How to clean your glasses

Keep your glasses in tip top condition by keeping them clean. They’ll naturally last longer and they won’t need replacing as often, which will make them even more sustainable - here's our top tips to taking care of your eyewear..

shape up

Get your glasses in shape - did you know there’s a right and a wrong way to remove your frames? Whipping them off one handed and wearing them as a handband will result in stretching and before you know it you’re out of shape.

Like many other things in life - it’s better if you use both hands. If you’re guilty of this, head down to your local Opticians and ask for them to be adjusted and reshaped or send them into us.

Keep them in your case - it's their natural habitat and not only keeps dust and dirt away, prevents bending and breakages. Stow in the glove box on a summers day - don't leave them on your dashboard - they just can't take the heat. And always place your precious eyewear lens up - otherwise you’re just asking for trouble.

how to clean your glasses

Cleaning in the wrong way with the wrong tools can damage your lenses and frames, so we’re answering your questions on how to clean and care for your glasses...

What do i clean my glasses with

Clothing is made up of fibres and can contain particles of dirt, both of which can scratch your lenses. Drying glasses lenses with paper towels, tissues, napkins or the end of your top is a big NO NO.

A scratch resistant coating will give you some protection, but even that can’t save you from yourself. Unlike frames, scratching to lenses can’t safely be polished out without danger of removing coatings and they will need to be replaced.

The only thing that’s qualified for cleaning is your glasses cleaning cloth. If you can’t put your hands on your optical cloth, you can come to us and purchase another – ours are upcycled from recycled plastic bottles.

Optical cleaning cloths are also ace at cleaning mobile phones too and you can pop your cloth in the wash at 30° to keep it fresh.

how often should I clean my glasses

Keep your frames and lenses in good condition with regular cleaning.

We recommend a daily lens clean with your optical cloth and at least a monthly deep clean of both frame and lenses.

Upgrade your routine to a weekly deep cleaning regime if you’re prone to perspiring, wear make-up daily or have an oily skin type. This will remove the build up of oils, make-up and grime, keeping both your glasses and your skin tip top.

How should i clean my glasses

The best way to clean your glasses is with simple luke warm soapy water and a soft cloth. If you live in a hard water area like we do, use filtered or distilled water instead of tap and use a mild natural soap - avoid detergent, scented soaps or ones containing dyes and alcohol based solutions as they can damage lenses.

You can use a soft bristled toothbrush to get in and around detailing and motifs, but take care not to use on your lenses.

Adding a bit of the hand soap onto your fingers work it onto the lenses in a circular motion to remove the build up of dirt, dust and oils.

After rinsing, dry your frame thoroughly with a smooth, clean, lint-free cloth like the one you get from us.

Lens cleaners can work well, but you need to make sure they're suitable for coated lenses and they generally come in a plastic bottle so the best choice for planet and pocket is good ole soap and water.

Be sure to avoid harsh chemical cleaners on your frames or lenses to avoid damage and keep them in pristine condition.

what if i’ve scratched my glasses

If you’ve committed one of the spectacle sins and your glasses suffer some scratching or damage don't panic, we’ve got all the solutions with our refurbishing and restoration services…

peep polish

Our polishing service for plastic (acetate and optyl) frames, cleanses and removes scratches and restore lustre for frames in need a of some tlc.

We dismantle and clean in our ultra sonic cleaner ‘Bubbles’, before taking a turn on our buffer where they’re lovingly polished, then they’ll be oiled, re-assembled, heat treated and adjusted, becoming reborn and restored to former glory.

glasses reglaze

If you’ve been cleaning them on your clothes or storing them naked in your handbag and your lenses have sustained some scratching, our reglazing service is for you.

We can replace the lenses in any frame, vintage or modern, prescription or sunglasses.

If your glasses have sustained serious trauma take a peep at our Repair Services. We can repair and restore most things but if they’re beyond help check out our range of sustainable, planet friendly vintage and preloved glasses and sunglasses.

For more info, take a peep at our article on what to do with your old glasses.

