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Your Guide to Buying Cat Eye Sunglasses

Your Guide to Buying Cat Eye Sunglasses

Cat eye sunglasses are one of the most memorable pieces of 1950s and 1960s fashion. Since their creation, these bold glasses have never been far from the spotlight of the runway. The dramatic upturned edges look great on a variety of face shapes and they leave wearers feeling mysterious and sexy.

In addition to fitting many faces well, they also go with a cornucopia of different looks. The versatile, flirty horn-rimmed frames seem to go with any ensemble from the ultra-modern to the defiantly retro. They often look just as good with a business suit as they do with a funky pair of torn jeans and tank. Many well-known designers, including Fendi, Prada, Givenchy, and Betsey Johnson have previously offered or currently offer their own version of the cat eye sunglass frame.

The History of Cat Eye Sunglasses

Cat eye glasses made their appearance on the American fashion scene in the 1950s. At that time the design was primarily used for optical frames, produced by Oliver Goldsmith, and referred to as the "Manhattan." They were synonymous with librarians, secretaries, and Australia’s Dame Edna Everage, a fictional character created and played by comedian Barry Humphries.

The iconic version donned by Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s film "Breakfast at Tiffany ' s" is one of the earliest examples of the frame designed being used for sunglasses. Audrey Hepburn contributed greatly to the ongoing success of the cat eye frame style.

Other famous celebrities of this era to show off their cat eyes included Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Dinah Manoff. Modern celebrities who have been known to wear the style include Nicole Richie, Jessica Alba, and Dita Von Teese.

Finding the Right Cat Eye Sunglasses

Thanks to their mass appeal, the cat eye sunglass options are numerous and varied. Not only do consumers have to contend with finding a pair that looks good on their face, but also a pair that is properly equipped to handle their visual needs.

Selecting the Right Lenses

Modern sunglasses tend to come with multiple options for lenses. Additional coatings be added to custom-made looks to make them scratch resistant and less likely to break, and the lenses themselves come with their own set of special benefits.

Understanding Lens Material Options

There are many options for sunglass lenses. Each has a distinct set of pros and cons. Finding the right material may be dictated by price; if so, acrylic and polycarbonate are often the most budget friendly. For an additional charge, many custom-made lenses, especially in the case of prescription glasses, can be coated with a special substance that adds an extra degree of scratch resistance.

Material

Pros

Cons

Glass

Offers high scratch resistance and superior clarity.

Heavier than other lens options. May break, develop damage easier.

Acrylic

An inexpensive alternative to polycarbonate.

Not as clear as glass or polycarbonate. Best for casual or rare use.

Polycarbonate

Provides excellent impact resistance at a low price. Great clarity and lightweight.

Less scratch resistant. Not as clear as glass or NXT polyurethane.

NXT Polyurethane

Excellent impact resistance and clarity.

Expensive.

Understanding Lens Shade Options

In addition to having a choice of different material and coating options, there are also multiple shades of lenses available to the consumer. Though these different color shades may look nice with a matching outfit, they have benefits far more significant. Each shade has the ability to alter contrast, brightness, and other details related to how the wearer sees the outside world. As a result, certain shades are better for different sets of activities.

Color/Tint

Effect

Rose

Makes things appear brighter, making them an excellent choice for visibility in low light. Increases the contrast of items against a blue or green background; great for hiking or other outdoor activities.

Green/Brown/Gray

Neutral shades tone down brightness without effecting colors. These lens colors also reduce eyestrain and glare.

Yellow/Amber

Provides less brightness protection but perform great in moderate and low light situations. The excellent contrast and high level of depth perception offered by these shades make them a good choice for winter sports. Wearers must exercise caution when wearing this type of lens, as it can make it difficult to differentiate traffic light shades.

Mirrored Finish

These lenses have a lower level of glare since light is reflected off of the shiny exterior coating. As a side effect, some things may appear darker than they actually are through mirrored lenses. Though these lenses offer phenomenal blocking of visible lighting, they may not offer UV protection.

UV Blocking Lenses

To properly protect the eyes from the damaging effects of the sun, it is important for consumers to purchase sunglasses that offer an adequate degree of UV blocking protection. Polycarbonate lenses are the most likely to offer UV blocking protection as standard. When purchasing polarized, amber, or mirror-coated sunglasses, one should find out if the glasses have a special UV coating added. If not indicated, then the glasses quite likely lack this ever-important protection.

Prescription Sunglasses

Individuals who already wear contact lenses or prescription glasses do not have to be out of the loop when it comes to hip, fashionable frames. Even cat eye sunglasses can be purchased in prescription format from most optometrists.

Having a pair of prescription sunglasses is great for use during recreational activities and driving. Having shades specially mastered for one’s eyes is far more convenient than wearing a bulky pair of snap ons during outdoor time. They are also easier on the eyes during trips to the beach, since contact lenses, even worn under sunglasses, tend to get dried out and uncomfortable when worn around sand or salt water.

Fitting Sunglasses to the Face

Sunglasses should fit snuggly on one’s face, especially on the nose and ears. Despite the snug fit, they should not pinch or rub, as this will lead to discomfort over a long period of time. Additionally, eyelashes should never come in contact with the lenses.

Often, sunglasses can be adjusted to fit the wearer’s face. Metal- or wire-framed cat eye sunglasses can often be adjusted by simply pressing in along the nose bridge or near one’s temples.

Some sunglasses will come with manufacturer guidelines for wear. For example, the package description may suggest that they are best for narrow faces, wide faces, or children. This can help online shoppers to determine if a pair of shades will be a comfortable fit.

Caring for Cat Eye Sunglasses

After investing in a hip pair of designer frames, proper care and maintenance is extremely important. The timelessness of cat eye sunglasses suggests that they will be a part of pop culture for the long term. To keep a favorite pair around for years to come, consumers should store them in a protective case when not in use. Hard cases are preferred over the soft sheaths provided by many manufacturers, as they help to prevent crushing and scratches.

Glasses should be routinely cleaned using a soft, non-abrasive microfiber cleaning cloth. Generally, cleaning solution is not necessary, though it is available for the occasional deep cleaning. Since tissues and paper towels tend to leave behind debris, it is best to invest in a soft cloth expressly designed for the purpose of cleaning delicate eyewear.

Finding Cat Eye Sunglasses on eBay

To find cat eye sunglasses and accessories on eBay, start by visiting the Sunglasses section. Searches can be conducted from within this category, or by simply inputting related details in the search bar located on each page. For example, you could look for "Fendi cat eye sunglasses" or "Vintage cat eye sunglasses."

Category selection options allow users to narrow the results they get from each search on eBay. You can choose to only see glasses that come in a certain shade, are new, or have been developed by a specific designer. This makes finding the perfect pair even easier.

Before making a purchase on eBay, it is important to read the listing thoroughly. If you have any questions, visit the seller’s user profile to send a message or simply review testimonials from previous clients. This is also a good place to look for other listings by the same seller. Buying more than one item from a given seller can often translate into savings on shipping.

Conclusion

Cat eye sunglasses are a fun, flirty homage to 1950s American fashion that continues to hold the interest of many. Runway favorites, these glasses have upwardly sloping outer edges that range from the slight to the dramatic.

A great investment for any fashionista, the chic look of cat eye glasses can be a welcome addition to any ensemble, from casual to evening and vintage to ultra-contemporary. Simple black cat eye sunglasses go with just about anything and look great at the same time.

As cat eye sunglasses are an ageless fashion favorite, designers like Fendi and Prada toe the line when it comes to pairing high-end look with luxurious accessories. Their top-of-the-line cat eye sunglasses will strike envy in the heart of every passerby.

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