Where can I get some cool pairs of glasses?

Posted by Noctemme@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 34 comments

After my recent eye test, I now need to wear glasses, but I have no idea where to find a pair I actually like. They’re all very bulky and thick-framed, or pensioner glasses (sorry nan).

Have any of you lovely folk found somewhere that actually does cool or interesting frames that won’t cost an arm and a leg? Please point me in the right direction!

For context, I am a 30 year old woman.

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ServerLost@reddit

+1 for ace and tate. Cheaper options exist online but I've always rather paid more because i know they will look good and last.

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Banes_Addiction@reddit

Firmoo

Iolla

Vooglam

Bloobloom

None of this thread sounds real. It sounds like a startup bro describing his AI-driven tech stack.

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I’ve used Glasses Direct for the past ten years, you can get a ‘home trial’ with them too where you can select up to 4 frames to be delivered without the prescription (just as you try them on in the opticians) and a prepaid box to send them back in

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Jess_atDamar@reddit

Ace & Tate, always found them a decent price for the quality.

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B0-Katan@reddit

+1 I hated myself in glasses for years (Asda/ vision express) until I discovered Ace & Tate. I get so many compliments

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LiorahLights@reddit

Firmoo if you're OK with shopping online for them. I've been using them for years.

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Noctemme@reddit (OP)

I did see them but wasn’t sure if it was legit. Have you got some from them before?

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LiorahLights@reddit

I've got 4 pairs for my current prescription. Wearing a pair of heart shaped, rimless lenses right now.

They are good.

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idlewildgirl@reddit

I've had loads from here and they have even replaced them for me for free when I entered the wrong prescription info by mistake, they are ace

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Snoo-56844@reddit

I've gotten two pairs of their ones with the magnetic sunglass lenses. Wearing them as we speak! They're from China but arrived within a week to the UK with express shipping. And they always have really good deals on.

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Tom_FooIery@reddit

I’ve just ordered a pair of those snappy sunglasses from them, good to hear a positive review in the wild!

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Snoo-56844@reddit

I did accidentally sit down with the sunglass lenses in my pocket and they snapped, hence the ordering a second pair. You can't purchase replacement sunglass lenses, you have to buy the glasses again.

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Noctemme@reddit (OP)

I’ve just seen the magnetic ones, so cool! Do you know if they’re good with returns if you change your mind?

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Snoo-56844@reddit

I've never had to return them so I'm afraid that I'm not totally sure. Not something I checked when purchasing them myself haha, probably should've

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CourseCorrection30@reddit

Meller.

Great quality and value. You can get two pairs for £50!

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Snoo-56844@reddit

They're cool glasses but sadly don't do their own prescription lenses

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algoodz@reddit

I would avoid getting your first glasses online. Best to have your first fitting in person and then if you want more then you will know what to look out for.

I would also go to an independent optician if you can but you will probably pay more. However, the quality of glasses and standard of service I have got from my local independent is like light and day from Specsavers and the like. You get what you pay for and if it is something that will be perched on the end of your nose 365, I think it is a good investment if you can afford it. My everyday ones have lasted me four years and still going strong. Specsavers would be knackered after a year.

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b-roc@reddit

Cubitts! They're so good. They will refurbish your glasses for free every year and will also update your lenses for free (though I don't remember how often)

They have physical retail stores but also a strong online business. Highly recommend them.

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Mountain_Painter_959@reddit

Seconding the cubitts recommendation!

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Limp-Boysenberry1583@reddit

Go somewhere like specsavers and try on lots to see what styles and shapes suit you. It's useful to know what width will fit your head as well. Then you can go online and look.

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supersy@reddit

Independent optician who can help you pick out brands like Theo, Anne & Valentin, Orgreen.

I thought the quality of the Ace & Tate frames were pretty poor and they were very vague about who their manufacturing partners were, I'm going to assume it was some wholesale company like Luxottica.

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Dead_Bones001@reddit

It depends on what your definition of "cool and interesting" is?

Opticians tend to stock what is in fashion at the moment. Just get your prescription and go around a few opticians till you find something you like.

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Capable_Tip7815@reddit

Iolla if you're near Manchester, Glasgow or Edinburgh. They also do online.

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naked_alpaca@reddit

ace and tate. think i paid around £130 for my frame and blue light prescription lenses. they have brick and mortar shops in major cities for you to visit depending on whre you live

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Ritualixx@reddit

I quite like Bloobloom. I think they have some really interesting looking glasses.

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FollowingSalty@reddit

Iolla are great - they have a handful of shops (mostly Scotland I think but possibly London too?) plus online ordering. I’ve bought all my glasses from there for years and they’re great, plus really clear pricing with no bs added fees like the big opticians!

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Wearethedevil@reddit

Vooglam is my current favourite for unusual glasses! I'm waiting on some sunglasses currently. I've got 14 pairs of normal ones.... And lots more I'm wanting!

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Designer-Computer188@reddit

Cubitts.

And they use Zeiss lenses, which are great unlike most. You do indeed get what you pay for in terms of lenses I'm afraid.

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Economy-Fox-5559@reddit

Ace and Tate are very sleek and stylish. Not too expensive either and very sturdy!

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