As summer settles in and beach days become more abundant, we’ve rounded up inexpensive eyewear — all under $80 — that exude a carefree style while still keeping your retinas safe from the scorching sun. And if they disappear into shuffled sand, at least you’re only out around half (sometimes a little more) a Benjamin. Sure, cheap is subjective. Lament the minor loss. Then, grab a new pair, and summer on.
Le Specs is a vintage brand revived. Their current selection of styles references European ones popular in the late ’70s and early ’80s but with tweaks to their construction for improved comfort and durability. And for just $69.00, they’re a steal. Polarized lenses and a plastic frame done in a luxe tortoiseshell arrive in a branded soft case for safe carrying.
This is a classic look done at a fraction of the cost of more popular brands’ designs. Put ’em on and envision it: ’50s, jazz clubs (hence the Ray-Ban’s Clubmaster). Made from metal, these are polarized and feature soft, adjustable silicone nose pads.
Polycarbonate frames and tined PVC lenses — in a mustardy green and brown, respectively — make these round frames a home run in even the most raging hot weather. 100-percent UV protection shields the eyes and a durable rubber-like feel to the frames deters dings and reduces scratches.
Black acetate and metal accents give these Spitfire frames an edge over other cheap options. They definitely reference higher-end designer pairs but present the wearer, aka you, I hope, a less painful price tag. Wear these when you want to look good but can’t guarantee they get home, too.
Huckberry’s in-house eyewear line features hardy frames matched with scratch-resistant, polarized lenses. At under $40 dollars, they’re well worth it for whenever you want to put a pair through the wringer — without the guilt of getting a nicer pair grimy.
This subtle gray pair by Denmark brand A.Kjaerbede aren’t bad at all for being $45.00 dollars and often discounted. Rounded lens and a molded nose bridge make them a versatile look for all genders. They’re unisex by design but don’t run too big nor too small.
Love the Aviator style but can’t splurge on the pair you really want right now? Budget sunglass brand Knockaround makes their own retro-tinged rendition from gold metal, tortoiseshell rubber, and polarized, impact-resistant green lenses. They may not be built for the skies, but they certainly look the part.
It’s easy to be let down by budget buys off Amazon. (There are almost too many options.) Carfia’s, on the other hand, are unexpectedly nice for their price. Typically, sub$-25 dollar sunglasses don’t make through a week-long vacation, but these, which are made from corrosion-resistant acetate, withstand usual wear and then some.
Unfortunately, these don’t take their name from a style the iconic artist once wore. (If they did, they’d be five times the price.) These Bowie frames are instead a subtle pair of sunglasses you shouldn’t stress about losing. Nice but by no means something exclusive or limited edition, wear them on a hot day at the beach and hope for best re: bringing them back.