Cheap and Expensive Sunglasses: What are the Differences?

Sunglasses come to customers in a wide range of styles and prices. Some of them cost a lot, while many others are available at considerably low prices. In general, the price often varies from $20 to $200. 

However, when comparing cheap sunglasses and expensive ones, what are the main differences? Does the expensiveness come with its premium quality or reputable brand name only? 

People may consider whether it is worth investing hundreds of dollars in expensive premium sunglasses or save some bucks on quality affordable products. If you are wondering about the same thing, why not breaking things down with this comparison?

Factors Determining Sunglasses Price

Prices of the sunglasses depend not only on the quality of frames and lenses but also on the brand name. Analyzing these factors will help you understand more about the differences between cheap vs. expensive sunglasses.

Cost of Brand/Product Marketing

The list price from from well-known brands determined by materials and the manufacturing cost. The marketing budget also makes up a large proportion of the total cost. 

Like other luxury goods from any reputable brands out there, the sunglasses often go along with an expensive marketing campaign. Advertisements, booking celebrities, and so forth are all essential parts of a product launching plan. 

The brands can effectively prove their shades with superior quality and elegant designs that attract more attention to customers, especially the high-end ones. The customer usually has to pay more for products if more money spends on marketing. It is the reason why many sunglasses from high-end brands are so expensive. 

Other Hidden Costs 

In addition to marketing, are there any other costs that can affect the price of sunglasses? Definitely YES. We like to consider them as hidden costs. The story about costs does not only relate to the designing, manufacturing, and marketing processes. When it comes to retailers, the actual price must cover additional costs as the following. 

Licensing

While the brand introduces the sunglasses at brand flagship stores, retailers tend to sell these shades at smaller shops. Hence, they need to register for a business license. 

Transporting and warehousing

As an essential part of the business, retailers must spend money on transporting and warehousing. This cost may decrease if the retailer can handle a large number of products for each transportation.

Marketing

Not only does the brand spend money on new products, but eyewear retailers also perform their marketing activities to increase customers’ awareness of their business. These costs will add substantially to the price of end-users.

Sunglasses Frame 

It is a common thought that luxury sunglasses tend to be superior to their low-budget counterparts because of their higher-quality materials for the frame. However, according to some brands, expensive shades sometimes go with the same frame materials as the cheap ones.  

Undoubtedly, we cannot expect that the sunglasses sold in local clothing or convenience stores, which are available at only $10, have the best-quality frames. But in the $50 range, we can own the sunglasses frame with the same comfort and longevity as the ones at $400.

Regardless of sunglasses from the world’s most luxurious brands, most of the current collections use the same plastic or sturdy metal for expensive and cheap shades. Hence, in the list price tags between $20 and $200, the higher price does not mean the glass made from the longer-lasting materials.  

Affordable sunglasses frame look fancy and durable as expensive shades.

If you have a quick look, it will be hard to tell the difference between a cheap and an expensive pair of sunglasses. On the display case, the costly sunglasses frame is quite similar to one of their budget counterparts. Overall, based on the frame materials, it is not worth spending a fortune on sunglasses. 

Sunglasses Lenses

Many people have believed that only the high price tag of fancy shades can offer them the highest level of UV protection and excellent polarization. Nevertheless, tons of sunglasses with their cheapness can keep your eyes safe in the same way for the current efficient manufacturing. 

There is a quick test conducted for real experience. People compare a pair of high-quality sunglasses from expensive sporting sports accessories with the $10 shades from a souvenir shop in Times Square. The test gives the same result with 100% UV protection. 

Hence, the expensiveness of luxury sunglasses does not give you higher protection against the UV ray. Otherwise, you will still be fine with a pair of budget sunnies.

Are Expensive Sunglasses More Durable than Cheap ones?

We would like to have a YES. Let us explain the reason!

Assume that you have already spent more than $100 when buying a pair of sunglasses from a luxury store. Then, common sense tells you that it is a priority to keep the sunglasses safe. You will try to avoid dropping the shades as much as possible due to its expensiveness. 

Consequently, the sunglasses will be in a protective case most of the time. And you do not want to wear them frequently to prevent impacts on their expensive frame and lenses. So, thanks to your carefulness, the sunglasses will last longer than ever. 

The budget sunglasses are the opposite case. You tend to wear them frequently without caring much about the price tag. So, they will naturally get worn in surface coatings or scratches on lenses in extensive use. It is the reason why cheap sunglasses are often not as durable as expensive shades. 

Do Expensive Shades Give Higher Comfort?

It is “No”. Both expensive and affordable sunglasses are equally comfortable for any wearers as long as you choose the right products.

Some elements can affect the level of comfort when you wear a pair of sunglasses. They include size, style, materials, and UV protection. If you choose proper your sunnies, they will satisfy your requirements as well. 

For instance, you can measure the distance from one of your temples to the other first in terms of the frame size. This measurement will be the best size for the sunglasses frame. Or a pair of sunglasses matching your favorite style can somehow bring you the best comfort in a great outfit. 

To sum up, there is almost no difference in comfort whether you rock expensive or affordable shades. 

Can Expensive Sunglasses Represent Their High Price Tag?

When buying sunglasses, you should focus mainly on three factors - stylish, comfort, and protection. There is no need to waste hundreds of dollars getting these elements. The quality and practical functionality of the sunglasses are also available on a small budget. Even when you buy things online, you can save lots of money for the same high-quality shades. Sometimes, the extra costs you have to pay are only because of the high-cost marketing campaign. Hence, if the brand name is not your interest, we highly recommend a pair of sunglasses that are inexpensive and great-looking.

Affordable wooden sunglasses meet your criteria: low-cost, stylish, comfort, and UV protection.

The Bottom Line

After reading our comparison thoroughly, you can confidently confirm that cheap sunglasses do not mean they are of low quality and harmful to your eyes. It doesn’t matter that much if your favorite pair of sunglasses is on the budget or high-priced, because finally, it all comes down to features and your preferences or budget. So, consider every factor and make an informed decision! Good luck with your shopping!