Frequently Asked Questions

Need help? We've got you covered!

  • Lens Technology

What does photochromic mean?

Photochromic lenses adjust to changing light conditions by getting lighter or darker depending on the amount of UV light present. The more UV light—or the brighter the conditions—the darker the lens becomes, and vice versa. Julbo calls its photochromic technology REACTIV.

 

REACTIV photochromic technology is helpful when the weather change, if you're recreating early or late in the day or if you're in and out of the woods frequently. Since the lenses change how light and dark they are, don't need to switch from one lens to another or take off your sunglasses/goggles as conditions change.


Julbo offers a variety of REACTIV photochromic lenses, which are available in polarized and non-polarized options.

 

Read more about REACTIV photochromic technology here.

 

Read more about the benefits of polarized lenses here.

What is the difference between REACTIV and SPECTRON lenses?

REACTIV lenses are photochromic and adjust to changing light conditions by getting lighter or darker depending on the amount of UV light present. REACTIV lenses are made of NXT (Trivex), which has the clarity of glass and exceptional durability and impact resistance.


SPECTRON lenses are not photochromic and will not lighten or darken. SPECTRON lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is shatter resistant, and are a versatile lens suitable for all types of activities.

Are Julbo lenses polarized?

Julbo offers both polarized and non-polarized lenses. Various REACTIV and SPECTRON lenses are available with and without polarization.


Julbo carries two different photochromic polarized lenses: REACTIV 2-4 Polarized, which allows for 20-5% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and is best for the brightest high-mountain settings, and REACTIV 2-3 Polarized, which allows for 32-9% VLT and is offers outstanding clarity for watersports.


Julbo carries one polarized polycarbonate lens: SPECTRON 3 Polarized, which allows for 12% Visible Light Transmission and is best for bright conditions.


Read more about the benefits of polarized lenses here.

What do HC and LAF stand for? What's the difference?

HC stands for High Contrast, which is a lens with a rose tint and rose base color, designed to enhance contrast. HC (rose/red) tints are ideal for situations with varied terrain in low light, for example snowy, flat light or during poor weather. 


LAF stands for Light Amplifier, which is a lens with a yellow tint and yellow base color, designed to brighten everything by increasing light receptivity. LAF (yellow) tints are ideal for darker conditions, like trail running and mountain biking in the woods or recreating early and late in the day. 

How do I clean my Julbo lenses?

Use a soft microfiber cloth or other non-abrasive material. Start by gently washing the frame and lens in soapy water, then rinse with clean water and wipe away any remaining moisture. 

Avoid using solvents, chemical cleaners, paper-based products, gloves or other abrasive materials that may permanently damage the lens. Do not wipe lenses while there is dirt or debris on them.

Once you’ve finished cleaning, let the lens and frame air dry before putting them away. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or next to a heat source, as this may cause damage to the frame or lens. Always remember to store your sunglasses in their microfiber case/pouch.

Do Julbo lenses protect from UV?

Yes. All Julbo lenses provide 100% protection from UV A, B and C rays. 

Are SPECTRON 4 lenses polarized?

SPECTRON 4 lenses are not polarized. They do have an anti-reflective coating, block 95% of visible light (5% VLT) and provide 100% protection from UV A, B and C rays. 

  • Warranty and Repair

What is covered under Julbo's Lifetime Warranty?

Julbo has been manufacturing quality performance eyewear for over 130 years, and we stand behind our products. Julbo warranties all sunglasses and goggles for the original owner against manufacturing defects for the lifetime of the product. Julbo maintains the sole right to determine what a manufacturing defect or failure is. Read more about Julbo's Lifetime Warranty here.


This warranty extends only to customers in the U.S. who have purchased Julbo sunglasses from a certified Julbo dealer in the U.S. Any frames fitted with non-Julbo third-party lenses will not be covered under warranty. 


Parts will wear out over time due to normal wear and tear. Spare parts are available for purchase here. Repairs can easily be made at home.


Please note: If your sunglasses are discontinued, we may not have the parts available to make a repair under warranty. In this case, we will work with you to determine the best resolution.

Are scratched lenses covered under warranty?

Although Julbo lenses are scratch-resistant, they are not scratch-proof. Therefore scratched lenses are considered wear and tear and are not covered under Julbo's lifetime warranty. 

 

We do carry replacement lenses for most styles, which are available for purchase here. 

How do I start a warranty claim?

Please visit our Lifetime Warranty page to find out more and initiate a claim. Once your claim is submitted, we will do our best to reach out within 48-72 hours, but it may take up to a week if we are in a busy period. We are a small team and appreciate your patience. 

 

Please note: If you opt to make the repair at home, Julbo is not responsible for any damage caused during the repair.

How long will it take to get back my repaired or warrantied item?

Turnaround time is generally between 2-4 weeks. We work diligently to return your sunglasses as fast as we can, but during busy periods it will take longer. We are a small team and appreciate your patience. 

Can I send my sunglasses, googles or helmet in for repair?

