Moneymagpie Team
18th Nov 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Written by Poppy Ryan
Sunglasses are versatile accessories that protect the eyes from the sun and help elevate one’s sense of style, making them essential in every wardrobe. When choosing sunglasses, chances are you’ll encounter designer pairs, considering the luxury eyewear market is worth £870 million in the United Kingdom alone.
Moreover, the market is dominated by designer brands under the eyewear companies with the highest revenue shares, namely EssilorLuxottica (78%), LVMH (8%), and Safilo Group (8%). However, you may be wondering why it’s worth investing in designer sunglasses, especially since they’re offered at a higher price point than other brands and retailers.
Whether you’re looking for an entry point into high-end fashion or simply want to treat yourself to something special, we highlight reasons to invest in premium sunglasses and ensure you get great value for your money.
Guaranteed UV protection
Sunglasses serve as physical barriers against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can otherwise strain the eyes and increase the risk of ocular conditions like photokeratitis and cataracts. However, there have been reports of cheap sunglasses failing to deliver their promise of sun protection and instead allowing UV rays to pass through the lenses and penetrate the eyes.
In contrast, designer sunglasses from quality brands like Prada, Versace, and Persol come with a UV rating, usually indicated as UV400, to guarantee protection against harmful rays of up to 400 nanometres. These sunglasses also carry a CE or UK CA mark on the frame to signify that they meet the safety standards of the UK or European Union.
Timeless frame styles
Another significant advantage of purchasing luxury sunglasses is their timeless appeal. Whereas other types of sunglasses hop on trends that will only last for a few months at most, designer brands release classic frames that will never go out of style.
The range of designer sunglasses on Sunglass Hut includes signature frame styles like the oversized Prada PR17WS and the sleek and modern ME8002 Slicka from Moncler. The retailer also lets shoppers take a style quiz to tailor recommendations for luxury sunglasses that suit your features and make a statement.
Durability and warranty
An item can be considered a long-term investment if it’s of good quality and can last for many years. Designer sunglasses are crafted with high-quality and durable materials, from frames made of lightweight yet impact-resistant metal, titanium, and stainless steel to lenses made of polycarbonate and Trivex, ensuring both quality and comfort.
Moreover, the longevity of designer sunglasses is guaranteed through comprehensive warranties and superior customer service. For instance, the French designer eyewear brand Bloobloom is not only accessible through numerous flagship store locations in the UK but also commits to customer satisfaction by offering in-house adjustments and repair services for their sunglasses.
Potential resale value
Lastly, even if you choose to part with your designer sunglasses in the future, there’s a potential to resell them for a significant price, especially if they’re still in excellent condition. In some cases, sunglasses that are part of a limited-edition collection or a flagship collaboration may be resold at a higher value than the original price.
However, as discussed in a previous post about investing in fashion, you must do ample research on whether your sunglasses are genuine and whether the designer brand they’re from will ensure a significant return on investment. This usually involves looking at factors like the brand’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing industry and its commitment to sustainability.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.