Good sunglasses under €30: what to look for?

A good pair of sunglasses for under €30 does exist, if you look out for five things: UV400 lenses, filter category 3 for bright light, a CE mark, hinges that remain tight after weeks of use, and a frame that doesn't pinch all day long. The price tells you very little; the specifications do.

Why are designer sunglasses so expensive?

A large part of the price goes towards the brand name, licensing, retail stores, and advertising. The protection provided by the lenses does not depend on this: UV400 is UV400, regardless of the logo on the temple.

What are the differences with cheap sunglasses?

• Lenses: if they lack UV400 protection, dark lenses are actually worse than wearing no sunglasses at all.
• Hinges: the first part to give way. If they are already wobbly in the store, they won't get any better.
• Fit: you'll leave a pair of sunglasses that pinch lying around.
• Finish: you only notice sharp edges or seams along the frame when wearing them every day.

How can you test sunglasses yourself?

Wear them for an entire afternoon. Bend over to see if they stay on. Open and close the temples ten times. Look through the lens at a straight line; if it appears bent, the lens is not true.

How does Shadeclub do it?

Exactly like that, but for weeks at a time. Dirk and Nick first wear each model themselves in the car, on holiday, and at festivals. Only after it survives that does it make it into the assortment. All sunglasses cost between €19.95 and €29.95, have UV400 lenses, and come with a flat vegan leather case.

Want to know which model suits you? Take the style quiz.