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If you’re looking for travel-friendly and packable glasses cases, look no further than slimline options – they’re lightweight, minimalist, and come in different designs!
What are slimline glasses cases and why use them?
The purpose of glasses cases is to make sure that your eyeglasses or sunglasses are well-protected when you store them. Without a protective case, they can get scratched, bent – or worse! – broken.
Your heart will definitely break if it happens to be your favorite pair.
But don’t worry, there are many options for different types of glasses cases that you can bring when you travel.
Types of Glasses Cases
There are three different types of glasses cases:
- Soft glasses cases are less bulky, compact, and are on the smaller side which makes it a perfect travel companion. It is light to carry and helps you make sure that your eye or sunglasses don’t get scratched since they’re often made of elastic microfiber material.
- Hard glasses cases are, of course, made of more durable material and are more ideal when traveling in extreme conditions since they’re bash-proof! Most glasses cases under this category are shaped like an oblong and are made of hard plastic. However, they also tend to be bulkier and take up more space in your luggage.
- Semi-hard glasses cases are just a perfect mix between soft glasses cases and hard glasses cases. This type of case is considered the most versatile and uses a hard vinyl insert instead of hard plastic for added protection. This type of glasses cases provide you the protection that comes with hard glasses cases without the bulk. A good example of this are tri-fold glasses cases, which collapse flat when not in use.
Hard or soft shell? Which is better?
Deciding between buying a glasses case that is hard or soft-shelled or a mix of both is something that only you can decide.
For example, hard or semi-hard glasses cases are ideal when you’re hiking or camping to help protect your eyeglasses from breaking or scratches from accidental falls.
If you’re just out for the day on a really cool holiday, then a soft glasses case would be enough to store and protect your eye or sunglasses. A semi-hard glasses case is also ideal since some options can be stored flat when not in use, which saves space in your bag.
Personally, I like tri-fold glasses cases compared to other types of glasses cases. They don’t take that much space in my bag when I don’t use them given that they store flat, and offer my favorite pair of sunglasses the protection it needs when I have to be on the go.
- You might enjoy reading about a similar topic: Why you should buy hard shell luggage.
Factors to consider when buying glasses cases
Size
When it comes to buying glasses cases, size definitely matters. The wrong size case can cause more harm than good like bending or breaking your eye or sunglasses from having not enough space or having too much of it during transport.
Make sure you choose a glasses case that offers just enough space to take your eye or sunglasses off easily and keeps it snug and secure when you store it. It’s also important to note if you’re going to carry more than one pair.
Cushioning
Cushioning is more for the purpose of your eye or sunglasses staying scratch-free than anything else. Soft glasses cases are often made of microfiber so they won’t scratch your glasses.
When it comes to hard or semi-hard cases, go for ones with fabric lining and foam end pads for extra protection.
Quality
If you want your eyeglasses and sunglasses to last long, invest in a high quality glasses case that will keep them safe.
Personal taste
Most of all, always choose a glasses case that matches your taste, personality, and lifestyle. Here are some key notes to help you choose:
- If you’re a rugged adventurer who likes to go on hikes or camping trips often, leather or hard glasses cases are for you.
- If you’re a day tripper or a backpacker, a compact and lightweight style should be your go-to.
- For travels with a carry-on or purse, soft glasses case would be a good choice and they’re bash-proof, too!
Price
Quality comes at a price, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find quality glasses cases on a budget. If you’re worried about which glasses cases to pick, we got you covered here!
How much does a glasses case cost?
Glasses cases cost between $8-$26 depending on the style and material of your choice.
Best Slim Glasses Case for Travelers [2023]
It’s hard to choose the best glasses cases when you have no idea where and what to look for.
As a frequent traveler, I opted for the best slimline glasses case that is packable and super easy to carry whenever you travel.
Here are my top picks and the reason why I love them! (and why you may not)
CAMP Eyewear Sleeping Bag Accessory Pouch, $14 on REI
Dimensions: 6.75 x 3.25 inches
Why I love it: This eyeglasses case looks so cute with its sleeping bag design! It’s also eco-friendly since it’s 100% made out of postconsumer recycled polyester with a microfiber interior. The company also donates 1% of their sales to environmental non-profits. You can easily attach this glasses pouch to almost anything thanks to its paracord loop.
Why you may not want it: Just like the Sunglass Sleeper, this glasses case may be more for the rugged adventurer and frequent camper.
