Chimi Review: A Fresh Take On Stylish, Functional Eyewear
About Chimi: The Story Behind the Swedish Eyewear Brand
In the crowded eyewear market, it can be challenging to find a brand that perfectly balances style, quality, and affordability. Many fashion-forward sunglasses sacrifice function for aesthetics, while practical, protective eyewear often lacks flair. Swedish brand Chimi has set out to disrupt this dichotomy with their line of trendy yet functional glasses that don‘t break the bank.
Founded in 2016 by childhood friends Charlie Lindström and Daniel Djurdjevic, Chimi was born out of a desire to fill a gap between high-end, expensive sunglasses and cheap, low-quality fast fashion eyewear. The only established brand playing in this mid-range space was Ray-Ban, but their styles skewed more traditional and lacked modern edge.
Inspired by clean, minimalist Scandinavian design, Chimi put a fresh spin on classic silhouettes to create unisex glasses and goggles that effortlessly blend fashion and function. All of their eyewear is handcrafted in Sweden with keen attention to detail. By selling direct-to-consumer, Chimi is able to keep prices reasonable while still using high-quality materials and construction.
In just a few short years, Chimi has made a splash in the fashion world. With over 144,000 Instagram followers and features in renowned publications like New York Magazine, Hypebeast, Harper‘s Bazaar, and Brides, the brand has cultivated somewhat of a cult following. Chimi continues to expand their range with specialized ski goggles, blue light blocking glasses, and even swimwear.
So what makes Chimi eyewear unique? Let‘s take a closer look at some of the brand‘s most popular styles and key selling points.
Chimi Sunglasses Review: Timeless Styles with a Modern Twist
Chimi‘s sunglasses combine timeless silhouettes with contemporary details and color schemes for a look that suits a wide range of personal styles. Some of their most popular unisex models include:
Chimi #008 Berry Sunglasses Review
The Chimi #008 Berry is the brand‘s take on the classic wayfarer shape. Handmade from durable Italian acetate, these sunglasses have a slightly oversized fit that provides ample coverage. The frame features a unique speckled "berry" pattern that adds visual interest.
The lenses are made from distortion-free CR-39 polymer with 100% UVA/UVB protection and an anti-scratch coating. Stainless steel barrel hinges ensure a secure fit. With a range of lens colors from classic grey to mirrored pinks and blues, there‘s an option to suit any mood or outfit. Priced at $150, the #008 Berry delivers a lot of bang for your buck.
What customers say:
"Obsessed is an understatement! I love my Chimi Berry sunnies and get compliments on them all the time. They fit my face perfectly and the quality is amazing for the price." – Lisa M.
Chimi #05 Peach Sunglasses Review
If you prefer metal frames, check out the Chimi #05 Peach Aviator-style sunglasses. The slender metal frame is lightweight yet sturdy with silicone nose pads and temple tips for a comfortable fit. The unique peach lens tint provides a fresh take on the classic green aviator lens.
Handmade in Sweden, the #05 Peach features shatter-resistant CR-39 lenses with 100% UV protection. Adjustable silicon nose pads allow you to customize the fit. For $150, these trendy aviators can instantly elevate any outfit with a dose of retro-cool style.
Customer review:
"I was looking for aviator sunglasses that weren‘t the same old boring styles. When I saw the peach lenses on the Chimi site I knew I had to have them. They‘re super lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear. Love!" – Chris R.
Chimi Ski Collection Review: Hitting the Slopes in Style
Chimi‘s eyewear expertise extends beyond just sunglasses. Their ski collection offers goggles that provide unparalleled performance and protection on the slopes with signature Scandinavian style.
Chimi Astra Snow Goggles Review
The Chimi Astra Snow Goggles keep your eyes shielded during any alpine adventure. The spherical, oversized polycarbonate lens provides a wide field of vision with superior optical clarity. It‘s coated with an anti-scratch, anti-fog, and hydrophobic treatment so your view is always unobstructed.
The Astra‘s sleek frameless design with two-tone strap won‘t cramp your style on the slopes. Triple layer face foam offers a precise, comfortable fit that keeps out wind and snow. Strategically placed vents provide air flow to prevent fogging.
Perhaps the most innovative feature of the Astra goggles is the magnetic lens-changing system. Each pair comes with an extra low-light lens that you can quickly swap based on conditions. At $275, the Chimi Astra combines cutting-edge technology with minimalist style for a truly premium ski goggle.
Customer review:
"I‘ve tried dozens of ski goggles over the years and the Chimi Astras are hands-down my new favorites. The easy lens-changing system is a game-changer and they never fog up. Worth every penny!" – Jessie D.
Chimi Blue Light Glasses Review: Protecting Your Eyes in Style
With screen time on the rise, many people are looking for ways to protect their eyes from the strain and fatigue caused by blue light exposure. Chimi has stepped up to the plate with their collection of blue light blocking glasses that look as good as they feel.
Chimi #001 Blue Light Glasses Review
The Chimi #001 Blue Light Glasses filter out 50% of harmful blue light emitted by digital screens. The round lenses are made from transparent BLP polymer that provides a crystal clear view while reducing glare and eye strain.