Just remember to keep it clean!

Jo

Spring pastels crystal clear glasses

Nothing says spring like pastels - they’re classic for a reason. With the change of season the flowers are blooming and their delicate colour palettes are reflected in this seasons preloved and vintage crystal clear transparent glasses frames. Light reflecting and fresh looking translucent frames work with our change of wardrobe for a lighter spring look.

Clear glasses are pretty easy to wear, suiting most face shapes and skin tones, so whether you go for completely see through or a hint of colour or print here’s our guide to clear transparent glasses..

a drop of dreamy pastel pink in these original vintage deadstock frames with generous current square shaping, 80s vintage glasses frames by Aspect in dusky rose crystal acetate with super skinny sides.

a floral edition, perfect for springtime with leaf and flower pattern on a crystal clear transluscent glasses frame.

Possibly the perfect pastel in these original vintage frames by Norville. Made in Britain, softened square shaping in peach and clear crystal ombre will go with everything.

retro styling in this transparent preloved glasses frame. Vintage style round panto shaping in grey crystal acetate with pins give you a little extra detailing but in a light and fresh colourway.

go anywhere in these easy to wear translucent frames from Ray-Ban, model 7176. Rectangular shaping in baby blue crystal acetate - fresh for days.

fresh and clean with a hint of playfullness in these sustainable preloved glasses frames from Iolla model Paterson Lilac. Modern shaping with upswept temples in lilac crystal translucent acetate just add sunshine.

a clear nude style with a hint of detail is a modern take on a classic style.  Modern exaggerated cateye shaping with gorgeous mink crystal acetate with tonal shell effect design detail.

We’ll be adding more clear transparent glasses frame to the store or if you’re looking for a particular colour just

get in touch.

Daisy Jones & The Six Boho Sunglasses Edit

If you’ve had your peepers glued to Daisy Jones & The Six like we have, you can’t have missed the array of 70s glasses and sunglasses stealing the show, along with seventies florals, fringing and flares to the clogs and crochet.. oh and the music’s pretty ace too.

Take your cue from Daisy and The Six and rock culture and take a peep at our boho vintage eyewear edit..

rock n roll aviators

Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne’s classic aviators - coz let’s face it everybody looks a little bit more rock‘n’roll in an aviator.

70s oversized

Oversized glasses and sunglasses are never out of style. Seventies sunnies are perfect for leaving gigs in the early hours, blocking both the sun and those pesky paps. These babies aren’t going anywhere - turn any of our vintage glasses into sunglasses.

butterfly revival

The butterfly is a really beautifull and easy to wear shape. Metal or acetate, glasses or sunnies create an elegant boho silhouette.

Gold square aviators

Gold square aviators sported by Rod Reyes and Eddie Roundtree in the Daisy & The Six, give a cooler than cool seventies style.

Round frames

Whether its rock‘n’roll John lennon style round metal sunglasses as rocked by Warren, or soft round acetate in mother earth tones - both are perfect for aspiring rockstars.

If your perfect pair is showing as sold out, check out our Personal Shopper Service as we’ll probably have something similar in the studio we can make up for you. We can turn any of our vintage glasses frames into boho sunglasses.

Find your perfect pair and add a graduated tint for that authentic look (add prescription if you wear it).

So book that guitar lesson then shop the store for Daisy Jones & The Six original vintage frames.

Peace out

Jo

Shopping secondhand glasses and sunglasses

It’s Secondhand September so there’s never been a better time to shop secondhand - planet and pocket friendly, it’s not just for clothing, second hand glasses and sunglasses are a sustainable investment in both your wardrobe and our planet.

second hand september

Oxfam started Secondhand September to shine a light on preloved where people pledge to shop only secondhand for the month, usually associated with Fashion Week, urging them to shop style over trends.

In contrast to thrifting through charity and musty vintage rails (which I’m still a sucker for), Preloved fashion (and homeware) has evolved to chic new levels from designer pieces, deadstock vintage, professional restoration and highly curated stock through the likes of independent Instagram vintage stores, eBay, Vinted and Depop.