Meigan Hard Shell Double Glasses Case, $17 on Amazon
Dimensions: 5.79 x2.44 x 1.29 inches
Why I love it: The Meigan hard shell glasses case is not only durable thanks to its polyurethane and aluminum design, it also comes with a diagonal partition where you can store not just one, but TWO glasses! That’s paying the price of one to carry two of your favorite pair of glasses. Or maybe an eyeglass and a sunglass on the other.
Why you may not want it: Since it fits two pairs of glasses, fitting two large pairs of glasses is not something you can do.
Fintie Double Eyeglasses Case, $12 on Walmart
Dimension: 6.3 x 3 x 2.5 inches
Why I love it: Like Meigan’s, the Fintie glasses case can fit two pairs of glasses. The only difference is that this one is a semi-hard case made of vegan leather. It’s available in solid and printed designs that look so cool and chic. Best of all, it comes with two cleaning cloths and a carabiner hook that lets you attach it to your belt or bag.
Why you may not want it: Nothing, really! If you don’t have two pairs to bring, you can always use the extra space for your phone or other accessory that would fit.
Real Sic Eco Leather Magnetic Tri-Fold Glasses Case, $12 on Etsy
Dimensions: 0.5 x 6.3 x 2.6 inches
Why I love it: This glasses case has a compact design printed on eco leather with an easy-open magnetic latch. As a flat case when not in use, this case feels premium to the touch thanks to its aluminum and cardboard core. It also comes in cute pastel colors and is available in large or small.
Why you may not want it: It’s not the best option for slimmer eyeglasses since it best fits bulky sunglasses.
Other options to try:
- Boshibo Eco-Friendly Cork Foldable Glasses Case, $9 on Amazon
- Lansa Pattern Painted Foldable Glasses Case, $10 on Amazon
- Real Sic Adorable Animal Glasses Case, $11 on Amazon
- Monarque Eyeglass Folding Case, $15 on Amazon
- RainCaper Folding Travel Glasses Cases, $15 on Amazon
Sunglass Sleeper, $10 on Chums
Why I love it: The Sunglass Sleeper is a soft glasses case with a plush padding of fleece to make sure your sun or eyeglasses are secure, snug, and scratch-free. It has a zipper closure and an extra pocket for a cleaning cloth or other accessories. You can also use it as a protective case if your phone fits.
Why you may not want it: This has a very outdoorsy look to it and may not be a good choice if you’re looking for something more elegant or chic.
MoKO Ultra Light Soft Case, $9 on Amazon
Dimensions: 7.28 inches x 3.54 inches x 7.9 inches
Why I love it: This is perfect if you want a soft glasses case that comes in different colors and designs. As a soft case, this glasses case has enough space even for bigger eyewear. It’s also scratch and splash-proof! The convenient keychain hook is an added feature so you can easily get your eye or sunglasses anytime.
Why you may not want it: Not the best choice when on the extreme outdoors.
SpecNest Eyeglass Case, $18 on Amazon
Dimensions: 12.91 x 4.84 x 1.85 inches
Why I love it: This glasses case looks and feels premium with a mix of impact-resistant stainless steel, PU leather, and mesh. The compact size is perfect for travel and very easy to carry.
Why you may not want it: Since it’s a slim type hard case, it cannot accommodate bigger eyeglasses or sunglasses.
LifeArt Portable Eyeglass and Sunglass Case, $9 on Amazon
Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.36 x 1.57 inches
Why I love it: Quality is not always expensive and the LifeArt hard glasses case are exactly that. The slim type glasses case fits most frames and is very lightweight.
Why you may not want it: While it fits most eyeglasses and sunglasses, this is not the best choice for oversized sunglasses.
Philley Ultra-Light Hard Glasses Case, $15 on Amazon
Dimensions: 6.14 x 2.36 x 1.1 inches
Why I love it: Travel wise, the Philley hard glasses case is really compact, sleek, and attractive that fits most eyeglasses and sunglasses. All it takes is one “click” and it easily closes without any problems. Since it has a slim design, it can fit even in your pocket.
Why you may not want it: It’s a better choice than most hard glasses cases. However, scratches are more obvious because of its painted metal finish.
The Verdict
With so many options to choose from, here are our winners for the best packable slimline glasses case for travelers in 2023:
- Best slimline glasses case hard: Philley Ultra-Light Hard Glasses Case
- Best slimline glasses case soft: MoKO Ultra Light Soft Case
- Best slimline glasses case semi-hard: Fintie Double Eyeglasses Case
- Best foldable glasses case: Real Sic Eco Leather Magnetic Tri-Fold Glasses Case
Which one is the best travel glasses case for you? Let me know in the comments section below!
- P.S. You might enjoy this article on successfully traveling with contact lens solution.
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