How to Tell If Prada Sunglasses Are Real

Prada sunglasses are world-famous and highly sought after for both practical and stylish reasons. However, because they’re so popular (and expensive), buyers want to be sure that they’re getting the real deal.

Fortunately, knowing how to spot fake Prada sunglasses is quite simple - there are just a few quick checks you can do. In this guide, we’re going to outline how to know if your Prada sunglasses are real with some background info and a simple checklist.

Why Prada Sunglasses Are Commonly Faked

Worn by stars like Emma Watson, Dua Lipa, Nicole Kidman, and many others, Prada products are easily recognizable and have a high resale value.

However, this means that counterfeiters are keen to get in on the act, scamming people with fake products made from substandard materials. Alongside losing your money, fake Prada sunglasses can also pose safety risks to your eyes. The lenses will probably be made from poor materials, offering little to no UV protection, and potentially cracking or shattering when you’re wearing them.

Sometimes, fakes are very hard to spot vs the real ones, and counterfeit Prada sunglasses are very common.

How to Know If Your Prada Sunglasses Are Real

You might be wondering, “So, how can I tell if my Prada sunglasses are real?” Luckily, Prada put a lot of effort into making sure their products are hard to copy, and you can use the steps below to identify real vs fake Prada sunglasses.

Check the Prada Logo & Branding

Real Prada sunglasses will have very clear, intricate embossing or laser-etched printing on both the frames and lenses. The logos will be clean and sharp, and in particular, the ‘R’ in Prada will have a notch at the bottom. Also, the spacing and font-weight will be consistent throughout.

Fake Prada sunglasses may use stickers or printed logos that can appear smudged, off-center, or misaligned.

Some real Pradas will have a very small logo etched on the left lens and a serial number on the right lens. Both of these are very hard to counterfeit well. If they don’t have a serial number on the lens, it will be etched inside the tip of the arm.

Also, check that the CE or UKCA and ‘Made in Italy’ markings are present.

Verify the Serial Number and Model Code

A second part of knowing how to identify fake Prada sunglasses is to understand and verify the serial numbers found on the arms. You can check that this code matches the documentation in your packaging, or you can check it with an authorized seller.

Authentic Prada serial numbers will start with either an ‘S’ or a ‘V’, followed by ‘PR’ (for Prada) and then a 3-digit number and letter code that signifies the model number. For example, SPR #XX

Following this will be measurements for the lens and nose bridge in millimeters, usually written as 12 □ 34. Check that these measurements are accurate with your sunglasses. If they’re not, you’re probably holding fake Prada ones.

You’ll then find a six-letter and number color code, such as 1AB-2C3, as well as a 3-number measurement of arm length (in mm), and a lens category and strength indicator, such as 1A.

Fakes often have missing or inconsistent codes that don’t match your product, and the writing may be blurred, smudged, or misaligned.

Understanding the serial number is also very helpful when looking for Prada replacement lenses. We offer replacement lenses for most Prada sunglasses models, so it’s important to order the right ones.

Inspect the Craftsmanship and Build Quality

Unfortunately, this check is only possible if you already have the sunglasses in hand, so it’s something to keep in mind if you’re buying online. However, Prada sunglasses stand out for their craftsmanship and build quality, which you can feel, and are key factors that justify their price tag.

Authentic Pradas are sturdy. The arms will open smoothly and feel solid, and the finish on the graphics and colors will be top-quality. The hinges and the joints will align correctly, and the lenses will fit perfectly (and snugly) in the frames. Prada uses acetate and lightweight metals to make their genuine sunglasses, so if the frames or arms feel like brittle plastic, they are probably fake.

Lastly, look through the lenses - ideally outdoors if you can. They should offer exceptional clarity and vision, and be free of scratches, smudges, or bubbling.

A good way to tell if lenses are genuinely polarized is to rotate the sunglasses through 90 degrees and look through the lenses. The colour of the sky should change. If you can’t do this outside, look at your phone or laptop screen instead - it should turn dark. For more information, check out our guide What Are Polarized Lenses?

Review the Packaging and Accessories

Another part of knowing how to tell if Prada sunglasses are real is to examine the packaging and accessories, ensuring that all serial numbers match. Genuine Pradas all come with a branded hard case, microfiber cloth, warranty booklet, and an authenticity card. Newer models also have a QR code to download an official ‘Prada Conformity Regulation from Luxottica’.

Most Prada boxes are sleek in design and quite minimalist. While some limited editions may come in a colored box, most are black or white with just the Prada logo on.

If the box is overly glossy, garish, or ‘loud’, there’s a good chance it’s fake. Also, remember to check for the notch on the ‘R’ where the logo is printed.

Real vs Fake Prada Sunglasses: Quick Red Flags Checklist

To summarize what to look for to spot fake Prada sunglasses, here are some red flags:

How to Maintain Your Authentic Prada Sunglasses

If you’re sure your Prada sunglasses are the real deal, it’s important to look after them properly. Unfortunately, even the most careful of us can scratch or crack our sunglasses. Accidents happen even if we always keep them in a case, out of sunlight, or don’t put them loose into our bags or pockets.

But if this is the case, you don’t have to throw the frames away. Instead, you can breathe new life into old Prada sunglasses by exploring our range of Quality Replacement Lenses.

These replacement Prada lenses are just as good (if not better) than the originals, for a fraction of the cost, and they’re also the best choice for the planet. It’s very simple to replace the lenses yourself, and with free worldwide shipping, it can be done anywhere in just a few minutes.

Looking to restore your Prada sunglasses? Explore The Sunglass Fix’s premium replacement Prada lenses today.