In hopping off the trend cycle you can develop your personal style, reducing overconsumption and investing in what suits you; rewearing and repairing for years to come.

Overproduction in glasses, just as clothing, alongside a dollop of dubious 2 for 1 marketing (though we do recommend a spare pair) has resulted in frames floating around the country - mainly ending up in landfill. Unless frames are repurposed by a charity or preloved organisation and thats where we come in..

All secondhand frames donated to us are either restored and resold, benefiting our charity partners, reused through Lions Club across the globe for eye charities, utilised for repairs or if we really can’t find a use and they’re beyond repair, broken down into individual components and fully recycled.

We give a £10 voucher towards a new frame with donations, so if you have second hand frames hanging around head here to donate and recycle your glasses.

Vintage glasses

Shopping secondhand is easy with our vintage glasses range, either glasses frames are restored back to former glory or choose from deadstock vintage frames that have never been worn (New Old Stock).

One of a kind pieces, when they’re gone they’re gone, there’s nothing mundane about these babies. Made in bygone days, produced in smaller batches, low waste and often handmade. You can pick up on current trends with an original piece from the era of origin.

If you’re looking to source a secondhand glasses frame from a vintage seller, look for a solid well made frame, made by a reputable eyewear manufacturer like Oliver Goldsmith, Silhouette, Persol, Anglo American, Rodenstock or best of all a made in England stamp. We can restore these to former glory with our restoration services reworking broken hinges, replacing broken parts and updating with fresh new lenses and prescriptions.

Preloved designer glasses and sunglasses

Our preloved designer glasses frames are fully restored and brought back to life or choose from our never worn deadstock designer frames. It’s amazing how some of our preloved frames need very little work - they’re lightly worn and well looked after, but this is often a result of customers being encouraged to overconsume and buy new with every prescription update.

The joy of choosing secondhand designer glasses is they become much more affordable. You enjoy a premium quality piece from your favourite designer and know you’re doing your bit to save the planet at the same time.

How to take part in Secondhand September

Take the Oxfam pledge and find out more about the problems with throwaway fashion at Fashion Revolution.

You don’t have to shop to take part - why not host a clothes swap with friends.

Do a wardrobe edit and mix things up so you fall back in love with what you already own.

Repair and rewear - get to that mending pile and if your eyewear needs some tlc check out our restoration services.

Happy Secondhand September!

Jo

eco friendly sunglasses for summer

Few things are as important than a good pair of sunglasses, not only a style statement but an essential piece of holiday kit. But if you’re worried about climate change and want to make an eco friendly sunglasses choice this summer, you can’t do better than going for a vintage or preloved sustainable sunglasses frame.

These ethical, planet friendly frames already exist so no new resources or energy have gone into producing them and so they have a much lower impact on the environment. If you want to make a conscious choice this summer this is the way to go..

sustainable sunglasses

We know how important it is to protect your eyes from the sun rays while you’re chillin by the pool, so make sure your sunglasses offer 100% UV protection. While it may be tempting to buy cheap replicas of designer sunglasses, fake sunnies are not the way to go as they may not offer you the same eye protection. Quality sunglasses frames and lenses meet strict safety standards ensuring they block UV light from reaching the eyes.

Vintage and designer sunglasses are better built, so it’s worth investing in a well made sunglasses frame that will last you longer and stand the test of time. They offer much better value in the long run as you’ll get more cost per wear and quality sunglasses can also be repaired and restored. Poorly made sunglasses frames are likely to break after a few wears and are only destined for landfill.

Vintage and preloved sunglasses

Whether you choose one-of-a-kind vintage or planet friendly preloved sunnies, you’ve made a truly sustainable sunglasses choice. No new resources are used when you shop second hand sunglasses, they’re ethically produced, can often be handmade and they’re a low or no waste option.

Unlike the traditional production process of regular sunglasses which involves huge amounts of plastic waste and unsustainable manufacturing processes, vintage frames were made with very little or no production waste at all.

