Shop Shades Safety Glasses

The ones that live on my face

These are probably a slightly unusual place to start when talking about what's in my toolbox, because technically they spend very little time in the toolbox.

They're usually on my face.

I wear Shop Shades Safety Glasses pretty much all day, every day when I'm working. I put them on at the start of the day and quite regularly get halfway through something before realising I've completely forgotten I'm wearing safety glasses.

For me, that's exactly what I want from PPE.

Why these?

I've worn plenty of normal safety glasses over the years. They do the job, but I've never particularly wanted to wear them any longer than necessary.

These are different.

They basically feel like wearing a normal pair of glasses. They're lightweight, they sit comfortably on my face and they don't have that bulky industrial-safety-glasses feeling.

And they actually look good.

I get constantly complimented on them. I've had loads of people comment on how cool they look or say that they really suit me.

That's not exactly the first thing you normally associate with PPE.

They've managed to make something designed to protect your eyes look like something you'd actually choose to wear.

The fit is a big one for me

I've got quite a wide face, which can make buying glasses a bit of a pain.

A lot of frames end up feeling too tight around my temples or simply look too small.

These fit me brilliantly.

There's no annoying pressure around the sides of my head and, even after wearing them for hours, I don't find myself desperately wanting to take them off.

That's probably the biggest reason they've become part of my everyday kit.

I've actually got two styles

I liked them enough that I've ended up with both frame shapes.

And that's another thing I like about Shop Shades. They don't treat safety glasses as something that has to look completely utilitarian.

I've got options depending on what I fancy wearing, while still having proper eye protection.

It's completely unnecessary.

I also absolutely approve of it. 🕶️

Are they expensive?

For me in the UK?

Yeah, a bit.

They're an American product, so by the time you've paid for the glasses and got them across the Atlantic, they're definitely not the cheapest safety glasses you can buy.

You could walk into plenty of UK tool shops and buy eye protection for a fraction of the money.

But there's a difference between something being cheap and something being good value.

I'm wearing these for hours and hours every week.

I'd much rather spend a bit more on something comfortable enough that I actually keep it on.

It's the same logic I use with the rest of my kit. If I use something constantly, I'm happy to invest in the better version.

Why they're staying in my kit

They're comfortable.

They fit my wider face properly.

They look fantastic.

They don't scream "SAFETY GLASSES!"

And most importantly, I actually wear them.

There's probably no better test of PPE than that.

I've bought plenty of bits of kit over the years that seemed like a great idea and eventually found their way to the forgotten corner of a drawer.

These have done the opposite.

They've basically become part of my work uniform.

Would I buy them again?

Without hesitation.

The import cost into the UK hurts a little, but considering how much I wear them, they've been well worth the investment.

If mine disappeared tomorrow, I'd order another pair.

Actually, knowing me, I'd spend twenty minutes looking through every pocket of my tool bag first.

Shop Shades Safety Glasses

• Comfort ★★★★★
• Fit ★★★★★
• Looks ★★★★★
• UK value ★★★★☆