While shopping for eyewear, the price and style take center stage, as people are most concerned. But there are many other factors, such as how lightweight, strong, flexible, and corrosion resistant are those frames, that miss to get their share of the spotlight. These factors are derived from different materials used to make frames of our glasses today, for instance, plastic, metal, stainless steel, etc.
Each frame is chosen to suit other people with their varying needs and situations. It is essential to choose the suitable frame material to ensure that your glasses last if you expect them to, and so are they comfortable to wear for however long you need to wear them.
In this guide, we will list down some of the most common materials used for all types of eyeglasses that you can find.
Besides, we will provide you with some crucial features you must look out for a while choosing the material for your frame.
Commonly used materials for frames
It is a list of the most used materials used for any glasses you can find, right from new glasses to vintage glasses to sunglasses.
Cellulose Acetate
This is the highest quality material that is used in the frames. It is high in quality for a multitude of reasons. Cellulose Acetate is a hypoallergenic plant-based plastic that was used in the 1940s. Previously plastics used as the framing material had their own set of drawbacks in being too brittle or flammable.
However, cellulose acetate overcomes these setbacks, for it is neither breakable nor flammable. Cellulose acetate, perhaps, is lightweight, easy to mold, easy to color with an infinite range of hues and patterns. This makes cellulose acetate the most versatile material.
It is a popular choice of designer frames offering excellent durability in comparison to any other materials.
Nylon
This is a commonly used material for eyewear frames. Nylon is the nickname for acetate propionate, a type of plastic. Nylon is another popular material choice that has been used for glasses because of its durability and resistance to hot and cold temperatures. Nylon was first used as a material for eyeglass frames in the 1940s.
However, a few downsides, such as it could be stiff or uncomfortable sometimes, can be dyed with only simple colors.
This material is most suitable for sports sunglasses as it can easily be molded into wraparound styles.
Titanium
Titanium or titanium alloy is a strong, high-tech, and highly durable metal often used in the most technologically advanced manufacturing applications. As for eyeglass frames is concerned, titanium remains an excellent material choice because it is lightweight, strong and corrosion-resistant, and hypoallergenic.
The downside of this material is that it is costly and drives up the frames significantly; also, it is available only in a limited selection of colors compared to cellulose acetate.
This material is most suitable for metal designer glasses.
Stainless Steel
This material is an alternative to titanium. Stainless steel frames are lightweight, less toxic, and strong. These are also nickel-free and thus hypoallergenic, which is reasonably priced and readily available. Stainless steel is an alloy of steel and chromium, and most of them contain 10-30 percent chromium, which provides excellent resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and heat.
Wood
Wooden frames are usually handmade and are appealing because of their unique beauty. Wood is much more expensive than any other frame material. This material
What constitutes the right material for your eyewear frame?
Now that we have walked you through some of the most commonly used materials for eyewear frames, it is time to address the elephant in the room; that is how to choose the suitable material for your eyewear’s frame.
Well, it is simple; look at its features. As we stated above, each material has features unique to it, which makes it suitable for your needs, situation, and budget. We have curated a list of crucial features that you must keep in mind while selecting the frame material
Weight: The lighter the frame, the better and more comfortable it is to wear it throughout the day.
Fit– The nose pads and the temple rest should fit perfectly without being too tight or too loose to avoid any discomfort.
Damage-free: Frame must be corrosion-resistant. It must be strong enough not to break or get damaged or rust quickly due to sweat, moisture, water, sun, etc.
Skin-friendly: Some materials may arouse allergy due to the infusion of Nickle in them, and hence it is essential to choose materials wisely to avoid any discomfort caused due to an allergy.
Cost: While choosing the material for the frame, it is essential to consider its impact on the overall cost; for instance, if you choose materials like wood or titanium, which are already so expensive, your overall cost of the eyewear will shoot up.
Flexibility: Eyware frames must be flexible but should not break when bent, twisted, or pressed.
Looks: The look of the frame is mainly dependent on the material you choose. The eyeglass frame must not be too large or too small for your face.
Takeaway
Now that we near the end of our comprehensive guide, we would like to address one last question that we think may pop into your mind. That is where you can find the suitable material for your eyewear frame? Well, you may be flooded with a lot of options on the internet.
Still, we did like to throw the spotlight on one such company named Designer Optics that is based in Brooklyn and is the perfect destination for you to get a pair of designer eyewear with a wide array of frame materials to choose from, all at an affordable price.
You may shop online by visiting their website or visit their prescription sunglasses to simply get more insights about the latest happenings in the eyewear industry.