Shwood Sunglasses

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Unusual and attention-grabbing without being at all ostentatious, Shwood sunglasses are a veritable work of art. What distinguishes Shwood's models from almost everything else available in the world of eyeglasses is that rather than being made of plastic, these shades are crafted from exotic hardwoods. Two lines are currently offered by this up-and-coming eyewear label: the Canby and the Govy. Modeled after James Dean's badass persona, the Canby is simple yet unforgettable, much like the late actor himself. In contrast, the Govy has a much thinner and more angular frame, giving it a trendy, futuristic-cool '80s vibe.

UNIQUENESS

Each pair of Shwood sunglasses are skillfully handcrafted using precision technology in Portland, Oregon. In order to highlight the natural beauty of the wood and create a fresh, organic aesthetic, manipulation of the raw material is minimized. The result is a choice of three great frame shades: Zebrawood, a yellowy brown with dark streaks; Wenge, a tone reminiscent of the rich, chocolate-color furniture you'd expect to find in an old-school gentleman's club; and Maple, a pale golden, beach-perfect hue straight out of '60s California.

Wood from the Canby range is locally sourced, while the Govy model is sustainably harvested in Africa. When it comes to what to wear with your Shwoods, remember the maxim that less is best. These sunglasses speak for themselves as a noticeable style statement, so avoid overdoing it with your other accessories. To really make these shades your own, take advantage of the company's soon-to-be-offered custom engraving service.

DURABILITY

It's no small feat to straddle the line between timeless and timely. At first glance, Shwood's product could easily be mistaken as a passing fad. Upon further examination, however, you'll notice that the frames of these sunglasses are actually modified classics, meaning they won't quickly appear outdated.

Additionally, the quality of the lenses is second-to-none. Imported from Italy, Carl Zeiss lenses are fitted to each pair of Shwood sunglasses, offering 100% UVA and UVB protection, and a choice of gray or brown tinting. Where price is concerned, Shwood sunglasses are a surprisingly good deal. Many designer men's sunglasses are not nearly as original and have a price tag two to three times higher. For just a little under $100, this eyewear will infuse all of your looks with an incredibly individual twist for years to come, making them worth that little extra spending.