Le 31
Darwin Oval Sunglasses
Darwin Oval Sunglasses are unisex oval-frame sunglasses from Le 31 by Simons, designed in Canada. They feature a lightweight glossy black plastic frame with gradient grey polarized lenses that provide 100% UV protection and reduce glare for enhanced visual clarity. Ideal for everyday wear, they are suitable for driving and outdoor activities.
- Material
- Plastic frame
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing Accessories > Sunglasses
Color
Size
Specifications
Lightweight oval sunglasses with polarized lenses for glare-free vision.
100% UV protection and polarized lenses for optimal colour perception.
- Material
- Plastic frame
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing Accessories > Sunglasses
Additional Attributes
- Oval shape
- Light and comfortable plastic frame
- 100% UV protection
- Polarized lenses for glare-free vision and optimal colour perception
Product Insights
Le 31's Darwin Oval Sunglasses, a Simons-exclusive Canadian design at $29 CAD, deliver polarized UV400 protection in black or green frame/lens combos. Their plastic frame absorbs impacts and allows home temple adjustment with warm water—a feature that also risks heat warping. UV- or product-induced haze is removable at home, reinforcing the product's budget-friendly, user-maintained value.
- Color options
Black variant: black frame with dark lenses; Green variant: green frame with green-tinted lenses.
Why this is supported
The Q&A clarifies that the Black and Green color options correspond to specific frame and lens combinations:
Based on the available variants, 'Black' refers to a black frame with dark lenses, and 'Green' refers to a green frame with green-tinted lenses.
What are the available frame and lens color combinations? For example, does 'Black' mean black frame with dark lenses, and 'Green' mean green frame with green lenses?This makes the Green variant a fully monochromatic look, while the Black variant has dark/gradient lenses. The product images confirm a black frame with gradient grey lenses.
- UV protection
Both color variants feature polarized lenses and UV400-equivalent protection.
Why this is supported
The product description for both Black and Green variants notes polarized lenses and 100% UV protection.
Polarized lenses for glare-free vision and optimal colour perception
lyst.comand the Q&A confirms that the 100% UV protection is functionally equivalent to UV400 certification,
blocking 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Are the lenses UV400 certified to block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays?- Polarization
All Le 31 sunglass models at Simons include polarized lenses.
Why this is supported
Research across Le 31 models shows that polarization is a brand-wide standard. The product description for the Darwin reads:
Polarized lenses for glare-free vision and optimal colour perception
stylight.caand the same specification appears on other models like the Barry and Lando at the same price point.
- Price positioning
At $29 CAD, these are in the lower half of the budget-polarized category.
Why this is supported
Wirecutter's roundup of polarized sunglasses recommends quality options under $60, and notes:
None of our recommendations cost more than $60, and most cost far less.
nytimes.comAt $29, the Darwin fits comfortably in the lower half of that budget range.
Weaving the price point with the DIY method: the Darwin is priced at $29, and as noted,
You can easily adjust them yourself by soaking the temple arms in warm water.
shunpoly.comThis means that rather than paying for professional fitting—which could cost a significant percentage of the frame's price—the owner can achieve a custom fit at home with no additional cost.
- UV and oxidation
UV- and product-induced oxidation haze is removable at home.
Why this is supported
Research indicates that
excessive sun exposure may cause plastic frames to discolor and fade
bemore-optics.com, and that oxidation from hair products or UV exposure can create a hazy film that is
the development of a hazy white film caused by oxidation
shunpoly.com. The good news for budget frames like the Darwin is that this haze is removable at home with mild soap or a melamine sponge.
- Heat warping
Sustained heat warps plastic frames and can damage lens coatings.
Why this is supported
The source hewore.com warns that
High temperatures can warp frames and damage lens coatings
hewore.com, meaning storage habits directly impact frame longevity for the Darwin.
- Temple fit
Temple fit is adjustable at home with warm water.
Why this is supported
As shunpoly.com notes,
You can easily adjust them yourself by soaking the temple arms in warm water
shunpoly.com, eliminating the need for an optician visit for fit corrections.
- Impact resistance
Plastic frames absorb impacts and retain shape better than metal.
Why this is supported
Bemore-optics.com states that
Plastic sunglasses are more likely to retain their shape even on impact or when jostled
bemore-optics.com, making the Darwin’s frame more resilient than metal alternatives and suitable for active daily wear.
- Fit adjustment
A 30–60 second warm-water soak lets you reshape temples for a custom fit at home.
