A Focus on Sunglasses with Banton Frameworks

A FOCUS ON SUNGLASSES

Every exclusive yacht charter getaway calls for a spec-tacular pair of sunglasses! Whether you live for big frames, bold styles, or classic aviators with polarised lenses; we know from experience how important a great pair of sunnies are for sailing.

Whilst protecting your eyes from UV light is crucial, the functionality and style of your sunglasses are key to see you through your holiday. Take it from us, squinting at the sun isn’t a good look! Everyone needs a slick pair of shades that make you look and feel fabulous, wherever you yacht charter takes you.

THE PERFECT PAIR OF SUNNIES

When it comes to finding the perfect pair of sunglasses, there is no better place to look than Banton Frameworks. Known for their quality frames in timeless styles, each pair of sunglasses are handmade by their skilled team of spectacle makers in Scotland.

We caught up with Jamie, the co-founder of the brand, to find out why the Banton Frameworks range has the ideal choice of sunglasses for a sailing holiday.

Where did the inspiration for Banton Frameworks come from?

The idea for Banton Frameworks was born out of our love for small-batch, handmade luxury British eyewear. We saw a need for high-end spectacles and sunglasses that would provide our customers with robust, classic-style frames that are made to last.

What kind of materials do you use to make your frames?

To make great things, you must start with great materials. Using Europe’s finest cellulose acetate, we cut, sculpt polish and rivet our frames together right here in our Glasgow workshop. Combining traditional making methods with modern techniques, our frames adopt a robust build construction that we pride ourselves on. Fitted with bespoke metal hardware and top-quality lenses, our frames are made for the bold.

What makes Banton Frameworks so different to any other sunglasses on the market?

We make the best frames we can, not the most frames we can.

Unlike the big brands, Banton Frameworks produce small batches of frames only a handful of times a year. As a small family business, we pride ourselves on the quality and aesthetics of our luxury frames, something you can experience when you wear them day in and day out.

As Scotland’s only eyewear manufacturer, we’re a rare breed.

POLARISED SUNGLASSES

Why would you recommend wearing polarised sunglasses on a sailing holiday?

Polarised sunglasses are utterly ideal for sailing holidays. Just like regular sunglasses, they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. But polarised sunglasses have the secondary benefit of blocking reflected glare from the surface of the surrounding water. Simply put, polarised lenses contain in-built filters which are designed to create smooth and consistent visual clarity in varying light conditions.

On bright sunny days, this helps reduce the strain put on your eyes by harsh reflections. For sailing holidays, polarised sunglasses are simply better at reducing visual fatigue than non-polarised equivalents. These superior lenses filter out reflected light from all directions, reducing eye strain and providing enhanced visibility when you’re out on the water. Plus they look great too!

Which sunglasses would look the best to wear on a yacht in the Med next Summer?

We have to say, big ’50s style sunglasses have made a huge resurgence over the past year or so. For men and women, big-style frames with chunky rims and large lenses are super on-trend right now, so this would be a great look for sailing holidays – both on and off board.

One of the main benefits of large sunglasses is their increased lens coverage. Big frames are better at covering your eyes, providing greater protection against UV light from above and from the sides of your frame. Another benefit of chunky sunglasses (apart from looking good) is they’re less likely to break.

Solid frames are our speciality here at Banton Frameworks.

Island Sailing’s Team Picks

Do you have a personal favourite pair of sunglasses in the Banton frameworks range?

Okay, so this is like choosing between our children.

So yea, we certainly have a favourite…

Right now, for us, it’s all about round-style sunglasses. There’s just something so timeless about this kind of frame, especially with a classic keyhole nose bridge. We have a real soft spot for tortoiseshell pattern acetate as it’s just so eternally fashionable.

What are your most popular styles/models of sunglasses?

Due to our fairly classic range, our most popular sunglasses are the big and boxy styles. Anything large, chunky and square tends to sell out quickly. We have a spectrum of bold sunglasses which suit the majority of face shapes – and with their dark-tinted lenses, they’re super versatile for wearing with almost any outfit, regardless of the season.

Do you make sunglasses with prescription lenses?

Yes, our sunglasses can be made with prescription sun lenses in a wide range of tint colours. Single vision or mutilfocal, our lens lab can fit lenses to your exact specifications. Prescription sun lenses can be polarised, non-polarised or photochromic… the choice is yours.

Lastly, if you had to choose one of our destinations for a yacht charter, where would it be and why?

Sadly, Colonsay wasn’t listed in your destinations, so our runner-up would have to be Italy – for the food. When we’re not making frames, cooking is our other major passion in life. Italy has such a vast range of climates, crops and cultures and the sheer diversity of delicacies is astounding. When we charter one of your yachts, Italy would be the place to go!

Jamie Bartlett is the co-founder of Glasgow eyewear brand, Banton Frameworks.

As a spectacle frame maker and designer, he also writes to over 100k monthly readers about eyewear fashion and optical craft.