Sunglasses- who makes decent ones in 2024?
Discussion
There used to be an obvious answer to this, but I find myself struggling to find a decent pair for my upcoming holidays.
Here's my (highly subjective, tongue in cheek) 2024 brand perception of the main players:
I'm just looking for a pair that are on trend (or near enough) and worth their price. I'm not looking for a status symbol / obvious branding/ bling. Price not an issue, but bear in mind that most pairs I've owned seem to go missing in a time frame that is directly proportional to their price. I've never lost a pair that cost less than a Tenner- no matter how hard I try.
Here's my (highly subjective, tongue in cheek) 2024 brand perception of the main players:
- RayBan/Oakley/Persol - owned lots and used to be good quality/value now just another overpriced Luxotica brand
- Italian "designer" (Prada/D&G/Armani/Ferrrari/ Versace) etc = more overpriced Luxotica brands & cheesy AF
- Oliver peoples/ Tom Ford heading towards the above
- Any designer/ high street/Airport "world duty free" brand tie in- e.g. Ted Baker, Jimmy choo, Marc Jacobs etc. Just naff and again paying to advertise a mid market brand
- Police/ Randolph aviators = Walt / kiddy fiddler vibes (big aviation fan, but I'm afraid it's true)
- Carrera = One trick pony/ gimmick. Cool in 2004.
- High street own brands/ Next, Reiss, Boots, Zara, Top man etc- cheap chinese st
- Polaroid - given up on life
- Fake/tourist market knock offs- as points 1-6 but cheaper and a bit pathetic
- Messy Weekend/ SunGod etc - a product of Social media hype and massive markup for what must cost just a couple of quid to make- max.
I'm just looking for a pair that are on trend (or near enough) and worth their price. I'm not looking for a status symbol / obvious branding/ bling. Price not an issue, but bear in mind that most pairs I've owned seem to go missing in a time frame that is directly proportional to their price. I've never lost a pair that cost less than a Tenner- no matter how hard I try.
Super Sonic said:
Have had a pair of Serengeti for 4-5 yes now, v light, v comfy excellent visibility not a scratch on the plastic lenses. Highly recommend. Not the cheapest but worth it.
I remember their adverts in Car/ Performance car magazine circa 1990.Although I don't doubt the quality, unfortunately that's put them in the Randolph aviator/ Police category for me.
Ambleton said:
My pal swears by Sungod. They're not part of the Luxotica group and appear to be actually half decent.
I'm in need of a new pair of sunglasses having broken my raybans so will have a mooch around and see what they have that I like the look of.
I'v enot tried a pair in person, but looking closely at the website they seem to be a marketing phenomenon/ brand exercise. I'll try and find a pair in person. I'm in need of a new pair of sunglasses having broken my raybans so will have a mooch around and see what they have that I like the look of.
I really rate Shady Rays.
The glasses are good quality, if you break them, or they fail or go missing, for the price of postage you can claim a free replacement.
I’ve used this twice after lenses got damaged, have about 6 pairs.
You can also have a flutter at a random pair of polarised glasses for about £15 when you order another pair, I’ve been lucky and had 3 decent ones out of it.
You can usually find a decent discount code online too.
The glasses are good quality, if you break them, or they fail or go missing, for the price of postage you can claim a free replacement.
I’ve used this twice after lenses got damaged, have about 6 pairs.
You can also have a flutter at a random pair of polarised glasses for about £15 when you order another pair, I’ve been lucky and had 3 decent ones out of it.
You can usually find a decent discount code online too.
Bought a pair Maui Jim a couple of years back but I find myself just wearing my prescription Hugo Boss pair from Specsavers the majority of the time.
Found an old pair of Ray Bans doing a bit of clearing round the house dating back to around 1993 which have quite a Jack Nicholson vibe about them. Will clean them up for the Summer.
Found an old pair of Ray Bans doing a bit of clearing round the house dating back to around 1993 which have quite a Jack Nicholson vibe about them. Will clean them up for the Summer.
Badda said:
Maui Jim are good.
Persol are better.
I had some lovely Persols years ago and also rated Maui JimsPersol are better.
Unfortunately both are now owned by mega- corporations and made in the same factories as all their other brands. Prices hiked massively, but quality not worth the increase in price- in 2024 you're paying for a brand.
CountyAFC said:
Randolph Engineering are head and shoulders above everything else in my experience.
I remember when they were £60 for a pair! I don't think quality has also increased fourfold.Also see my subjective brand perception comments above.
Maybe acceptable if one actually is a military pilot. Otherwise a bit Nick Adderley.
joropug said:
I really rate Shady Rays.
The glasses are good quality, if you break them, or they fail or go missing, for the price of postage you can claim a free replacement.
I’ve used this twice after lenses got damaged, have about 6 pairs.
You can also have a flutter at a random pair of polarised glasses for about £15 when you order another pair, I’ve been lucky and had 3 decent ones out of it.
You can usually find a decent discount code online too.
I will do some research- thanks The glasses are good quality, if you break them, or they fail or go missing, for the price of postage you can claim a free replacement.
I’ve used this twice after lenses got damaged, have about 6 pairs.
You can also have a flutter at a random pair of polarised glasses for about £15 when you order another pair, I’ve been lucky and had 3 decent ones out of it.
You can usually find a decent discount code online too.
GuigiaroBertone said:
Ambleton said:
My pal swears by Sungod. They're not part of the Luxotica group and appear to be actually half decent.
I'm in need of a new pair of sunglasses having broken my raybans so will have a mooch around and see what they have that I like the look of.
I'v enot tried a pair in person, but looking closely at the website they seem to be a marketing phenomenon/ brand exercise. I'll try and find a pair in person. I'm in need of a new pair of sunglasses having broken my raybans so will have a mooch around and see what they have that I like the look of.
So I bought some Sungods as the shape meant they didn’t touch the split skin.
They were a cheap temporary pair but you can see why they’re cheap.. wouldn’t bother with them again.
The Hofff said:
I use these on the bike and they are superb.https://www.toolstation.com/dewalt-protector-safet...
I've had far more expensive ones that weren't as good plus if i do lose them its not a buge expense.
Edited by dudleybloke on Monday 24th June 17:24
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