection, and cost, there's one collection that truly shines - the polarized sunglasses from Faded Days. These glasses offer an impressive blend of high-quality features at a wallet-friendly price, making them an excellent investment for your eyes and your style.

The true star of these sunglasses are the polarized lenses. They provide full UVA and UVB protection, shielding your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Beyond UV protection, polarization offers another layer of comfort and safety. By reducing glare, polarized lenses enhance visual clarity and contrast, making them ideal for driving, water sports, or any scenario where sunlight can reflect off surfaces and into your eyes.

What about comfort and durability? These sunglasses have you covered. They're crafted with flexible TR90 frames, an incredibly durable, lightweight material that holds up to the rigors of everyday use while maintaining its shape. The flexibility of TR90 also means a more comfortable fit, as the frames can adapt to your face, reducing pressure points that can cause discomfort during extended wear.

But don't just take our word for it, check out what our customers have to say about our sunglasses. The Faded Days polarized sunglasses collection offers a range of colors, ensuring there's a match for every outfit, personal aesthetic, and lifestyle.

All these features might make you think these sunglasses come with a hefty price tag, but that's where Faded Days surprises you. They believe that quality eye protection should be accessible to all, and this philosophy is reflected in their competitive pricing.

When considering the quality of the lenses, the comfort of the fit, the durability of the frames, and the chic designs, our Faded Days polarized sunglasses offer excellent value for money. So, if you're looking for the biggest bang for your buck, your search might just end here.

Conclusion: Choosing Between Cheap Vs Expensive Sunglasses

In the grand arena of sunglasses, choosing between cheap vs expensive sunglasses often comes down to understanding what you're investing in. Both come with their own sets of advantages and potential drawbacks. Cheap sunglasses offer convenience and ease for temporary use, but they may compromise on protection and durability. On the other hand, expensive sunglasses provide a superior level of protection, comfort, durability, and style, although they may not be in everyone's budget.

The question then isn't simply, are expensive sunglasses better, but rather, what value are you seeking from your sunglasses? Are you looking for something temporary, or do you want a pair that you can rely on in the long run? How crucial is comfort, style, and durability to you?

Understanding the difference between cheap and expensive sunglasses can help guide your decision. More expensive sunglasses typically offer high-quality, UV-protective lenses, durable and comfortable frames, and often, more stylish and unique designs.

When it comes to delivering high-quality eyewear that doesn't break the bank, Faded Days Sunglasses hits a home run. Offering a range of options, including polarized sunglasses and sunglasses for big heads, they strike a balance between quality, style, and affordability.

At the end of the day, your sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement – they're a key part of protecting your eye health. As such, investing in a pair of high-quality sunglasses like those offered by Faded Days isn't just a style choice, it's a health choice. When seen in this light, the value of quality sunglasses becomes crystal clear.

Your eyes deserve the best, so the next time you're looking for sunglasses, remember what truly matters. Prioritize your eye health, comfort, and style over simply looking at the price tag. Whether it's a sunny beach day, a road trip, or just a stroll down the street on a bright afternoon, make sure your eyes have the protection they deserve. And remember, quality eyewear is not necessarily about the cost, but rather the value you get from your pair. Happy sunglasses shopping!

If you like to play outside during daylight hours, you should wear sports sunglasses to protect your eyes from foreign objects and ultraviolet radiation. After cycling, trail running, hiking, or snowshoeing daily over the course of two months, constantly swapping out 40 models of sunglasses, we believe that the Ryders Seventh Photochromic represents the best choice for eye protection in a wide range of activities, and at a good price.

High lens quality, fit options for anybody without a prominent bridge, and available prescription inserts make these shield sunglasses worth the money for those who need the features.

The version of these sunglasses that comes with photochromic lenses gives you dawn-to-dusk versatility, works well for any sport, and is backed by a solid warranty and crash replacement plan.

Our pick

Ryders Seventh Photochromic

The version of these sunglasses that comes with photochromic lenses gives you dawn-to-dusk versatility, works well for any sport, and is backed by a solid warranty and crash replacement plan.

Buying Options

Ryders Eyewear

We wore the Ryders Seventh Photochromic for foggy-morning bike rides and a mountain peak climb that entailed equal parts sunny exposure and forest shade. They have photochromic lenses—which means they get lighter or darker depending on how much sun they’re exposed to. It’s one of the features that makes this model such a good value. Not only is their price reasonable for this technology, but they can also handle any variety of sports scenarios you throw at them, so you won’t have to buy several pairs. The Seventh Photochromic is now available in two lens options: the lower-priced polycarbonate original and the same design made out of NXT, another name for Trivex—a superstrong material developed for helicopter windshields that provides better optical quality. (The lenses of our upgrade pick also use Trivex.) The NXT version has an anti-fog coating as well.

The Seventh is not currently available in a prescription model. Ryders offers a three-year warranty against material or manufacturing defects, and a generous crash-replacement policy—a 50 percent discount to replace sunglasses should you face-plant with them, sit on them, or subject them to any other destructive horror.

Advertisement

The Aero lens is also made from Trivex (with anti-fog treatment), and, like the Seventh, the Julbo Aero has a photochromic lens. But the Aero is a shield, meaning it has a single lens. The way it has been designed, though, gives it a more traditional sunglass look versus the goggle-like guise of other shields. This one comes in what the company calls an “Asian Fit” model to suit anyone without a prominent bridge. The lens itself is not available in a prescription version (no shield is), but Julbo sells Rx inserts that fit behind the main lens. Julbo offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.