Today I’m sharing an unbiased review of Pair Eyewear interchangeable magnetic eyeglass frames – an affordable way to change the look of your glasses by snapping on different color frame toppers.
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NOTE: This review is for the “kids” frames I initially purchased. I have a second review for Pair Adult Frames that is posted HERE.
I’m a girl who loves her glasses. After years of struggling with contacts because of my allergies, getting Lasik surgery in my 30’s, I’ve come to embrace cute glasses as part of my everyday look.
But damn, glasses are expensive. And I like to have a couple of pairs to choose from. Plus I like having prescription sunglasses so I can sit outside and read. So when I heard about Pair Eyewear’s interchangeable magnetic frames, I couldn’t wait to check them out.
Pair Eyewear makes eyeglass frames for children and adults. Honestly, most of their frames are made for kids, but they have two frame styles that are adult sized.
First you choose a “base” frame and then you can purchase a variety of magnetic frame toppers that snap on to change the frame color, or turn them into sunglasses.
How Much Do Pair Eyeglasses Cost?
The best part? They’re really inexpensive. The base frame styles start at $60 including single-vision lenses or $260 for progressive lenses. The frame toppers are $25- $30 each (with even better pricing available if you purchase a bundle.) They have free shipping and returns and a 30-day risk-free trial period.
And, for ever pair of glasses purchased, Pair Eyewear partners with The Eyelliance to provide a free pair of glasses to a child in the developing world.
My First Pair Eyewear Purchase
I ordered the Twain frame in tortoise ($60) with clear glass – because I am having my local optometrist order my progressive lenses. I also ordered the black sun topper and the unicorn marble topper – ALL FOR LESS THAN $100.
The frames arrived quickly in a cute case that also has a compartment to hold up to two toppers. The base frames are plastic and are decent quality but certainly not fancy.
Why I Didn’t (Initially) Purchase My Lenses From Pair
I chose to purchase my eyeglass frames from Pair and have my optometrist order my progressive lenses. Because of my previous Lasik surgery, my prescription is moderate. I have a slight astigmatism and I need magnification for reading and computer work. I don’t need glasses to drive or watch TV.
Over the years, I’ve tried to save money on my progressive lenses by purchasing “discount” lenses from Warby Parker and also from WalMart Optical. Both times I spent close to $300 on the “discount” lenses and was unhappy with the quality of the prescription.
The first time I ordered from Pair, I chose to work with my local eye doctor to ensure that my lenses were fitted exactly to the measurements of my eyes. I sit in front of a computer all day so I want to feel confident that my glasses won’t give me a headache and I know that my eye doctor will work with me to ensure that I’m fully satisfied.
UPDATE: After I shared this post, I got a second pair of glasses from PAIR and had them make my progressive lenses with excellent results. You can read about it HERE. In addition to my Twain frames, I now own the Reese and the Ella.
Pair Eyewear Discount for Grownup Dish Readers
Do you want to try Pair Eyewear for yourself? Get 10% off your first order of $60 when you order using this link and use code Grownupdish
Every week I try a new product and post a (brutally honest) review. This is not an ad. I’ve received no compensation for this post. Check out all of my other review posts HERE.
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So for the Pair Eyewear, would you recommend or hard pass? I too need glasses and contacts are a no go as allergies prevent them from being in my eyes for more than two minutes. I see how fun Pair are and would like to try and have my optometrist add the lenses. I haven’t been able to find honest reviews and would like your opinion on them. Thanks!
I bought the frames and had the lenses done locally. I’ve been wearing them for about a month and I’m very happy with them. They’re definitely a lower quality frame than one that costs hundreds of dollars, but they’re completely functional and comfortable. And I really like swapping out the frame toppers. Keep an eye on my social media feed because I just ordered a few more toppers and I’ll post photos when they arrive.
I recommend a hard pass. I sent a script to Pair in Jan 2021. They called to say the script was for progressives & I would have to pay extra. I didn’t realize that the Dr wrote the script for progressives & told them just to make the readers. Was shipped a pair for distance instead. Was told I could return. I decided to keep the distance pair because the promo code I used had made them rather inexpensive even though I see well enough to legally drive without them. Also kept the additional toppers because I expected new readers for work. Now I had to place a 2nd order & since the old promo was no longer good, I ended up paying more for the pair I originally wanted. Made sure to only send the reader script this time to avoid problems. Well… They made the 2nd pair incorrectly. (Confirmed by optomologist). Now Customer Svce went dark. No follow-up to ph call or emails. Finally I disputed the charge on my cc. They finally called back & agreed to refund the 2nd pair but not the original toppers because I had had them too long! I wanted the toppers FOR the readers! A lot of wasted time and $ ! NEVER AGAIN!
