Sunglasses are more than just a stylish accessory. They protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, keep your vision sharp in bright, outdoor environments, and reduce your likelihood of developing damaging eye conditions.
But, despite their protective abilities, sunglasses aren’t immune to damage themselves. Improperly storing your sunglasses can lead to scratches, loose hinges, and even broken lenses…and nobody wants that!
In this blog, we’ll share everything you need to know about storing your sunglasses, including why proper storage matters, the most common mistakes people make when storing sunglasses, and the best storage practices to employ instead.
How Proper Storage Helps Maintain Your Sunglasses’ Longevity
Before we explain how to store your sunglasses properly, you need to understand why it’s so important in the first place. The reason proper sunglasses storage is so important has nothing to do with convenience or ease — it’s about preserving the functionality and appearance of your sunglasses for as long as possible.
Here are four ways proper storage maintains your sunglasses’ longevity.
1. Proper Storage Prevents Damage
Scratches on sunglasses’ lenses can reduce UV protection and distort your vision. Proper storage minimizes the risk of physically damaging your sunglasses.
2. Proper Storage Keeps Frames in Shape
Sunglasses that are bent or stretched lose their snug fit, leading to discomfort and slippage. Proper storage ensures frames retain their original form and fit.
3. Proper Storage Protects Lens Coatings
Many sunglasses feature specialized coatings like anti-glare or UV protection. These coatings can degrade when exposed to side effects of improper storage (like sunlight or dirt buildup).
4. Proper Storage Enhances Hygiene
Storing your sunglasses properly reduces dirt and bacteria buildup, which can lead to issues like frame degradation. Ensure your sunglasses stay safe to wear with proper storage and cleaning.
Common Mistakes People Make When Storing Sunglasses
Many people inadvertently damage their sunglasses through careless storage practices. Here are some common mistakes people make when putting their glasses away (all of which you should avoid!).
Leaving Sunglasses Loose in a Bag
Tossing your sunglasses into a purse, backpack, or gym bag without a case often results in scratched lenses or bent frames. Other objects in your bag – like keys and pens – can damage loose sunglasses (and the bag’s zippers or buckles can, too!).
Storing Them Face Down
Placing sunglasses face down on a surface may seem harmless, but it can be a massive source of damage. The surface your lenses are resting on can cause fine scratches over time, resulting in a lens that’s harder to see out of.
Leaving Them in Hot Spots
Leaving your sunglasses on your car’s dashboard (or anywhere else with direct sunlight) can warp or weaken the frame, especially if it’s plastic. Sunlight can also damage lens coatings, reducing your sunglasses’ effectiveness.
Wearing Them on Your Head
While it’s common to place sunglasses on top of your head when you’re not wearing them, it’s a bad habit to get into! This method of “storage” can stretch the frames, making them loose, crooked, and/or prone to slipping.
Neglecting to Clean and Disinfect
Allowing dirt, oil, and sweat to accumulate on your sunglasses can corrode the frames and cause bacterial buildup. Regularly cleaning your sunglasses expands their lifespan and keeps them clean and hygienic.
Best Practices for Storing Sunglasses
Whether you’re at home, in the car, or on the go, having a strategy for how to keep sunglasses from slipping and staying in pristine condition is essential. Here are a few tips for storing your sunglasses in common environments.
Storing Sunglasses At Home
● Use a Dedicated Storage Box: Invest in a sunglasses organizer or storage box with compartments for different pairs. This keeps them safe from dust and other damage.
● Use Soft Pouches: If you don’t have space for an organizer, store sunglasses in individual microfiber pouches. Microfiber can double as a cleaning cloth, too!
● Avoid Extreme Conditions: Keep your sunglasses in a cool, dry place, away from radiators, windowsills, or other spots where temperatures and sun fluctuate.
Storing Sunglasses In the Car
● Use the Built-In Sunglasses Holder: Most modern vehicles have a dedicated sunglasses compartment in the overhead console. If you have one, use it!
● Use a Clip-On Sunglasses Holder: If your car doesn’t have a sunglasses holder, try adding a visor clip. They’re convenient, affordable, and keep your sunglasses secure.
● Avoid Long-Term Sun Exposure: Prolonged heat and UV rays exposure can degrade your sunglasses materials. That’s why you never store them on the dashboard!
Storing Sunglasses On the Go
● Use Hard-Shell Cases: A hard-shell sunglasses case offers superior protection against impact and scratches. Plus, they fit easily into bags and backpacks, too.
● Use Retainer Straps: Retainer straps or cords keep your sunglasses around your neck, reducing the chances of accidental drops (or improper storage).
● Use Pocket-Sized Pouches: Slim, pocket-sized sunglasses pouches are a space-efficient solution. Just make sure it’s lined with soft material to prevent scratches.
Accessories That Can Help with Storage
Several accessories can make proper sunglasses storage and care easier to maintain. Here are a few accessories you might consider adding to your eyewear collection.
● Microfiber cloths and pouches are both a protective layer and a cleaning tool. Regularly wiping your sunglasses with a microfiber cloth reduces smudges and avoids scratches.
● Hard-shell cases are ideal for preventing impact damage. Look for cases with cushioned and/or lined interiors for added protection.
● Sunglasses display stands are great at-home accessories. These tools not only organize your sunglasses collection but also showcases them in a stylish way.
● Retainer straps and cords keep your sunglasses secure and accessible, especially during outdoor activities or when regularly putting them on and taking them off.
● Cleaning kits with mild lens cleaner and a soft brush ensure your sunglasses stay spotless. Pro tip — look for an alcohol-based, coating-safe lens spray!
Wrap Up
Knowing where to put your sunglasses when you’re not using them can make a big difference in preserving their quality and wearability. By understanding the importance of sunglasses storage, avoiding common mistakes, and adopting smart storage habits, your sunglasses will stay in pristine condition for years to come!