Replica Sunglasses

Replica sunglasses, also known as designer-inspired, are styles that resemble top name brand designer sunglasses. For those who love high style but live on real-world budgets, replicas are an affordable alternative to their pricier counterparts.

Counterfeit versus Replica Sunglasses

An important distinction to make when shopping for replica sunglasses is whether they are legal replicas or illegal counterfeits. Some sunglass retailers attempt to sell sunglasses with the logos or trademarks of designer glasses. This is illegal because it violates copyright law. Counterfeits may also claim to be the actual designer glasses. Price is a pretty good indicator here -- if the seller is advertising $20 Prada sunglasses, you can be sure that they are not really Prada, but an illegal knockoff.

Replicas do claim to resemble designer glasses, often with a sidebar label that indicates the designer style inspiration. Legal replicas, however, do not have the same trademarks or logos as the original designers, nor do they claim to be designer glasses.

Replica Quality and Pricing

Quality of replicas vary. Although style is a major factor for most people interested in purchasing replica eyewear, be sure to evaluate the level of UV protection and quality. The sunglasses should preferably block 100 percent of UV rays, or state that they provide absorption or protection up to 400nm, which means they block 99 to 100 percent of rays.

Beware of replica sunglasses that do not state UV protection or those that claim they are "cosmetic" -- these may block as little as 70 percent of UV rays. Unfortunately, sunglass standards and labeling are voluntary and unregulated, so look for replicas that have the style you like and also provide information about their UV protection and materials. Look for polycarbonate lenses --which are durable and impact resistant -- and nylon or quality metal frames. The hinges on quality replicas should move smoothly and not rattle.

Pricing varies greatly among designer-inspired eyewear. Although one of the greatest advantages of replicas is their affordability, be wary of extremely low prices, which may indicate inferior craftsmanship and poor materials. Going for at least a moderate price range will better ensure a pair of quality replica sunglasses.

Buying Designer-Inspired Eyewear Online

With the ease of Internet shopping and a plethora of online retailers, it's extremely tempting to look for designer-inspired eyewear via the World Wide Web. There are certainly many legitimate online retailers, but there are also plenty of scams. Some considerations when shopping for replicas online:

Make sure there is adequate, easily available contact information such as a physical address, toll free phone number, and e-mail address. Call or e-mail to test for responsiveness from customer service.

Check customer reviews of the company or company's products on sites like epinions.

Cross reference the company with consumer groups like Consumer Reports and the Better Business Bureau.

Check the company's return policy in case the replicas are not what you ordered, different than what was shown on the web, or don't fit properly.

Top Replica Designs

Oversized and wrap style sunglasses are the latest styles being sported by celebrities. Larger and wrap sunglasses are not only fashionable, they also provide the best protection from sun damage.

Top-selling replicas include styles inspired by: