Finding BIFL Sunglasses That Don't Break the Bank: My Personal Journey

I've always struggled with sunglasses. It seems like I'm constantly replacing them, either because they break, get scratched, or I simply lose them. Finding a pair of sunglasses that are both durable and affordable feels like an impossible task. Especially now that I need prescription sunglasses, the costs can quickly add up. I started my search for sunglasses that I could rely on for years to come without emptying my wallet.

My Sunglasses Struggles: A Familiar Story?

For years, I used cheap sunglasses, thinking they were all the same. I figured as long as they had UV protection, I was good to go. I even had a pair from H&M that lasted surprisingly long! But eventually, they all fell apart. The lenses would scratch, the frames would bend, and I'd be back at square one. This cycle of buying and replacing sunglasses became incredibly frustrating and expensive. I needed a better solution, something more sustainable.

The biggest turning point came when I realized I needed prescription sunglasses. Suddenly, the stakes were much higher. Replacing a cheap pair of sunglasses was one thing, but replacing prescription ones was a significant expense. This is when I began my serious search for "Buy It For Life" (BIFL) sunglasses that wouldn't break the bank.

My Quest for Durable and Affordable Sunglasses

I considered two main approaches. One was to invest in a high-end pair, like Maui Jim’s, known for their quality lenses and frames. The other was to stick with affordable polarized options from Amazon. I realized that the mid-range options often didn’t offer the same value for money. They were more expensive than the cheap ones but didn’t have the superior quality of the high-end brands. It was a tough decision.

During my research, I also learned about Luxottica and their subsidiaries. Apparently, they control a huge portion of the eyewear market, and the price-to-quality ratio for many of their brands isn't great. This information definitely influenced my choices. I wanted to find brands that offered better value and weren't part of that system. Some of the brands to watch out for include Alain Mikli, Arnette eyewear, Costa Del Mar, Eye Safety Systems (ESS), Native Eyewear, Oakley, Oliver Peoples, Persol, and Ray-Ban. It is better to do some research to avoid them.

My Solution: A Mix of Approaches

I decided to try a few different strategies. First, I looked into more affordable options that still had good reviews. I stumbled upon Goodr sunglasses. I learned to avoid the ones with reflective lenses because they scratch easily. The plain ones, however, are quite durable for the price. I've had a pair for a few years now, and they're still going strong. While I can't definitively say they are BIFL, they've certainly exceeded my expectations.

Then, I remembered hearing about AO Original Pilot Sunglasses. These are issued to military pilots and have even been worn in space! They're known for their durability and classic style. Plus, they've been seen on famous faces like Don Draper in Mad Men and Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver. They are definitely on my list to try!

Discovering Cinily Affordable Glasses: A Stylish and Functional Option

While searching for prescription options, I came across Cinily Affordable Glasses. I was particularly drawn to their range of stylish frames that didn't cost a fortune. I decided to give them a try and ordered a pair of their Optical Anti Blue Light Glasses Frames.

Michael Elkan