If you’ve ever left perfectly good sunglasses in a restaurant bathroom, dropped them off a boat, or sat on them in a car, you know the sinking feeling: $50, $75—maybe even $200—going down the drain. I learned (the hard way) that sunglasses don’t have to cost a fortune to protect your eyes from the sun and look good while doing it. In fact, some of the best deals are hiding in places you’d never think to look. Let me show you.
HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE SURPRISE
One reader tipped me off to a discovery that still makes me smile: safety glasses sold in the hardware aisle. That’s right – search for “eye protection”, not “sunglasses”. These goggles are designed for people who work with saws, drills and other dangerous tools, which means they’re tough as nails. Many are made of polycarbonate, the same material used in expensive sunglasses, and block 99% of UVA and UVB rays. They also have a wrap-around style so they hug your face and prevent the sun from sneaking in around the edges. Prices? Often under $15. A reader’s ophthalmologist confirmed this hack: They’re just as protective as high-end designer shades. You can find them at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, or even in the tool aisle at Walmart.
PHARMACY TREASURE HUNT
Another unlikely stop is your neighborhood pharmacy. Between reading glasses and sunscreen, you can often find sunglasses racks for $10-$20. Here’s the kicker: Many carry a “UV 400” sticker. That means full protection against both UVA and UVB rays – the same thing that boutique sunglasses say, minus the boutique prices. It may not have a fancy logo on the arm, but it will keep your eyes safe while driving or lounging in the park.
Aisle with sporting goods
Head to the fishing or hunting section of a sporting goods store. Anglers need polarized lenses to reduce water glare, which happens to be the same glare that makes highway driving miserable. The brands are not trendy, but the functionality is there. Polarized outdoor sunglasses can be had for $25 to $35—far less than the $150 price tags of “lifestyle” brands.
DISCOUNT FASHION STORES
You may already know this, but it’s worth repeating: Discount fashion chains like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross often carry designer sunglasses at amazing prices. We’re talking $12.99 for images that were $59 just a few months earlier. The trick is persistence – the inventory is constantly changing. It’s like a treasure hunt, but without a shovel.
GAS STATIONS AND TRUCK STOPS
This one might be raising eyebrows, but hear me out. Long-haul truck drivers practically live behind the wheel, so gas stations and truck stops often have surprisingly decent sunglasses. Many are polarized, most are durable and designed for hours of exposure to the sun on the road. Prices are around $20, sometimes less. High fashion might not be your thing, but if robust and efficient is what you want, this is a good bet.
ONLINE ODD
We all know you can get sunglasses online, but the hidden gems aren’t always on Amazon. Try places with safety supplies or uniforms where workers order safety glasses in bulk. They are also often sold to the public at prices well below retail. Bonus: You’ll find options you’ll never see at the mall—wraparound frames, tinted safety glasses, and even mirrored lenses.
COMMON LINE
Expensive sunglasses are like expensive umbrellas – sooner or later you lose them, break them, or lend them to someone who “forgets” to return them. The good news is that your eyes don’t care about the logo printed on the frame. UV protection, durability and comfort are important. And you can get all three without breaking the bank.
So the next time you squint into the sun, remember: You don’t have to shell out designer prices for peace of mind. Whether you’re in the tackle aisle, the fishing section, or your local drugstore, there’s a good chance there’s a pair of sunglasses waiting for you—surprisingly cheap, seriously protective, and possibly right under your nose.
For more frugal surprises, visit EverydayCheapskate.com/sunglasses.
Marie invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.comwhere this column is archived along with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments on “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder EverydayCheapskate.comfrugal living blog and author of “Debt Secured Life”.
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