Trace Translucent Aviator Sunglasses

Le 31's Trace Translucent Aviator Sunglasses offer in-house Montreal design rooted in 1840 Canadian retail heritage, delivering UV400 protection and polarized lenses that reduce road glare—a core promise for daytime driving—at a value price ($19.99) competitive with $50–$80 alternatives. The nickel-free, flexible frame ensures comfort and allergy safety, but the polarized lens tradeoff is that it may dim car HUDs and LCD displays.

Heritage

Le 31 name references Simons' original 1840 store, tying these to Canadian retail history at $19.99.

Why this is supported

The name Le 31 references the street address of Simons' original 1840 Quebec City store:

The name 'Le 31' references the street number (31 Côte de la Fabrique) of Simons' original 1840 Quebec City storeSimons' in-house design: what it means — le_31_naming_heritage

. This ties the sunglasses to a Canadian retail institution that predates Confederation, giving them a story that typical budget accessories lack. As one source puts it:

a tangible link to a Canadian retail institution that predates ConfederationSimons' in-house design: what it means — le_31_naming_heritage

. Simons has operated since 1840, implying a level of trust and curation. At the $19.99 sale price, this heritage is accessible, bundling polarized lenses, UV protection, and a lightweight frame—a combination that often forces a trade-off in this price range. The research notes:

Le 31 is engineered as Simons' price-friendly fashion tier, so the $19.99 sale tag on a polarized aviator lets the buyer access the transparent-frame trend and glare-reducing lens tech without the $50–$80 that comparable contemporary private-label brands typically charge.Simons' in-house design: what it means — accessible_fashion_positioning

In-house design

Exclusively designed in Canada by Simons' Montreal in-house team.

Why this is supported

The Trace Aviator is not a generic offering; it is designed by Simons' in-house team in Montreal, giving it a seasonal, curated look. As the research details:

Simons operates a dedicated in-house design team in Montreal for Le 31, which means the translucent aviator wasn't just pulled from a generic supplier catalog; its silhouette and lens spec were informed by the brand's seasonal directionSimons' in-house design: what it means — in_house_montreal_design

. This ensures the design is exclusive to Simons, meaning it won't be found on mass-market platforms.

Value

At $19.99, it matches the feature set of polarized aviators costing $50–$80.

Why this is supported

The $19.99 sale price places this frame well below typical transparent-frame polarized aviators. As the research notes,

lets the buyer access the transparent-frame trend and glare-reducing lens tech without the $50–$80 that comparable contemporary private-label brands typically chargeSimons' in-house design: what it means — accessible_fashion_positioning

Moreover, the bundle at this price point

bundles polarization, full UV400-equivalent protection, and a lightweight frame — a feature combination that in the budget polarized aviator market often forces customers to sacrifice one elementValue compared to similar budget aviators — three_feature_stack_at_19_99

.

Design curation

Designed in-house by Simons' Montreal team, not sourced from a generic catalog.

Why this is supported

The Trace Aviator comes from a specific design commitment, not off-the-shelf sourcing. The research shows

Simons operates a dedicated in-house design team in Montreal for Le 31, which means the translucent aviator wasn't just pulled from a generic supplier catalogSimons' in-house design: what it means — in_house_montreal_design

This intentionality extends to the brand heritage: the Le 31 name

carries a tangible link to a Canadian retail institution that predates ConfederationSimons' in-house design: what it means — le_31_naming_heritage

. Together, these facts underscore the deliberate fashion direction behind the frame.

Lens tradeoff

Polarized lenses reduce glare for driving but can obscure HUD and LCD displays.

Why this is supported

A buyer tradeoff the listing itself acknowledges is

can interfere with car heads-up displays (HUDs) and some LCD screens, potentially making them harder to see. This is a normal characteristic of polarized lenses.Are the glasses suitable for driving, and do the polarized lenses affect visibility of car HUD or LCD screens?

This transparent communication means no surprise for the driver who relies on in-car displays.

Thermal comfort

Frame stays cool to the touch even after sun exposure.

Why this is supported

Plastic's low thermal conductivity means the frame absorbs heat slowly, so it

stays cool enough to put on comfortably even after sitting in direct sunHow the plastic frame feels daily — thermal_comfort

, avoiding the sharp heat of metal temples.

Allergy safety

Nickel-free plastic frame prevents contact dermatitis in sensitive users.

Why this is supported

The all-plastic construction contains no nickel or other metal alloys — roughly 15% of people react to metal frames — so wearers with sensitive skin avoid contact dermatitis.