Yes! If you feel like you are not up to the task, you can send your sunglasses, goggles or helmet to us for repair. 


To initiate the repair process, please fill out the form here.

Should I make my repair at home or send my item in for repair?

That is up to you! Most repairs can be made at home. Generally, the only tool you need is an eyeglass-sized screwdriver. 


If you are not confident in making the repairs yourself, we recommend sending in the item. Any additional damage caused by an at-home repair will be the responsibility of the customer.

How much will a repair cost?

The cost of the repair is determined by the cost of the part(s). There is no additional cost for an in-house repair.

 

Please note: We do not issue return labels for items coming in for repair. We will ship your item back to you at no cost.

  • Orders

Where is my confirmation email?

After your order is placed, you will receive an order confirmation email. If you do not see your confirmation email, make sure to check your spam mailbox.

 

If you’re still not seeing an order confirmation, please reach out to info@julbousa.com and provide your first name, last name and the email address that was used for the order. We’ll resend your confirmation email.

How do I change or cancel my order?

We are able to make changes or cancel your order as long as it has not been packed for fulfillment or shipped. Once the order has been packed and/or shipped, we will not be able to change or cancel your order.

 

Orders placed before 11 a.m. EST are generally shipped same-day. Orders placed after 11 a.m. EST may go out same day, but will most likely ship the next business day.

 

If you would like to make a change to your order, or cancel your order, please call (800) 651-0833. We will not immediately see your email.

Will you adjust my price to reflect an upcoming/past sale?

We will adjust the price of item(s) ordered within 24 hours of a sale period upon request. Items purchased more than 24 hours before/after a sale period will not qualify for price matching. 

 

This only applies to eligible items purchased from Julbo.com.

Why is my discount code is not working?

Codes are only valid on Julbo.com. You must be logged into your account on the Julbo website for the discount code to work. If you don’t have an account, you can easily create one. All discount codes are one-time, single-use codes. Codes are valid for two full-priced items (this excludes spare parts and outlet items). 

I'm interested in a product that's out of stock. What do I do?

If you are interested in a product that is out of stock on our website, please email info@julbousa.com. We can answer questions about restocking timeframes or can direct you toward a good alternative.

  • Shipping

When will my order ship?

Orders placed before 11 a.m. EST will be shipped out the same day. Orders placed after 11 a.m. EST will ship out the next business day. 


Please note: We are a small team. Slight shipping delays may occur around holidays or times of unusually high order volume.

How do I track my order?

An email with your shipping information will be automatically sent once your order has left our warehouse. If you did not receive an email with tracking information, please email info@julbousa.com.

I believe my package was lost or stolen. What do I do?

We know how disappointing it can be when a package does not arrive as expected. Once a package leaves our warehouse, it is in the hands of one of our trusted shipping partners. There is often little we can do for a package in transit, but we will help you through the process.


If your tracking information indicates your package has been delivered but you have not received it, please take the following steps:


Check the full perimeter of your house, and check in with your neighbors. Mistakes happen, and more often than not the package was delivered nearby.


If the package is not found, email info@julbousa.com. If necessary, we will open a claim with the shipping service. Please do not open a claim yourself. 

What shipping methods are available?

FedEx and USPS options will be available at checkout. Expedited options are available, too.


Orders to Alaska and Hawaii must be shipped via USPS.


Orders with subtotals over $100 qualify for free FedEx 3-day shipping.


If you experience any issues with selecting a shipping method at checkout, please call us at (800) 651-0833, and we will help you place an order over the phone.

Does Julbo USA offer free shipping?

Yes! We offer free FedEx 3-day shipping on orders $100 and over. Some exclusions apply. 

Do I qualify for free shipping?

Orders with subtotals of $100 or more qualify for free FedEx 3-day shipping. This will automatically display at checkout.

What is Julbo's return policy?

We accept returns within 30 days of receipt so long as the items are in new (unworn) condition with the original packaging. We will only accept returns of items purchased from Julbo.com. If the purchase is made elsewhere, you will need to go through that retailer.


We do not offer exchanges. If you would like to make an exchange, you may return the purchased item and place a new order at your convenience.

  • Sizing and Fit

What is lens size, base, temple length, distance and lens depth?

These are measurements for the sunglass frame found below each item under the product description. All measurements are in millimeters. 


Lens size is the width of the lens. 


Base is the curvature of the lens. A base of eight has the most curve, meaning it will wrap around more. 


Temple length is the length of the arm from where it is attached to the frame to the tip, back behind the ear.  


Distance is the width of the bridge (between the lenses). 


Lens depth is the height of the lens, top to bottom.

Is there a size guide?

  • Prescription Eyewear

How do I order prescription Julbo lenses?

The Julbo RX lab is located in France so it usually takes 4-6 weeks from the time the order is submitted to when it arrives at your door.

Julbo RX direct can only accommodate single vision prescription. We refer any customers with multifocal prescription requests to sportrx.com.

 

We require an updated prescription from your eye doctor, so it must be within one year, preferably within six months.

