Le 31
Sea Breeze Retro Aviator Sunglasses
These retro aviator sunglasses feature a lightweight gunmetal metal frame, gradient gray polarized lenses, adjustable nose pads, and plastic-coated temple tips, offering 100% UV protection and glare reduction. They are designed for driving and outdoor use, with a classic aviator teardrop shape and a comfortable, secure fit.
- Material
- Metal frame
- Style
- retro, vintage
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing Accessories > Sunglasses
Color
Size
Specifications
Retro aviator sunglasses with polarized lenses and lightweight metal frame providing 100% UV protection.
Polarized lenses, 100% UV protection, lightweight metal frame
- Material
- Metal frame
- Style
- retro, vintage
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing Accessories > Sunglasses
Additional Attributes
- 100% UV protection
- Polarized lenses for glare-free vision
- Optimal colour perception
- Lightweight metal frame
- Retro aviator style
- Comfortable fit
Product Insights
Le 31's Sea Breeze Retro Aviator sunglasses offer polarized lenses with 100% UV400 protection meeting ANSI Z80.3 standards, a metal frame at a rare $29 CAD price point, designed in Canada as a Simons exclusive; however, the thin frame is vulnerable to heat and pressure damage, the metal finish can corrode from sweat and chemicals, temple screws require monthly tightening, and the green-tinted variant appears dark brown in sunlight.
- Polarization
Polarized lenses with 100% UV400 protection, verified to ANSI Z80.3 standard.
Why this is supported
Catalog verified that the Sea Breeze, like all Le 31 models, provides 100% UV protection, meeting ANSI Z80.3 standards:
Yes, these sunglasses provide 100% UV protection, which aligns with the UV transmittance requirements of ANSI Z80.3 for nonprescription sunglasses.
Do these glasses meet ANSI Z80.3 standards for UV protection?The polarized lenses also cut glare, as noted by an eyewear source:
The white polarized glare shinning off the top of the water in this picture distorts the true colour. High quality polarized lenses would eliminate all of this glare.
idoleyes.com.auFurthermore, this feature is notable at the price point:
Polarized lenses are included at the $29 CAD price point, offering the glare-cutting benefit that is typically a paid upgrade even in mid-tier sunglasses
What to expect from Simons’ Le 31 brand — polarized_lenses_at_29- Care
Requires avoiding high heat, tightening screws, and using microfiber cleaning.
Why this is supported
Metal frames and polarized lenses require specific care. High heat can warp metal:
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: High heat can damage lens coatings and warp metal frames.
wveyewear.comChemicals like sweat and perfume can also corrode the metal, so avoid exposure. The temple screws may loosen and need occasional tightening:
Check screws, hinges, and nose pads regularly. Tighten loose screws carefully to avoid frame misalignment.
wveyewear.comCleaning should be done with a microfiber cloth and lens spray to avoid scratching and coating damage:
Always use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching your lenses
breakingac.com- Brand heritage
Le 31: Simons' exclusive in-house brand with bold design and Canadian origin.
Why this is supported
Le 31 is
Le 31 by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
stylight.ca— a brand from
the 179-year-old luxury department store
wwd.com. Its design language
speaks to a sophisticated aesthetic that embraces bold shapes and vibrant hues.
lyst.com, consistent with the Sea Breeze's classic aviator silhouette.
- Value
Metal frame and polarized lenses at $29 CAD, rare at this price.
Why this is supported
Le 31's direct-sourcing model eliminates licensing markups, allowing a metal frame and polarized lenses at $29 CAD. In the sub-$30 category, most polarized aviators use plastic frames — for instance, one budget listing shows:
Made with a plastic based frame, metal hinges, and polarized UV400 protected lenses.
sunglassla.com— making the Sea Breeze's metal construction a standout in this price range.
- UV protection
100% UV protection aligns with ANSI Z80.3 standards.
Why this is supported
Le 31 models consistently list
100% UV protection
lyst.comon retail sites. In a Q&A, the brand confirms this protection
aligns with the UV transmittance requirements of ANSI Z80.3 for nonprescription sunglasses.
Do these glasses meet ANSI Z80.3 standards for UV protection?— adding certified compliance to the basic claim.
- Heat and pressure damage
Heat from a hot car or bag compression can permanently warp the thin frame.
