Day-Vue Sunglass Co: Handmade Eyewear in Beaufort

What Day-Vue Sunglass Co makes and where to find them

Day-Vue Sunglass Co is a Beaufort-based eyewear maker that designs and builds sunglasses by hand. The company focuses on custom frames and limited-run styles rather than mass-produced inventory, which means each pair reflects specific design choices about shape, material, and lens tint. You can visit their showroom in downtown Beaufort to try frames in person, or browse their current collection online to order.

The workshop approach means Day-Vue works closely with customers on fit and finish. If you walk in with a specific vision—a particular frame shape, lens color, or bridge width—the team can discuss whether they can build it or suggest alternatives from what they have in stock. This is different from big-box sunglass retailers where you choose from thousands of identical pairs made elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

• Day-Vue Sunglass Co hand-builds sunglasses in Beaufort rather than importing mass-produced frames.
• You can visit the showroom in downtown Beaufort to try frames and discuss custom options with the makers.
• The company offers both ready-made styles and custom builds, so lead time and price vary depending on what you order.
• Handmade eyewear typically costs more than factory production but often lasts longer and fits more precisely to your face.

Materials and frame styles Day-Vue offers

Day-Vue works with acetate, metal, and mixed-material frames depending on the design. Acetate frames—made from a plant-based plastic—tend to be heavier and more durable than thin metal, and they hold color and pattern well. Metal frames are lighter and often adjustable at the bridge and temples, which matters if you have a narrower or wider face. Some Day-Vue styles combine both materials for a specific look.

Lens options include polarized, UV-protective, and gradient tints. Polarized lenses reduce glare off water and reflective surfaces, which is useful if you spend time on the water or driving in bright sun. UV protection blocks harmful rays; gradient tints fade from dark at the top to lighter at the bottom, which some people prefer for style or because they want to see their dashboard while driving. Day-Vue can discuss which lens type matches how you plan to wear the sunglasses.

Visiting the Beaufort showroom

The Day-Vue showroom is located in downtown Beaufort, where you can handle frames, try them on, and talk directly with the makers about what you want. Bring your current sunglasses if you like the fit—the team can match the bridge width and temple length to what already works for you. If you know your prescription or have a recent eye exam, bring that too, because Day-Vue can discuss whether they can build frames that work with your vision needs.

Hours and current inventory change seasonally, so call ahead or check their website before you visit. The showroom is small and focused, so you will not find the overwhelming selection of a mall optician, but that is the point—the staff knows every frame they have and can explain why they chose to make it.

Ordering online or by custom request

Day-Vue takes orders through their website for frames currently in stock, which ship within a week or two depending on demand. If you want a custom build—a specific color, material combination, or lens tint that is not in their standard lineup—you can contact them directly through the website or by phone to discuss timeline and cost. Custom orders typically take longer than stock orders because each pair is made to your specifications.

Payment is usually required upfront for custom work, and returns or exchanges depend on the terms Day-Vue sets for that particular order. Since each pair is handmade, they may not accept returns on custom builds the way a chain retailer would. Ask about their return policy when you place an order.

Price and what to expect

Handmade sunglasses cost more than factory-produced frames because labor and materials are not spread across thousands of identical pairs. Day-Vue frames typically range from the mid-range to premium pricing compared to drugstore sunglasses, but less than luxury designer brands. The exact price depends on materials (acetate costs differently than titanium, for example) and whether you are ordering stock or custom.

What you get for the higher price is durability, precise fit, and the ability to repair or adjust the frames if something breaks. A handmade frame can often be fixed by the maker; a mass-produced frame is usually discarded. If you wear sunglasses daily and want something that will last years rather than a season, the upfront cost spreads across more time.

Why Beaufort makers matter to the local community

Day-Vue is part of Beaufort's small maker economy, a network of craftspeople and artists who design and build goods locally rather than importing them. Supporting a local maker means your money stays in the community, the maker can respond to what customers actually want, and you can see the work that goes into what you buy. Beaufort's historic downtown has become a hub for these kinds of businesses—galleries, studios, and shops where the person who made the thing is often the person who sells it to you.

If you are interested in how things are made, or if you want sunglasses that reflect the character of where you live, visiting Day-Vue is worth the trip even if you do not buy that day. The showroom is a working space, not just a retail counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Day-Vue make sunglasses with my prescription?

Day-Vue can discuss prescription options when you visit or contact them. Some makers can build frames that work with prescription lenses, though it depends on the frame style and your prescription strength. Bring your eye exam or current glasses so they can assess whether it is possible for the specific frame you want.

How long does a custom order take?

Stock frames ship within one to two weeks. Custom builds take longer—typically two to four weeks depending on complexity and current demand. Contact Day-Vue directly with your specifications to get an accurate timeline before you commit to an order.

What if the frames do not fit when they arrive?

Since Day-Vue is in Beaufort, you can visit the showroom to exchange or adjust frames if there is a fit problem. If you ordered online from out of state, contact them about their return or adjustment policy. Custom builds may have different terms than stock orders.

Do Day-Vue sunglasses come with a warranty?

Warranty terms vary by frame and order type. Ask when you purchase whether the frames are covered against defects, and what repairs or replacements are included. Handmade items often have maker guarantees rather than manufacturer warranties.

Where exactly is the showroom in downtown Beaufort?

Day-Vue is located in downtown Beaufort, but the exact address and hours change. Check their website or call before you visit to confirm the location and whether they are open that day.