Your glasses are more than just a visual aid; they’re an essential part of your everyday life—and can also be a style statement.
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When selecting the perfect pair of glasses, one crucial factor to consider is the material from which they are made. Different materials offer various benefits and considerations, ensuring your eyewear suits your unique needs and preferences. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common materials for eyeglasses and help you make an informed decision for your next pair.
Plastic frames for glasses are a popular choice for several reasons:
Lightweight: Plastic frames are incredibly light, making them comfortable for all-day wear. This is a benefit particularly if you have a higher prescription which means your lenses will be thicker and heavier.
Durable: High-quality plastic frames can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Stylish: Plastic frames come in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing you to express your personality.
Hypoallergenic: For those with metal allergies, plastic frames are an excellent option.
Why a plastic frame might not be the best choice: While the molded bridge design can be a pro for many, it also means it won’t fit comfortably on everyone’s nose. Because they don’t have nose pads, they are not adjustable and may not stay in place.
Metal frames offer a sleek and sophisticated look, with options like stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum. A metal frame also allows for the popular rimless and semi-rimless styles. Here’s why you might consider metal frames:
Durability: Metal frames are highly durable, making them suitable for active lifestyles.
Thin profile: They can be thinner than plastic frames, giving a more subtle appearance.
Adjustable nose pads: Many metal frames have adjustable nose pads for a customized fit.
Hypoallergenic option: If you are sensitive to metals, consider titanium which is non-reactive because it does not release nickel ions.
Why a metal frame might not be the best choice: If you have a high prescription or astigmatism which will make your lenses heavier, a metal frame will add additional weight.
Acetate is lightweight like plastic, but the manufacturing process of this eco-friendly, renewable material allows for richer and more vibrant colors and unique patterns. Consider acetate frames if you value:
Bold style: Acetate frames often come in bold, eye-catching designs.
Comfort: They are lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. While they have a molded bridge like plastic frames, acetate can be headed and molded to fit any nose and face shape.
Customization: Acetate frames can be easily adjusted for a personalized fit.
Hypoallergenic: Like plastic, acetate is a hypoallergenic material.
Why an acetate frame might not be the best choice: Acetate is sensitive to heat and humidity, so while incredibly durable, acetate frame eyeglasses should be stored in a low-humidity, room-temperature environment when not worn to prevent shrinkage.
Mixed material frames combine the best of both worlds, often featuring metal temples and plastic or acetate fronts. These frames provide:
Durability: Metal temples add strength, while plastic or acetate fronts offer style and comfort.
Versatility: A mix of materials allows for a wide variety of design options.
Customization: Adjustments are typically easier due to the combination of materials.
Why mixed metal frames might not be the best choice: There are few overall cons to a mixed metal option since the frames will vary by design.
When it comes to choosing the right material for your eyeglasses, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your decision should depend on your lifestyle, personal style, comfort preferences, and any specific needs you have, such as allergies.
Not sure what type of frames you want? The best place to start is by seeing and trying on all types of options at the our Optical Center. Our experienced staff is available to provide guidance on selecting the perfect pair of glasses tailored to your unique requirements. No appointment is required.
And because we also have an on-site Optical Lab, once you select your frames, there’s a good chance we’ll make your eyeglasses right here in Cedar Rapids, for fast turnaround and superior quality. Learn more about our Optical Lab and take a quick video tour.
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Whether you opt for plastic, metal, acetate, rimless, or mixed material frames, the right choice will enhance your vision and complement your individuality, ensuring you see and look your best every day.
When it comes to choosing new glasses, frame material makes a big difference in comfort, durability, and style.
Acetate is a highly durable, flexible, and long-lasting form of plastic. This frame material can withstand some serious wear and tear, and it’s our go-to choice for just about everyone who wears glasses.
Metal frames are known for their sleek appearance and lightweight feel, also making them resistant to corrosion and everyday wear.
Let’s examine the pros and cons of frame material to determine which is the right fit for you.
Plastic frames have some big selling points and a few potential drawbacks. However, there’s so much to love about these glasses that you might not notice any of those possible cons. Instead, you’ll be too busy enjoying how easy it is to wear these frames and make them match your style.
Here’s what you need to know:
Eyeglass frames made from acetate can last for a long time with proper care. Unlike metal frames, they don’t bend easily and can withstand accidental drops —which happen to everybody occasionally.
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Acetate frames are also low-maintenance and easy to keep clean. All you need to maintain these frames is a microfiber towel and soapy water. You can wipe off dust, dirt, and fingerprints from your glasses as often as needed, cleaning both lenses and the frames in just a few minutes.
Acetate eyeglasses are a popular choice because they’re more affordable than other materials. You can get a high-quality pair of cellulose acetate frames for as little as $60, and they can last for years.
When you go with high-quality plastic frames, you have plenty of colors, shapes, and styles to choose from. A pair of glasses made from acetate can be opaque or clear, and you can easily find pairs that feature classic patterns like tortoise.