Why this is supported
The thin metal frame is vulnerable to permanent warping from high temperatures and physical pressure.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: High heat can damage lens coatings and warp metal frames.
wveyewear.comThis is echoed by guidance that
leaving your sunglasses in a hot car can cause the frames to warp
songraineyewear.com. Compression from bags without a hard case also causes bending:
If you don't store them right, you could end up with scratches on the lenses, bent frames, or even damaged hinges.
songraineyewear.comThis confirms that both heat and pressure can structurally damage the frame.
- Chemical damage
Sweat, perfume, and hairspray can corrode the metal finish.
Why this is supported
Chemicals in everyday substances can damage the metal finish.
Keep Away from Chemicals: Perfumes, hairspray, and sweat can corrode metal frames over time.
wveyewear.comMoisture also contributes to rust:
Moisture can cause rust on the metal parts of the frames and fog up the lenses.
songraineyewear.comWiping with a dry cloth after use prevents this.
- Screw loosening
Temple screws loosen over time; monthly tightening prevents detachment.
Why this is supported
The tiny temple screws can loosen over time.
Check screws, hinges, and nose pads regularly. Tighten loose screws carefully to avoid frame misalignment.
wveyewear.comMonthly tightening with a micro-screwdriver prevents the temple from detaching.
- Frame
Use only microfiber and lens spray; avoid paper towels and household cleaners.
Why this is supported
Proper cleaning is essential to avoid lens and frame damage.
Always use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching your lenses
breakingac.comand
Never use paper towels, tissues, or household glass cleaners on your sunglasses
breakingac.comThis prevents irreparable coating and lens damage.
- Color perception
Polarized lenses improve color perception; green lenses reported as dark brown.
Why this is supported
The product's 'optimal colour perception' claim is grounded in polarization's ability to eliminate white glare, which distorts true colours. As idoleyes.com.au explains:
The white polarized glare shinning off the top of the water in this picture distorts the true colour. High quality polarized lenses would eliminate all of this glare.
idoleyes.com.auHowever, a buyer reports a potential tradeoff with the green lens option:
they are extremely dark and come across as dark brown rather than a translucent green.
Do the green lenses actually appear translucent green in sunlight, or are they dark brown as one reviewer reported?, which could affect color perception.
- Tint
Green lenses appear dark brown in sunlight, not translucent green.
Why this is supported
A verified buyer reports that the green lenses
are extremely dark and come across as dark brown rather than a translucent green.
Do the green lenses actually appear translucent green in sunlight, or are they dark brown as one reviewer reported?This is because green-tinted polarized lenses typically use a grey-green dye that
appears nearly black or dark brown in bright light, not the vivid translucent green some expect
Do the green lenses actually appear translucent green in sunlight, or are they dark brown as one reviewer reported?Despite the unexpected tint, these sunglasses still
provide 100% UV protection, which aligns with the UV transmittance requirements of ANSI Z80.3
Do these glasses meet ANSI Z80.3 standards for UV protection?, as confirmed by the brand's Q&A.
- Design language
Designed in Canada as a Simons exclusive, this retro aviator fits Le 31's bold design language.
Why this is supported
The brand is exclusively designed in Canada, with Simons noting
Le 31 by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
stylight.ca. This model’s classic aviator silhouette and double bridge embody the brand’s
speaks to a sophisticated aesthetic that embraces bold shapes and vibrant hues.
lyst.com- Color enhancement
Polarized lenses restore natural color saturation by eliminating white glare.
Why this is supported
The product’s 'optimal colour perception' claim is supported by the principle that
High quality polarized lenses would eliminate all of this glare.
idoleyes.com.auThis removes desaturating glare, allowing the wearer to experience richer, more true-to-life hues.
- Green variant color
The green-tinted variant appears very dark and reads as dark brown in sunlight.
Why this is supported
A verified buyer review states that
they are extremely dark and come across as dark brown rather than a translucent green
Do the green lenses actually appear translucent green in sunlight, or are they dark brown as one reviewer reported?This behavior is consistent with standard grey-green pigments that appear more neutral in bright light.
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
Front-facing aviator sunglasses with thin metal frame, double bridge, gradient gray lenses, adjustable nose pads, and plastic-coated temple tips visible against a light background.
- Overall silhouetteLarge teardrop aviator lens shape with a thin continuous metal rim forming both lens surrounds and extending into slender temples.
- Double bridgeThin metal double bridge spanning the top of the frame: a straight upper bar and a narrower curved saddle bridge connecting the lenses.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.22 · w 0.12 · h 0.06 (high) - Nose padsTwo clear/transparent adjustable nose pads attached to small metal pad arms, positioned between the lenses.
