Despite being a glasses wearer since the fourth grade, I had yet to shop for any frames at Warby Parker, an eyewear company that has made quite a name for itself by being an accessible and affordable destination for prescription glasses. I recently had my first Warby Parker buying experience and can finally understand why they’ve amassed the following they have.
As someone who has always purchased glasses the old-fashioned way — going in person to my optometrist’s office and choosing an overpriced designer pair from what’s available —I didn’t quite realize how streamlined and low-fuss buying from Warby Parker could be, nor how extensive their style options were.
I just chose my frames by trying them on virtually (you can do this either through the app or Warby Parker website), uploaded my prescription from my eye doctor, completed a five-second eye scan and that was it. You can even renew your prescription at home using your phone. I was also able to make extensive customizations to my lenses, like opting for anti-fatigue lenses, blue light filtering, UV-transitioning, progressives and more.
There are also several Warby Parker brick-and-mortar storefronts if you need to have an in-person eye exam or want to try on glasses in-store. It’s a system that, to me, fits the modern-day needs of most vision-impaired individuals.
All of Warby Parker’s lenses are also made from one of the most impact-resistant materials for glasses, polycarbonate, which are then finished off with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant lens coatings for no extra charge.
Although I can’t personally speak to their longevity, having just acquired them, my partner has a discontinued pair of Warby Parker frames in the Morgan style that he purchased over five years ago, and they are still going strong today, with minimal lens scratches and a completely intact frame.
Even with the privilege of having health insurance that covered a portion of my eye care, I had always just resigned myself to the reality that purchasing glasses would always be an expensive experience. But with most of Warby Parker’s frames starting at $95 a pair (a price that includes prescription lenses), my perception has certainly changed.
To make buying your glasses purchase even more affordable, Warby Parker accepts most insurances, plus their products are FSA and HSA-eligible.
Even though this was my first time buying frames from Warby Parker, I wasn’t surprised to learn that several of my colleagues were already longtime patrons. Take a look at some of their favorite pairs in the list ahead.
The Braden
These stylish round frames in the sequoia tortoise colorway are the pair I ended up landing on because they're unlike any glasses I own. Made from cellulose acetate and using Akulon-coated screws that will prevent the temple arms from going loose, the Braden frames have teardrop lenses and a cool '70s-inspired style.
The Fletcher
HuffPost personal director Noah Michelson, has the Fletcher frames, an angular and medium-width design that comes in four colors and cellulose acetate material.
"I've been going to Warby Parker for the last five years to get my eye exams and my glasses. My favorite is the Fletcher frame. It's light, so it's comfortable to wear all day, and the style is clean, handsome and classic, so it pairs well with whatever I'm wearing," Michelson said. "Best of all: it's only $95, so I could afford to get two pairs -- one in matte black eclipse and the other in crystal."
The Shea
Senior security director Greta Geiselman has this pair of cellulose acetate frames featuring a low-bridge fit, bowed browline and slightly upturned ends to create a subtle and super wearable pair of cat eye glasses. According to Geiselman, she has Warby Parker frames in progressives and sunglasses, and she "LOVES" them both.
"Also, had a great eye exam with them. For my first progressives, they took their time and helped me out. And I can go to any location to get them adjusted for free," she said.
You can shop the Shea eyeglasses in a sheer pink and a sheer peacock green color.
The Maren
The Maren frames are senior reporter Caroline Bologna's, glasses of choice, which feature a super lightweight construction and a mix of stainless steel and cellulose acetate.
"My best friend had to start wearing glasses for the first time last year, and she opted for a lighter shade of this style. On a recent trip to visit her in our hometown, I tried on her frames and immediately ordered a pair for myself. I love the balance of the subtle cat-eye in the front and the lightweight feel on my ears," Bologna said.
The Maren glasses, which come in two colors, have delicate temple arms that won't interfere with your peripheral sight and slightly upturned ends.
The Blakeley
Senior reporter Jillian Wilson bought her first pair of Warby Parker glasses earlier this year and couldn't say enough good things about the entire process.
"I was thrilled with the shopping experience, shipping process, insurance reimbursement and quality of the glasses," she said. "I have received tons of compliments and truly look forward to putting them on. They're made well, stylish and so affordable."
The frames that Wilson purchased are the Blakelys, a classic pair of slim round frames with a scalloped nose bridge detailing and cellulose acetate. They can be bought in three widths and three colors.
The Durand
Shopping writer Erica Kam has the Durand frames as her prescription sunglasses of choice, though they can be made with standard daily lenses if you're a fan of the style. Not entirely round, yet not completely square, the Durands are a timeless frame available in four width options and six colors.
The Sadie
Kam also has a pair of the Sadie glasses that she wears for her everyday prescription, and I've often admired these from afar. They feature a more rounded underside compared to the previous option and a pronounced keyhole bridge, which could work well for anyone with a naturally higher nose bridge. These frames look very cute and studious in person, and they come in two widths and two colors (Kam has the two-toned crystal rose color).