As a bonus, the plastic frames from Pair work with our one-of-a-kind magnetic top frames, which help you switch up your style and express yourself even more. Our top frames snap seamlessly onto your base frames, giving you a new way to show off your unique style.
Acetate is a hypoallergenic material, which makes it an ideal option for folks with sensitive skin. On the other hand, some metal eyeglass frames — especially pairs containing nickel — can cause allergic reactions.
If you’ve previously had a reaction to a pair of stainless steel or titanium frames, we recommend switching to plastic eyeglass frames to protect your skin from redness and irritation.
Many pairs of metal glasses come with adjustable nose pads, making the frames a bit easier to fit to the shape of your nose. However, many people find these nose pads annoying and uncomfortable.
If you don’t like nose pads on glasses, acetate is the way to go. However, if these little pads add extra functionality to your glasses, you might prefer a pair made from a different material.
Overall, high-end acetate glasses (like ours at Pair Eyewear) are easy to recommend to everyone. They’re durable, fit any face shape, and are easy to clean. Plus, acetate frames come in various colors and are even more personalizable thanks to Pair’s magnetic top frames.
Metal eyeglasses are popular for their cool, minimalist look and timeless design. Metal frame materials have been used since people started wearing glasses, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
These frames are definitely classics, and they can be a practical, durable option as well. However, just like acetate frames, metal glasses have pros and cons.
Here’s what you need to know about the potential benefits and drawbacks of metal eyeglass frames:
Metal frames are often pricier than their plastic counterparts. That’s not because frames made from plastic materials are less stylish or practical — metal is just more costly to source.
Budget is a big factor when you’re looking for the perfect pair of glasses. Bear in mind that your frames aren’t the only part of the price tag —you’ll also need to pay for prescription lenses and any other add-ons you might need.
Considering the price, metal frames might not be as reasonable an option, especially if you’re on a budget like many of us. If saving money is a big priority, go with acetate.
It’s hard to deny that a pair of stainless steel frames is ultra-classy. These frames look awesome, and their timeless style makes them ideal for anyone who wants to look like they stepped out of a s movie.
If you have sensitive skin, metal frames might not be for you.
As mentioned above, some folks experience reactions to nickel when wearing metal eyeglass frames, although this isn’t a very common problem. If you’ve had reactions in the past, consider talking to your optician about whether they recommend avoiding metal glasses.
Metal frames usually have nose pads, which can be a big nuisance. They’re meant to make your glasses more practical and functional, but that’s not always the case.
Whether glasses with nose pads will work for you depends on your preferences and how sensitive you are to the feeling of your glasses resting on your nose. Some people can’t stand it, but others don’t mind.
It’s up to you to decide which glasses suit you best. But who says you can't have both? Pair Eyewear's new mixed material frames blend the best of both worlds, combining durable acetate with sleek gold or silver metal temples.
These mixed material frames are more than a fashion statement—they’re a seamless blend of innovation and style, offering a versatile choice for those seeking the perfect balance of modern design and practicality.
Browse our best-selling Base Frames’ all-new temples to find themetal twist that suits you!
If you’re having trouble deciding which glasses to buy, try our virtual try-on feature. This handy tool allows you to experiment with different frame shapes and color options to see what looks best.
Everyone has their own unique look, and the right pair of glasses can really tie that look together.
We make it easy to find glasses that match your style and the shape of your face with helpful guidelines on all of our product pages. Once you figure out your own face shape, you can take a look our recommended face shapesfor each frame.Use this as aguideline to help you find a pair that matches you perfectly!
When it comes to color, it’s all about finding the right match for your skin tone. Our metal temples are available in sleek silver or gold allowing youto choose the perfect finish that complements you and your personal style.
Whether you prefer the warm elegance of gold or the modern edge of silver, our frames are designed to elevate your look effortlessly. Check out this video to learn how to determine your skin tone!
@paireyewear ✨Gold or Silver ???? What finish are you gravitating towards? #gold #silver #undertones #jewlery #paireyewear #coloranalysis ♬ vlog, chill out, calm daily life() - SUNNY HOOD STUDIO
Our top frame collection features original designs and licensed collabs with some of the biggest franchises in the world, including Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter, Disney, and many more. We even recently released a new line of Top Frames in partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and they’re works of art in their own right.
If you need a separate case to hold your top frames, we have you covered. Our Top Frame Cases come in green tan, and navy and hold two frames each. If you want to change your look in a snap (literally), one of these cases is all you need.
Overall, acetate frames are the clear winner in our book when it comes to style, affordability, and durability. These are glasses for the modern age, and they’re built to hold up against busy schedules and active lifestyles. If you need a pair of glasses that won’t bend out of shape or go out of style, plastic is the way to go.
As a bonus, you can customize your plastic frames with top frames from Pair, which match seamlessly with our base frames. Make sure to add a few top frames to your order and use them to level up your style instantly.
Sources:
What Is an Optician? | Cleveland Clinic
Allergies: Symptoms, Reaction, Treatment & Management | Cleveland Clinic
Hypoallergenic: What Does It Means and How to Find Safe Products | Healthline
For more Metal and Acetate Optical Framesinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.