Product Details
Color Details
Size DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
Are the Smith Archive 216801 Cheetah sunglasses prescription-ready?
What is ChromaPop lens technology and how does it work?
What does the adjustable wire-core temple mean on the Cheetah?
What is the fit and size of the Smith Cheetah sunglasses?
When was the Smith Cheetah originally released and what is the Archive Collection?
Do the Smith Cheetah sunglasses provide UV protection and are they polarized?
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Smith Optics Archive 216801 Cheetah Sunglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- Flatter 4-base lens curvature for a more casual, less wraparound look
- Bio-based Evolve frame material is eco-friendly and lightweight
- Megol rubber nose pads prevent slipping during activity
- Also part of the Archive Collection with authentic vintage heritage
- Different frame shape offers variety within the retro aesthetic
- ChromaPop lens technology with polarization options
Read the full comparison
Smith Archive Cheetah vs. Lowdown Slim 2: Cat-Eye Vintage or Classic Wayfarer?
Both the Smith Archive 216801 Cheetah and the Smith Lowdown Slim 2 deliver ChromaPop polarized clarity and retro-inspired style, but they take different approaches. The Cheetah pulls directly from Smith's 1988 archives with its rounded cat-eye shape, thin cellulose acetate temples with adjustable wire cores, and 6-base lens curvature. It's a statement frame—distinctly feminine, unmistakably vintage, and ideal for anyone who wants a frame with heritage and personality.
The Lowdown Slim 2, by contrast, offers a slimmed-down take on the classic Wayfarer rectangle. It features a flatter 4-base lens curvature, bio-based Evolve frame material, and Megol rubber nose pads for a secure, no-slip fit. The rectangular shape is more universally flattering and works well for both men and women with smaller faces. It's the safer, more versatile choice if you want a frame that blends into any setting.
Choose the Cheetah if you want a frame with vintage soul, a flattering cat-eye lift, and adjustable temples for a custom fit. It's perfect for those who appreciate retro aesthetics and want a frame that stands out. Choose the Lowdown Slim 2 if you prefer a classic rectangular shape, eco-friendly materials, and a flatter profile that works for everyday wear without drawing too much attention.
Smith Archive Cheetah vs. Monroe Peak: Two Sides of the Archive Collection
Both the Cheetah and Monroe Peak are part of Smith's Archive Collection, bringing back iconic frame designs from the brand's history. The Cheetah, originally released in 1988, is the more feminine and distinctive of the two with its rounded cat-eye brow and thin temples. The Monroe Peak offers a different vintage vibe—check the specific shape and dimensions to see which Archive frame better suits your face and style preferences.
Both frames feature ChromaPop polarized lenses, 100% UV protection, impact-resistant Carbonic lenses, and come with the Archive Collection fleece storage bag. The choice comes down to which vintage silhouette resonates with you. The Cheetah is the go-to for those who love the cat-eye shape and want a frame with a strong '80s heritage. The Monroe Peak may appeal to those seeking a different Archive aesthetic at a similar quality and price point.
At a Glance
Smith Optics Lifestyle 201044 Lowdown Slim 2 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Flatter 4-base lens curvature for a more casual, less wraparound look
- Bio-based Evolve frame material is eco-friendly and lightweight
- Megol rubber nose pads prevent slipping during activity
- Small to medium fit works well for smaller faces
- Classic Wayfarer-inspired rectangular shape suits most face types
Cons:
- Less distinctive vintage aesthetic compared to the Cheetah's cat-eye shape
- Rectangular shape may not flatter round faces as well as cat-eye frames
- No adjustable wire-core temples for custom fit
- Not part of the Archive Collection heritage line
Smith Optics Lifestyle 206597 Monroe Peak Sunglasses
Pros:
- Also part of the Archive Collection with authentic vintage heritage
- Different frame shape offers variety within the retro aesthetic
- ChromaPop lens technology with polarization options
- 100% UV protection and impact-resistant lenses
- Similar quality construction and Archive Collection fleece bag included
Cons:
- Different shape may not suit those specifically seeking a cat-eye silhouette
- Slightly higher starting price ($175 vs $149)
- May have different fit dimensions that don't work for all face shapes
- Less iconic than the Cheetah within Smith's Archive lineup