Sunglass Cover Buying Guide: Learn How to Choose a Sunglass Case

We usually care for our sunglasses when using them but are quite careless when putting them away. People tend to put them on a car seat, in the bottom of the overstuffed handbag or just on the table with the lenses facing down.

Scratched lenses, bent frames and loose hinges are often the consequence.

A good sunglass cover guarantees a specific and protected place inside the handbag for your eyewear. It also provides protection against scratches by keys, dust, coins and other sharp objects.

Do you need a hard case or a soft case? Will leather case give you enough protection? What about expensive sunglasses?

All these questions answered in our sunglass cover buying guide below.

Do Sunglasses Need a Cover?

Yes, even the most affordable sunglasses may become uncomfortable to use after they become scratched or distorted. A sunglass cover protects your eyewear from:

• Scratches caused by jewellery and keys

• Dust and dirt

• Pressure inside the handbag

• Accidental falls

• Bent arm pieces and broken hinges

• Moisture and wear and tear

The cover is especially needed for people who use sunglasses together with a handbag, backpack, office bag or suitcase.

Sunglasses covers from Desi Drama Queen have a padded interior and zip closure which makes them safe for storing delicate eyewear from scratches and wear and tear.

Types of Sunglass Covers

There is no universal case for everyone. The best option depends on the frequency of travel, delicate nature of sunglasses and the space available inside the handbag.

Hard Sunglass Case

The hard sunglass case has a tough shell that cannot easily be bent.

The main advantages of hard sunglass case:

• Protection from pressure

• Accidents when dropping sunglasses

• Heavy objects inside the handbag

• Bent frames

• Crashed lenses

Hard cases are great options for large, expensive or prescription sunglasses.

However, these cases are larger and more bulky and are not easy to fit in small handbags or slings.

Soft Sunglass Case

Soft case is typically made from fabric, suede, leather or padded textile.

The case is:

• Lightweight

• Easy to carry

• Less bulky

• Suitable for daily use

• More convenient to fit in small bags

Well padded soft case protects your sunglasses from scratches and wear and tear but not from pressure and accidents.

Desi Drama Queen’s sunglass covers are soft cases with padded interior and zipped closure suitable for handbag and travel use.

Foldable Cases

Foldable cases unfold into a structured shape but can be folded when empty.

Foldable cases are useful for travellers who want more protection than basic sleeve but don’t need to have bulky case all the time.

Sunglass Sleeves

A sleeve is the most basic option. People just need to insert sunglasses into the cover from the top. The cover protects lenses from dust and minor scratches.

The sleeves are compact but usually do not provide protection against pressure and drops.

Hard Case or Soft Case: Which Is Better?

The hard case is the best choice if:

• Your sunglasses are expensive

• The frame is delicate

• You store them in packed luggage

• Your handbag is often full

• You want maximum protection

Padded soft case is preferable if:

• You need something compact

• You use your sunglasses every day

• Your handbag is small

• You want something lighter

• Stylish look is important

For daily use, a soft padded case with zip closure can provide a good combination of protection and convenience. In the travel situations, it is better to place your sunglasses in the hard case.

Leather Sunglass Covers

These cases have an elegant and timeless look. They suit professionals and people who prefer to use minimum accessories.

Advantages of Leather Case

• Elegant look

• Good structure

• Durable with proper care

• Suitable for formal gifting

• Characteristic with age

Things to Consider When Choosing Leather

Leather requires special maintenance: it should be protected from excess moisture and cleaned with special leather cleaner.

Leather sleeve can also be quite stiff and should be soft enough not to rub lenses of the sunglasses. Faux leather sleeves can provide a similar structured look but are less durable depending on material.

Fabric Sunglass Covers

Fabric cover feels lighter and softer and is more playful compared to leather.

Fabric cases can be made from:

• Cotton

• Canvas

• Handloom

• Suede

• Polyester

• Velvet

• Quilted textiles

Fabric is especially good for embroidery and creative designs.

The sunglass covers of Desi Drama Queen include handloom and suede fabric covered with hand embroidery. They also have soft padding and zip closure.

Advantages of Fabric Covers

• Lightweight

• Easy to carry

• Available in various designs

• Soft against the frame

• Suitable for casual use

• Perfect for handcrafted embroidery

Things to Consider

Fabrics can absorb moisture and do not provide the same waterproofing like hard and structured cases. Some special care is required for cleaning the fabric covers.

Leather or Fabric: Which One to Choose?

Leather is preferable if you need a clean and structured look.

Fabric is better if you want something:

• Lightweight

• Colorful

• Handcrafted

• Convenient to fit in a handbag

• Playful

For daily fashion accessories, traveling and gifts, a padded fabric cover seems to be more personal. For office use and premium minimal styling, leather cover can be preferred.

Are Sunglass Covers Waterproof?

Not all sunglass covers are waterproof.

Waterproof case should prevent water from entering through the material, seams and closure. No fabric and leather cases can provide this kind of protection.

Some cases are just splash-proof but it does not mean that you can soak or store them in the heavy rain.

Desi Drama Queen’s product descriptions state that fabric-based covers are suitable to wipe clean, not as fully waterproof cases.

If you need to store your sunglass covers during the monsoon period or on the beach, keep the cover inside the zipped handbag or travel pouch.

Choosing a Sunglass Cover for Travel

Travel causes additional risks for your sunglasses: the bags are packed tightly and are moved often.