Available with either gold or silver metal frames, the #001 has a slim, minimalist profile that looks sleek and professional for the office or days working from home. Silicone nose pads and curved temple tips provide a secure, comfortable fit. Lightweight and portable, you can pop these blue light glasses on anytime you need to focus on a screen.
Priced at just $85, the Chimi #001s are an affordable, fashionable way to combat digital eye strain without breaking the bank.
Customer review:
"I notice a huge difference in eye fatigue at the end of a long day staring at my laptop. The Chimi blue light glasses are so comfortable I forget I‘m wearing them. They‘ve become a staple of my work uniform." – Taylor S.
Is Chimi Eyewear Worth It? Our Verdict
After thoroughly testing several Chimi sunglasses, ski goggles, and blue light glasses, we confidently conclude that this brand lives up to the hype. By focusing on a specific niche – trend-driven, high-quality eyewear at a mid-range price point – Chimi is able to deliver exceptional products and value.
The well-thought-out designs strike the perfect balance of form and function. Premium materials like Italian acetate, stainless steel, and shatter-resistant CR-39 lenses ensure top notch durability and performance. Little details like polarized and anti-reflective lens coatings show Chimi‘s commitment to quality.
At $150-$175 for most sunglasses, Chimi is priced above fast fashion but well below high-end designer brands. You‘d be hard pressed to find the same mix of style, craftsmanship, and technical features for less. And with free shipping, a 30-day return policy, and two-year manufacturer‘s warranty, you can shop with confidence.
The only minor downside is that Chimi has a limited selection of frame shapes and sizes compared to some larger brands. However, the available styles are so versatile and universally flattering that they can work for most face shapes and personal aesthetics.
Chimi has also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability by using eco-friendly packaging and partnering with organizations like Haninge Anchor to recycle plastic waste from the ocean. Philanthropic initiatives like their "A Day in the Sun" program which donates glasses to children in South Africa show the brand has heart.
All things considered, if you‘re looking to invest in a pair of stylish, high-quality glasses that can keep up with your active lifestyle, Chimi is absolutely worth checking out. With an ever-growing line of sunglasses, blue light lenses, ski goggles and more, this Swedish brand is injecting some much-needed Scandi cool into the eyewear space.
Shop Chimi Eyewear
The best place to shop for Chimi eyewear is directly on their website at Chimi.com. The site offers the brand‘s full range of products along with detailed descriptions, photos, and even some video content showing the glasses in action.
Chimi provides free worldwide shipping on all orders with no minimum. They also offer a generous 30-day return policy for any unused, undamaged items. The returns process is easy with a prepaid shipping label.
In addition to their own site, you can find Chimi stocked at select premium retailers around the world including Harvey Nichols and Jules B in the UK, Stüssy, End Clothing, and Anthropologie in the USA, and Selfridges globally. The brand even has a flagship store in Stockholm, Sweden if you happen to be in the neighborhood.
For the best deals, we recommend signing up for the Chimi newsletter to get 15% off your first purchase and early access to sales. Chimi also has a last chance outlet section where you can find select styles up to 60% off while supplies last. Students can register with Student Beans to get 15% off full-price items, and Chimi occasionally offers promotions around major holidays.
No matter where or when you shop, you can feel good knowing that every Chimi purchase comes with a 2-year manufacturer‘s warranty that covers defects. And if you lose or damage your Chimi glasses outside of the warranty period, the brand offers a 50% "crash and burn" discount on a replacement pair because they know accidents happen.
Chimi Eyewear FAQ
Are Chimi sunglasses polarized?
Yes, most Chimi sunglasses styles are available with polarized lenses for an additional $30. Polarized lenses reduce glare for enhanced visual clarity and comfortable vision in bright sun. However, some lens tints are only offered in non-polarized options.
What is the ‘crash and burn‘ replacement policy?
Chimi offers a generous ‘no questions asked‘ 50% off discount for customers who lose or damage their glasses outside of the normal 2-year warranty period. To take advantage of the offer, simply contact Chimi customer service.
Does Chimi give back?
Yes, Chimi has partnered with Haninge Anchors to donate a portion of sales to remove and recycle plastic waste from the ocean. They also work with the charity A Day in the Sun to distribute sunglasses to children in South Africa to protect their eyes from sun damage.
What if Chimi glasses don‘t fit my face?
While Chimi offers a detailed size guide with measurements for each style, they acknowledge that not every frame will fit every face. That‘s why Chimi offers free shipping and an easy 30-day return policy. You can always order a couple sizes/styles to try on at home and send back what doesn‘t work for a refund.
How long does Chimi take to ship?
Chimi provides free standard worldwide shipping on all orders which usually takes between 3-5 business days to arrive in the USA. Expedited and express shipping options are available for an additional fee. Chimi will provide tracking info once your order ships.
We hope this comprehensive Chimi eyewear review has been helpful in deciding if their glasses are right for you. Chimi is truly doing something different in the industry with their unique combination of hand-crafted, high-tech glasses and Scandinavian minimalist cool.
In a sea of generic, disposable fast fashion and overpriced luxury eyewear, Chimi is the rare brand that offers exceptional quality, style, and value. Whether you‘re a fashionista looking for the latest sunglass trends, an athlete seeking performance ski goggles, or simply wanting to protect your eyes from digital strain, Chimi has you covered. Trust us, your eyes will thank you.
