FAQ

Where is Spitfire based?

Spitfire was masterminded in South Africa in the 1980's and became a well-known brand for its creative, retro designs. The company has since moved to the UK and USA and has become a popular brand known for its quality and affordability. Each style is uniquely designed by a South African residing in the UK. 

Due to popular demand, Spitfire has returned to South Africa, and our sunglasses are available to purchase online, and selected styles can also be found at various local markets and pop-up events throughout Cape Town and surrounds.

What are Spitfire lenses made out of?

The Spitfire cut collection features nylon lenses with an anti-reflective coating and 100% UVA and UVB protection. Styles in the collection are easily identified by their names, all of which begin with the prefix “cut.” 

Nylon lenses are renowned for their superior optical clarity, exceptional durability, and lightweight comfort, making them a preferred choice for both high-performance and premium designer eyewear. Their advanced material properties deliver outstanding visual performance, long-lasting reliability, and enhanced wearer comfort.

Optical and Visual Performance:

Provides sharper vision with reduced chromatic distortion.

Delivers clear peripheral vision, helping maintain visual comfort during extended outdoor wear, reducing eye fatigue.

Works exceptionally well with anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, and mirror coatings for enhanced performance and longevity.

Durability and Safety:

• Impact resistant: Offers excellent shock absorption and meets demanding safety standards for sports and active lifestyles.

• Flexible construction: Bends under pressure without cracking or breaking, making nylon ideal for wrap-around and rimless frame designs.

• BPA-free material: Naturally free from BPA and resistant to common environmental stressors, ensuring safe everyday use.

Combining lightweight comfort, optical precision, and exceptional durability, nylon lenses remain one of the most advanced lens materials available for modern eyewear.

All styles outside of the cut collection feature high-quality polycarbonate lenses that are lightweight, durable, and distortion-free. These lenses provide clear, comfortable vision while offering 100% UVA and UVB protection to help shield the eyes from harmful sun exposure. Designed for everyday wear, polycarbonate lenses deliver a reliable combination of optical performance, impact resistance, and all-day comfort. 

What are Spitfire frames made out of?

The cut collection frames are crafted from premium cellulose block acetate, a renewable material derived from natural cotton and wood pulp sources. As a plant-based alternative to virgin plastics, acetate offers a more environmentally conscious choice without compromising on quality or performance.

The sunglasses are cut from solid sheets of cellulose acetate using precision CNC machines rather than being poured into liquid moulds. 

Known for its exceptional durability, cellulose acetate can withstand significant physical stress while maintaining its shape and finish over time. Its natural flexibility also allows for precise adjustments, ensuring a comfortable and personalized fit.

Lightweight, strong acetate frames provide lasting comfort for everyday wear. In addition, all cut collection frames are manufactured to optical-grade standards, making them suitable for fitting with prescription lenses.

The metal-style frames are crafted from high-quality, lightweight metal alloys, offering a sleek appearance, lasting durability, and comfortable all-day wear. Selected styles are finished with premium cellulose acetate tips or fused acetate details, combining the strength of metal construction with the comfort, flexibility, and refined aesthetic of acetate. This blend of materials creates frames that are both stylish and practical, delivering a premium fit and feel. 

How are the sunglasses packaged?

All our sunglasses come in poly bags that are made up of 80% recycled materials.

All our packaging fill is made from 100% recyclable materials.

We have designed our sunglass cases to eliminate metal and reduce plastic. We have never used animal products in our cases and we never will.  Our sunglasses are shipped in a vinyl pouch with a microfibre cloth.

How do I know the size of each style of sunglasses?

Each style on the website includes detailed frame measurements to help you find the right fit. These measurements are listed on the product page for every style and typically include:

Measurements:

• Bridge Width: 15mm

• Eye Width: 55mm

• Temple Length: 140mm

What the measurements mean:

• Bridge Width – The distance between the lenses that sits across your nose.

• Eye Width – The horizontal width of each lens at its widest point.

• Temple Length – The length of the arms that extend from the frame to behind your ears.

By comparing these measurements to a pair of sunglasses you already own and find comfortable, you can get a better idea of how a particular style will fit.

How do I keep my sunglasses clean?

To keep your sunglasses in the best condition, clean the lenses regularly using the microfibre cloth provided and a mild lens cleaning solution. Gently wipe away dust, fingerprints, and smudges.

