Acetate glasses have been around for decades, dating back to the s. Made in rich colors, this timeless material strikes a balance between form and function. Whether a cat eye or classic tortoiseshell, acetate frames have kept up with trends remaining popular to this day.
Understanding acetate, its uses, and how to care for it can help you choose frames that work double duty being as stylish as they are durable. We'll unpack the value of acetate in frame design, show you how to select frames, highlight famous frames across the decades, and provide guidance on how to care for your acetate glasses in this guide.
Acetate or cellulose acetate is a plant-based plastic made from organic sources like cotton and wood pulp. It is not a petroleum-based plastic, making it more sustainable, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and an ideal frame for those conscious of their carbon footprint. Acetate glasses are not only a favorite of buyers looking for hypoallergenic and sustainable eyewear options, designers also prefer them.
Acetate frames offer a number of benefits. First, they are durable, stronger, and more flexible than synthetic plastic. Due to its chemical composition, they also allow for very rich and deep hues, patterns, and translucent tones, another bonus for designers. For wearers, they are a very comfortable fit and are lightweight and easily adjustable. Additionally, synthetic plastic frames can look mass-produced, whereas acetate has a high-end vintage aesthetic.
Acetate sunglasses are made from high-quality, plant-based plastic derived chiefly from cotton or wood, whereas plastic refers to injection-molded materials like polycarbonate or nylon. While plastic is budget-conscious, lightweight, and inexpensive, they are less durable over time and prone to cracking or warping. Plastic colors are also painted or coated, which can fade or chip over time. Acetate glasses are layered, cut, and polished, which results in a more durable product that is less prone to warping and wear. Because of their flexibility and strength, they are often preferred by designers.
Acetate is a surprisingly old and organic frame material. Appearing in the s, Acetate took off, being the material of choice for the cat-eye shape. Precisely because they can hold new and interesting shapes, they are a favorite of designers. Below is our quick recap of acetate trends over time.
In the s, acetate started appearing as a material that denoted femininity and glamour in black, ivory, tortoiseshell, and soft blush with cat eye and browline frames. Another advantage of acetate is its ability to hold embellishments, including metallic inlays and pavé crystals. Celebrities and everyday consumers embraced these shapes and acetate frames.
Think Austin Powers and the space-aged and bright designs that typify the s, which used the acetate material for eyewear. Mod-style eyewear, oversized round glasses, and Lennon-style frames with keyhole bridges were popular. We saw designers use white, clear, two-tone, and black and white combos.
With the dawn of the s, the acetate frame remained a must-have. However, they took a very dramatic size overhaul with squares and aviators, over the round frames of the s. Oversized acetate frames were a must-have accessory for both men and women in earth tones, including amber, honey, tortoiseshell, and deeper brown. Lenses also included gradient styles, which reappeared over the years.
The 80s were bold, and many made statements with thick rimmed rectangles, exaggerated round frames, and in neon colors like cherry red, cobalt blue, and in stripes. Acetate frames allow for bold design and big colors in all types of shapes.
Grunge and minimalism adopted some older styles and toned down frames from the obtuseness of the s, and called back clean lines and more retro styles. Some popular styles included wire-acetate hybrids, small ovals, and cat-eye retro frames. New subdued colors include smoky gray and matte black.
Acetate glasses, like other fashion, come full circle. Both the s and current styles blend retro patterns and shapes with modern sustainability and comfort. Transparent hues to recycled tortoise blends, in ethically sourced material, with anti-glare lenses, are modern updates that we see in modern acetate eyewear.
Our top styles at Vint & York include cat eyes from the s, round Lennon from the s, oversized square frames from the s, and classic Wayfarers from the s.
Acetate frames are incredibly durable, but should be properly maintained for long wear. First, we recommend using a microfiber cloth for daily cleaning. Be sure to store glasses in the appropriate-sized case. Since they are made of sustainable materials, they are subject to warping and can be damaged by cleaning agents and heat. Do not leave them in hot cars or in situations where they may be overheated, and only clean them with mild soap and water.
and are arguably all about acetate. Eyewear fashion icons include Charli XCX, Hailey Bieber, and many others who wear almost exclusively acetate frames, and in the case of the former, rarely remove them. Two trends that will continue to lead the charge for celebrities and consumers are oversized geometric acetate frames and pastel and translucent frames.
Geometric frames feature sharp angles and thick rims, giving a dramatic and structured look. YSL launched a sunglasses frame that is dominating the streets this Spring. The trend also includes angular squares to rounded designs, with thicker temples and sculpted edges. Pastel and translucent frames are softer and perfect for spring and summer. Some colors we see are lavender, mint green, and baby blue, recalling some of the baby style hues of the s. However, you choose, soft or structured, an acetate frame is a timeless choice for all generations.
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.
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.
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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
Want more information on acetate glasses frames? Feel free to contact us.