Buy It For Life
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Accessories

Buy it for life: the most durable sunglasses,
according to r/BuyItForLife on Reddit.
Recommended by people who have owned them for years. How we pick.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Maui Jim Sunglasses

High-quality polarized sunglasses known for their durability and excellent optics.

Mentioned 77 times in the threads we read

• High durability
• Excellent polarized lenses

I have a pair from Maui Jim which is almost 20 years old.
– Perplexed-Owl

Maui Jim are the Real Deal but holy hell they're pricey. Best shades I've owned hands down.
– breddy

I have a pair of Maui Jim’s that are over a decade old.
– jeffreywilfong

Randolph Engineering Sunglasses

Durable and stylish sunglasses, often used by the military.

Mentioned 22 times in the threads we read

• Military-grade durability
• Stylish design

American optical or Randolph are my pick. Simple. Durable, classic.
– CLPadgett

have heard good things about Randolph Engineering (fully American based company, supplies DoD for eyewear)
– onebaddeviledegg

Randolph Engineering. Or to a lesser extent (if you like different styles) American Optical.
– Maplesyrup57

Goodr Sunglasses

Affordable, polarized sunglasses designed for active use.

Mentioned 20 times in the threads we read

• Affordable
• Great for active use

I like goodr’s because they look and feel good.
– equal2infinity

Yeah for me this is one of those don't buy it for life items. I'd prefer decent cheap ones and not worrying.
– bigrootbeercow

Goodr. Cheap, built well and polarized lenses.
– Koolaidolio

Smith Optics Sunglasses

High-quality sunglasses known for their durability and excellent lens technology.

Mentioned 13 times in the threads we read

• Durable
• Excellent lens technology

Smiths have a lifetime warranty. Maui Jim has better lenses.
– rematchemike

Smiths have a better warranty.
– nvstyxnvte

I've been buying Smith Optics for about 15 years, I have 3 pairs all still functional.
– BecomeEnnuisonable

Shady Rays Sunglasses

Affordable sunglasses with a great warranty policy for replacements.

Mentioned 10 times in the threads we read

• Affordable
• Great replacement policy

I love Shady Rays.
– crazyhound71

Shady rays!!! Heck out their replacement policy.
– Personal_Lime_4383

I like my shady rays, good warranty too.
– Randyd718

Randolph Engineering Polarized Aviators

Polarized aviator sunglasses with military-grade durability and a classic look.

Mentioned 7 times in the threads we read

• Military-grade durability
• Classic design
• Effective polarization

Went in for another tune up after a car accident 2 years ago. 1 pair, going on 7 years. Total investment $660.
– salty-sarge-av8r

supplies DoD for eyewear
– onebaddeviledegg

Randolph Engineering’s involvement with the yanks and their military is meaningless compared to their real claim to fame: Jim Lahey wore them.
– salty-sarge-av8r

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