How to Store Your Sunglasses
How Do You Store Sunglasses Properly?
Your American Optical sunglasses are built to last – so store and organize them safely to keep them looking and feeling great for years to come.
Proper storage will protect both your lenses and frames, and it’s important to consider both of those materials when judging the best way to store sunglasses for you.
For starters, remember the motto “in the case is a safe place,” but let’s dive into some other ways to safely and conveniently store your sunglasses.
6 Great Places to Store All Your Sunglasses at Home
There are many storage and organizing options in your house. Here are our top six recommendations:
1. Case
Your American Optical case was specially designed to keep your sunglasses secure. It will protect the integrity of the frames and prevent dirt accumulation and lens scratches that can occur unexpectedly when sunglasses are stored too closely to other items.
Keep in mind where you store your cases. You don’t want heavy items to rest on them. Also consider the temperature. Extreme heat or cold can warp or damage sunglasses.
2. Sunglasses Storage Containers
There are many glasses and sunglasses storage containers available. Many resemble jewelry boxes and can be particularly useful if you have a large collection to organize.
When shopping for a sunglass storage container or organizer, be sure to choose one specifically designed for sunglasses.
Check the dimensions of the container or organizer before purchasing to make sure it is compatible with your sunnies. Many will be lined with a soft material, like satin or velvet, to prevent scratches. A cover or top is also preferred to further protect lenses and to keep your frames safe.
3. Drawer
Storing sunglasses in a place like a drawer, whether a dresser drawer or vanity, can help protect them from dust and scratches. Here are some steps to follow:
- Choose a clean, dry drawer: Make sure the drawer in your dresser or vanity is clean and dry. Wipe down the inside of the drawer with a clean, dry cloth to remove any debris.
- Still use a case and/or organizer: This will provide extra protection against scratches and other damage. If you don’t have a case, you can use a soft cloth, pouch, or bag to wrap each pair individually.
- Avoid overcrowding: Avoid overcrowding the drawer with too many sunglasses. This can cause them to rub against each other and cause scratches or other damage. Instead, leave some space between each pair of sunglasses to give them room to breathe.
4. Hanging Up
Using vertical space can be a highly functional storage solution. Why not try it with sunglasses?
If you go this route, we recommend purchasing a hanging organizer that will fully support your sunglasses rather than a DIY solution that may put undue stress on part of your sunglasses like the bridge or hinge.
The best solutions we’ve seen are similar to hanging shoe organizers and have protected slots for each pair of your shades.
5. Sunglasses Stand
If you’ve been to an optical or sunglass store, you’ve probably seen individual eyewear stands. These can be a great storage solution in your place too, especially if you’re wearing your sunglasses every day (as we hope you are) and need easy access to them.
Just be sure you place your stand somewhere it won’t get bumped around.
6. Tray or Basket
Your American Optical eyewear is a work of art, when you wear it and when you don’t. Why not show it off and place it on a decorative tray or in a basket?
Like with sunglass stands, you want to make sure your display is safe from being bumped or having other items tossed on top of it.
If you go with a basket, consider a basket lined with a soft material to prevent any scratching.
How to Store Sunglasses in a Car (if You Must)
Generally, it is not recommended to store your sunglasses in a car, especially if the car is parked outside in the sun. Here are a few reasons why:
Heat damage:
High temperatures in the car can cause damage to your sunglasses. Excessive heat can cause warping, melting, or cracking of plastic materials.
UV damage:
Sunlight entering through the car windows can also cause damage to your sunglasses, as, over long periods of time, UV rays can cause colors to fade.
Theft risk:
Leaving your sunglasses in your car can make them an easy target for theft, especially if they are left in plain sight.
If you must leave your sunglasses in your car, we recommend storing them in a cool, shaded location such as in a case in the glove compartment or center console. However, the best practice is to take your sunglasses with you when you leave your car.
Places You Should Not Store Glasses
There are many ways you shouldn’t store your sunglasses. Basically, anywhere they can be scratched, bent, or over-exposed to the elements is a no-no. Here are some examples:
On your head: We know; who among us is not guilty of this sin. No matter the convenience of putting your glasses on top of your head, resist the urge.
Over time, this can stretch out your frames. Keeping shades on your head can also make your lenses quite dirty if they are exposed to hair products.
In direct sunlight: Exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods of time can cause discoloration, warping, or cracking over time.
In high humidity areas: High humidity areas such as bathrooms or saunas can cause damage to your sunglasses. Humidity can cause warping, swelling, or mold growth.
Near chemicals or solvents: Keep your sunglasses away from chemicals or solvents such as perfumes, hairsprays, or cleaning agents. These substances can cause damage to the lens or frame.
In a crowded or disorganized space: This can increase the risk of scratches or other damage. This can happen if your sunglasses rub against other items such as keys or coins.
In general, it is best to store your sunglasses in a cool, dry, and clean location where they can be protected from damage.
Whenever possible, use cases to provide extra protection against scratches, and other dangers.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve given you lots of great sunglasses storage ideas and ways of keeping your investment safe. We want your American Optical eyewear to stay in shape as long as possible.
If you have any questions about how to organize sunglasses or about AO cases, please contact us.
