Warby Parker “Downing” Sunglasses – $95.00
Note: You CAN do the in-home try on thing for just Sunglasses, even if you don’t have a prescription, but not all of their sunglass frames are available for the in-home thing… such as the “Downing” shown here. But shipping is free both ways.
They’re an internet darling. Famous for their in-home try on program & updated retro styles, Warby Parker made a name for themselves in the prescription eye wear game. But in the not too distant past they started targeting more than just team four-eyes. Warby Parker dove into sunglasses… and you didn’t need a prescription to buy them. Now, those of us who are lucky enough to ace an eye chart (for now) were being tempted to get our ugly mugs in a pair of their sweet looking sunglasses. But with their sunglasses ranging from $95 – $145… are they worth it?
Short answer: Yes. If you’re smart enough to actually look at the measurements of your chosen pair… BEFORE you buy.
The Downing with its blue polarized lenses.
Their sunglasses are made in China, but Warby Parker isn’t shy about being proud of the quality. Plus, the lenses are polarized. There’s usually a pretty large markup for polarized lenses from other brands, but all of Warby Parker’s models feature polarized lenses. It’s standard for them. Still, $145 is awfully steep, and I was looking to replace my recently misplaced Ray Ban New Wayfarers. So, something more casual, with maybe a hint of retro style. The “Parkers” with their keyhole bridge and blue lenses (Mr. Ripley
Two days later they were on the doorstep. Warby Parker even sent an email with the tracking # with the subject “let the obsessive package tracking begin.” But the things got here so fast that I never even had a chance (or the need) to track the them. Impressive. (Note: They shipped 1st Class USPS… maybe it was just a slow couple of days for the Post Office?)
Lightweight yet the frames feel strong. Real comfortable to wear.
The quality is definitely there. They’re not as heavy as a pair of Ray Ban New Wayfarers, but they certainly don’t feel flimsy. The hinges operate smoothly, the frames are glass smooth, and the colors are rich but not obnoxious. They’re super comfortable too. Noticeably more so than my missing pair of Ray Ban New Wayfarers. All of the edges have been slightly rolled/softened so they feel good in your hands, and more importantly, on your face. Presentation is nice too, with a box, hard case, & soft case all inside the shipment.
The only downside of the Downing is that they’re small. Like, really small. Like, they’d look great on Mrs. Dappered who’s 5’3″. For those on the vertically challenged/slighter side, go for it. Or, if you prefer your accessories small (say, a 38mm watch) then give em’ a shot. But for those of us with noggins so large that we’re basically batting practice before The Gathering, you’ll want to know that the lenses are under 50mm wide, and on average, Warby Parker appears to stick to smaller sized frames (although there are options in the mid 50s range).
Hover over the ruler (or the sunglasses themselves) to see the specs for the specs.
To see the measurements for each style, simply roll over the subtle ruler icon in the lower right (or, just roll over the glasses themselves). Totally missed it. The Warby Parker site is so clean and sharp, that this major point of reference was completely glossed over by a certain Affordable Men’s Style website editor/writer dude. BUT… shipping is free, and so are returns. So a quick email to Warby Parker customer service resulted in a pre-paid shipping label.
Warby Parkers aren’t cheap. But plenty are going to say that between the style, polarized lenses, and the free shipping & returns, they’re worth it. Just don’t order a pair without, y’know, checking out the sizes first. But if you do, it’s nice to know you won’t get hit for return shipping charges.
Note: The “Downing” is available w/ prescription lenses for $150. Expect a full review of the Warby Parker prescription in-home try on & purchase experience in the coming weeks.
I thought the whole WP shtick was the “in home try-on experience” whereby they sent you multiple frames to figure out which one you wanted before committing to a pair. Is it different with sunglasses?
This particular model, the downing, “wasn’t available” for the in-home try on. But I do believe you can do the in-home for other sunglasses, even if you don’t have a prescription. Just not all of em’ (I think the newer models) are available for the in-home.
Wanted to speak from personal experience here.
I bought a pair of the Japhy eyeglasses, which, even with my awful coke-bottle prescription and need for thinned lenses, only set me back $125. Considering the evil Luxottica monopoly charges $300+ for a similar pair, I was more than happy to pay that amount of money. The home try-on was great, and helped me pick out a pair I really loved. I get complimented all the time on my frames. My only qualm is that the lenses are somewhat of a smudge magnet; doesn’t take but a swipe to clean up, though.
On to sunglasses. My brother tried out a bunch of shades with the home try-on; while he didn’t find anything he really loved, the quality was great, as was the style. Each of us being such a high-index prescription, though, the costs start to compound: $95 base, plus $55 for prescription, plus $30 for index.. starts to get up to the $200 range, which is a bit high for something so inherently lose-able, or breakable. Still, the quality is there, and I may still take the plunge.
