Stewart Square Sunglasses

The Stewart Square Sunglasses by Le 31, backed by Simons' 1840 heritage, offer a style-first proposition with a deliberate square silhouette. The build quality feels less flimsy than typical budget options, using a plastic and metal frame with UV protection. However, as a tradeoff, lenses are non-polarized, and no premium materials are specified. Thus, the product prioritizes fashion over technical performance, acceptable build, and brand trust at a $29 price point.

Heritage trust

Simons' 1840 heritage adds trust to Le 31's mid-tier $29 sunglasses.

Why this is supported

Simons has operated as Canada's oldest family-run department store since 1840, providing a heritage that extends trust to its private labels like Le 31.

Simons has operated as Canada's oldest family-run department store since 1840What to expect from Le 31 by Simons — simons_1840_heritage

This long retail history means Le 31, as Simons' contemporary mid-tier brand, maintains quality standards at accessible prices.

Le 31 is positioned as a contemporary mid-tier brand within Simons' portfolioWhat to expect from Le 31 by Simons — mid_tier_private_label_positioning

The result is a metal-reinforced plastic frame that avoids the flimsy feel of dollar-store sunglasses while keeping the price at $29.

Build quality

Frame feels noticeably less flimsy than typical budget sunglasses.

Why this is supported

Le 31 positions the Stewart Square

above the value-driven Twik and below the elevated ICONEWhat to expect from Le 31 by Simons — mid_tier_private_label_positioning

, a balance that

often translates to frames that feel less flimsy than true dollar-store equivalentsWhat to expect from Le 31 by Simons — mid_tier_private_label_positioning

— and this build is

backed by nearly two centuries of retail expertise — a track record that adds a layer of trust even to an entry-level sunglassWhat to expect from Le 31 by Simons — simons_1840_heritage

.

Materials

Plastic and metal frame with 100% UV protection but non-polarized lenses; no premium materials explicitly specified.

Why this is supported

The product listings state only 100% UV protection,

The product description and retailer pages only mention 100% UV protection, not polarized lenses.Are the lenses polarized?

and the frame is listed as plastic and metal, but

The specific types (e.g., acetate or polycarbonate) are not specified in the product data or retailer listings.What specific materials are used for the frame and lenses (e.g., acetate, polycarbonate)?

.

The product's frame is listed as 'Plastic and metal' but the specific plastic type is not disclosed—

However, Le 31 is positioned as Simons' mid-tier brand:

Le 31 is positioned as a contemporary mid-tier brand within Simons' portfolio, above the value-driven Twik and below the elevated ICONE, which signals that these sunglasses prioritize on-trend shape and acceptable material quality over the absolute lowest cost — a balance that often translates to frames that feel less flimsy than true dollar-store equivalents.What to expect from Le 31 by Simons — mid_tier_private_label_positioning

Moreover, Simons' 1840 heritage adds a layer of trust:

Simons has operated as Canada's oldest family-run department store since 1840, so its private labels like Le 31 are backed by nearly two centuries of retail expertise — a track record that adds a layer of trust even to an entry-level sunglass, as the company has a reputation to maintain across every price tier.What to expect from Le 31 by Simons — simons_1840_heritage

At the regular price of 29 CAD (often on sale for 19.99), injection-molded plastic construction is expected, but the mid-tier positioning suggests a stiffer, better-finished frame than discount-store alternatives.

Polarization

Non-polarized lenses provide UV protection but do not reduce glare from reflective surfaces.

Why this is supported

The Stewart Square Sunglasses are explicitly non-polarized, as confirmed by a product representative:

No, the Stewart Square Sunglasses are not polarized. The product description and retailer pages only mention 100% UV protection, not polarized lenses.Are the lenses polarized?

This means they provide 100% UV protection but will not reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, or roads. Their design as a fashion-forward mid-tier line indicates they are intended for casual daily streetwear rather than driving or active sports.

Brand trust

Simons' 1840 heritage adds credibility to Le 31's UV protection claim.

Why this is supported

The Le 31 brand leverages the reputation of its parent company Simons, which has operated as Canada's oldest family-run department store since 1840. This adds credibility to the 100% UV protection claim, as stated in research:

Simons has operated as Canada's oldest family-run department store since 1840, so its private labels like Le 31 are backed by nearly two centuries of retail expertise — a track record that adds a layer of trust even to an entry-level sunglass, as the company has a reputation to maintain across every price tier.What to expect from Le 31 by Simons — simons_1840_heritage

Shape

Square silhouette is a deliberate style play.

Why this is supported

Le 31's mid-tier positioning explains that

these sunglasses prioritize on-trend shape and acceptable material quality over the absolute lowest costWhat to expect from Le 31 by Simons — mid_tier_private_label_positioning

, confirming that the square silhouette is a deliberate style choice.

Fashion positioning

Style-first approach yields acceptable build, no polarization, and Simons heritage trust.

Why this is supported

Le 31's positioning as a fashion-forward line benefits from Simons' heritage:

adds a layer of trust even to an entry-level sunglassWhat to expect from Le 31 by Simons — simons_1840_heritage

The mid-tier positioning also ensures acceptable material quality:

a balance that often translates to frames that feel less flimsy than true dollar-store equivalentsWhat to expect from Le 31 by Simons — mid_tier_private_label_positioning

And consistent with the style-first approach, polarization is omitted:

No, the Stewart Square Sunglasses are not polarized.Are the lenses polarized?

These elements together frame the Stewart Square as a credible fashion accessory.