How to Store Your Sunglasses Properly
How you store your sunglasses when they're not on your face determines how long they last and how well they perform. Most sunglass damage doesn't happen during use — it happens during storage. Here's how to get it right.
Always Use a Case
This is rule number one. A hard-shell case is the gold standard — it protects against crushing, scratching, and impact. If you don't have a hard case handy, a microfibre pouch is the next best option. It won't protect against crushing, but it prevents lens scratches from contact with other objects.
Never toss your sunglasses loose into a bag, pocket, or drawer. That's where scratches happen — from keys, coins, phone screens, and all the other objects competing for the same space.
Never Leave Them in a Hot Car
This is the single biggest mistake Australians make with sunglasses. A car dashboard in summer can reach 80-90°C. At these temperatures:
- Plastic frames warp and lose their shape permanently.
- Lens coatings can bubble, peel, or craze.
- Polarising films can delaminate from the lens.
Carbon fibre frames handle heat far better than plastic, but lens coatings are still vulnerable. Keep your sunglasses in the glovebox (which stays cooler) or take them inside.
Store Lenses-Up
carbon fiber sunglasses - How to Store Your Sunglasses Properly" loading="lazy" style="max-width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px">If you set your sunglasses down without a case — on a desk, table, or bench — always place them with the lenses facing upward. Placing them lenses-down risks surface scratches from whatever they're sitting on.
Keep Them Dry
After use in wet conditions — beach, rain, exercise — dry your sunglasses before storing. Moisture trapped against the lens can leave water marks or, in extreme cases, affect coatings over time. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth takes seconds.
Dedicated Home Spot
Designate a specific spot at home for your sunglasses — a tray by the front door, a case on your bedside table, or a hook in your car. When they have a home, you always know where they are and they're always protected.
Travel Storage
When travelling, pack your sunglasses in a hard case in your carry-on luggage. Never pack them in checked bags — the pressure and rough handling in the cargo hold can damage even sturdy frames. The Voyager Black is crushproof, but the lenses still appreciate the protection of a proper case.
The Payoff
Proper storage takes minimal effort but dramatically extends the life of your sunglasses — especially the lenses and coatings. Combined with a quality pair like the ShadyMate Voyager, good storage habits mean your sunglasses stay in perfect condition for years.