For best results, avoid using paper towels, tissues, clothing, or harsh household cleaners, as these can damage lens coatings and frame finishes. 

Are Spitfire sunglasses polarised?

No, Spitfire does not offer polarised lenses. All Spitfire sunglasses are 100% UVA/B safe, which is the coating that prevents harmful radiation from damaging your eyes.

What is the purpose of polarised lenses?

Polarisation is primarily used to block intense glare for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating and snow sports.

Does polarisation offer any extra protection to the eyes?

No, polarisation does not offer extra biological or health protection against ultraviolet radiation; rather, polarisation and UV protection serve two completely different functions. UV protection blocks invisible, harmful rays that can cause tissue damage like cataracts, while polarisation only filters horizontal light waves to reduce blinding surface glare. 

While polarised lenses can improve visual comfort and reduce glare in bright conditions, they do not increase protection against UV radiation. For eye health, the most important feature is 100% UVA and UVB protection.

How do I know if sunglasses are really UVA/B safe?

If you want to know whether your sunglasses provide full UV protection, look for markings such as UV400, 100% UV Protection, or a CE mark  and have an optician test them with a photometer. 

How can I tell from the markings whether my sunglasses comply with safety standards? 

Look for the CE or UKCA mark on the inside of the frame arms. These markings indicate that the manufacturer declares compliance with applicable European or UK regulations, and sunglasses sold under these standards are commonly designed to meet requirements such as EN ISO 12312-1.

How do I know if the CE mark is real?

Check that the CE mark is clearly and permanently affixed to the product, packaging, or accompanying documentation. 

Inspect the shape of the letter "E". On a correctly formatted CE mark, the middle horizontal stroke of the "E" is shorter than the top and bottom strokes. On some non-standard or suspicious markings, the middle stroke may appear the same length as the top and bottom strokes.

How do the different colour lenses have an effect on eye protection? 

Sunglass lenses are categorised by darkness of tint. These range from very light (category 0) to extremely dark (category 4). Darker lenses absorb more visible light which has NO effect on UV protection. UV is invisible light and must be blocked, regardless of lens darkness and the designated lens category. All Spitfire sunglasses are 100% UVA and UVB safe.

Availability: 

Are the glasses available in different colours?

Yes. Many styles are available in a range of colour options. To view the colours available for a particular style, simply click on the product page. All available frame and lens colour variations for that specific style will be displayed there.

How do I know if a product is sold out?

When you select a specific style and colour on the product page, the product's availability will be clearly displayed. If the item is in stock, you will see the option to “Add to Cart.” If the item is currently unavailable, it will be marked as “Sold Out.” 

How will I know when it will be restocked?

Use the supplied email address or mobile number to contact support.

Shipping and delivery:

How long does delivery take?

Orders are typically processed and shipped within 2-4 business days. Once shipped, you will receive your package within 1-2 days.

Do you offer free shipping?

We offer free shipping on orders over R3000 nationwide. Free deliveries over R1500 within a 15km radius.

Is there a pick up point?

Yes, there is a pick up option. Please contact support for location.

What are the delivery costs?

Delivery costs will vary depending on order size. This will be calculated at the checkout, depending on your preference.

Do you ship abroad?

No. We currently only ship within South Africa and deliver to all major cities nationwide. You can visit our UK or USA websites for shipping in those countries. Contact support for more information.

What do I do if my order doesn’t arrive within the given time frame?

Please contact support on the supplied email address or whatsapp number.

Returns policy:

If you are dissatisfied with your order for any reason, please contact us via email at spitfiresunglassessa@gmail.com in order for us to assist. We do not offer refunds. However, we do offer one exchange within 14 days of the purchase date if the selected style is not the right fit for the customer. In such cases, all shipping costs associated with the exchange are the responsibility of the customer. To be eligible for a return, your sunglasses must be unused and in the same condition that you received them. They must also be in the original packaging. 

If you receive damaged sunglasses, you are eligible for an exchange within 14 days of the purchase date. In these cases, Spitfire will cover the shipping costs for the exchange or arrange collection if you are located in Cape Town. Please keep all original packaging.

Only regular priced items may be refunded, sale items cannot be refunded. 

How do I contact Spitfire directly?

If you have any questions or require assistance, you can contact Spitfire directly by email at spitfiresunglassessa@gmail.com or via WhatsApp on +27 79 110 8497.