TUMI sent me a couple pairs of sunglasses a while back. You may have seen the purple Rialtos make it into a few of my other posts. I figured it’s about time I tell you what I think of my TUMI eyewear.
BOLTE
First let’s take a look at the TUMI Bolte.
These were the ones I was sure I would like. I loved the classic brown tortoise combined with the metal. It was a classic design with a fresh take that added sophistication—and branding, as the ballistic weave pattern on the metal is a TUMI signature.
I am also a sucker for words. I was sold when I read TUMI’s description of these sunglasses, saying that they were inspired by the beauty and strength of the Bolte Bridge in Melbourne, intended to be “a grown-up wayfarer for the ageless traveler.” For the ageless traveler… so Romantic. I can’t help but think that I am wearing a piece of the Melbourne skyline on my face when I wear them around. It’s not just good copywriting, though, it’s evidence of a thoughtful design.
In the past, I have been more of a ten-dollar sunglasses girl, but you really can’t beat these exclusive Carl Zeiss Vision polarized lenses. It reduces eyestrain that isn’t addressed by your average pair of sunglasses.
Also unique to these glasses is the pads for the nose, not common on other plastic-framed glasses and a bit of a surprise to me when I first put them on. I like it because they stay in place nicely. However, I dislike how the nose pads made them sit further off of my face (and a tiny bit higher), letting some light in behind the lenses—a problem I didn’t have in the car or while wearing a hat (they do look cute with my woven fedora), but one I noticed the second time I took them on a hike. It might just be the shape of my nose.
RIALTO
The Rialto first appealed to me, because it is one of the few pairs I saw in the Spring ’15 collection designed specifically for women. Plus, they come in purple, so I couldn’t pass them up. Check out the “unique acid-etched top bar that accentuates the subtle cat-eye shape, giving it a thoroughly modern silhouette unlike any other.” The top bar was something I hardly noticed when browsing the collection, but it is a detail I’ve grown to love. It adds a lot of flair.
The Bolte sunglasses are classic and sophisticated. These Rialtos, by comparison, are more playful. Like me?
These ones do have polarized lenses as well‚ so worth it. I had some concerns about the gray-tone of the lenses when I picked them out—brown tends to make the world look bright, and gray can make it look kind of dreary (in my previous experience). This was not my experience with TUMI. A high-quality lens can really avoid turning a sunny day into a gray one, no matter what the color of the lenses. I’m glad I took the risk.
These are the most comfortable sunglasses I’ve ever worn. I can keep them on for hours with no pressure behind the ears, no marks on my nose. You’ll forget you’re wearing them.
Funny story: I wore them in the car when I drove to Bozeman last week (to shop for wedding dresses with my little sister—yay!). As the sun set, I thought, “Man, driving at night is so much harder than I remember!” I squinted and focused hard on the reflectors, I slowed my speed by about 20 mph… until I realized… I was still wearing my sunglasses. Whew! So glad I didn’t have to finish the trip like that!
Back to the point: These sunglasses are that comfortable. While the Bolte sunglasses were also very comfortable, I did notice the nosepads just a bit.
CASE
The most annoying thing about keeping your sunglasses in a case is that it takes up just as much space when you have them on as when you have them stowed—not with TUMI. The sunglasses case that comes with your purchase folds flat, and includes a cleaning cloth. You have to love a smartly designed product. I do.
IN CONCLUSION
I definitely recommend TUMI sunglasses to anyone looking to make an investment in high-quality eyewear. Their spring ’15 collection contains so many sophisticated and functional styles sure to help you wander chic.
If you’re interested, buy TUMI Bolte Polarized Sunglasses here, or
buy TUMI Rialto Polarized Sunglasses here.
Go in style,
Jacquelyn