In the travel situation, a good sunglass cover should have:

• Secure zip or closure

• Padded interior

• Enough space for the frame

• Non-compressed shape

• Durable stitching

• Lightweight design

• Visible color or pattern

For the checked luggage, use a hard case and place it between the soft clothing. In the travel bags, it is better to use fabric cover.

Desi Drama Queen states that padded and zipped sunglass covers are suitable for both daily use and travel.

How to Protect Expensive Sunglasses

Expensive sunglasses need more than just a beautiful cover.

Remember these simple tips:

1. Store them in the structured or padded case

2. Never place the lenses face-down

3. Do not keep the keys in the same compartment

4. Clean the lenses with the proper microfiber cloth

5. Do not leave your sunglasses in the car on a sunny day

6. Hold them by the frame not by the lenses

7. Do not put any heavy object on the case

8. Check the screws and hinges regularly

Delicate or oversized designer frames are best to store in the hard case. In case of daily use, you can use soft embroidered cover that has enough padding and space for the eyewear.

What Sunglass Case Size Should You Buy?

Compare the sizes of frame and cover carefully.

Make sure that the following parameters are correct:

• Total width of the frame

• Lens height

• Arm length (when folded)

• Frame thickness

• Sunglasses shape

Curved and oversized sunglasses may need extra space compared to standard rectangular frames.

According to Desi Drama Queen, sunglass covers shown on the individual product pages have approximate size 19 cm wide and 9 cm high. It is necessary to compare the sunglass frame and case measurements before purchasing.

The case should be spacious enough to prevent the compression of zip but not so loose as to allow the eyewear to move too much inside.

How to Clean Sunglass Covers

Cleaning process depends on the material of the cover.

Fabric Cover

• Open the case completely

• Remove the loose dust

• Use dry cloth first

• Dab the stains with a little moistened cloth

• Do not soak the cover

• Do not scrub the embroidered parts

• Let it dry

Leather Cover

• Remove the dust with a dry cloth

• Use the proper leather cleaner

• Do not pour a lot of water

• Leave it dry naturally

• Do not expose it to heat

How to Clean the Interior

Small dust and particles can scratch the lenses when they stay in the case.

Open the empty cover, turn it upside down and shake. You can use clean and soft brush or cloth to remove any remaining dust.

Desi Drama Queen states “wipe clean” as the mandatory cleaning process for sunglass covers.

Can You Wash Sunglass Covers?

Basic cotton sleeves may be washable but the majority of structured, padded, embroidered or leather cases are not.

Washing process can change:

• Internal padding

• Embroidery

• Case shape

• Zip quality

• Fabric color

• Glue and lining

• Leather or faux-leather parts

According to Desi Drama Queen, wiping the case is the recommended way to clean its covers, not machine washing or soaking.

How to Store Sunglasses Properly

Even the best cover can not protect sunglasses if you will store them improperly.

The things you need to remember:

• Fold both arms properly

• Make sure the lenses are clean and dry

• Put eyewear into the cover

• Close the zip completely

• Store the cover away from heavy objects

• Put it in the dry place

• Keep the case away from heat

• Do not store it near open cosmetics and liquids

At home, put sunglasses in the drawer or special organizer and do not leave them unpackaged on the table.

Choosing a Sunglass Cover as a Gift

Sunglass cover is a nice gift that can be used:

• As a birthday gift

• Part of travel hamper

• Bride maid gift

• On Mother’s Day

• Friendship Day

• Return gift

• Festive hamper

• Office gifting

Choose a design that will match the style of the person who is going to receive the gift. Neutral case is suitable for simple accessories lover while embroidered words and colorful fabrics for the person who likes fun details.

There are several hand-embroidered cover types among the Desi Drama Queen collection. Girlboss, Blessed and Clara styles cost ₹899 at the moment of writing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Comparing Measurements First

A cover that is too small can press the frame or make impossible to close the zip.

Prioritizing Style Over Padded Interior

Stylish sleeve without the padding can protect against dust but not against pressure and falls.

Storing Wet Eyewear Inside

The moisture that stays inside the cover can cause marks and unpleasant odors.

Putting Keys in the Same Cover

Even with padding, the sharp objects can damage frame and lenses.

Thinking That Fabric Is Waterproof

The fabric case is usually meant for dry daily usage unless stated differently by the manufacturer.

Machine Washing a Structured Cover

The washing process can destroy its shape, padding, zip or embroidery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do sunglasses need a cover?

Yes, a cover will protect the sunglasses from dust, scratches, pressure and any kind of accidental damage when you are not using them.

Which sunglass cover is the best?

The best cover should have the right fit, soft interior and enough protection for your storage conditions. The hard case is better for the best protection, soft padded case for the daily usage.

Hard case or soft case?

Choose hard case for expensive, delicate or traveling sunglasses. For daily usage choose soft padded case.

Leather case or fabric case?

The leather case provides structured and premium look while fabric is lighter, more colorful and better for embroidery. The better option depends on your style and required protection.

How to protect expensive sunglasses?

Protect them storing in the well fitted hard or padded case, cleaning with the microfiber cloth and keeping away from keys, heat and pressure.

Can I wash my sunglass cover?

It depends on the material of the case. The structured, embroidered, padded or leather covers are better to clean wiping. Desi Drama Queen recommends to clean its sunglass covers wiping but not washing.

What size case should I buy?

Measure your sunglasses in folded form and compare their width, height and thickness with the inner case size. Desi Drama Queen’s covered have approximate size 19 cm by 9 cm.

How do I clean a sunglass case?

Remove the dust from the cover, wipe it gently with a dry or a little moistened cloth and leave it to dry. Do not soak padded, embroidered and leather cases.