Rewear your sustainable sunglasses this summer

If you’re looking for sustainable sunglasses this summer, you can’t make a better choice than going for a vintage or preloved sunglasses frame. These ethical, eco friendly frames are already in existance so no new prescious planetary resources are being used producing them, so there’s a much lower impact on the environment.

We’re talking how to protect your eyes in the sun, prescription sunglasses and repairing and rewearing your current sunnies to keep you cool in the shade..

rewear old sunglasses

‘The most sustainable item is the one you already own’

If you’ve scratched the lenses in your fave sunglasses or want to add in your new prescription we can reglaze them with 100% uv lenses for that all important al fresco ordering or garden reading.

Still loving an old glasses frame? Turn your old glasses into sunglasses and give them a new lease of life.

If your sunglasses frame is in need of repair, take a peep at our repair and restorations services, we can fix broken hinges, polish out whitening and scratching and replace parts like nosepads and end tips.

If you’ve got old sunglasses you’re rewearing or you’ve purchased vintage sunglasses with the original lenses and aren’t sure how old the lenses are, you need to make sure the UV protection is still intact.

The UV protection in old lenses can degrade over time and this can be worse than wearing no sunglasses at all. Wearing dark sunnies opens up the pupil, allowing more light in and if the UV protection isn’t there, you could be opening yourself up to more damage. It’s a simple check - you can take them to your local opticians and ask to have them UV tested or send them into us and we’ll do it for you.

summer sun protection

Sunglasses are the most essential accessory (we’re biased but still) they’re not only super stylish, but have the important task of protecting our eyes. The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 11am and 4pm from early April to late September in the UK and this is where the sun can really do some damage.

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light and UV radiation is linked to some serious eye conditions like photokeratitis (corneal sunburn) and research has found that 5-10% of skin cancers occur on the eyelid - ouch!

Protect your peepers by investing in quality sunglasses that filter out both UVA and UVB radiation. Over 90% of UV light can pass through even light cloud - so don't leave home without your sustainable sunnies. When you’re shopping for sunnies go for UV 400 protection, we fully refurbish all our sunglasses frames before adding in new modern optical grade 100% protection UV 400 lenses.

The bigger the frame, the better the coverage. Oversized or wraparound sunglasses block the most sun, especially when those rays are bouncing off pavements and pools.

custom colour tints

Freshen up your sunglasses with a new tint colour. It's not the colour of your lenses that matters, it's the percentage of UV protection that counts. So you can go for that dreamy pale tint as long as you go for 100% UV protection, although darker tints can offer more comfort and relaxed vision in bright sunlight, as they reduce the amount of light that enters the eye - this equates to less squinting ergo less wrinkles.

Talk to us about custom tinting and take a peep at our latest custom colour creations of brown-to-pink and brown-to-yellow ombres, sheer 70s vintage sepia tint washes, or talk to us about colour matching your favourite shirt.

prescription sunglasses

We can add in your prescription to any of our vintage or preloved glasses frames. Prescription sunglasses are available for all prescriptions including far sighted, near sighted and astigmatism, as well as multifocal (varifocal) lenses. We also offer mirror tinting, lens thinning and additional anti reflective lens treatments, or go for polarising to filter out even more glare and enrich true colour.

Any of our sunglasses frames (or frame only styles) can be fitted with prescription UV sunglasses lenses, they’re even good for contact lens wearers taking a break when eyes feel irritated during allergy season or at the beach.

sustainable style

Choosing sustainable sunglasses is about more the materials they’re made from, it’s also about getting the most longevity out of your sunnies by choosing the right style for you and looking after your eyewear with regular cleaning (with the cloth) and proper storage (in the case).

Go for classic styles that won’t date, timeless designs and easy to wear shapes. Styles you know suit your face shape, colourways that work with your wardrobe and palettes that suit your skin tone and you won’t go wrong.

Take a peep at our ready to wear sunnies or create and customise your own from our frame only range and lower your carbon footprint this summer without lifing a finger.

Jo

70s sunglasses style guide

Iconic 70s sunglasses styles and the shapes that made them famous. Everything in the 1970s was a statement piece, from the Farah Fawcett’s hair to the denim jumpsuit and the sunglasses were no exception. Here’s our take on sustainable 70s sunglasses styles to get that authentic seventies vibe…

The seventies were about making style statements in mother earth tones like harvest gold, burnt sienna and avocado (seen on both sunglasses and bathroom suites).

Amber and orange tinting was popular, seen on icons like John Lennon and graduated tinting was de jour; lenses dip dyed in tanks by hand (we still do it like this today) to produce a sumptous dark to light fade effect.