If you own a pair of vintage sunglasses with original lenses its always worth getting the UV levels checked to ensure they haven’t degraded and the UV protection is still in place. It’s a quick check at the opticians or we can do it for you and if the lenses aren’t offering you the protection, we can replace old lenses with new 100% UV protected ones to prolong the life of your sunglasses.

sunglasses repairs

If your sunglasses have suffererd a little wear and are in need a some tlc you can prolong the life of your sunglasses with our repairs and restoration services. We can repair hinges and replace nosepads and tips along with more complex repairs.

Our polishing service removes scratches and restores lustre to frames before a deep cleansing in our ultra sonic cleaner. Nearly new to rewear for another summer in the sunshine.

Driving in sunglasses

Not wearing sunglasses could now see drivers on the wrong side of the law as glare from the sun can adversely affect your perception of the road. Failing to take preventative measures like wearing sunglasses or lowering the sun visor could see you with a hefty fine and nine points on your licence.. eek.

Sun glare is tricky to drive with, unexpected bursts of light from behind a cloud can really harm our ability to see, while rainfall can reflect sunlight off puddles, consider a pair of polarised sunglasses which protect against glare and halos from reflected rays and be prepared by keeping a spare pair of sunnies in the car - just don’t leave them on the dash.

Take a peep at our eco friendly sunglasses and if you can't find what you're looking for check out our frame only range and turn them into the sustainable sunglasses of your dreams..

Bring on the sun!

Jo

Second Hand September

Cotton Bro

We’re big on sustainable second hand shopping here at Peep, not only because you can find unique pieces from different decades, but because it greatly reduces our impact on the planet.

The textile industry alone accounts for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is a big contributor to the climate emergency. But we can take action by taking part in Oxfam’s Second Hand September Challange to buy nothing new and shop only second hand for the month of September… and beyond.

what is second hand september?

Oxfam

Fast fashion is damaging our planet. The excess waste from this throwaway lifestyle is putting pressure on the environment. People living in the poorest countries are suffering the most yet have done the least to cause it. Shopping and donating with Oxfam helps to raise vital funds to help families tackle the crisis in their communities.

Although Oxfam don’t believe the responsibility to fix the problem lies with us shoppers (agreed) – Second Hand September and slow living is a way of individually doing our bit to make our lives more sustainable.

Check out Oxfam’s pop up shop in London Selfridges full of incredible second hand pieces selected by their thrift expert Bay Garnett. When you donate clothes to Oxfam nothing goes to landfill and now you can donate them by post. Order your free donation bag from Oxfam or donate in-store.

Search #SecondHandSeptember on Instagram to find loads of inspiration and tag @OxfamGB

why shop second hand

Cotton Bro

It’s sustainable

You’re extending the life of clothes, because when you buy a used item you are saving all the resources it took to make that item. It takes 2,700 litres of water to make one new cotton t-shirt compared to a second hand tee from a charity shop which uses none. The same applies for eyewear and homewares - it’s a step towards a circular economy where everything is reused, repaired, and recycled.

More choice, unique pieces

There are so many great wardrobe staples you can find alongside unique gems you can uncover from different eras, from 90s power suits to 70s coats, the trend cycle means that the previous decades are regularly back in fashion. You can find designer items at an affordable price and styles that are no longer being produced. We love that you can express your individuality more with preloved fashion and homewares, find your own style and what truly suits, instead of being dictated by trends.

Keeping clothes out of landfill

13 million items of used clothing ends up in UK landfill every week. When you shop secondhand fashion or homeware, you’re keeping these items out of landfill and back in circulation while reducing the demand for fast fashion and fast homeware.

Secondhand goods are better quality

Vintage items were made to last. Older items are often better made, sometimes handmade from better materials, from a time when quality was prized over quantity. That’s why the vintage market is thriving with so many amazing sellers curating beautful pieces from the 60s, 70s and 80s all in exquisite condition.

If you buy something second hand but decide you no longer want it you can sell it on or donate and keep the cycle going.