I wouldn’t recommend them either. I have a very basic prescription and actually sent it to them twice to make sure they received it and after almost a month I received the glasses and the prescription is wrong. In theory I think they have a great concept but they don’t seem to be doing very well executing it. And I feel like the toppers are very flimsy. Overall I’m planning on returning it all for a refund and just going somewhere in person to make sure I get glasses that fit and have the correct prescription.
Love my glasses, got The Finley with progressive lenses and were cheaper than what I typically paid at Walmart. I ordered sun toppers and navy pin dot. So happy that I have now ordered 5 more toppers. No problems with my prescription.
Thank you for this helpful review! Can any optometrist get lenses for any frame? And how does your order work on the pair website; do you order non-prescription lenses initially? I have always worn glasses but never knew ordering lenses and frames separately was an option. That would be especially helpful considering I have a unique and high prescription.
You can either send your prescription to Pair and they will make the lenses (single vision $60). Or you can purchase the frames w/clear glass and take them to your local optometrist and have the lenses made locally. That’s what I did. That way I had a local contact to ensure that my prescription was perfect. I’ve been wearing the frames for about a month now and I’m happy with them.
Are they heavy?
No, not any heavier than traditional glasses. The frame toppers are very, very light. They do not increase the weight on your face.
I was wondering. If their processing and shipping speed is decent? I love the idea of being able to change toppers but I don’t want to wait forever for new glasses.
Shipping took about a week (to get to me in Colorado). I think the company is based in California.
Can insurance be used towards purchase?
Here is the answer from the Pair web site: https://paireyewear.com/pages/faq?gclid=Cj0KCQiAj9iBBhCJARIsAE9qRtBF4hYJZAkfwpKy4vj5PoJaet3hynxxTpnij-LCzMz53SZ3u_9jjUEaAiaMEALw_wcB
Should you use this frame with bi focals?
YES! However I purchased the frames from Pair and had my bifocals made by a local optometrist.
I would love these frames with available toppers. Unfortunately, the plastic nosepiece would not work for me. I always need the flexible nose pieces or else the eyeglasses won’t sit level on my face.
when you wear the toppers, do you see the side of the frame? … does it bother you? I haven’t been able to find any side views of what it looks like with the toppers on. do you mind sharing?
Yes, when you look closely from the side, you CAN tell that there is a frame topper. No, it doesn’t bother me. Give me a little time and I’ll update the post with a side view image as I’ve gotten this question a lot.
That is my biggest concern. I don’t want to spend the money and have them look like those cheap clip on sunglasses you can put over your real glasses.
I just got mine and have gotten so many compliments. The frames feel great and they got the prescription perfect. I got clear so the toppers wouldn’t be competing with any other color and they look great. I can tell I will have to get used to the toppers but the sunglass toppers make it all worth it. They are great and look REALLY nice.
YES! I love this concept….however the base frames are too thick and when you put the toppers on they look awkward. Sent a couple of messages to customer service…..I would definitely get a clear base so that the thickness won’t be so obvious……would also love to have a virtual try on to see the frames on a face before purchasing.
I don’t think the frames are any thicker than “normal” frames. And they just launched a new line of frames for adults. (I’m getting ready to post a review of the adult frames so be on the lookout for it! I did a clear base in the adult frames vs the darker base I did in the Twain.) I agree with you about the virtual try on although I don’t know how the company could do it operationally and still keep their prices so dang low.
I placed an order over a month ago and do not have any products yet. I sent a message to Customer Service and they said they have been very busy and maybe my order would next week. MAYBE. Then they offered me a discount on future purchases. With that as their business model, I would take a pass at doing business with them. Any reputable business would have at least applied the discount to the current order. I can’t review the glasses and have no idea when that might be possible!
The same has happened to me. I got an email on 3/22 saying my glasses should ship in 5-7 business days. Needless to say, I have yet to receive anything and when they email me back its just more promises they are shipping soon and a coupon code on a future purchase. Why would I purchase something else to just have to wait for over a month for its arrival??
I’m not doubting you but that hasn’t been my experience. I’ve ordered multiple times. All of my orders (except one) were shipped quickly. I did have a problem with one order but that problem was quickly rectified once I contacted their customer service department. I know they are experiencing some growing pains but overall my service experience has been solid.
Same with me, constant emails at first, now nothing, it’s been a month and I still don’t have my glasses, and no response at all from customer service email.
So I purchased a pair and 4 toppers on April 8th, its the 27th still haven’t received them or any email except for the one where I asked where they are. It says within a week but nope. I have single vision not like it’s complicated…please don’t purchase
The worst customer service, bar none, that I have ever experienced. They blocked me from their FB page because I complained too much yet they won’t answer calls and leave only vague delivery estimates. Many weeks late. Buyer beware.
