How wooden sunglasses are made

At Shadeshares, we pride ourselves not only on the uniqueness of our wooden sunglasses but also on the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating each pair. From the creation of our designs to the moment they reach our customers, every step in our manufacturing process is a testament to our commitment to quality and sustainability.

Our journey begins with the raw materials - carefully sourced and manufactured using a customized method that ensures the highest quality. These materials, along with other components like lenses and hinges, are transported to our workshop in Kenya, where the magic truly unfolds. (FYI! Shadeshares exports certified Finnish birch veneer to our workshop in Kenya in large batches a couple of times a year. The reason for this is that we do not want to cut down trees in Kenya as the whole continent is suffering from erosion. Instead we have chosen to plant more trees in our own nursery. So far we have planted more than 60 00 trees that act as carbon sinks every day of the year. As a company, we are carbon negative.)

The first step involves laser cutting the arms and frames from the raw material. Precision is key when handling birch wood which is an extremely hard and durable type of wood.

Moving forward, the holes for the hinges are meticulously milled, ensuring seamless integration and smooth functionality. Simultaneously, the inside of frames are grooved to place the lenses later.

Once the structural components are ready, our skilled team use their expertise to bend the arms and frame, giving our sunglasses their unique shape and character. 

Attention to detail continues as the frames and arms get sanded, ensuring that the texture is smooth to the touch and visually flawless. These components are then treated with an environmentally friendly varnish before they are put together.

During one of the last steps of our manufacturing process the lenses are cut precisely to fit the mold and carefully installed. This step demands precision and expertise, as the lenses play a significant role in the sunglasses' appearance and protection.

Before reaching our customers, each pair of sunglasses undergoes a final round of quality control. This detailedexamination ensures that every pair meets our high standards, guaranteeing that our customers receive only the best.

And so, from raw material to the hands of our customers, each pair of our sunglasses tells a story of craftsmanship and commitment to a more sustainable future that our customers can proudly wear.