Real designer sunglasses are difficult to distinguish in a market crowded with imitations. You can spot real Oakleys, Ray-Bans, Pradas, and Persol sunglasses and stay away from fakes with the aid of this guide. To identify the real ones, consider factors like pricing, quality, authenticity certifications, packaging, barcode, SKU, lens etchings, lens clarity, stickers, brand positioning, and more.
- Price
Authentic designer sunglasses often have a higher price tag due to the fact that they are crafted with superior workmanship and use materials of superior quality. Proceed with caution if you come across an offer that seems to be too good to be true. In many cases, the sunglasses are counterfeit if they have a very cheap price.
- Finish
Original brand sunglasses generally have a finish that is perfect. Any bumps, unevenness, or rough spots should make you suspicious of a fake.
- Certificate of Authenticity
Designer sunglasses that are known to be real often come with proof of origin. If it is not there, you might have a fake when you check it.
- Packaging
The brand’s name is clearly visible on high-quality boxes that hold real shades. It is easy to spot a fake when the package is not very good, or there are brands all over the place.
- SKU & Barcode
Sunglasses that are real will have unique SKUs and barcodes on the inside arm. The writing will be clear and straight, making it easy to read. Always make sure that the codes match the ones on the brand’s website. If they don’t, you might be buying a fake for a lot of money.
- Lens Etchings
A lot of luxury sunglasses have small engravings on the frame and sometimes on the lenses as well. Fake glasses do not usually have these, or try very hard to add them.
- Stickers
Stickers are almost never found on the lenses of real sunglasses. But fakes usually have stickers on them, and some of them even say dangerous things like “UV protection” when they do not really mean that.
- Lens Clarity
Real sunglasses give you better focus, while fakes might blur your vision or show flaws.
- Logo Placement
In the world of fakes, logos that should not be there are very common. For proof, you should always check the official pictures on the brand’s website.
- Raised Seams
In general, genuine sunglasses feature seams that are flat and smooth. In the event that you are able to readily detect glue or elevated seams, it is possible that you are in possession of a counterfeit.
- Spelling
Even though this does not make sense, fake goods are sometimes very close to being exact copies of the real thing. However, the writing mistakes on the package, certificate, or even the brand name itself are common. Keep an eye out for any typing errors.
- Rubber Pieces & Ear Socks
A high-quality, soft rubber is used on real sunglasses and glasses, like Oakleys, to make them easier to hold on to. The fakes generally use hard plastic instead.
- Size
Usually, fake sunglasses do not stay true to the original size charts. The change in size is not always very big, but if you know your glasses, it is enough to tell if they are fake.
- CE Marking
In the EU, sunglasses should have a “CE” mark on them to show that they meet European safety standards. Designer sunglasses sold in the EU should have this mark on them, but they don’t. The well-known CE marking stopped in January 2023 after Brexit. From that date on, things sold in Great Britain will have to have the UKCA marking instead.
Identifying Fake Oakley Sunglasses:
- SKU and Model Numbers: An authentic Oakley watch often has an SKU that starts with the letter “OO.” This is a detail that fakes often overlook. On the inside of the arms, Oakleys further show model numbers and colour codes. Verify these specifics against the official website.
- Nose Pads & Ear Socks: Nose cushions and ear socks made of premium rubber are features of authentic Oakleys. Because the rubber is supple, it keeps its hold even when you perspire. Lower-quality, slick, and hard-feeling materials are often used in counterfeit versions.
- ‘O’ logo: The ‘O’ logo on the arms of real Oakleys should be precisely positioned without any jagged edges or misalignments. The painted logos on certain fakes could be prone to peeling off.
Identifying Fake Prada Sunglasses:
- Model Numbers: The inside side of the temple of Prada sunglasses also has model numbers. Genuine pairs will prominently indicate the model number, kind of lens, and dimensions.
- Prada emblem: The lens and temple of genuine Prada glasses will have the Prada emblem. False copies of the logo could make mistakes by using the wrong typefaces or positioning them unevenly.
- Case: Authentic Prada sunglasses come with a premium case with the company’s emblem. It is a fake if the case is missing or if the logo differs from the authentic Prada emblem.
Identifying Fake Ray-Ban Sunglasses:
- Serial Number: Genuine Ray-Ban sunglasses have an engraved serial number on the inside of the temple or earpiece. The number usually begins with the letter RB. It is a fake if there is not one or if it does not correspond with the official database.
- Logo: one with the Ray-Ban brand imprinted on it and the other with the letter ‘RB’. False versions sometimes omit the ‘RB’ entirely, place it incorrectly, or even misspell the logo.
- Case: A premium case is included with authentic Ray-Bans. It should come with a branded cleaning cloth and an embossed version of the logo.