Giving back

Shopping and donating with Oxfam, and other charities, helps to raise money for people who are suffering the effects of the climate emergency right now. You could help fund a solar-powered pump that brings water up from underground during dry season, or provide farmers with drought-resistant seeds. When you shop second hand you’re giving back to a charity or small sustainable business instead helping of big boys get bigger.

How to shop second hand

Shopping second hand has never been easier with shops like eBay, Vinted, and DePop you can buy secondhand from the comfort of your sofa. Instagram is a mecca for beautifully curated vintage and preloved fashion and homewares, where sellers do the hard work for you handpicking quality and stand out pieces.

Or if you want to get hands on, there are still charity shops on the high street and their doors are open, if you can’t try items on in a changing room, you can often exchange and return. There’s also the pleasure of thrifting through local fleamarkets, antique shows and car boot sales - it’s addictive.

Here’s our tip tips to shopping second hand..

Know what’s in your wardrobe - knowing what you’ve already got to work with, any pieces that you purchase will save you from repeats.

Go with a shopping list - pieces that you’re missing from your wardorbe that you actually need, will save you from indulging in retail therapy. Charity shops are great for staples like mens tailoring and knitwear.

Know yourself - what styles and shapes suit, colour palettes that work for you and fit in with what’s in your wardrobe.

Know your measurements - vintage clothing comes up smaller than modern sizing so take your measurements before shopping, such as bust, waist and hips.

Give it a good once over - if it’s virtual read the condition report and check the pieces for stains and damage. You can always ask for more information. Old fashioned labels and zips will give you a clue to the pieces age.

Look at what it’s made of - try to source mostly natural fibers like cotton, silk, linen, and wool as they’re more breathable and planet friendly to wash and stay away from anything that needs dry cleaning.

When you shop second hand or vintage, buy only what you need or love, that way you’ll always be shopping sustainably.

Take a peep at our range preloved and vintage second hand frames.

Jo

Spring summer eyewear styles - what we're wearing

Maksim Goncharenok

Right now we’re loving 70s style for spring summer, along with oversized sunglasses. Lighter fresher colour palettes, florals and crystal clear glasses frames are giving us spring vibes. Uplifting colour palettes from pretty pastel tints to 70s sheer sepia washes and our latest spring custom colour tint creations. Here’s what we’re wearing right now..

70s style

Bohemian styles in natural earth tones like amber, orange, sepia and avocado will give you that orginal 70s style. We can’t get enough of seventies sunglasses right now - think The Serpent vibes and see our Serpent Sunglasses Collection. Graduated lenses rose to fame in the 70s giving us sunglasses with hand dip-dyed lenses in a tint that graduates lighter from top to bottom.

Oversized sunglasses

Go big or go home - you really can’t go wrong with an oversized frame. Oversized sunglasses are perfect for protecting your peepers giving the most sun protection as their sheer size blocks the most sun. They’re also just the job for both making a statement and shielding garden party fatigue.

the aviator sunglasses

We can’t get enough of the aviator sunglasses - classic for a reason, we love a 70s or 80s aviator for an easy to wear, effortless, relaxed vibe. Throw on a pair of 70s pilot sunglasses and up the ante for summer.

gold glasses

Elegant fine rimmed gold glasses frames are our go to for chic day to night dressing. Geometric and square shapes are timeless in gold, but the classic round shapes also team with everything and never goes out of style.

fauna and flora

Nothing says spring summer like botanical and floral designs in your accessories. It’s nice to have a lighter pair of glasses to coordinate with our lighter toned spring summer palettes in our wardbrobes, hair and make up.

Crystal Clear frames

80s vintage pale pink crystal

Cystal clear glasses frames are so chic right now. Pure transparent acetate or soft pretty pastel shades, delicately etched or lined with lace, these 80s style frames are flattering and face framing perfection - we can’t get enough of this contemporary and chic glasses style.

the cateye sunglasses

Elle 90s angular cateye sunglasses

Classic and chic the cateye will always be a go-to. The modern take is more angular for a modern twist and a sharper look, and we’re seeing more skinny cateye designs - easy to wear feminne feline shapes that don’t date.

block that sun in style via Maksim Goncharenok

All of our spring summer sunglasses and glasses frames are available for customing with prescription, blue light blockers or custom sunglasses tints to make them your own.

