Frame Materials

Eyeglass Frame Materials for Your Lifestyle

Metal Frames

metal-frames

Most people who purchase eyeglasses prefer the timeless appearance of metal frames. The different varieties of metal from which these frames are made give you options, as they each have distinct benefits.

Stainless steel: This is an iron-carbon alloy that also contains chromium. Stainless steel frames are lightweight, strong, durable, flexible and corrosion-resistant. They can be produced in matte or polished finishes.
Titanium: This material, available in several colors, weighs significantly less than other metals while retaining its strength, resistance to corrosion and durability. Eye doctors recommend it for people with sensitive skin, because the metal is hypoallergenic.
Beta titanium: This titanium-based allow contains trace amounts of both vanadium and aluminum. With the addition of these alloys, the metal is more flexible and therefore easier to fit and adjust than standard titanium.
Memory metal: Memory metal frames are approximately half titanium and half nickel, and are noted for the flexibility. Even after being bent or twisted, these frames snap back to and retain their shape. Because they are so flexible, memory metal frames are popular with children with eyeglasses and other people at high risk of damaging their frames.
Beryllium: Like titanium, this alloy is strong, light and flexible. It is corrosion-resistant and more budget-friendly than titanium, so it is frequently chosen by people with frequent exposure to salt water and other irritants.
Monel: A combination of nickel and copper, this is another popular alloy for frames.

Plastic Frames

Darker-Upper1

Zyl: Also commonly known as cellulose acetate or Zylonite, this lightweight material is relatively budget-friendly and very popular for frames. Frames made from this material come in different colors, and may be molded using multiple colors in the same piece.
Propionate: Flexible and lightweight while remaining strong, propionate is nylon-based and hypoallergenic. Because it is so durable, it is frequently chosen in the making of sports eyeglasses.
Nylon: While nylon is lightweight, strong and flexible, as it ages, it grows brittle. It is still used, but is more frequently replaced by more durable blends containing nylon, like copolyamides, polyamides and gliamides.

Combination Frames

Combination frames utilize both plastic and metal parts in their construction. They grew to popularity in the 1950s and 60s, and in more recent years, their popularity has grown with frames in more colors and modern styles.

Choose More Than One Style

The different materials used to make eyeglasses all have their own distinct benefits. If you want eyewear that is appropriate for all occasions, it’s much easier to select and own multiple pairs of eyeglasses than to try and find one perfect pair. Choosing a variety of frames, each made from different material, gives you the best stylistic options.

As an example, colorful, laminated zyl frames or retro-style combination frames are perfect for a stylish weekend, while a simple par of metal frames lends you a more conservative, professional look for the work week.

For many of us, the most important aspect of choosing eyeglass frames is how they look on our face.

You could try on every pair of eyeglasses in the store to find out how each one looks, but narrowing down your choices in advance can save you a lot of time and aggravation. To do so, you simply need to determine your face shape and coloring, and understand which eyeglass frame styles and colors would look best on you.

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