The strings that hold sunglasses are usually called eyewear retainers, sunglasses straps, or glasses lanyards, depending on the style and use.
That cord that keeps your shades from hitting the ground has a bunch of names. Stores label it one way, boaters call it another, and jewelry-style versions get their own terms. If you’ve ever searched what are the strings that hold sunglasses called?, you’re not alone.
This guide breaks down the common names, what each one means, and how to pick the right style for your face, your frames, and what you’re doing right now.
Quick Names People Use For Sunglasses Strings
Most “strings” for sunglasses fall under one umbrella term: eyewear retainer. That’s the catch-all phrase for anything that connects to the temples (the arms) and keeps the frame from dropping.
| Name You’ll See | What It Means | Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|
| Eyewear Retainer | General term for a strap or cord that secures glasses | Shopping online, outdoor gear stores, sports use |
| Sunglasses Strap | Usually a fabric or neoprene strap that grips the temples | Hiking, fishing, boating, beach days |
| Glasses Lanyard | A cord that hangs around your neck like an ID lanyard | Daily wear, travel, reading glasses too |
| Glasses Cord | Simple cord style; may have sliders to tighten | Lightweight comfort, quick on/off |
| Eyeglass Holder Necklace | Chain or beaded style meant to look like jewelry | Office wear, outfits, dressier frames |
| Floating Retainer | Buoyant strap that helps shades float if they fall in water | Kayaking, paddleboarding, boating |
| Sports Retainer | Snug, adjustable cord designed to keep glasses tight | Running, cycling, climbing, kids |
| Temple Tips / End Loops | The small rubber sleeves or loops that attach to the arms | Replacement parts, DIY fixes |
What Are The Strings That Hold Sunglasses Called? In Stores
If you walk into an outdoor shop, “eyewear retainer” and “sunglasses strap” are the labels you’ll spot most. Fashion stores lean toward “glasses chain” or “eyeglass necklace.” Pharmacies often use “glasses cord.” All of them point to the same idea: keep the frame close so you don’t lose it.
Strings That Hold Sunglasses Around Your Neck And How They Work
A retainer has two attachment points, one for each temple. The strap or cord runs behind your head or around your neck. Some sit loose and act like a necklace. Others cinch down so the sunglasses stay pressed to your face.
Three Common Attachment Styles
- Slip-on sleeves: Rubber or silicone tubes slide over the temple tips. They’re quick, quiet, and low profile.
- Adjustable loops: A loop tightens around the temple with a bead or slider. This works across more frame shapes.
- Snap-in clips: Less common, more “gear” focused. They clip to the arm, then release fast.
Three Common Wear Styles
- Neck-hang: Loose enough that the sunglasses rest on your chest when you take them off.
- Back-of-head: Shorter length that keeps the strap behind your head, often used for sports.
- Cinch-fit: A cord with a slider that tightens so the glasses stay put during movement.
How To Choose The Right Sunglasses Strap
Pick the style first, then match the details. A strap that feels perfect on a boat can feel annoying at a desk. Check comfort and fit.
Match The Strap To What You’re Doing
- Water: Go with a floating retainer or a quick-dry cord. A soggy fabric strap gets old fast.
- Sweat and speed: Choose a cinch-fit sports retainer so the sunglasses don’t bounce.
- Casual errands: A light cord lanyard keeps things simple, with less bulk behind your neck.
Check Frame Shape At The Temple Tips
Most retainers grip at the end of the temples. If your frames have thick, wide temple tips, make sure the sleeves fit. If your tips taper, adjustable loops grip better than a loose tube.
Dial In Length And Adjustability
Length changes how it feels. A longer lanyard lets the sunglasses hang low on your chest. A shorter strap sits at the back of your head and stays out of the way. If you share gear with family, pick an adjustable model with a smooth slider.
Materials That Feel Good And Last
Material controls comfort, grip, and how the strap behaves in heat, sweat, and saltwater. If you hate the feel of something on your neck, you’ll stop using it, so this part counts.
Neoprene And Woven Fabric
Neoprene straps are soft and wide. They spread pressure across the back of your head and feel steady during movement. Woven fabric straps feel lighter and dry faster, but some can rub if they’re stiff.
Silicone And Rubber
Silicone sleeves grip well and handle water. They can feel tacky if they sit against skin all day, so they’re better for activity straps than all-day necklace styles.
Metal Chains And Beads
Chains look sharp with outfits and don’t absorb sweat. Still, metal can tug hair and feel cold in winter. If you wear it daily, look for smooth links and a light weight.
