Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
When you live in a place where most days are sunny days, a great pair of sunglasses is a must. If you’re anything like me, those sunglasses need to do more than just block out the UV rays; they need to look good while doing it.
With so many options on the market, finding high-quality, stylish sunnies should be a breeze– right? I thought so too, but I kept running into the same issue while sunglasses shopping: sky-high prices. I can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on a single pair of sunglasses that will be flung into my beach bag without care or, worse, put down in the sand or on a restaurant table and never to be seen again. Luckily, my time in sunny Los Angeles led me to a place where funky and chic sunglasses are plentiful, premium, and priced just right. Meet Crap Eyewear.
We like
- Wide variety of trendy and timeless frames.
- Premium look and feel.
- Lenses that are serious about UVA/UVB protection
- Affordable pricepoints and frequent sales.
- Focus on sustainability, from eco-friendly packaging to 1% For The Planet status.
We don't like
- Shipping can be slow.
Sunglasses That Put the Fun in Functional
Chances are you’ve seen Crap Eyewear on your Instagram feed or adorning the face of a trendsetter in a city near you. The Los Angeles-based brand is selling more than just statement-making frames – they’re selling a vibe. The bold, funky, and sure to elicit plenty of “Omg! Where did you get those” specs are imbued with the laid-back, effortlessly cool ethos of the West Coast .
Typically, the tradeoff with trendy sunglasses is that they’re not that great beyond the looks department. Crap Eyewear has proved to me that stylish sunglasses can also be really good sunglasses, without breaking the bank. Each pair of frames is made from bioacetate, a plant-based, plastic-like material that’s flexible, durable, and biodegradable. While each pair boasts different lenses (some polarized, others not), you can always expect 100% UVA/UVB protection and high clarity for the clearest view possible. All of the hardware used is optical grade for extra toughness and top-notch fit.
If all of that eyewear vernacular doesn’t really resonate, what you need to know is that these sunglasses look and feel luxe. Each pair is lightweight, but sturdy and substantial. They stay on well and don’t seem to stretch with wear. Even the carrying cases have a durable, premium feel and retro look to match.
Seeing A Better Future For The Planet
With millions of tons of clothing and accessories going to landfills each year, as well as generating hefty greenhouse gas emissions and wastewater, the fashion industry is not gentle on the environment. That’s why shopping more sustainably when I can has been a personal priority over the past year or so. Unfortunately, many brands will greenwash and proclaim they’re prioritizing eco-friendlier practices without actually doing the work.
When it comes to sustainability, Crap Eyewear is a breath of fresh air. The brand is under no pretense of perfection. Crap acknowledges its environmental impact and that it could be doing better (couldn’t we all?), but still works hard to create earth-friendly products and practices.
The brand’s signature bioacetate frames are not only stylish, but completely plant-based and biodegradable. All products ship without single-use plastic. When possible, the brand prioritizes using recycled and recyclable paper products for shipping too.
It takes a lot of gas to make a product and get it to your door. Crap is taking responsibility for every step. The brand is also Climate Neutral Certified, which means it not only has taken actions to measure its carbon emissions in the production and delivery process, but it is making active efforts to reduce and offset those emissions too.
A 1% For The Planet membership is the last of Crap’s sustainability initiatives. This organization holds businesses accountable for their environmental impact by having them pledge 1% of annual sales to organizations championing environmental causes. While they may not be perfect, we love that Crap is taking their role in improving the environment seriously.
We like
We don't like
Looking Cool, Seeing Brighter
When I moved to Los Angeles two years ago, Crap Eyewear sunglasses were everywhere I turned. What was it about this brand that had everyone on Venice Beach in a chokehold? I knew I had to try for myself, so I took advantage of the brand’s Black Friday sale and treated myself to two pairs: The Lucid Blur ($109) and The Supa Phreek ($99).
As soon as I got the sunglasses into my own hands, I understood the hype. The glasses came packaged in a light, but hard case– one in a green velvet and the other a brown leather– which was an automatic win. I love when brands pay attention to the smaller details and this case, which actually protects my glasses from getting smashed, does just that.
Then there’s the glasses themselves. They feel premium, durable enough to withstand sandy beach days, windy bike rides, and getting tossed into a backpack caseless– I don’t recommend the latter per se, but let’s be real here this happens often. The lenses are high-quality and don’t distort anything in my view.
On top of all the product specs, these glasses just look cool. They bring an instant touch of irreverence and fun to any outfit. A plain white t-shirt and jeans are a uniform I wear all too often. I throw on my chunky, green Supa Phreeks and my look goes from plain to funky. The Lucid Blur sunglasses, which I have in all black, fit my face like a glove. They have a simply sophisticated feel that makes them a go-to for everyday wear. Protecting my eyes and making a look out of it too? Count me in!
To More Crappy Days Ahead
No matter where you live or what season it is, we could all benefit from a great pair of sunglasses. If you haven’t found yours just yet, I encourage you to give Crap a try. With a wide variety of timeless and trendy frames that you can’t find anywhere else, Crap Eyewear has you covered with unique sunglasses that are equal parts fashionable and practical.
Once you go Crap, you never go back…or something like that.
Make Summer Fun and Shop Crap Eyewear Here
