Sunglasses - buy expensive or cheap? What do you do?

[SerendipityAlways]

I badly need a pair of sunglasses - would be happy to spend a few pounds on a good pair but then wondering if this is such a good idea as I will invariably drop/scratch them, sit on them/lose them. Then if I buy a cheap and cheerful pair from Next etc, they never seem to look as good. Wonder if I should bite the bullet and just invest in a good pair which may last the term overall and be a better investment. Perhaps moving towards the idea now of spending more and buying less if you get my drift!

Just wondering what you other MNs do - buy a cheap pair each Summer or splash the cash on a designer pair? Any specific brand recommendations would also be useful as I'm completely clueless in this area. Live rurally so online recommendations appreciated!

i buy a combination, i have expensive ones that have lasted for years and as good as new and then i usually buy one or two pairs of fashion sunglasses as well. i like to swap and change and even though i have several nicer pairs, i still sometimes might want an aviator or other stle that i don;t have.
also i tried styles in cheaper version and if i like them and they suit me i might splash out on a pair of expensive ones.
my 2 favourite pairs are a fendi pair and a pair from tesco.

I bought a pair from Boots this year. I struggle to find sunglasses that suit me but I wanted 'proper ones' that actually diffuse the sun and you are able to see out of them. My DH has Raybans and the lenses are spectacular , they really make everything look clear and take the glare away but cost £100's. The boots ones I got were £15 but half price with a voucher and are very nearly as good as the Raybans. Cheap fashion ones just make evrything dark.
I have recently been on holiday and it was 38 degrees and bright bright sunshine. I couldn't believe how well my Sunglasses worked.

every expensive pair i have bought have ended up dead lost or stolen
the topshop beauties last the summer

cheap i say

Mine are Ralph Lauren, bought them a couple of years ago, still as good as new as I look after them. Before those, I had a pair of Raybans and had them for about 5 years.

TK Maxx and then you can get an expensive pair cheaply. They always have loads.

Mine are dolce and gabbana, they were a present from dh for our wedding this year. They are gorgeous,I usuallay just get them from accessorise. But, these are lovely.....

wedding anniversary

Buy expensive every few years
If I buy cheap I never wear them or lose them

Expensive. I do eventually lose them or break them. They usually last two years with me. But I find I look after costly ones better. I spent £150 on mine (reduced from £290!) and they are worth every penny - look stylish, make me feel like I am glam even when I just shove old jeans and tee on , protect my eyes properly and I would have churned my way through half a dozen pair of cheapies by now!

Cheap, because I lose them and get them scratched, and frequently sit on them too. Plus they change every season. DD1 bought one expensive pair (Dior) on sale once and they were stolen. way to learn.

Why do people wear them? Strong sunlight hurts my eyes - even if it's just bright but overcast, I start squinting. They're essential for me in summer. But now you mention it a lot of people I know never wear them.

I bought these in 2007 and keep them in their case when not being used. They were £255 then which was enough, but I love them.

Had some lovely ray-bans. Lost them. Bought £4 ones from Sainsbos I have too much in my head with 2 small DSs to remember about not losing sunglasses, unfortunately.

Thanks so much for all the great advice and tips! Well I went shopping yesterday armed with all your good suggestions and think I did really well - got a great pair of Escada sunnies in TK Maxx for about £30 (rrp £150!!!) plus a lovely free sunglass case so delighted with myself and gotten some compliments already! And happy to know that I haven't spent so much that if one of the kids sits on them its not the end of the world!! Off to Italy in a month so might look and see if I can find the nearest Prada outlet store, for research purposes only..... Thank you wise women!!!