Actress Sophia Loren enjoyed showing a bit of eye and wore a washed, eye revealing sheer tint throughout the seventies with her oversized sunnies. Her love of sunglasses was so great she became the first celebrity to have her own eyewear brand. 

Mould breaking materials were being used and bold shapes were being used from influences like the Vietnam War, actors and activists.

Oversized 70s sunglasses

Superiszed 70s shades are having a moment. The bigger the better to make an authentic style statement, plus oversized sunglasses give the most protection from the sun, a happy bonus. Original 70s vintage oversized shades are not only the eco friendly choice - they’re the real deal. Perfect for those days when less is definitely not more.

70s aviator sunglasses

like the kind activist Gloria Steinem wore when she first championed female rights in the 70s. First invented by Bausch and Lomb for RayBan as sunglasses for pilots in the 1930s, aviator sunglasses are so classic that they resurface every decade, but were beloved in the 1970s in both acetate and metal, square and teardrop. We just can’t underplay our love affair with the double bridge and those iconic rock’n’roll lines.

70S BUTTERFLY

The 70s butterfly is feminine and easy to wear shape inspired by the symetry of the butterfly. Metal or acetate, create the perfect 1970s aesthetic and get your boho on with a pair of butterfly sunglasses. Based on the wings of a butterfly, these sunglasses have all the extra vintage design details to make your style stand out from the crowd.

70s SQUARE sunglasses

70s squares are easy to wear, possibly the perfect retro accessory, oversized square frames are the shape of the moment and we can’t get enough of them. The oversize angles give us that superstar look with a laid back 1970s feel. Bold and beautiful and instantly recognizable as sunglasses from this era.

THE DROP SIDE

The devils in the detail and they were big on adding details to sunglasses in the 70s when they invented the drop side. Sitting lower down the frame, usually accompanied by the most intricate designs, makes the vintage pieces more like works of art. If you’re after something extra special go for a pair with drop sides.

During the 70s sunglasses transitioned from being functional, with the sole purpose of sun protection, to fashion accessories that expressed your personal style.

The styles and shapes of the seventies were so good, moden makers are manufacturing them to this day, but there’s nothing like owning and wearing an authentic vintage 70s piece - take a peep at our 70s sustainable sunglasses collection…

peace out

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

Top Gun and our aviator sunglassess obsession

Aviator sunglasses are back, well for us they never really left, with the release of Top Gun: Maverick this month, so don’t lose that loving feeling and fall in love with vintage aviator sunglasses all over again.

a little Aviator sunglasses history

During World War II the military procured glasses for pilots that enhanced vision and reduced glare at altitude. There’s some debate about who was first to design aviator sunglasses. American Optical (AO) supplied essential goggles to US military pilots. 

The US Army Air Corps enlisted another eyewear master Bausch & Lomb who developed the iconic Ray-Ban Aviator in the 1930s. They hit the mainstream in 1950s and then had a surge of popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with the release of Top Gun.

Top Gun 2 Maverick

It was 1986 when Top Gun was released and we all fell a little bit in love with Tom Cruise as Maverick (not to mention Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis) but it was really the gold aviator sunglasses he wore that stole the show (along with the shirtless beach volleyball).

So now Maverick’s back and if you’re after an action packed adrenaline rush, aerial scenes and songs by Lady Gaga, this could be one of your movies of the summer.

why we love aviator sunglasses

Not just for pilots we love aviator sunglasses as it’s such a classic timeless look that will never date. Freshen things up and wear them as your glasses frame. Choose from 70s square acetate aviators or the iconic 80s metal pilot teardrop style.

Adored by celebrities like Al Pacino in Scarface, Robert De Niro, in the 1976 film Taxi Driver and feminist Gloria Steinem in her 70s aviators.

Take a peep at our curated collection of vintage aviator sunglasses, add in your prescription or change up the tint colour and make like a maverick this summer.

I’m off to book my movie seats.. you?

Jo

Deirdre Barlow glasses legacy

Coronation street’s spectacle style icon Deirdre Barlow and her glasses collection is a bit legendary. Oversized glasses and eighties style pattern and crystal frames are having a moment and we’re not sorry.

Actress Anne Kirkbride, best known for playing the role of Deirdre Barlow in the cobbles from 1972 to 2014, is sadly no longer with us, but her iconic oversize glasses style lives on.

Her love triangle, Deirdre’s tonal 70s glasses and vintage jumper combo really working for her here, pictured with Ken and Mike.

These oversize 1980s Deirdre Barlow glasses frames, with colour pops of piped enamel on a clear crystal base are giving us good vibes.

Even behind bars Deirdre gave good glasses. Delivered in the form of eighties and early nineties oversize owl glasses in fun two tone pearlescent prints.