Fit Details That Stop Slips And Drops
A good retainer doesn’t just keep sunglasses near you. It keeps them stable when you bend down, look up, or turn your head fast.
Use The “Two-Finger” Test
With the sunglasses on, slide two fingers under the strap at the back of your neck. It should feel snug but not tight. If it’s loose enough to pull far from your neck, it may let the frame swing and smack your chest.
Keep The Slider In The Right Spot
On cinch cords, the slider should sit near the back of your head, not under your collar. A slider that rides forward can scratch skin and shift all day.
Prevent Temple Wear
Some sleeves rub the temple tips and can dull a glossy finish over time. If your frames are pricey, pick soft sleeves and avoid gritty sand inside the rubber. A quick rinse goes a long way.
Pairing A Retainer With Safe Sunglasses
A strap saves your sunglasses from drops. It doesn’t fix poor lenses. When you’re buying new shades, check the label for full UVA and UVB blocking. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists common label cues and shopping tips in its sunglasses UV protection advice.
If you want a plain checklist for choosing sunglasses that block UV, The Vision Council Foundation has a clear sunglasses guide that explains what to look for on tags and packaging.
Common Problems And Easy Fixes
Most strap issues come down to fit, friction, or wear. The fix is often simple, and you don’t need new sunglasses.
Problem: The Sleeves Slide Off
- Dry the temple tips, then slide the sleeves on fully.
- Switch to adjustable loops if the tips are narrow or tapered.
- Pick sleeves with a smaller inner diameter for slim frames.
Problem: The Strap Irritates Your Neck
- Try a softer material like neoprene or a smooth cord.
- Shorten the strap so it rests behind your head instead of your neck.
- Move the slider away from your collar line.
Problem: The Sunglasses Swing When You Bend
- Use a cinch-fit cord and tighten it before you lean over.
- Choose a shorter strap length for active days.
- Pick a wider strap that dampens bounce.
Problem: The Strap Smells After Sweat Or Saltwater
- Rinse with fresh water, then air-dry flat.
- Use mild soap on fabric straps, then rinse well.
Buying Checklist By Use Case
If you’re standing in a store aisle, a quick checklist saves time. Start with your main activity, then pick the material and attachment that fits your frames.
| Use Case | Best Strap Type | What To Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Boat, kayak, paddleboard | Floating retainer | Buoyant body, water-safe sleeves, fast dry |
| Running, cycling | Cinch-fit sports cord | Smooth slider, snug fit, low bounce |
| Hiking, fishing | Neoprene or woven strap | Comfort on neck, grippy sleeves, quick rinse |
| Office, errands | Glasses lanyard cord | Light weight, no snag, easy hang |
| Dress wear | Chain or beaded holder | Smooth links, hair-friendly, secure end loops |
| Kids | Adjustable sports retainer | Wide adjustment range, soft ends, easy cleaning |
| Workshop, DIY | Simple cord retainer | Durable cord, tight loops, easy wipe-down |
When People Say “String,” They Often Mean These Parts
Sometimes a person asks what are the strings that hold sunglasses called? and they’re pointing at a specific piece, not the whole strap. Here are the parts that get mixed up most.
End Loops
These are the little loops or sleeves that grab the temple tips. If one tears, you can often replace just the ends instead of tossing the whole strap.
Slider Or Cinch Bead
This is the bead that lets you tighten the cord behind your head. A smooth slider matters for comfort, since it sits near hair and skin.
Breakaway Connectors
Some lanyards include a connector that pops open under a strong pull. This is common on ID lanyards. It can be handy on long cords, but it adds a bump that can sit under your collar.
Care Tips That Keep Straps Working
Retainers live a rough life. Sunscreen, sweat, sand, and heat can wear them down. A little care keeps the grip strong.
Rinse After Sand And Salt
Sand inside a sleeve acts like grit on your frame tips. Rinse straps after beach days and let them dry in the shade.
Store Without Kinks
Don’t knot cords tight for storage. Coil them loose and keep them away from sharp edges in a bag.
Replace Ends Before They Fail
If rubber sleeves crack or stretch out, the strap can slip without warning. Swapping end loops is cheaper than replacing lost sunglasses.
Takeaway
In one sentence: most strings for sunglasses are called eyewear retainers, sunglasses straps, or glasses lanyards. Pick the name that matches how you’ll wear it, then match the strap to your frame tips, length, and material.