We all have that favorite pair of sunglasses. Hell, we can’t leave home without them. Most of the time, there is a great shape for our face, and that is almost the only thing we care about. My favorite sunglasses are the ones that look great in an elegant scenario or in a casual scenario. But there is so much more to consider, and that is something I learned when I got a chance to test out some sunglasses from Adidas. I got an opportunity to sit down with the manufacturer, Marcolin Eyewear, and they let me nerd out about the mysterious lettering and numbering on the frames that I had never paid attention to, and how I can use it to find the perfect pair of sunglasses over and over.
For running, cycling, ball sports, and other performance needs, or specific activity (driving, fishing, boating, etc.), having eyewear that performs in terms of clarity and comfort is important. Ultimately, the best pair of sunglasses is the one you don’t think about when you’re wearing it – it fits you, helps protect your eyes, and enhances your vision. – Marcolin Eyewear
What the writing means
OK, for a simple breakdown, there are five different categories that are represented in the numbers. The model, of course, then every attribute needed to find the perfect combination for you. One of the jokes was that memorizing these is similar to memorizing the barcode number for your favorite brand of broccoli. However, we all have different head shapes and different face shapes, so understanding what these are will save you a lot of money and heartache in making sure every pair is the best pair.
“Each temple will normally have information to include model name/SKU number, color combination of frame/lens, certifications, size, lens category, and country of origin. These details are often on the inner side of the temple, but can also appear on the bottom, depending on the shape.”
They are lined out like this:
- Model number – Name followed by the SKU
- Color combination – For sunglasses, there needs to be two colors: a frame and a lens
- Size – Represented by two sets of numbers, often separated by a square.
- Lens Category – Designation between sport lenses, prescription, etc.
- Certifications – The big CE in Greek lettering on the other temple means “Conformité Européenne,” the European designation for UV protection.
Why is it important
Have you ever lost a pair of sunglasses? Rhetorical. Of course, you have. We all have. It is the worst. I always seem to lose my favorites. Never the ones I wouldn’t mind losing. Obviously, that is because I never wear the ones that I don’t like as much. So, it stands to reason that those are always safe at home, while my favorite ones are always on my face. Knowing these numbers and letters that resemble the algebra problem that kept me out of a division one university will rectify the problem of the constant headache of replacing the inevitable lost favorites.
“Since sunglasses protect your eyes, it’s very important to make sure that you’re buying a model that has passed recognized international standards, offers UV protection, and is the model, frame, and lens type and size that you are looking for. Of course, many people make the first decision to purchase based on the look and style of the sunglasses. This is normal – all eyewear conveys a particular look and style. That’s part of what makes both sunglasses and optical styles enjoyable. But there are a lot of products out there that look like sunglasses while not offering actual protection from UV rays, impact protection, or being made with materials that will be comfortable and durable.”
Is it standard, or does it change with a company
Obviously, there is the question of standard. How much of this could be an industry standard vs. an internal thing? Marcolin answers that for us.
“International standards apply to all manufacturers who want to sell in a market. Model names, SKU numbers, and frame/lens color codes are specific to each manufacturer. Marcolin Eyewear, designer and manufacturer of adidas Eyewear (as well as Tom Ford Eyewear, Guess Eyewear, Max Mara, and others), applies a standard name, two-letter brand code, SKU number, and frame color/lens to its brands.”
Even though there are some differences across the industry, we all have our favorite brands. Go home, find your favorite pair of sunglasses, and note the brand. Then learn the specs on the frames, and you will never have to worry about losing those, as a replacement is no longer a mystery.
