The world of vintage sunglasses is a glamorous and quirky place. From the rare and coveted Andy Warhol “Clé de Sol” frames to a pair of beat-up Ray-Ban Wayfarers, vintage sunglasses are an easy way to make your look pop.
But buying vintage sunglasses can feel like a minefield. Where should you buy them? What if they’re damaged? And how can you spot a fake? Read on for our simple guide to buying vintage sunglasses.
Where to Buy Vintage Sunglasses
Whether you’re starting a vintage sunglasses collection or looking for one perfect pair to take on holiday, there are a number of places to look.
- Start your hunt at your local vintage/thrift shops, car boot sales and markets. Pickings might be slim but you could find something extraordinary.
- Online resellers like Etsy and eBay are also a good place to source vintage sunglasses. Find out as much as you can about the seller and their reputation before you commit to a purchase.
- Finally, reputable vintage sunglasses dealers are the most risk-free place to buy vintage sunglasses, particularly if you want frames that have never been worn. You can also check out GlassesUSA sunglasses for a wide range of stylish and affordable options.
Vintage Sunglasses Lens Replacement
Most vintage sunglasses for sale online or in vintage stores have had a long and eventful life before you purchased them. A little damage is to be expected but sometimes the perfect frames are ruined by scratched lenses. Or are they?
Companies like The Sunglass Fix will replace damaged sunglasses lenses for a small fee. The Sunglasses Fix can provide new lenses for more than 130,000 models. 9 times out of 10, they can replace the scratched lenses in your vintage sunnies. Not only will you save money by buying less-than-mint-condition glasses, but you’ll also be doing your bit to protect the environment!
Choosing the Right Vintage Sunglasses For You
Vintage sunglasses come in an endless array of models, styles and colours. Here are a few of the most popular classic frames that are very much back in style.
Round Metal Frames
These small, round glasses are a bold choice. Think John Lennon. Round lenses tend to suit those with a square face type.
Browline/Clubmaster Frames
These top-heavy glasses made a huge comeback in recent years. An iconic style in the 50s and 60s, these frames add maturity to youthful faces and suit those with triangular faces.
Rectangular Glasses
Another 60s classic, thick rectangular frames look good on just about anybody. These glasses are popular with all ages and a bold colour choice can take years off older wearers.
As a general rule, larger glasses look better on larger faces and smaller glasses look better on smaller faces. Ultimately the best frame style for you is the one you like best!
How to Spot Fake Vintage Sunglasses
It can be tricky to spot fake vintage sunglasses. The rise of internet shopping has made it easier for sellers to fool buyers into thinking they have the real deal. Vintage sunglasses dealers recommend examining sunglasses closely before buying unless you know the seller and are positive they’re trustworthy.
- Take note of the size of the glasses. The dimensions of fakes often differ slightly from the original.
- Look closely at the designer logo and printing on the arms. Does it look real?
- Examine the small components and hinges on the glasses. Authentic glasses should be beautifully made and all components should be of the best quality.
- Finally, feel the weight of the frames. Fakes are made from cheaper materials and even if the authentic glasses are plastic, they should feel substantial in your hand.
If the deal you’re being offered looks too good to be true, it probably is!
