Are designer sunglasses worth it?

Designer sunglasses

I do not think designer sunglasses are worth the price. In fact, I normally buy fairly cheap sunglasses because, given my history with sunglasses, they have a high likelihood of being sat on, dropped from my head or otherwise crushed before the end of summer. At least when this happens I only feel bad about being out $15 instead of $200 (or more).

Consider the following:  

- Designer shades can cost up to $500. Even if you keep a pair for five years, that’s still $100 a year. Think of what you could do with that money!

- Most designer sunglasses are all made by the same manufacturer. Luxottica, an Italian company, is responsible for creating shades by all your favorite designers, including Burberry, Bulgari, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Donna Karan, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ray-Ban, Salvatore Ferragamo, Paul Smith, Vogue, Versace, Persol, Tory Burch, Miu Miu, and Stella McCartney.

- While designer brands do make their products more durable, they’re still scratchable and breakable, just like any other pair of sunglasses.
- The most important reason to wear sunglasses is to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Inexpensive sunglasses offer 100% protection just like pricier designer sunglasses.

With the upcoming 2016 summer season, everyone is stocking up on all their summer essentials. Swimsuits, sunscreen, floppy hat, and sunglasses are at the top of the list for many. While sunglasses are irrefutably essential, many people see them as luxury items you need to have. Yes, they do help block harmful UV rays and protect the eyes from premature aging and cataract. But spending more than $50 on a pair of good sunglasses maybe a little too much for some.

What's the most that you pay for sunglasses?