Dior’s more recent campaign with their inadvertent homage to Deirdre or ‘Diordre’.

Deirdre Barlow we thank you for all your good glasses work over the decades - your legacy lives on.

Take a peep at our vintage Deirdre glasses frames and get your Deirdre on..

Jo

Pair your eyewear with vintage jewellery

If there’s one thing we love more than eyewear, it’s vintage jewellery and the two make perfect partners. Team your eyewear with authentic vintage and preloved jewellery - we’ve teamed up with jewellery experts William May Jewellers to get their take on the hottest retro jewellery styles to wear with your vintage frames.

Aviators, squares and hoops

For an authentic 70s luxe look (think BBC’s The Serpent), pair your oversized Aviators with classic gold hoops. Oversized thin hoops or smaller creole hoop earrings both work well with aviators and other 70s large wire and acetate frames.

gold creole and skinny hoops from William May

Oversized 80s frames with big bold jewellery

If you want to channel the Lady Gaga’s look from House of Gucci (and frankly who wouldn’t) go with oversized round or square glasses from the late 70s and 80s, team them up with chunky yellow gold jewels.

Big bold chains are having a moment, are oh so retro and are best-sellers at William May, from classic yellow gold, to chains set with sparkling crystals.

chunky gold chains from William May

And to complete the full on House of Gucci look, go for big yellow gold bracelets, dress rings and chunky gold earrings.

vintage gold selection from William May

I’m currently obsessing over gold jewellery and I’d be happy waking up to any of these in my stocking on Christmas morning.. or you could just treat yourself.

Jo

The Serpent sunglasses - seventies styling at its best

lucas-ricardo-ignacio

We’re more than a little obsessed with the BBC’s latest drama, The Serpent, set in 1970s Bangkok, where notorious French criminal Charles Sobhraj targeted tourists on the Asian hippie trail posing as a gem dealer. We’ve created a mini collection in homage to The Serpent - original 70s sunglasses for your viewing pleasure.

Seventies sunglasses steal virtually every scene throughout the series, although the rest of the styling is equally en flique - kudos to the BBC style team. Tahar Rahim and Jenna Coleman knock it out of the park with their roles as Alain and Monique.

Square shapes, oversized frames and aviators with washed out sepia and graduated tints showing off the eyes were huge in the 70s. Headscarfs, halternecks and woven bags - team with your seventies sunnies and you won’t go wrong for that authentic 70s aesthetic.

The seventies were all about making style statements and showing your personality in palettes of earthy tones with yellow and graduated tints - take a peep at our brand new Serpent Collection

You’re welcome.

Jo

80s glasses - bring the bling

We’re more than a little in love with vintage 80s glasses and couldn’t be happier they’re having a moment. For good reason too.. 80s glasses frames paved the way for current styles and contemporary shapes.

Oversized frames were big in the 1980s with their bold style, colours and silhouettes and bolder still styles emerged throughout the decade in the form of funky shapes and materials - we dare you not to fall in love.

Electric Dreams

The perfect 80s glasses of electric dreams… jewel colours, neons, funky details and exagerated silhouettes. Not for the fainthearted, think Prince and Demi Moore in 80s cult classic St Elmo’s Fire.

Gold 80s glasses

Consumerism was at its peak in the 1980s and flaunting your bling was obligatory. Gold glasses are decadent, flattering and timeless - and like humans, they only get better with age.

80s colour pop

Found more abundantly in the oversized 80s round glasses frames, but brights, clashing patterns and bold palettes can find there way onto any 1980s glasses frame. Fun, fabulous spirit lifting design.

80s rap

In the 1980s, the golden age of hip hop, 80s rap was making its mark thanks to talent like Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash and Mary J Blige who all sported cooler than cool glasses and sunglasses at the height of their fame. Like Cazal, German made 80s iconic pieces beloved by the music industry - get famous.

80s power dresser

Power suits, power lunch, power dresser - the 80s were all about getting down to business. Channeling Melanie Griffith in Working Girl and working it office style, oversized glasses complimented oversized powersuits with obligatory shoulder pads (always a smile when I remove these from an 80s vintage shirt). The 80s were about making it big.

Glasses Chains

Whimsy chain photographed for No Reply Magazine

Not just for secretaries and rappers - chains were big in the 80s and they’re back with a vengeance. 80s chains can be chunky and oversized or delicate and detailed, but lots of gold and bling is mandetory. We love glasses chains - they’re beautiful, practical and your glasses are always where you left them. Check out our latest vintage glasses chains and make like the 80s.

Another beloved era in eyewear history - take a peep at our original 80s vintage glasses and help yourself to the best of the eighties.

Jo