Just ordered this same pair myself. Will see how the size works for me. Also have a pair of prescription ones on the way. Went through the home try on process. Ended up doing 2 batches of try ons across prescription and sunglasses. Whole process has been smooth so far. Should be receiving them shortly – just got that email yesterday. Have had polarized raybans for a while, but at $200 a pop for RB figured at least worth trying the WP
I have a fairly larger head and I ordered a pair of the Thatchers. Love them way more than my lost Ray-Ban Wayfarers. The 95 dollar sticker price was nothing compared to 185 for polarized Ray-Bans that I lost.
With almost daily wear almost three years in and my prescription glasses are holding up very well. They were a steal for the price.
WP has amazing customer service. I did the try-at-home deal and selected a pair I liked. They arrived promptly, but I noticed that there were strange crosshairs in the center of the lenses when I cleanded them. Sort of like, when I fogged them up, they turned in to a hunting scope?
Brought them in to the store and was told that the crosshairs were leftover fluid that sits on the lens when the machine sucks up each lens individually. They cleaned them VERY thoroughly and handed them back…but not before noticing that there was a tiny scratch on one lens. I’d only had the glasses for a few days, but they said they would send me a new pair for free (I didn’t ask for a new pair!) and handed me back my first, cleaned pair.
I now have two pairs of glasses that fit and look great!
I actually have a pair of WP Parker prescription glasses and I am very happy with them. The only issue is that if you don’t have your pupilary distance (and in NYS it is illegal for an optometrist to give it to you for some reason) you simply cannot take advantage of the exceptionally low price for a pair. I bought the frames (for a $10 discount to $85) and then had to get lenses at my optometrist to put in. I would highly discourage guessing or using one of the online PD calculators. I tried those and in each one my PD measurement swung wildly by about 6mm…i had the last laugh though, as I saw what they wrote for my PD and now I have that forever. It was great having the home try on to choose the glasses and I will absolutely use them for my next pair.
Does this free return following a purchase without proper due diligence fall under:
http://dappered.com/2014/04/why-the-customer-is-always-right-is-bullshit/
I concur. After years of shelling out cash for Luxottica, I made the switch to WP. I’ve had my Winston sunglasses (non prescription) for about 6 months, and I just recently ordered the Beckett in my prescription and I love them both.
Their customer service is fantastic. There was some miscommunication between WP and my optometrist about my measurements (they shipped me frames with the wrong prescription), but WP replaced them no problem. It’s funny, the only real headaches with processing came at the hands of my insurance company. But that’s another story
I will say this…if you do get prescription frames, make sure you get the Pupillary Distance measurement from your Optometrist. WP can obtain your basic measurements from your doctor for you, however some Optometrists won’t provide the Pupillary Distance measurement unless the customer plans to purchase the frames from their businesses.
For convenience, WP does have a PD measurement tool which makes for some fun photos!
I was a bit wary about a pair of sunglasses that cost this much money because of what Ryan said earlier about them being so easily lose-able or breakable (I’d certainly lost or broken many pairs of sunglasses back in the day). My wife bought me a pair of the WP Griffin sunglasses for my birthday back in August of 2012, and I still wear them almost every day. Once you’re aware of the fact that you’ve spent so much (or a loved one spent so much in my case) on something like that, your behavior changes with regards to the item. My wife dropped almost $100 on these for me, so I’m sure as hell not going to forget them, and I make sure to take very good care of them. In the year and a half since I’ve been wearing them, there’s also a good chance that I would have spent at least $50-$60 replacing the cheaper pairs that were always inevitably lost, forgotten, or broken.
No, because it’s a set, company-wide policy with a codified set of terms and conditions, not some random sales associate at one of many locations giving out special treatment because he happens to like the cut of Joe’s jib (although I’m sure Joe’s jib is impeccably cut).
Awesome review. I literally was about to order these but based on the size thing, will take another look at the different models. Thanks.
I was wondering this after reading the article. How did it work with your insurance? Were glasses from them covered? Was filing it with with your insurance company more difficult than at a typical eyeglasses shop? I’ve been looking to get a pair of prescription sunglasses for a while, but I’m I’n the same boat as Ryan N (fairly strong prescriptions). My optometrist’s office basically told me I’m out of luck last summer when I tried to get a pair, but from WP’s website, it seems like they should be able to do them in my strength.
How thin were they able to make them for a strong prescription? I’m in the same boat as you and would love to look into them.
