If you love retro sunglass styles like cat eye sunglasses, retro wayfarer sunglasses, retro aviator sunglasses, retro shield sunglasses, or retro round sunglasses, you have a choice to buy true retro sunglasses or new retro-inspired sunglasses. How is one to make such a decision?
Commodity vs. Availability
Having a pair of true retro sunglasses means that your sunglasses are old. This is considered a commodity to many because your sunglasses will be unique. You may have to hunt around to find a pair of retro sunglasses. Thrift shops, antique stores, and online vendors are a good place to start. Retro style sunglasses, on the other hand, are new sunglasses that look like they could be old. There are many retro styles that look very similar to old sunglasses, but these are easily purchased because they are made in mass quantities.
Expensive vs. Inexpensive
A pair of old retro sunglasses will cost you a pretty penny, unless you are lucky enough to stumble across them at a thrift store. A pair of highly collectible retro Ray Ban sunglasses could cost you hundreds of dollars. Retro style sunglasses can be bought inexpensively for less than $20.
Size
Just as clothing sizes used to be smaller, sunglasses used to be smaller as well because lenses used to be heavier. If you’re small-faced, this might not make a difference. However, it is recommended to try on retro sunglasses before purchasing because they might fit too tightly. Retro style sunglasses will fit just as modern sunglasses usually do.
UV protection
Old sunglasses do not have UV protection, but many pairs of retro sunglasses have received replacement lenses. If you are unsure if your retro sunglasses have UV protection, have them checked by an optometrist. Retro sunglasses without UV protection are nothing more than a fashion accessory. In the same vein, there are still sunglasses made that do not have the recommended 99 to 100 percent UV protection. No matter if you buy true retro or a retro replica, make sure your eyes are protected!
Material
Old retro sunglasses are likely to be heavier than retro style sunglasses. Today there are more lighter frame materials available that come in a large variety of colors. Today’s metals are also resistant to corrosion, while old retro sunglass frames may not be.
Resources on Retro Sunglasses Vs. Retro Style Sunglasses