Foster Grant Sunglasses Review: Your Guide to Affordable, Stylish Eyewear
Hey there, sunglasses lover! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the perfect pair of shades that make you look and feel your best. But let‘s be real, nobody wants to blow their entire paycheck on designer frames. That‘s why I‘m excited to share my honest review of Foster Grant sunglasses.
In this in-depth guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about this iconic eyewear brand, including:
- Brand history and background
- Product quality and styles
- Shopping experience and customer service
- Promotions and ways to save
- Foster Grant‘s charitable giving and social impact
- How they compare to other popular sunglasses brands
- My personal experience and TOP picks
By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if Foster Grants are the right fit for your style and budget. Let‘s dive in!
Who is Foster Grant? A Classic Brand with Modern Appeal
Foster Grant has been a go-to sunglasses brand for over 90 years, and it‘s easy to see why. Founded in 1929 by Sam Foster, the company got its start selling sunglasses on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Back then, shades weren‘t just a fashion statement – they were a brand new way to protect your eyes from the sun‘s harmful rays.
Foster was a pioneer in the eyewear industry, introducing the first pair of sunglasses made specifically for women in the 1930s. In the 1960s, the brand exploded in popularity thanks to their famous "Who‘s That Behind Those Foster Grants?" ad campaign. The TV and print ads featured glamorous models and celebrities donning Foster Grants, cementing the brand‘s association with Hollywood style.
Over the decades, Foster Grant has continued to innovate while staying true to its mission of making high-quality, affordable eyewear for the masses. Today, the brand offers a huge range of sunglasses for men and women, including polarized lenses, readers, clip-ons, and more. They‘ve also expanded globally, with design studios in New York, Milan, London, Paris, and Hong Kong.
What I love about Foster Grant is that they make it easy to stay on top of the latest eyewear trends without spending a fortune. They‘re constantly collaborating with fashion designers and celebrities to create covetable capsule collections. Some of their recent partnerships have included actress Sofia Vergara, model Kat Graham, and designer Tori Praver.
But Foster Grant isn‘t just about looking good – they‘re also dedicated to doing good. The brand has a long history of charitable giving and social responsibility initiatives. More on that later!
Foster Grant Sunglasses Quality: What to Expect
I‘ve owned quite a few pairs of Foster Grants over the years, and I‘m always impressed by the quality and attention to detail. For the price point, you really can‘t beat the durability and style.
Let‘s start with the lenses. All Foster Grant sunglasses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, so you can rock your sunnies all day without worrying about damaging your eyes. Many styles also feature polarized lenses, which reduce glare and enhance color contrast. This is a game-changer for activities like driving, fishing, or hitting the beach.
In terms of materials, Foster Grant uses high-quality plastics and metals that feel sturdy and substantial. You won‘t find any flimsy, cheap-feeling frames here. One of my favorite styles, the Prelude Wayfarer, is made with a durable polycarbonate frame and stainless steel hinges. I‘ve had them for over a year, and they still look and feel like new.
Another thing I appreciate about Foster Grant shades is the fit. They offer a variety of frame sizes and shapes to suit different face types, and most styles have adjustable nose pads and temple tips for a customized fit. I have a pretty narrow face, so I love that I can find frames that don‘t overwhelm my features.
Of course, no pair of sunglasses is indestructible, but Foster Grants can definitely take a beating. I‘ve accidentally sat on my fair share of pairs, and they‘ve all survived without a scratch. Plus, most styles come with a protective case and cleaning cloth, so you can keep them looking fresh for longer.
Choosing the Perfect Pair: Foster Grant‘s Most Popular Styles
One of the best things about Foster Grant is the sheer variety of sunglasses they offer. No matter your personal style, face shape, or budget, you‘re sure to find a pair (or three) that you love.