I have the Winston sunglasses in Old-Fashioned Fade. They fit my medium-largeish round-faced self pretty well. I receive compliments on them regularly.
http://www.warbyparker.com/sunglasses/men/winston#old-fashioned-fade
It wasn’t bad for me (got my first pair last year). I had to fill out an out-of-network claim form and mail it in with a copy of the receipt for reimbursement.
The out-of-network claim form should be on your insurer’s website somewhere, and you’ll need to email/call Warby Parker customer service to get a special copy of the receipt with all the info the insurance company wants (I think they cover this in their FAQ).
Overall, it wasn’t any more of a hassle than being reimbursed for my last pair of prescription sunglasses (Coscto, also out of network), and you actually wind up with a much better deal than going with a Luxottica/in-netwok retailer.
I basically paid like $10 for the glasses – $95 upfront and then reimbursed $40 for the frames and $45 for the lenses by my insurer. I think my copays would have added up to like $80 had I gone in-network and then gotten hit for the upcharges (tinted/polarized, anti-scratch, high index, etc.)
Depends on your insurance company. For me, I had to submit my out of network claim via the website, print it, and then fax the form. The headache came when my insurance company quoted me a reimbursement price that was different than my actual reimbursement amount. Made for a few colorful phone calls. Overall, it wasn’t a terrible experience, just make sure you know what’s covered and what’s not. In my case, my provider lumps WP purchases as out of network frames purchaes. They do not reimbuse for the lenses, only the frames.
I have owned two pair but I cannot remember the names and they aren’t on the site anymore. The first were a brushed chrome model with polarized lenses, a little more square than aviator style. I got lot’s of compliments and still miss them (rental car in south Dakota for work, no dice in the lost and found).
They are great looking sunglasses and I would recommend. The only watch outs I would say are that the lenses on both popped out kind of easily when cleaning them. Also I would love if they put a little WP in the corner of one of the lenses. When you pay that much for a pair of sunglasses I personally think they should show the brand that you paid for and never be mistaken for a generic model.
All in solid sunglasses and I will probably buy again at some point. Just need to hand tighten so the lenses don’t pop out on you. Although I had one hit the ground and WP replaced for free. Great customer service is always another reason to buy.
I also want to point out that WP also does have brick and mortar locations for people who may not want to do the try at home thing (or if the pair they are interested in are not available for that). http://www.warbyparker.com/retail Here in LA, I have heard nothing but great things about their store on Sunset.
I don’t own any Warby Parkers, but that is mainly because I own a few pairs of other sunglasses and don’t need any more at the moment. I do have a friend who just bought a pair through the at-home try on and he absolutely loves them.
Another thing to consider. WP is also big on doing good as well. They have a one to one program similar to Toms Shoes and according to their website are carbon neutral…if you care about such things.
One thing that might be helpful: standard sizes for very small faces would a 48-50 mm lens width. Smaller mens faces would want about a 52. Guys with big faces should look at 53-56 mm lenses. And as a former Lenscrafters employee, I say go buy Warby Parker frames. Stick it to the monopoly!
Big fan of WP here. It took me a couple of home try-ons to find something I liked but I couldn’t be happier. I have a narrower face and went with the Edison eyeglasses. I wear them everyday and get tons if compliments on them and my overall look that I think are related to them. A couple of months later I decided to upgrade my sunglasses and went with the prescription Winston. For some reason WP lost my prescription info so I had to resubmit the scan from the doctor. This was very simple as I already had it saved from ordering the eyeglasses. Still WP took 10-15% off (I can’t remember exactly) for my trouble. The quality and customer service are great. I know that when I’m in the market for a new pair they’ll be the first place I look.
Good review, thanks. I thought it was hilarious that you warned of the terrible wardrobe of those guys without warning us about the FAR more awful music they were making.
I did the home try on a few times for both regular frames and sunglasses, but didn’t actually end up completing a purchase. The glasses are cost effective, but they have a very cheap feel to them. It’s understandable, but as a person who has worn glasses for a long time it left me hesitant. If I’m ever in the LA area I might stop into one of the stores so I can give the frames a second look.
I think that its worth noting that the Zenni optical frame #600025 looks almost identical to the downing at a fraction of the price $23 with prescription and tint $52. Here’s the link
http://www.zennioptical.com/600025-acetate-full-rim-frame-with-spring-hinges.html#reviewSec
Topical; I ordered a five-pack of shades yesterday to try (Paley, Ames, Percey, Jasper, Preston) and just had an appointment this morning with my eye doc to confirm my prescription hadn’t changed in the last three years (…it had). The doc’s attached Luxottica dealer was flabbergasted when I walked out without buying anything. Too bad for those guys.
Cool. Thanks a lot for the info.