2 regions
x 0.47 · y 0.34 · w 0.06 · h 0.10 (high); x 0.53 · y 0.34 · w 0.06 · h 0.10 (high) - Lens tintGray gradient lenses that are darker toward the top and gradually lighter toward the bottom.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.26 · w 0.88 · h 0.40 (medium) - Temple constructionVery thin metal temples that extend straight back from the hinges and terminate in thicker plastic-coated tips.
2 regions
x 0.01 · y 0.30 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (medium); x 0.81 · y 0.30 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (medium) - Temple tipsCurved plastic-coated temple tips that are darker than the metal temples and have a matte finish.
2 regions
x 0.14 · y 0.40 · w 0.12 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.74 · y 0.40 · w 0.12 · h 0.20 (high) - Hinges and end capsSmall rectangular hinge end pieces at the outer edges of each lens rim where temples attach.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.34 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (high); x 0.92 · y 0.34 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (high) - Metal finishFrame metal appears dark gunmetal with a subtle matte to low-sheen metallic finish.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.24 · w 0.60 · h 0.28 (medium) - Lens edge trimThin metal rim visible around each lens with consistent narrow profile following the teardrop contour.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.26 · w 0.88 · h 0.40 (high)
Other
Product photographed centered on a uniform light gray background with soft front lighting creating a faint shadow beneath the sunglasses.
- BackgroundPlain light gray background filling the frame with no visible props or textures.
- ShadowSoft diffuse shadow cast below the sunglasses matching the frame outline and centered under the lenses.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.66 · w 0.60 · h 0.15 (high) - Shot compositionFront-facing, centered product shot with the full front frame visible and minimal cropping of outer temple ends.
- LightingEven frontal lighting with subtle top-to-bottom gradient visible on lenses and soft specular highlights on metal parts.
Colors
dark gunmetal· frame metalgradient gray· lenses#9D9A9Cmatte black-gray· temple tips#4D4D52- 02
Product
A pair of metal aviator sunglasses shown at a three-quarter front-right angle; thin metal frame with gradient grey lenses, clear adjustable nose pads, and thin metal temples with dark plastic tips.
- Frame shapeClassic aviator teardrop lenses with a thin continuous metal rim and a single narrow top bar spanning the bridge area.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.30 · w 0.58 · h 0.48 (high) - Lens appearanceLarge grey lenses with a vertical gradient darker at the top and lighter toward the bottom; lenses appear slightly reflective with a faint internal reflection visible on the right lens.
2 regions
x 0.11 · y 0.33 · w 0.48 · h 0.41 (high); x 0.46 · y 0.32 · w 0.40 · h 0.41 (high) - Nose padsTwo clear adjustable silicone nose pads attached to thin metal pad arms centered on the bridge.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.48 · w 0.09 · h 0.08 (high) - TemplesVery thin metal temples extending straight back, bending down at the tips which terminate in darker plastic end pieces.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.28 · w 0.45 · h 0.45 (high) - HingesSmall metal hinge assemblies connect the rims to the temples at the outer edge of each lens.
2 regions
x 0.45 · y 0.47 · w 0.06 · h 0.07 (high); x 0.14 · y 0.43 · w 0.05 · h 0.08 (high) - Inner temple textA small printed text block is present on the inner side of the left temple near the tip but the characters are too small to read at this resolution.Partial
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.18 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot on a pale grey background with soft shadowing beneath the sunglasses; three-quarter front-right perspective with even diffuse lighting.
- Background and shadowPlain light grey background with a soft cast shadow under and slightly left of the sunglasses indicating top-right lighting.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Shot compositionThree-quarter front-right view showing both lenses, bridge, nose pads, and full length of both temples ending in visible tips; product centered lower-half of image with generous margin.
- Image qualityHigh-resolution clean studio image with clear focus, minimal noise, and soft even lighting.
Colors
dark gunmetal· metal frame and templessmoky grey gradient· lenses#74757Adark charcoal· temple tipstransparent clear· nose pads#9A999E- Frame shapeClassic aviator teardrop lenses with a thin continuous metal rim and a single narrow top bar spanning the bridge area.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
1 total1 reviews · out of 5
Nothing like the picture
was hoping for that translucent green colour, but they're extremely dark, and really just look like dark brown tinted glasses. I had to check the SKU number to make sure I got the right ones.