4 simple steps On How To Spot Fake Designer Glasses

Have you ever purchased an item or a good that you thought was truly authentic or designer, only to find out …. you didn’t purchase what you thought you purchased ?!!!!

Not only is it an awful feeling, but you’ve wasted your money and time! Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This happens to so many people on a daily basis, and sometimes you may not even know that an item you’ve purchased is a fake or a knock off.

When it comes to eyewear, it can be quite hard to spot a fake. It’s easy to find Ray Bans, or the hottest and newest Chanel, Versace, Gucci, Oakley, Cartier, Dior, etc. styles online. BUT PLEASE BEWARE!! Many of them are fake if they do not come from a reputable, official retailer or website. You may think you just scored $20.00 Ray Bans off the web, but they more than likely aren’t authentic designer sunglasses.

Fake glasses are not only annoying, but they can also impact your health! A lot of eyewear that is advertised as “designer” but is fake can be made very cheaply, with loose hinges, poor acetate and metals, and most importantly - bad lenses that don’t even end up protecting your eyes! These can cause reactions on skin, glasses falling apart (literally on your face) and eye problems!

We’re here to help though! We’ve spotted so much fake eyewear over the years and we can give you some tell-tale signs on how to spot fakes. You may not be able to tell by an advertised photo online, but sure enough, when you get the product in your hands, you should do a thorough check.

1. One of the first ways you can spot fake eyewear is through the logo itself. Check for variances and odd shapes or even different fonts. This can be a giveaway. Be sure to look for unusual graphics or misspelled logos and names. If you know your designers, this will probably be easy. If you are a first time buyer, or don’t typically research or look into designer goods, then doing some research can save you disappointment and plenty of hassles.
2. Another dead giveaway is simply THE PRICE! Most designer eyewear falls between $100 dollars to a whopping $1,000 depending on the style and price. Designer goods are considered investments. Do some research and make sure whatever pair you are buying is legit. Obviously, if you purchase eyewear directly from the designer's website or store, it’s authentic. Do not be mislead by places such as eBay, Amazon or weird websites that claim they sell designer eyewear - only for you to be disappointed. That’s not to say those sites don’t carry truly authentic products, but always check the seller information and what the return policies are. Glasses that normally retail for $200-300 dollars are more than likely not authentic if you find the “same pair” for 40 bucks.
3. When you receive your product in your hands, always be sure to do some quality control. Check hinges and make sure they are constructed of good metals and are put together in a solid manner. Fake glasses have tons of plastic or cheap hinges, discoloration, and more. Another good thing to check for is weight. Most designer eyewear is constructed of high-quality acetates or metals. If you purchase a plastic/acetate frame and it is featherweight, it probably isn’t a designer. Most designers manufacture in places such as Italy and Greece. Many do still manufacture in China and Asian countries, but the standards for quality are still higher than of those from cheap or fake eyewear.​
4. Again, when you receive your eyewear, take a good look at the packaging. A Lot of packaging is also knocked off. Make sure you check for authenticity packets or cards, barcodes, model names and numbers, and other descriptions. Designer eyewear tends to come in particular packaging, so make sure the logo is on there and it matches up to what you would get if you purchased it in-store or via designers website. Make sure you take a look at any warranty descriptions as well. Most designers will offer at least a year warranty on their designer frames.

If you suspect you’ve been a victim to purchasing fraud or fake designer eyewear, it’s best to return it or file a notice with the BBB regarding the website or store. Some FINE print might state the eyewear is “inspired by”, which in turn will mean it’s not authentic. Be sure to read return policies, check out the seller, and make sure you get a good look before and after purchasing.

If you have any questions regarding fake designer eyewear, we are here to help! Feel free to stop in and speak to one of our opticians/frame stylists. You can even bring in your eyewear and we can take a look to make sure it’s authentic. It’s best to purchase from retailers or websites where the product is guaranteed, such as OPTX rhode island. We pride ourselves on the relationships we have with various designer eyewear brands and the authenticity of our products. You can also reach us via phone at (401)-521-6789 or visit our website at www.optxrhodeisland.com.