To help narrow down your options, here are some of Foster Grant‘s most popular and highly-rated styles:
| Style Name | Frame Material | Lens Type | Avg. Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelude Wayfarer | Polycarbonate | Polarized Gray | 4.8/5 | $29.99 |
| Sutton Aviator | Metal | Polarized Green | 4.6/5 | $27.99 |
| Marli Cat Eye | Plastic | Solid Smoke | 4.5/5 | $25.99 |
| Piers Rectangle | Plastic | Gradient Brown | 4.4/5 | $19.99 |
| Brockwell Round | Metal | Blue Light Filtering | 4.4/5 | $29.99 |
As you can see, the top-rated Foster Grants span a range of frame shapes, from classic wayfarers and aviators to trendy cat eyes and rounds. I‘m personally obsessed with the Prelude Wayfarer – the tortoiseshell frames and gold accents look super luxe, and the polarized lenses are clutch for sunny days.
If you‘re not sure which style is right for you, Foster Grant offers a handy "Frame Finder" quiz on their website. Just answer a few quick questions about your face shape, color preferences, and lifestyle, and they‘ll recommend some frames that suit your unique look.
Another great resource is the "Sunglasses 101" section of their site, which breaks down all the different lens types and features. For example, did you know that gray lenses are ideal for bright conditions, while brown lenses enhance contrast and depth perception? Meanwhile, blue light filtering lenses (a.k.a. computer glasses) can help reduce eye strain from staring at screens all day. The more you know!
The Foster Grant Online Shopping Experience
Confession time: I‘m an online shopping addict. I love the convenience of browsing and buying from my couch, and Foster Grant delivers an A+ e-commerce experience. Here‘s what you can expect:
User-Friendly Website: The Foster Grant site is super easy to navigate, with clear product categories and filters. You can shop by gender, frame shape, material, lens type, price, and more.
Tons of Photos and Videos: Each product page includes multiple high-res photos of the sunglasses from different angles. You can also watch short video clips that show the frames in action. This gives you a much better sense of how the sunglasses look and fit in real life.
Virtual Try-On: Not sure how a pair will look on your face? Foster Grant‘s Virtual Try-On tool uses your device‘s camera to superimpose the frames onto your face in real-time. It‘s like a virtual fitting room!
Free Shipping and Returns: Foster Grant offers free standard shipping on all orders over $50. If your order doesn‘t work out, you can return it for free within 30 days for a full refund. They also offer free exchanges if you need a different size or style.
Easy Prescription Process: Need prescription sunnies? No prob! Foster Grant makes it easy to add your rx directly on the product page. They partner with Lens.com to fulfill prescription orders, and shipping is free.
Foster Grant‘s Social Responsibility and Charitable Partnerships
One thing that really sets Foster Grant apart from other affordable sunglasses brands is their commitment to giving back. Over the years, they‘ve partnered with some incredible organizations to support eye health and vision care in underserved communities.
For example, in 2019, Foster Grant teamed up with Restoring Vision, a non-profit that provides reading glasses to people in developing countries. For every pair of Foster Grant readers sold, they donated a pair to someone in need. To date, Restoring Vision has helped over 17 million people worldwide see clearly.
Foster Grant also works closely with OneSight, a leading global vision care charity. Together, they‘ve provided free eye exams and glasses to thousands of children and adults in the US and abroad. OneSight‘s mission is to create a world where lack of access to vision care is no longer a barrier to human achievement and potential.
On top of their official partnerships, Foster Grant regularly donates eyewear and funds to local charities and community organizations. When you buy Foster Grants, you can feel good knowing that you‘re supporting a company that cares about making a positive impact.
How Do Foster Grants Compare to Other Popular Sunglasses Brands?