Jo

How to care for your glasses + make them last longer

Glasses and sunglasses can last a lifetime if looked after - so treat those babies well. Grow your collection and keep your glasses lasting longer with some tender loving care. The most sustainable items are the ones we already own, so here's our tips on how to care for your eyewear...

Store in a case

Keep them in the case, it's their natural habitat (after your face) and not only keeps dust and dirt away, it prevents bending and breakages. A hard case is great for travelling or storage and soft pouches are great for beach days and picnics. Stow in the glove box on a summers day - don't leave them on your dashboard - they just can't take the heat.

the right way to wear glasses

Whipping frames off with one hand or sporting as a headband (guilty) will result in stretched hinges and your glasses becoming out of shape. If you’re taking your glasses on and off why not opt for a glasses chain and store safely about your person.

Your body naturally changes over time (also hello lockdown gains), so the shape of your frames may need adjusting from time to time to accommodate these changes.

Equally if frames are slipping from your face it’s time for an adjustment to the bend behind your ears - this is done by heat treating and manipulating the frame until it’s fits your head perfectly. Head to your local Opticians and ask for them to be adjusted or chat to us about getting back into shape.

Got a screw loose?

Your glasses go on and off your face many times over their lifetime, causing the screws to loosen over time. It’s worth investing in a glasses repair kit or mini screwdriver to carry out some simple glasses care and keep your sides secure. Cup the frame in your hand and gently tighten, being careful not to overtighten the screws. Tighten in tiny increments - small movements can make a big difference.

Cleaning your glasses

Wiping your glasses lenses with paper towels, napkins or the end of your top is a big no no. Fibres and particles of dirt can scratch your lenses and, unlike glasses frames, scratched lenses can’t be polished and will need replacing.

Regular weekly cleaning of your glasses will keep them sparkly clean and the best way to clean your glasses is with simple warm soapy water and a soft cloth. If you live in a hard water area like me, use filtered or distilled water instead of tap and use a mild soap - avoid detergent, scented soaps or ones containing dyes as they can damage lenses.

After rinsing, gently dry your frame with a smooth, clean, lint-free cloth like the one you get from us (they can be popped in the wash at 30 to freshen). If you can’t put your hands on your optical cloth, you can purchase another – ours are upcycled from recycled plastic bottles.

Take a peep at our article on how to clean your glasses the right way

Restoration services

If your lenses sustain some trauma or just natural wear and tear over time, take a look at our restoration services to bring them back to life and make them last longer..

Glasses Repairs

If your eyewear’s in need of a little tlc, you’ve come to the right place. Be sustainable and prolong the life of your glasses with our repairs services.

We now offer hinge repairs, replacement nosepads and tips, and if it’s something a little more complex like vintage pinned hinges, just get in touch and we can chat intricate repairs.

PEEP POLISH

Our polishing service for plastic (acetate and optyl) frames, cleanses and removes scratches while restoring lustre for frames that have lost their mojo.

We dismantle and cleanse in our ultra sonic cleaner ‘Bubbles’, before taking a turn on our buffer where they’re lovingly polished, before being oiled, re-assembled, heat treated and adjusted, becoming reborn and restored to former glory.

GLASSES REGLAZE

If your lenses are scratched, damaged or have completely broken, our reglazing service is for you.

We can replace the lenses in any frame, vintage or modern, prescription or sunglasses.

If your glasses have sustained serious trauma and there’s no going back, recycle them with us and check out our range of sustainable, planet friendly vintage glasses and sunglasses.

The more tlc we show our eyewear, the longer they will last us. Keeping glasses in action and out of landfill we can do our bit to stay planet friendly.

Jo