FAQs
A few things you might want to know.
What kind of lenses do you use? Good ones. Every pair of Pale Blue Dots comes with TAC polarised lenses with UV400 protection. UV400 is the highest level of UV protection commonly specified for sunglasses, blocking UVA and UVB rays, including wavelengths up to 400 nanometres.
Our TAC (Tri-Acetate Cellulose) polarised lenses use a polarising filter to cut reflected glare from surfaces like water, roads and sand, helping give you clearer, more comfortable vision in bright conditions. So, in less technical terms: serious sun protection, less glare and a clearer view.
What does UV400 actually mean? UV400 means the lenses are designed to block ultraviolet light up to a wavelength of 400 nanometres, covering the UVA and UVB range. It’s the level of protection you should be looking for in a proper pair of sunglasses, because dark lenses alone don’t necessarily protect your eyes from UV.
Can I use Face ID while wearing my Pale Blue Dots? Yes. Face ID uses infrared light, which is completely different from the UV rays your sunglasses are designed to block. So your phone can still recognise you while your UV400 lenses block the UVA and UVB rays. Clever lenses, clever phone.
Are the lenses scratch-resistant? Yes. Our TAC lenses have a scratch-resistant coating to help protect them from the knocks, scuffs and everyday wear that sunglasses inevitably pick up. They’re not completely scratch-proof, no lens really is, so keeping them in their pouch when they’re not on your face is still a good idea.
Do you ship worldwide? Yes. Pale Blue Dots travel well. Shipping options and costs are shown at checkout depending on where you are in the world.
How quickly will my order arrive? We’ll get your Pale Blue Dots on their way as quickly as possible. Delivery times vary depending on where you are, and you’ll receive tracking once your order has been dispatched.
What if they don’t suit me? No problem. You can return unworn sunglasses in their original condition and packaging within 30 days of receiving them.
Do they come with a case? Of course. Every pair comes protected in a recycled PU leather case and cardboard presentation box. No unnecessary plastic packaging.
What is recycled PU leather? Our protective cases are made using recycled PU leather. PU, short for polyurethane, is a man-made alternative to traditional leather, so no animal leather is used. Using recycled PU gives existing material another use rather than relying entirely on new material.
Do you give back? Yes. For every pair of Pale Blue Dots sold, we fund the planting of a tree through Ecologi. One pair. One Tree.
Are your sunglasses unisex? Most of our styles are designed to work on anyone. The Dune is a little more oversized, while the Classic is exactly that, an easy, everyday shape.
How do I know which style will suit me? Start with the shape you normally reach for. Classic is our easy everyday fit; Dune is larger and more statement-making; Bamboo brings a slightly different texture to the mix. Still unsure? Pick the pair you keep going back to. Usually a good sign.
How should I look after them? Keep them in their case when you’re not wearing them and clean the lenses with a soft cloth. Avoid household cleaners, salty sea water and leaving them somewhere extremely hot for long periods.
What are the frames made from? It depends on the collection. We choose better materials, including frames made using recycled plastics (RPCTG), recycled fishing nets (OrCA) and bamboo. Same focus on great-looking sunglasses, just with more thought behind what they’re made from.
What is RPCTG? RPCTG (Recycled Polycarbonate Thermoplastic Glycol) is a recycled material made from plastic bottles and containers, creating a second life rather than relying solely on virgin plastic. Lightweight, durable and well suited to eyewear, it allows us to create strong, comfortable frames with a more considered approach to materials.
What is OrCA? OrCA is a material created from recycled fishing-nets. The discarded nets are recovered from the coast around Cornwall in the UK and repurposed into a durable material suitable for eyewear. We then turn this marine waste into sunglasses designed to be worn and loved for years. Less waste, better materials, great sunglasses.
Where do you make them? Our sunglasses are made in China, home to some of the world’s most experienced specialist eyewear manufacturers. We chose our manufacturing partners for their expertise, quality and ability to work with our special materials, including recycled plastics and bamboo.
Why send them to China? It’s a fair question. The specialist process needed to turn the recycled material into finished frames isn't currently available to us locally. So yes, there’s transport involved. We don’t pretend that making sunglasses has zero impact. Instead, we focus on making better material choices where we can, working with specialist manufacturers and continually looking for ways to improve. For us, sustainability isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making better choices.
Why Pale Blue Dot?
The name is inspired by the famous image of Earth photographed from billions of miles away, appearing as a tiny pale blue dot. A little reminder of perspective, to protect what matters and to make things with a bit more thought.