Sunglasses. We all need them, especially when spending time outdoors. But finding a pair that can withstand daily wear and tear, offer great protection, and look good can be a real challenge. I've gone through my fair share of sunglasses, from the cheap ones that break after a week to the more expensive ones that I'm too afraid to actually use. I'm sharing my journey to finding the perfect pair, along with some tips I’ve picked up along the way.
I used to be all about the classic look, so I gravitated towards a pair of Oakley Holbrooks. They looked great, and the quality was definitely there. I managed to snag them at a discount, which made the price a little easier to swallow. They became my go-to pair for everything. But after a while, I started to question whether the high price tag was really worth it, especially considering how easily sunglasses can get lost or damaged on outdoor adventures.
Then, I had an epiphany. I was chatting with a fellow hiker and he mentioned that he just buys the cheapest pair of 100% UVA/UVB blocking sunglasses he can find at a gas station. His reasoning? You're likely to break or lose many pairs. He was rocking a pair of plastic, rainbow-colored wayfarers he picked up for $10 on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) in Idaho. It made me think – was I overthinking the whole sunglasses thing?
Inspired by my friend's minimalist approach, I decided to experiment. I tried the gas station route. They were cheap, definitely offered UV protection, and I didn't feel bad when I inevitably scratched them up. But the fit wasn't great, and they didn't exactly scream "style."
Next, I stumbled upon Goodr running glasses. For around $25-$35, you get polarized lenses and a design that stays put even when you're running. I was impressed! They were a great middle ground between the ultra-cheap and the super-expensive. I found them to be perfect for active days, offering both protection and functionality.
Then, I discovered Natives. They're a bit pricier, over $100, but they've held up incredibly well over the years. What I really liked was the interchangeable lenses. Plus, they have a pretty cool policy where they'll replace damaged (but not lost!) sunglasses for a reasonable fee. It felt like a good investment in the long run.
While researching different brands, I came across some unsettling information. Apparently, many sunglasses labeled as UV proof aren't actually effective, and the coating can wear off over time. What's worse, wearing sunglasses that don't offer UV protection can be more harmful than wearing none at all. This is because your pupils dilate, allowing more harmful UV rays to enter your eyes. This made me realize the importance of verifying the UV protection claims of any sunglasses I buy.
I also realized that protecting my eyes is a long-term investment. I remembered hearing about the potential risks of not wearing proper UV protection, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Suddenly, that cheap pair of sunglasses didn't seem so appealing anymore. I started looking for options that offered both style and reliable UV protection.
This led me down a new path, exploring different materials and designs. That's when I came across memory titanium rimless eyeglasses. I was looking for something lightweight, durable, and stylish. I started searching online and found the '522 Memory Titanium Rimless Women Or Men Eyeglasses Brand Designer Myopia Optical Prescription Eyewear Frame' in grey on Cinily US.
The rimless design was sleek and modern, and the titanium frame promised durability without adding weight. I was particularly interested in the memory titanium feature, hoping it would prevent bending or breaking during my outdoor activities. While primarily designed for prescription lenses, I figured I could easily swap them out for tinted lenses and use them as sunglasses. I loved the idea of having a pair of durable, stylish sunglasses that also offered the option of prescription lenses if needed. The fact that Cinily Net offered this frame at a reasonable price point made it even more appealing.
I decided to give them a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they were. The lightweight titanium frame felt almost weightless on my face, and the rimless design provided a wide field of vision. I replaced the clear lenses with tinted ones that offered 100% UV protection. They quickly became my go-to pair for everyday wear.
Based on my experiences, here are some tips to help you find the perfect durable sunglasses: