Choosing a pair of glasses is no easy task. There are many factors to consider. Does your eye look big in this? What colour is best? Should you go for the black or the navy blue? It’s easy to get carried away and forget what really matters. The materials from what your glasses frames are made of are one of the most important factors when choosing a pair, and yet it is regularly overlooked. Would you know the difference between a frame that was made from ‘Cellulose Acetate’ and one made from ‘Cellulose Acetate Propionate?’ It is funny to think that you can wear something on the end of your nose for years without knowing what you’re actually wearing. Acknowledging the different types of material can enable you to make informed decisions when selecting your glasses. Here are a few of the most common materials used for glasses frames, so that you are totally clued-up for your next visit to the opticians.
Metal frames look pretty sleek, and they are durable. They also hold their shape well. Some glasses frames combine different metals in order to save money, so if you are hypoallergenic it is always a good idea to check what your frames are made from.
First up, titanium- titanium is light, durable and strong. It does not corrode, but is expensive to produce, so manufacturers generally combine the metal with other metals such as copper or nickel to produce titanium alloys. Titanium comes in many different colours.
Flexon – as its name suggests, this titanium-based metal is extremely flexible and is ideal for those who absent-mindedly leave their glasses on the couch or in their pockets. Flexon can return to its normal shape after being bent and twisted. It is also hypo-allergenic.
Stainless Steel – durable and does not corrode. Easy to clean and hypo-allergenic when it isn’t combined with nickel (watch out for this). Stainless steel is also produced with different finishing effects: mirrored, brushed and satin.
Beryllium – a light, stiff metal that can be produced in a variety of colours. It does not corrode or tarnish and is non-magnetic. Great for those who enjoy life by the sea. It is a cheaper alternative to titanium.
Aluminium – easily mouldable and stylish, it is also cheap to produce. It is popular amongst designers, but is very weak and so it is often combined with other metals.
Plastic frames are not as durable as metal frames, but are highly regarded as they are lightweight and come in every colour. Plastic is also easier to mould.
Cellulose Acetate – also known as zyl or zylonite is lightweight and has a ‘natural feel.’ It is transparent with a deep gloss. It is used for creating different coloured effects, such as the popular tortoiseshell look.
Cellulose Acetate Propionate – lightweight, hypo-allergenic and more opaque than cellulose acetate
Blended nylon – comfortable to wear, lightweight and durable. It is also one of the strongest plastics used for glasses frames, and is ideal for those who enjoy sports and performance.