Your sunglasses have been through a lot. They’ve shielded your eyes from blazing summer sun, survived countless beach trips, and made you look effortlessly cool during morning coffee runs. But when the day ends, where do your trusty shades go to rest?
Properly storing your sunglasses is as simple as storing them in a hard case, cleaning them before storage, avoiding extreme temperatures, and keeping them out of direct sunlight.
If you’re tossing your sunglasses into your bag, leaving them on your dashboard, or worse—dropping them lens-down on your nightstand—it’s time for an intervention. Proper sunglasses storage isn’t just about organization; it’s about protecting an investment that deserves better treatment.
Why Proper Storage Matters
There are several reasons you should store your sunglasses properly and protect your investment.
Preventing Scratches & Damage
Scratched lenses aren’t just unsightly—they’re functional disasters. Even tiny scratches can create glare, distort your vision, and compromise the effectiveness of your sunglasses. When sunglasses are stored carelessly, they come into contact with keys, coins, makeup, and other items that can scratch or chip the lenses.
The frames deserve attention, too. Bent temples, loose hinges, and warped frames all stem from poor storage habits. These issues don’t just affect how your sunglasses look; they impact how comfortably they fit and how well they stay in place.
Maintaining Lens Integrity
Modern sunglass lenses often feature specialized coatings—anti-reflective treatments, UV protection, polarization, and scratch-resistant layers. These coatings are remarkably effective but can be surprisingly delicate. Improper storage can cause these protective layers to peel, crack, or wear away prematurely.
Extending the Lifespan of Sunglasses
Quality sunglasses represent a significant investment, and proper storage is the easiest way to protect that investment. Well-cared-for sunglasses can last for years, while neglected pairs often need replacement within months.
Best Practices for Storing Sunglasses
Keep your sunglasses safe with these storage best practices.
Use a Hard Case
A protective case is your sunglasses’ best friend. Hard cases offer superior protection compared to soft pouches, especially if you tend to throw your bag around or travel frequently. The rigid exterior prevents crushing, while the soft interior lining protects against scratches.
Choose a case that fits your sunglasses snugly without being too tight. The sunglasses should sit comfortably inside without the lenses touching the case walls. Many quality sunglass brands include a case with purchase, but if yours didn’t come with one, investing in a separate case is worthwhile.
Clean Before Storing
Always clean your sunglasses before putting them away. Oils from your skin, sunscreen residue, and everyday dirt can build up on lenses and frames over time. When left sitting, these substances can become harder to remove and may even cause permanent damage.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Heat and cold can wreak havoc on sunglasses. High temperatures can warp plastic frames, damage lens coatings, and cause adhesives to fail. Cold temperatures can make materials brittle and more prone to cracking.
Store Away from Direct Sunlight
While sunglasses are designed to handle sunlight when you’re wearing them, prolonged exposure during storage can cause problems. UV rays can degrade frame materials and lens coatings over time, leading to discoloration and reduced effectiveness.
Choose a storage location that’s away from windows and direct sunlight. A drawer, closet, or dedicated sunglasses organizer works perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you want to make your sunglasses last as long as possible, here’s what not to do:
Leave Your Sunglasses in the Car
Your car’s interior becomes an oven during warm weather, creating the perfect storm for sunglasses damage. Dashboard storage is particularly problematic, as temperatures here can exceed 180°F on hot days.
Even during cooler months, temperature fluctuations in vehicles can cause frames to expand and contract repeatedly, leading to loose screws and weakened joints.
Store Your Sunglasses in a Bag Without a Case
Handbags and backpacks are hazardous environments for unprotected sunglasses. Keys, pens, phones, and other items can easily scratch lenses or damage frames. The constant movement and pressure inside bags can also cause structural damage over time.
Rest Your Sunglasses on Their Lenses
Placing sunglasses lenses down on surfaces is a surprisingly common and damaging habit. When sunglasses are placed lens down on surfaces, the lenses come into direct contact with potentially abrasive materials. Even seemingly smooth surfaces like tables can contain particles that scratch lenses.
Protect Your Shades, Protect Your Style
Proper sunglass storage doesn’t require expensive equipment or complicated routines. The fundamentals are simple: use a protective case, clean before storing, avoid extreme conditions, and handle with care.
These small habits make a huge difference in how long your sunglasses last and how good they look. Whether you’re sporting designer frames or drugstore finds, every pair deserves proper care. If you’d like personalized advice on sunglasses storage solutions or you’re looking to invest in quality prescription sunglasses, give our team a call at Eclectic Eyewear.
