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First things first, purchasing eyewear over the internet is often less expensive compared to the high street and is almost always more convenient. At Discounted Sunglasses, we offer an extensive range of designer sunglasses at some of the cheapest prices you will find anywhere online.

However, when buying sunglasses online, it helps if you have a good idea of what type of sunglasses you would want in relation to price, frame material and style, plus lens technology. If you’re comfortable making these decisions, you should have no problem with ordering sunglasses online. If not, here is some guidance on what you need to consider.

Frame Material

When it comes to sunglasses and frames, different materials have different advantages and disadvantages in relation to price and function. At Discounted Sunglasses, we typically sell frames in three materials: metal, plastic and acetate. 

Metal – As one of the most commonly usedmaterials, metal frames offer excellent corrosion resistance and adjustability. These qualities highly popular and ideal for tailoring sunglasses frames for many face shapes. That said, metal frames are often more expensive than sunglasses made from other materials. Plus they are often less durable, which makes them unsuitable for sports.

Plastic – Normally, plastic frames are often among the cheapest available and therefore can provide a cost-effective pair of sunglasses. Moreover, sunglasses are made from a wide variety of different plastics and thermoplastics. For instance, the thermoplastic nylon is often used for manufacturing sports frames because of its flexibility.

Acetate – Although acetate is also a plastic, it possesses several unique qualities. Acetate frames, for example, are generally stronger, lighter and more flexible than most other plastic frames. For this reason, acetate frames are also fantastic if you are planning to use them for sports. Like other plastics, acetate frames are available in a huge range of colours.

Lens Technology

Like the materials used for manufacturing frames, differing lens technologies have different advantages and disadvantages. At Discounted Sunglasses, we typically sell lenses that are characterised by four different technologies: gradient, polarised, photochromic and mirrored.

Gradient – Lenses that are tinted from the top down are gradient, while lenses that are tinted from the bottom up are double gradient. Because they shield your eyes from overhead sunlight and let more light through the bottom half of the lens, gradient sunglasses are great for driving. Conversely, double gradient lenses are good for water sports because they shield your eyes from both overhead and reflected light.

Polarised – When light reflects off flat surfaces – including water, snow or tarmac – it is reflected at an angle that is perpendicular to that surface.By using horizontally aligned polarising crystals that block all vertical light, polarised sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes from thistype of damaging glare.As such,polarised lenses are great forsports.

Photochromic –Lenses that get darker on very bright days and lighter on cloudy or more overcast days automatically are photochromic. Howeverthe photochromic process is not instant, and it can take longer to work in colder weather. Also, photochromic lenses don’t work when you’re inside a car, as the tint is triggered by UV rays that don’t penetrate your windshield.

Mirrored – Is the reflective film that is applied to the outside of some lenses.  Mirrored lenses are suited to people that are highly sensitive to very bright light, as they reduce glare significantly by reflecting most of the light that reaches the lens. It’s important to note, though, that mirrored lenses make objects appear a lot darker than they actually are.

Choose Sunglasses That Complement Your Face

Price, frame material and lens technology all play a vital role when choosing the best sunglasses for you. However, choosing frames that complement your face is at least equally – if not more – important. For this reason, knowing which frames flatter your face shape and highlight your best features will help you make the right choice when shopping for designer sunglasses online.

So before you add a pair of sunglasses to your online basket, check out our Face Shape Guide, which will help you to determine which frames are best for the unique shape of your face.

Online Returns Policy

If you buy sunglasses from a high street store and you’re not happy with your purchase, you can easily go back and return them. But when buying from a number of online stores, the process isn’t always as easy. That’s why we offer a no-hassle returns policy, so you can shop from us with confidence.

For more information about our online returns policy, please click here.

At Discounted Sunglasses, we aim to make buying designer sunglasses online easy. Our extensive stock includes vintage and contemporary styles from the biggest brands around – including Ray-Ban, Gucci,Oakley and more.