Simons' material choice for the Trace Aviator prioritizes comfort over metal's heft. The frame

the Trace Aviator's plastic construction cuts mass noticeably, directly enabling the 'light and comfortable' feel the brand describesHow the plastic frame feels daily — weight_reduction_vs_metal_aviators

. Additional benefits confirm the design intent: the frame stays cool in direct sun, eliminates loose nose-pad screws, adapts to head shapes, and contains no metal allergens.

The plastic frame addresses several common metal-frame drawbacks. It reduces weight:

Where classic metal aviators frequently tip the scales at 40 grams or more, the Trace Aviator's plastic construction cuts mass noticeablyHow the plastic frame feels daily — weight_reduction_vs_metal_aviators

. It avoids thermal discomfort:

the Trace Aviator stays cool enough to put on comfortably even after sitting in direct sun, avoiding the brief but sharp discomfort of hot metal templesHow the plastic frame feels daily — thermal_comfort

. It eliminates allergy risks:

The all-plastic frame contains no nickel, chromium, or other metal alloys known to trigger contact dermatitis in roughly 15% of the adult populationHow the plastic frame feels daily — nickel_free_allergy_safety

. And it uses an integrated nose bridge that

distributes weight across a wider area for more even pressure, and eliminates the classic annoyance of loosening screws that cause frame wobble and discomfortHow the plastic frame feels daily — integrated_nose_bridge_design

. Additionally, the temples have enough flexibility to adapt to different head sizes, making the ONE SIZE fit more comfortably.

Fit

Flexible temples adapt to a range of head widths without pinching.

Why this is supported

Plastic temples are intentionally flexible, so they

adapt to broader or narrower head shapesHow the plastic frame feels daily — flexible_one_size_fit

. The integrated nose saddle

eliminates the classic annoyance of loosening screws that cause frame wobble and discomfortHow the plastic frame feels daily — integrated_nose_bridge_design

. Additionally, the all-plastic construction weighs less than metal aviators, so

less weight on the nose and ears translates to reduced fatigue during all-day wear and less slippingHow the plastic frame feels daily — weight_reduction_vs_metal_aviators

. Together, these features allow the one-size frame to fit comfortably across different face shapes.

Brand story

Le 31 name references Simons' original 1840 Quebec store, adding 180+ years of retail heritage.

Why this is supported

The 'Le 31' name derives from the street number of Simons' original Quebec City store:

The name 'Le 31' references the street number (31 Côte de la Fabrique) of Simons' original 1840 Quebec City storeSimons' in-house design: what it means — le_31_naming_heritage

. The frame itself is not generic; it was designed by Simons' in-house team in Montreal, meaning

its silhouette and lens spec were informed by the brand's seasonal directionSimons' in-house design: what it means — in_house_montreal_design

Driving

Polarized lenses reduce road glare for daytime driving but may dim car HUDs and LCD screens.

Why this is supported

The polarized lenses are suitable for daytime driving, as they

reduce glare from roads and windshieldsAre the glasses suitable for driving, and do the polarized lenses affect visibility of car HUD or LCD screens?

. However, they come with a trade-off:

polarized lenses can interfere with car heads-up displays (HUDs) and some LCD screens, potentially making them harder to see.Are the glasses suitable for driving, and do the polarized lenses affect visibility of car HUD or LCD screens?

Care

Only clean lenses with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner designed for eyewear.

Why this is supported

The Q&A on the product page specifies the recommended cleaning method:

To avoid damaging the polarized coating, clean the lenses with a microfiber cloth and a lens cleaner specifically designed for eyewear, or use mild soap and water. Avoid paper towels, tissues, or abrasive cleaners.How should the polarized lenses be cleaned to avoid damaging the coating?

This confirms the care instructions required to maintain the polarized coating.

UV protection

UV400 verified: blocks 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Why this is supported

The Q&A confirms the UV claim meets the UV400 standard:

blocks 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays, equivalent to UV400 protectionIs the UV protection UV400 (blocking 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays)?

.

Brand credibility

UV claim credibility: in-house Montreal design and 1840 store heritage.

Why this is supported

Le 31 is designed by Simons'

dedicated in-house design team in Montreal for Le 31Simons' in-house design: what it means — in_house_montreal_design

, and the name

references the street number (31 Côte de la Fabrique) of Simons' original 1840 Quebec City storeSimons' in-house design: what it means — le_31_naming_heritage

, providing institutional credibility behind the UV claim.