Designer vs. High Street Sunglasses: Is the Price Worth It?
When it comes to sunglasses, the price range is staggering, from a few pounds on the high street to several hundred for a designer pair. Whether you're eyeing a classic pair of Ray-Bans or considering something from Prada, it's worth understanding what you're actually getting for your money. We've taken a closer look at what separates the two, so you can make a truly informed decision.
What You're Actually Paying For
When you buy designer sunglasses, a portion of the price is undeniably the brand name. But that's not the whole picture. Premium brands invest heavily in:
Lens quality - Designer lenses are typically manufactured to much tighter optical tolerances. Brands like Oakley use proprietary lens technology like Oakley's Plutonite® which filters out 100% of UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm. Cheaper lenses can actually be worse than wearing nothing at with most providing inadequate UV protection, causing pupil dilation and damage.
Frame materials - High street frames are often made from low-grade plastic that warps, snaps, or loses shape quickly. Designer frames use for example superior acetates, titanium, and nylon composites that hold their shape and feel comfortable over long wear.
Longevity - A £15 pair might seem like great value until you're buying three a year. A quality designer pair of the likes of Ray-Bans or Persols, looked after properly, can genuinely last a decade. On a cost-per-wear basis, designer often wins.
The UV Protection Question
Here's the most important point of all: not all UV400 ratings are equal in practice.
By law, any sunglasses sold in the UK must meet a basic CE safety standard (which can be seen written on the inner arm of your sunglasses). A £5 pair from a market stall might technically carry a UV400 sticker, but independent testing has repeatedly shown many cheap pairs fall well short. With designer brands, you're buying from manufacturers whose reputation depends on their lenses performing exactly as stated.
If you're spending long days outdoors, driving, skiing, or near water, the lens quality of something like the Oakley Frogskins or Ray-Ban Wayfarer is genuinely protective and not just decorative.
The Sweet Spot: Designer Without the Extreme Premium
That said, designer isn't always the right call. For festival season, where sunglasses are easily lost or damaged or for children who grow quickly and aren't exactly known for looking after their belongings, a solid mid-range pair makes far more practical sense. Brands like Polaroid sit in a useful sweet spot here, offering polarised lenses and reliable UV protection at an accessible price point. But for everyday wear, the longevity argument firmly favours investing in quality.
You don't necessarily have to go full luxury to get quality. Brands like Carrera, Emporio Armani, and Guess sit in the mid-to-premium range with proper optical quality and great frames without pushing into the ultra-luxury tier.
For women, Michael Kors and Vogue Eyewear and Jimmy Choo offer that elevated feel with a range of price points to suit different budgets.
The Verdict
So, is designer worth it? For your everyday pair, whether your just commuting or simply out in the sun, the answer is a confident yes. The lens protection is more dependable, the frames are built to last and the overall wearing experience is noticeably superior.
For a spare pair ahead of a festival or something for the children, a more affordable option is perfectly sensible. But when it comes to sunglasses you'll genuinely rely on, quality is an investment that pays for itself over time.
At Go Sunglasses, you'll find an extensive range of 100% genuine designer eyewear, with free 1-2 day UK delivery and a 30-day returns policy.