CHOOSING FRAME MATERIAL

• A wide range of available colors
• Durability
• Lightweight
• Hypoallergenic materials if needed
• A good price
• Unique

Finding eyeglasses with the qualities that are most important to you begins with an idea of what frame material you prefer.

• comes in a variety of colors
• very cost-effective
• creative option for eyewear
• extremely lightweight
• Particularly popular right now are laminated zyl frames that have layered colors.

• hypoallergenic
• lightweight
• has a different look and feel than other plastics

• very resistant to hot and cold
• more flexible yet also stiff
• easily molded into today’s popular wraparound styles

• Easier to break than metal frames
• Will burn, but are not easily ignited
• Aging and exposure to sunlight may decrease their strength but do not affect color
• Less flexibility to adjust the height of the frame on your face (no nosepieces to adjust)

METAL FRAMES- durable, adjustable

• malleable
• corrosion resistant

• lightweight
• durable
• corrosion resistant
• variety of colors
• It has been used for everything from the Gemini and Apollo space capsules to medical implants such as heart valves. Not all frames are 100 percent titanium. Some frames are made from an alloy that is a combination of titanium and other metals, such as nickel or copper.

• resists corrosion and tarnish- an excellent choice for wearers who have high skin acidity or spend a good amount of time in or around salt water.
• Lightweight
• very strong
• very flexible (making it easy for an optician to adjust)
• available in a wide range of colors

• light weight
• low toxicity
• strength
• many are nickel-free and hypoallergenic
• readily available and reasonably priced
• Stainless steel is an alloy of steel and chromium. Most stainless steels contain anywhere from 10 to 30 percent chromium, which imparts an excellent resistance to corrosion, abrasion and heat.

• nickel-free and thus hypoallergenic
• extremely lightweight
• offers many of the features of titanium without the high cost
  can be cut a bit thicker than titanium, which enables it to have the popular look of a thin plastic frame, while still offering light weight
• strong and durable
• available in a variety of colors

called a “memory metal” because it can go back to its original shape if damaged
come back into shape even after twisting, bending and crushing
lightweight- about 25% lighter than standard metals
hypoallergenic
corrosion-resistant
Aluminum is used primarily by high-end eyewear designers because of its unique look. Pure aluminum is actually soft and weak, but commercial aluminum with small amounts of silicon and iron is hard and strong.

Unusual Frame Materials

Want a distinctive style? Willing to pay for it? Try eyeglass frames or design accents made from these materials. High end optical boutiques will be the best hunting grounds for finding this unique and sometimes pricey eyewear.

Solid silver or sterling silver is not commonly used as a main frame material because it doesn’t make very wearable or comfortable frames. Silver is sometimes used as a trace element in metal alloy frames, and is often used as a jewelry-like accent on plastic frames.

Some companies make gold eyewear, typically gold plating rather than solid gold. Like silver, gold can also be used for accenting plastic or metal frames.

Wood and bone frames are usually handmade, one of a kind pieces that satisfy a specialty niche. Although stiffer and less adjustable than other frame materials, plus much more expensive, wood and bone redeem themselves as frame materials because of their unique look and beauty.

Often used on temples or even across frame fronts, leather is not as durable or practical as other materials used for accenting, but it provides an interesting and fashionable look.

Semi-precious or precious stones are sometimes used as accents in frames, especially in the temples. Popular choices are onyx and turquoise, but even diamonds can be used for a luxurious touch. Such designs are usually worn in a formal office or on dressy occasions. Rhinestones are a less expensive alternative and are often used to create a flashy or retro look, especially in upturned cateye frames.

Eyeglass Frames: It’s A Material World

By Erinn Morgan Fashion and Retail Editor, Eyecare Business

For questions regarding frame materials that best fit your lifestyle, visit First Look Eyewear today for a personal consultation.