Is there any item in your wardrobe that has the same transformative power that a pair of sunglasses? Putting on a pair of shades makes you go from sad to fab within seconds – from your eyes squinting and watering from the sun and pollen to a confident and mysterious person. But no matter how cool they make you look, you shouldn’t forget that the main role of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from the damaging UV rays.
Source: Ferrier & MacKinnon Optometrists
To shield your eyesight properly, you need more than the cheap plasticky styles. Only a pair that’s designed to comply with ANSI or CE standards can offer proper UV protection. So, make sure to look for shades that have a UV400 label on them which means that they can block out 99% – 100% of UV rays.
And when it comes to appearance, all major fashion houses have their own lines of sunglasses so you can be sure to find something that will match your personal style. What’s more, many sunglasses-only brands add a stylish touch to their lines to make them more appealing to the general public, not just people who are into outdoor sports. That being said, here are some of the best brands of sunglasses you can get and a few tips on how to take care of them properly.
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Tom Ford
If we’ve learned anything from films A Single Man and the newest James Bond installments is that Tom Ford comes up with some good eyewear. From slim, timeless frames like the ones in A Single Man, to humongous, squared shapes if you want to go all VIP Bond-style – the range of Tom Ford sunglasses has a little something for everyone. Alongside a focus on style, the range doesn’t overlook comfort and functionality either. The frames on these sunglasses are robust to withstand wear and tear but soft and lightweight enough to be comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The only downside is that most models of Tom Ford sunglasses don’t have polarized lenses. However, if you’re in love with the recognizable design of Tom Ford sunglasses polarized lenses replacement is always an option.
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Ray-Ban
Is there any other brand more synonymous with quality eyewear then Ray-Ban? Ray-Ban has been in business for over 80 years, which means the company has some pretty good knowledge on how to make quality sunglasses that people love to wear. In fact, Ray-Ban started out in the 1930s with the sole purpose to produce eyewear that will cut out the glare from the sun and help US Air Force pilots stay safe and do their job properly. But soon after, Hollywood was won over too, with stars like Marlon Brando and the Blues Brothers wearing Wayfarers. Today, the iconic aviators are still the way to go if you want to look like a Hollywood star.
Source: SunglassesID
Oakley
Oakley are the number one sports sunglasses brand. The first pair of Oakleys made by the founder James Jannard were actually ski goggles before he moved onto the sunglasses market with the Factory Pilot Eyeshades in 1984. Today, Oakley sunglasses still keep a sporty feel like their ski goggles ancestors. With their origins on the slopes, it’s no surprise that most Oakleys feature polarized lenses. While they might not be formal enough to wear on a wedding, you can definitely rock them on the beach.
Source: Charun Optic
Maintenance Tips
Since all of these sunglasses brands come with a hefty price tag, it’s only normal that you’d want to make your investment last. Here are some tips on how you can keep your shades in good shape and prolong their lifespan.
Always Store Them in a Protective Case
One of the most common causes of sunglasses damage is not using a protective case. When placed in a bag with other objects, its easy for them to get scratched from hard objects like keys. Additionally, your sunglasses lenses get damaged from sun exposure too and their protective ability can expire. That being said, whenever you’re not using them, instead of letting them sit out on the sun, store them away in a practical protective case.
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Clean Them Properly
Smudges, dust and dirt can also deteriorate the protective coating on the lenses if not removed. That’s why it’s recommended to wash your shades when dirty and at the end of the day. When doing so, use lukewarm water and mild dish soap. Don’t apply any force and use gentle circular motions with your fingers. After you wash them, let the sunglasses air dry. If you don’t have time to do this, use a clean, soft lint-free cloth specialized for cleaning sunglasses. Never use your T-shirt, a napkin or paper towel on the lenses, as any textured surfaces can easily scratch them.
Replace the Lenses If Damaged
But if you find that your lenses are covered in scratches, or they somehow got broken, don’t despair and throw your expensive frames away. You can always replace the damaged lenses and restore your shades. There are stores that specialize in replacement lenses for the most popular sunglasses brands and models. So, if you’ve invested in a model from Tom Ford, I’m sure you’ll be able to find a suitable replacement.
Replacement lenses aren’t as expensive as buying a brand new pair, and range around 20 – 50$. Plus, lens replacement can be your chance to update your old sunglasses with a different colour or get polarized lenses. So, if you have Tom Ford sunglasses polarized lenses can be a great way to make them suitable for conditions where you can be faced with uncomfortable glare, like for instance boating or moving around snow.
