Over the years, sunglasses have evolved from a practical accessory to a major fashion staple. It’s come to a point where some are willing to spend lavishly for a pair of shades from top brands in the market. The luxury sunglasses market is worth $21.24 billion in 2023 and will continue to grow in the coming years. But with so many frames on the market, why do people gravitate towards luxury models? Considering that cheaper frames can still look good and offer protection, buying designer sunglasses seems egregious and unnecessary. However, these accessories do have a certain draw attributed to their brand name, quality, and style that people can’t get enough of. Read more for a deeper dive into the luxurious allure of designer sunglasses and why many find them worth it:
Timeless designs
There’s a reason why many designer eyewear brands have remained popular throughout the decades, with iconic models that have been around for years. Many designer sunglasses are known and loved for being timeless accessories, making them worthwhile investments that transcend ever-changing trends. Consider the Ray-Ban Wayfarers or the Prada PR 17WS, which aren’t incredibly flashy but are recognizable to many and represent the brand’s identity and personality. The timelessness of these sunglasses doesn’t mean there’s no room for innovation. These brands constantly find ways to elevate these iconic styles for the modern age while retaining what most people know and love about them.
High quality and durability
Designer sunglasses often come with a high price point, but that’s mainly due to the high-grade materials used to create the frames that keep them durable. They offer luxury and longevity by using acetate, titanium, premium metals, and more, making them perfect for building a fashionable wardrobe. They’re worth the high price in the long run since you can seamlessly integrate them into a versatile and stylish collection and have them on rotation for longer. You won’t have to worry about them breaking or getting damaged easily, and if they do, many luxury brands or retailers offer in-house repairs to revive them once more.
Better protection
In line with high quality, you can be surer of the effectiveness of designer sunglasses regarding UV protection. When comparing cheap and expensive sunglasses, the latter typically offers 99% or 100% UVA and UVB protection, and designer brands will be transparent about their protective features. Many designer brands also offer anti-glare, polarized, and anti-reflective lenses to block out harsh light and protect your eyes. Cheap or counterfeit shades may not offer all of these protective features, and it can be difficult to verify their effectiveness. Though brand and price aren’t always reliable indicators of UV protection, it’ll be easier to find out which designer shades can protect your eyes while keeping you stylish.
The luxury shopping experience
Besides the products, many enjoy shopping for luxury products like sunglasses because of the premium experience. It comes with personalized service, exclusivity, and a sense of indulgence you won’t find in an ordinary store. Consider Thélios, which manufactures and designs eyewear for brands like Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Celine, and more. The company often holds showcases or conventions to immerse buyers and retailers into the glamour of its luxury eyewear portfolio, displaying designer sunglasses in an elevated and lavish environment to get a better idea of the brand’s identity and vision. Even online designer sunglasses retailers have elevated their services. You can use features like virtual try-ons or AI-powered recommendations to get personalized guidance in finding the perfect frames.
Designer sunglasses offer a luxurious experience that can’t always be replicated with regular frames. To many, they are more than just a practical accessory; they’re a personal investment that represents their style and who they are.
