It’s a question we hear all the time: "Are expensive sunglasses really better than cheap ones?" With high-street styles starting at £10 and designer pairs running into the hundreds, the price gap can be massive—but does it reflect a real difference in quality?
At Faded Days, we specialise in wide-fit sunglasses that actually fit—without the designer price tag. So we know exactly where premium eyewear matters, and where marketing hype takes over. In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between cheap and expensive sunglasses, what you’re really paying for, and how to find the best value—especially if you’ve got a larger head.
Cheap Sunglasses vs Expensive: What’s the Real Difference?
Let’s get one thing out of the way: expensive doesn’t always mean better. But ultra-cheap sunglasses often cut corners that can impact both performance and comfort.
Here’s a breakdown of how they compare
| Feature | Cheap Sunglasses | Expensive Sunglasses | Faded Days Sunglasses |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV Protection | Often unverified | Usually UV400 | Always UV400 certified |
| Polarisation | Rare or fake | Common | All lenses polarised |
| Fit & Comfort | One-size-fits-most | More options | Designed for big heads |
| Lens Quality | Prone to distortion | High clarity | Crisp, clear vision |
| Durability | Break easily | Mixed | Tough but lightweight |
| Price | £5–£30 | £100+ | £50-£75 |
Are More Expensive Sunglasses Better for Your Eyes?
Only if they provide proper UV protection. Unfortunately, some cheap sunglasses darken your vision without blocking harmful rays—which can actually be worse for your eyes than wearing no sunglasses at all.
Why? Because darker lenses cause your pupils to dilate, letting in more UV light. If there’s no UV400 protection, you’re exposing your eyes to extra damage.
Expensive brands almost always include UV protection—but so do we. At Faded Days, every pair of sunglasses is UV400 certified to block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Cheap Polarized Sunglasses vs Expensive Ones
Polarised lenses reduce glare by filtering horizontal light—ideal for driving, water, and snow.
Cheap polarised sunglasses:
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May not be truly polarised
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Often have poor lens clarity
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Can cause distortion or rainbow effects
Expensive polarised lenses:
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Usually high quality, with clear optics
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Often scratch-resistant and impact tested
At Faded Days, we use true polarised lenses with excellent clarity and UV400 protection, giving you premium lens performance at a fraction of the designer price.
What Are You Paying For With Designer Sunglasses?
When you buy £200+ sunglasses, you’re often paying for:
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A fashion label or logo
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Designer markups (often 8–10x production cost)
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Packaging and luxury retail experience
You’re not necessarily paying for better UV protection, comfort, or fit—especially if you have a wide face. Most designer brands only offer one standard frame size, which rarely fits larger heads properly.
At Faded Days, you’re paying for:
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Fit-first design (three widths: 145mm, 155mm, 165mm)
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UV400 polarised lenses in every pair
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Durability and comfort that rivals high-end brands
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Fast, free UK shipping—with no luxury markup
What is the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Sunglasses? (Reddit Gets This One Right)
Sunglass threads on Reddit often get straight to the point:
"If they’re UV400 and polarised, price doesn’t matter. It’s all about build quality and fit."
We couldn’t agree more.
Whether it’s £15 from a market stall or £250 from a boutique, sunglasses need to do one thing well: protect your eyes and stay comfortable on your face. Everything else is style and marketing.
The problem? Most brands don’t make sunglasses for people with big heads. That’s why even expensive shades can feel like a vice.
Why We Made Faded Days: Designer-Level Quality Without the Designer Price
Our founder built Faded Days because he was tired of sunglasses that looked good—but felt awful. After years of stretching standard frames and dealing with headaches, we decided to fix the problem from the ground up.
We offer:
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Premium polarised lenses with full UV protection
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Frames built for wide faces, not just standard sizes
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Honest pricing—no middlemen, no markup
And the best part? We back it up with hundreds of 5-star reviews from customers who finally found sunglasses that actually fit.
Final Thoughts: Should You Spend More on Sunglasses?
Yes—but only if you’re getting real value. Skip overpriced designer frames and ultra-cheap knockoffs. Instead, look for:
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Certified UV400 protection
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True polarised lenses
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Durable, comfortable frames
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A fit that matches your face—especially if you need wide sunglasses
That’s where Faded Days delivers.
Premium performance, perfect fit, and all-day comfort—without the designer price tag.
👉 Explore our sunglasses for big heads or take the fitting guide to find your size in 60 seconds.
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Repairing Scratches on Polarized Sunglasses for Wide Faces