I ordered mine 3 weeks ago and still no shipping confirmation.
I ordered a whole bunch of toppers and it took nearly 2 weeks to get shipping confirmed. I think they are having growing pains.
I ordered in March; glasses arrived over a month later and toppers came yesterday! And now the toppers will not stay on. My hand barely brushed one and the topper popped off. And one set will only stick on one side. The third topper is clearly too small and doesn’t reach the magnets. when I watch videos they make a clicking noise when they put on toppers. Mine do not. Has anyone had this happen? For almost $375, I expected a way better product. I so want to love these.
It took me two months to get my glasses. I had the prescription filled at costco because they are progressive and I did not want to risk Pair not getting the prescription right. THe toppers are so thin that I thought they had forgotten them when I opened the package. They do not make the glasses heavier but when you look out on the side, you do feel feel like there is something surrounding you. I think one has to get used to it. The idea is certainly novel. Customer service was excellent. In a few days, I always got a reply and it was clear that they were overwhelmed and having production issues. I did suggest that they not advertise as much until they could ensure timely delivery.
I saw your link about prescription coverage, but if you are going the route of having the lenses made locally, will insurance cover the cost of the frames with clear glass?
I wonder if there is a way to contact customer service to get an honest answer about their ability to ship in a timely manner, or written guarantee of delivery time? Has anyone else on here had difficulty adjusting to the visible part of the frame/add on? I like the concept for sure, and I like not having to pay so much (IF insurance will cover the cost of the frame). I’ll check with my optomotrist when I see him this year to be sure they are willing to install the lenses into frames they don’t sell.
I actually just ordered a new pair and am having Pair make the lenses. Will do an update post/review once I get them and let you know how they did w/my bi-focal (progressive) prescription.
Same problem here. And there’s no phone number. And I’ve yet to get a reply by email. So far I’m unimpressed with the customer service. And still no glasses.
I’ve ordered a pair and few tops March of this year and had to re-order as I didn’t like the color. They take a long time to ship your order. The new pair was not flat and there was big space between frame and tops. I returned everything and they don’t return all my money back. I had lots of email conversations and still they don’t refund my full money. There is not a dedicated person to communicate regarding your order and each and every time you have to talk to a new customer representative and explain everything over and over. I got excited about this company after shark tank show but in my opinion they are not a trustworthy company. Wouldn’t recommend anyone to buy from them.
So sorry you had this experience, Riki. All of my experiences with the Pair Customer Service team have been very positive.
I could be wrong. When she put on the light colored topper in the video it looks like a bit of the dark tortoise frame is showing at the bottom of the lens. Like the topper isn’t quite big enough to cover all of the tortoise. Is the video showing an odd angle? Could she not have the topper perfectly aligned? Or is it that I am imagining things?
They cover pretty completely if they are snapped on correctly. But when you look from the side, you can definitely see both colors on the frame.
I just returned my glasses and toppers. The magnets are not strong enough. The toppers slipped out of place if accidentally brushed the wrong way. I think they’re onto something but the product is not there yet. I ordered progressives and one topper so it was pretty expensive, about $250. The prescription was accurate. It took about three weeks to receive them. It was easy to get chat support. If the refund processes ok, then support was fine. Since the whole concept is based on toppers, the weak magnets are a non-starter, unfortunately.
Thanks for your comment, Sue. I have about 2 dozen toppers and only one of them ever had a weak magnet.
Unfortunately both pairs of toppers that I ordered have VERY weak magnets. One topper will not stay on the glasses at all, and the other barely stays on. I was very disappointed, because I love the idea of being able to change up my look. I’m returning mine.
I wear Magnetic Lashes. Are the I side of frame near eyes magnetic? Or Metal?
Or just the outside? And on plastic frames?
There are two tiny magnetic tabs in on the upper outside edges of each of the frame toppers. I will email you a photo.
I think the idea is super cool we will get it worded out
Hello, I love the glasses but the only complaint I have is they are very heavy I wish you could make a lighter one
You wish THEY/PAIR would make a lighter one. I’m not the manufacturer. I’m just a customer. And I don’t think they are heavy at all. Maybe it has to do with the strength of your Rx.
I really wanted to love these but they’re just not working for me. They are heavy and slide down my nose constantly. When I exercise and sweat, forget it. They just slide right off. I ordered some no-slip thingies and they didn’t help. It’s a shame because I love the concept and the versatility!
So sorry they didn’t work for you. Pair has a liberal return policy. I’ve got three pairs of glasses that I’ve been wearing for several years and I’ve never had a problem with slipping.