I’ve had the Aldous in a tortois shell lense for a couple years now. The lense quality is very good – the frame quality, I had an issue with. Out of the box the frame was so distorted if I put them on a table with the earpieces open, one earpiece end would sit on the table top but the other was floating so far above the table that I could literally slide my finger under it without it touching the earpiece. I took them to an optician and they used a hotbox to reshape them but they must have some memory because they’re still not perfectly level. They’re close enough that I can wear them comfortably but I just don’t think they should have shipped them like that.
You can do the in-home try on with anything available on their site – i did 4 rounds of try-ons before I pulled the trigger on 3 frames, 1 of which are sunglasses
You can also use an FSA if you have one as well – I have an FSA credit card that I used and all I needed was a separate invoice from WB to upload for confirmation which they sent me within 24 hrs
For the glasses? In the Japhy, my lenses barely peek over the side of the outer half the frame – honestly, 1mm at most! The frames themselves are about 4mm, and the lenses don’t come right up to the front of the frame, either. They do a fantastic job with the fitting.
My scrip is approximately -6.75 in my left, -6.00 in my right, for reference. I’d definitely try-on a few pairs and see if there’s anything you like.
I was shot down by optometrist after optometrist trying to get my PD measurement locally, and eventually just called my personal opto and had them speak to Warby directly.
The reason that any old opto won’t get involved is because if your online glasses don’t fit, you could conceivably hold them responsible for it. They won’t have any part of it, nor should they, really. Makes sense.
That definitely comes into play, yes. It’s like saying your Allen Edmonds are just as likely to get scuffed up as your sneakers. No, you find yourself with a built-in protective nature to baby your expensive shoes, suit, car.. sunglasses shouldn’t be any different, really. Quality > quantity, for sure.
I think Bespoke Post put it nicely when I ordered their recent umbrella box, saying that with an umbrella this nice, you’ll be sure to keep tabs on it and never let it out of your sight, unlike the umbrellas it’s replacing.
“Home Try-On and Virtual Try-On are not available for this frame.”
I’m not making this up.
Might have to go check out one of their LA stores. Not that I need another pair of sunglasses, but….
Are the lenses glass or plastic? I like the blue lenses which were only available on the LE McQueen which were significantly more than the regular polarized 714’s I picked up.
Joe- Nicely done on the Highlander reference. This truly is my favorite site!
I recommend looking at Shuron eyeglasses. Made in the US for about the same price as WP. I’ve got a pair of the Sidewinders, and have been really pleased with them.
I don’t buy that. If I need a PD to fill a prescription, then I should be able to reasonably obtain that measurement. I think the issue is more so with opticians feeling slighted that patients are purchasing frames elsewhere.
I got my WP’s (which I LOVE) in NY. My optometrist gave me my PD. And if I recall, when I went into WP’s physical location, they even re-measured it for me.
Just an FYI, if they look nice on you but feel too tight/loose on your head take them to an optician and have them adjusted (LensCrafters, etc). Warby Parker will reimburse you if you get charged for the adjustment just save your receipt. When I bought my Everetts and Thompsons I needed to have them adjusted due to my exceptionally large head but I was not charged.
I can confirm I experienced the same thing. Bought them anyway b/c 30 day returns no questions asked. But that particular frame is definitely not available for home try on.
I bought a pair of Warby Parker frames 2 years ago. I really liked them. Unfortunately, the lenses got scratched, and so I ordered another pair of exactly the same frames – same model & color. When I got them, the quality was lower – they weighed a little less, they seemed flimsier, and they looked different. When I send an email complaining, they sent me a new pair – and this pair was exactly like my original pair, the ones I liked. Not sure what’s going on with quality control, but I can say they were responsive when I complained. Oh – and they tried to sell me higher-index lenses (1.67), which were not necessary for my prescription.
I have been very happy with the quality of my WP’s at that price. But I really noticed the sizing issue as well, nearly every frame was very much on the small side. I eventually found a pair I liked but the unisex sizing makes it tougher.
I think it has more to do with what they have in stock, I was able to try the Downings on in-home before I purchased them (rx and I love them). It seems like the try-ons are factory seconds and they probably only have so many that they ship out at a time.
Finally checked out one of the WB stores here in Los Angeles. Tried on all their sunglasses and found that too many of them felt too small around the bottom of the lens. I also think that WB has too many styles that are damn near identical. I guess that’s good for folks that want tons of options, but they could literally cut their line in half and make choosing the right pair that much easier.
I ended up going with these Downings and while not completely in love with them, for $95 and polarized I figured they were a good enough deal. Not to mention I can get behind their business model of buy one, give one. These will be backups to my Persol 714, but will be a good alternative to my Ray Ban wayfarers.