The following frames are not available from our lab: Sherpa, Cham, Vermont Classic and Tahoe. Check out opticus.com or sportrx.com for those frames. They will not be Julbo lenses, but they do a great job!

You can find Julbo Rx information on our website here.

What is the Julbo RX Lab prescription eyewear warranty?

Julbo Rx Lab prescription eyewear has a limited two-year warranty from the date of purchase for any manufacturing defect regarding special lens coatings, lens treatments or frame breakage due to material or defective workmanship. All warranty claims must be handled directly through the original dealer.


If you purchased your eyewear from Julbo USA, please reach out to us. We stand by our products and, if you are not completely satisfied, we will work with you to determine the best solution.


Please note: The Julbo RX Lab warranty does not cover scratched lenses or breakage caused by wear and tear. Julbo frames installed with non-Julbo custom or prescription lenses are not covered under warranty. This warranty extends only to residents of the United States.

Will insurance cover my Julbo Rx Lab purchase?

Julbo does not accept insurance. We accept all major credit cards, but HSA cards will often be declined when we attempt to authorize the payment. Customers can sometimes be reimbursed for their RX order from their insurance provider afterward. 


We suggest you discuss this with your insurance carrier in advance. If they need more information they can call us at (800) 651-0833.

I own a pair of Julbo sunglasses. Can I purchase a set of Julbo Rx prescription lenses for them?

Unfortunately, this is not something that we can do.


Our Julbo Rx Lab prescription sunglasses are made in a specialized optical lab at Julbo France. The prescription lenses are custom-made to fit each individual frame, and a major part of the process involves properly fitting the Rx lenses into the frame.  


If you have a Julbo frame that is in decent condition that you wish to use for prescription, we recommend asking your local optometrist if they can do that at their lab. We also work closely with opticus.com or sportrx.com, and they might be able to help.

  • Sustainability

What is Julbo doing in the area of sustainable production?

Julbo is taking major steps to increase sustainability in our products, production methods, packaging and more. Additionally, we're actively researching sustainable materials that maintain the quality and safety of our products, while continuing to offer lifetime guarantees and spare parts to maintain repairability. 


Julbo is committed to using innovative, non-petroleum-based and bio-sourced materials where possible in our product, as well as recycled materials. As of December 2023, over 75% of our sunglasses frames were made from RILSAN®, the castor-oil-based bio-sourced material. Goggle frames incorporate other bio materials, and goggles straps increasingly are made from recycled materials, including fishing nets. Spare parts exist for the majority of our in-line products; our REACTIV photochromic lenses are guaranteed for life; and the parts from products returned for warranty or otherwise deemed unsellable are separated and recycled as applicable.


Packaging is designed to be as "monomaterial" as possible to increase recyclability—inks are water-based, and varnishes, glues or plastic windows are no longer used. Carton sizes are optimized for material reduction, and packaging is primarily made in France. 


Production is ahead of the curve in terms of sustainability. Our factory in Romania utilizes geothermal heat and solar power and undergoes regular energy audits. Most offcuts are collected and recycled. Through pre-season sales, sample reduction and production in our own European factory, we can ensure quantities produced are the closes possible to the market's needs to avoid overproduction. Water used during the production process is fully recycled and re-used.

Is it possible to recycle helmets/goggles and make new ones from them, as is already done with ski boots?

Unfortunately, due to the materials used and the process of gluing parts together, this is not possible and there is not yet an organized channel for recycling helmet and goggle plastics into new products. Furthermore, safety standards applicable to helmets limit the types of materials that can be used. At its own level, Julbo is committed to offering spare parts to increase the product life cycle and is increasingly utilizing bio-sourced materials in goggles and investigating this possibility in helmets.

What is Rilsan® and how is it being used in Julbo's eyewear?

RILSAN® is a high performance, sustainable, bio-based polymer, used in over 75% of Julbo's sunglasses. Julbo has been using this advanced material for several years because of its environmental qualities and technical benefits. This bio-based material provides key characteristics that are ideal for sunglasses: lightness, flexibility and durability. 


Derived from castor beans, RILSAN® is a sustainable material from sustainably farmed feedstock. There is no competition with food/feed production causes no deforestation. Castor beans are grown on low quality soil; the beans are then crushed to make oil, and the remnant material is sold as fertilizer. 

  • Other Julbo FAQs

When are you getting more of X sunglasses or goggles?

If one color is greyed out on our listing, that means it is out of stock currently. Inventory can fluctuate hourly/daily, so check back periodically.


We receive shipments of out-of-stock items every few weeks—in the summer, we receive sunglasses; in the winter, we receive goggles and some sunglasses. Therefore if you're looking for goggles in the summer, you'll want to check back in August or September. 


You can also find Julbo products at other online dealers including REI.com, Backcountry.com, Evo.com or Amazon.com. 

Where can I find Julbo eyewear locally?

While we do not have Julbo retail stores, we are in a lot of outdoor shops across the U.S. Try our dealer locator to see if there is anything in your area. Make sure to extend your search radius with the drop-downs if you aren't seeing anything initially.

Do you offer prodeals?