If you‘re considering Foster Grants, you might be wondering how they stack up to other wallet-friendly sunglasses brands. Here‘s a quick rundown:
Knockaround:
- Price: $10-$30
- Styles: Classic, sporty frames in a variety of fun colors and prints
- Quality: Good for the price, but may feel a bit flimsy compared to Foster Grants
- Giving Back: Knockaround donates 1% of profits to youth sports programs
ZeroUV:
- Price: $10-$20
- Styles: Trendy, oversized frames; lots of colorful lenses and mirrored options
- Quality: Hit or miss; some reviewers report issues with lenses popping out or frames breaking
- Giving Back: No formal charitable initiatives
Sunski:
- Price: $48-$89
- Styles: Retro-inspired frames made with recycled plastic
- Quality: Very durable and well-made; lifetime warranty
- Giving Back: Donates 1% of revenue to environmental non-profits; certified B Corp
Overall, I think Foster Grant offers the best combination of style, quality, and price compared to other brands in this category. They have a much wider selection of frame shapes and lens types, and the attention to detail is noticeably higher. I also appreciate their genuine commitment to social responsibility and charitable giving.
That said, if you‘re looking for a specific style or feature, it‘s worth checking out the other brands too. Knockaround has some really fun, colorful frames that are great for festivals or beach days. Sunski is a fantastic choice if you prioritize eco-friendly materials and sustainable business practices.
Foster Grant FAQ
To round out this review, I wanted to address some of the most common questions I see about Foster Grant sunglasses:
Q: Are Foster Grants good quality?
A: In my experience, Foster Grants are very high-quality for the price point. The frames are made with durable materials, the lenses offer 100% UV protection, and they hold up well over time with proper care.
Q: What is the average price of Foster Grant sunglasses?
A: Foster Grant prices typically range from $20 to $40, depending on the style and features. You can sometimes find them on sale for even less!
Q: Where can I buy Foster Grant sunglasses?
A: You can buy Foster Grants directly from their website, or from major retailers like Walmart, Target, CVS, and Amazon.
Q: Does Foster Grant offer a warranty?
A: Currently, Foster Grant does not offer a formal warranty on their sunglasses. However, they do have a 30-day return policy if you‘re not satisfied with your purchase.
Q: Are Foster Grant sunglasses polarized?
A: Many Foster Grant styles are available with polarized lenses, which help reduce glare and improve visual clarity. You can filter by "Polarized" on their website to see all the options.
Q: Can I get prescription lenses in Foster Grant frames?
A: Yes! Foster Grant partners with Lens.com to offer prescription sunglasses. You can add your rx directly on the Foster Grant website when you order.
The Bottom Line: Are Foster Grants Worth It?
So, would I recommend Foster Grant sunglasses? The short answer is: absolutely!
I‘ve been consistently impressed by the style, quality, and value that Foster Grant delivers. Their frames are on-trend and well-made, with durable materials and high-quality lenses. I love that they offer a wide range of styles for every face shape and personal aesthetic, from classic tortoishell wayfarers to sleek metal aviators.
As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, I also appreciate the level of UV protection and glare reduction that Foster Grant lenses provide. The polarized options are a must-have for activities like driving, fishing, or spending time on the water. And for my fellow screen addicts out there, the blue light filtering lenses are a game-changer for reducing eye strain and headaches.
Compared to other sunglasses brands at this price point, I think Foster Grant really stands out in terms of the overall customer experience. Their website is user-friendly and informative, with helpful tools like the Frame Finder quiz and Virtual Try-On. Free shipping, returns, and exchanges make it easy to find the perfect pair risk-free.
But beyond just being a great value, I feel good about supporting Foster Grant as a brand. Their commitment to giving back through charitable partnerships and donations sets them apart from other fast fashion eyewear companies. When I wear my Foster Grants, I know I‘m not just investing in my own style and eye health, but also making a small difference in the lives of others.
At the end of the day, everyone‘s sunglasses needs and preferences are different. But if you‘re looking for an affordable, fashionable, and socially-conscious option, I highly recommend giving Foster Grant a try. With their huge selection and customer-friendly policies, you really can‘t go wrong.
I hope this in-depth review has been helpful as you navigate the world of sunglasses shopping. Here‘s to sunny days ahead (and looking damn good in your new shades)!