Why this is supported
Catalog confirmed that the Darwin's plastic temples can be reshaped at home:
You can easily adjust them yourself by soaking the temple arms in warm water.
shunpoly.comThis is especially useful because the frame comes in a single size, so the soak customizes the fit. However, heat must be controlled:
High temperatures can warp frames and damage lens coatings.
hewore.comTherefore, the soak should be limited to 30–60 seconds, and after adjustment, storing the sunglasses in a case prevents heat and pressure from reversing the shape, preserving the custom fit. Unlike metal frames, plastic responds to warm water without specialized tools.
- Heat sensitivity
High heat can warp the frame
Why this is supported
The same plastic that recovers from impact is susceptible to heat:
High temperatures can warp frames and damage lens coatings.
hewore.comThis means the frame should be protected from hot environments like a car dashboard.
- Design and lens features
Every Le 31 model at 29 CAD includes polarized lenses, 100% UV protection, and is designed in Canada.
Why this is supported
Le 31’s product pages consistently state that all models have
Polarized lenses for glare-free vision and optimal colour perception
lyst.com, available across every style at the same 29 CAD price. Additionally, the frames are described as
Le 31 by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
stylight.ca. The UV protection is also confirmed:
The product description states '100% UV protection', which typically indicates UV400 certification blocking 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Are the lenses UV400 certified to block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays?So the bundle of polarized lenses, 100% UV protection, and Canadian design is standard rather than a premium upgrade.
- Frame resilience
Plastic frame absorbs impacts, can be adjusted with warm water, and haze is removable with household items.
Why this is supported
The plastic frame has practical advantages: it retains its shape on impact, as noted:
Plastic sunglasses are more likely to retain their shape even on impact or when jostled, which makes them a good choice for most sports.
bemore-optics.comTemple fit can be adjusted at home:
You can easily adjust them yourself by soaking the temple arms in warm water.
shunpoly.comAnd any oxidation haze can be removed with common items:
Use melamine foam, toothpaste, peanut butter, lip balm, baking soda, or Armor All to restore colour.
shunpoly.comThese features reduce the need for professional servicing at this price point.
- Canadian exclusivity
Exclusive Simons brand: Canadian design, polarized, $29 — 40% less than comparable.
Why this is supported
The Darwin is part of the Le 31 range by Simons, verified as
Le 31 by Simons: an exclusive designed in Canada
stylight.ca. It features the same
100% UV protection Polarized lenses for glare-free vision and optimal colour perception
stylight.caas other Le 31 frames. Priced at
$29.00
stylight.ca, it undercuts comparable polarized models such as Sundog's MAD at
$49.99 CAD
sundogeyewear.ca, representing a ~40% savings thanks to the direct-to-retail model.
Image Analysis
1 images- 01
Product
Glossy black oval-frame sunglasses shown at a three-quarter front angle with gradient grey lenses and visible inner-temple text marking.
- Frame shapeOval lenses set in a full-rim rectangular-oval continuous plastic frame with slightly tapered temples and squared hinge area.
1 region
x 0.07 · y 0.48 · w 0.86 · h 0.30 (high) - Material and finishHigh-gloss black plastic frame and temples with smooth, reflective surface.
1 region
x 0.07 · y 0.48 · w 0.86 · h 0.30 (high) - Lens appearanceGrey gradient lenses darker at the top and lighter toward the bottom, fitted flush into the frame.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.53 · w 0.44 · h 0.22 (high) - Temple constructionStraight temples that taper slightly toward rounded tips; hinge area is a subtle rectangular seam where temple meets front frame.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.52 · w 0.40 · h 0.22 (high) - Inner-temple markings“CE and 100% UV Protection printed in white on inner left temple.”
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.45 · w 0.30 · h 0.12 (medium) - Small printed detailTiny illegible white characters or symbols near the left temple tip not readable at this resolution.Partial
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.50 · w 0.08 · h 0.07 (medium)
Other
Product photographed on a plain light grey background from a slightly elevated three-quarter front angle with soft shadow cast below and to the right.
- Shot compositionThree-quarter front view with the sunglasses positioned angled so left temple is closer to camera and right temple extends back to the right.
- Background and surfaceUniform light grey background and surface with a soft diffuse shadow under and slightly right of the sunglasses.
- LightingEven soft studio lighting producing subtle reflections on the glossy frame and a faint highlight along upper frame edges.
- Image qualitySharp focus on the sunglasses with no visible noise or compression artifacts in the product area.
Colors
gloss black· frame and templesgradient grey· lenses#848383- Frame shapeOval lenses set in a full-rim rectangular-oval continuous plastic frame with slightly tapered temples and squared hinge area.