Frame Materials

Titanium is a high-strength, lightweight material commonly used in everything from hubcaps to eyewear. Because titanium ranks seventh in abundance among industry elements in the earth's crust, it is easily accessible. This material has picked up speed in the eyewear industry as a lightweight option that lends itself to unique designs and colorations.
Pros: Titanium is as strong as steel, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant.
Cons: This material is more expensive than other materials. Beware of the difference between "pure titanium" and "titanium alloy."

Plastic materials have many style and material options. Easily colored, laminated, patterned, or even layered with fabrics, this material is one of the more creative and workable options. The two commonly used plastic frame materials are called zyl and propionate. Zyl, also known as cellulose acetate, is the most commonly used plastic frame material and is available in every color of the rainbow. Propionate is the second most common materials and is a nylon-based, hypoallergenic plastic. It's lightweight and has a different look and feel than other plastic
Pros: Plastic is easily molded into today's popular wraparound styles.
Cons: Plastic frames have some drawbacks in fit. Be certain of proper fit initially since the adjustments are limited.

Combination frames help you get the best of both materials with frames that combine the sleek sophistication of metal with the colors and thickness of plastic. The cool contrast of these popular material duos adds visual interest.

Pure Aluminum is soft enough to carve. However, mixed with small amounts of alloys, it can provide the strength of steel with only half the weight. Because it can be "sculpted," the softer properties of aluminum break down the creative barriers present with many other strong materials.
Pros: In addition to its aesthetic merits, this material is also strong, lightweight. The fact that it can be recycled also makes it increasingly desirable.
Cons: Aluminum can get rigid, especially in lower temperatures. Thus, integrating elements like flex hinges into an aluminum frame can be challenging.

Gliamides and Grilamid is also a premier material for sports and performance frames. Typically made of a high quality thermoplastic material that is shock resistant, lightweight and non-allergenic. This material used to manufacture Rudy Project sunglass frames. It provides structural integrity and stability that is very resistant to hot, cold and chemical damage.
Pros: Nylon is easily molded into today's popular wraparound styles.
Cons: Nylon frames do have some drawbacks in fit. Be certain of proper fit initially since the adjustments are limited.

Nickel Titanium or NI-TI is used to manufacture Flexon™ eyewear. Ni-Ti, or titanium-based alloys, are more flexible than steel and 25% lighter than conventional metals.
Pros: Flexibility removes the need for spring hinge and increases comfort and durability for patients who are hard on their eyewear.
Cons: Since all Ni-Ti is nickel based, allergies and pitting may be an issue.

Stainless Steel material is an alloy of iron and carbon steel with chromium and other elements. The addition of at least 10 percent chromium makes this alloy less prone to stain or rust, a factor that results in a long life compared to that of traditional steel. Because of its durability, light weight, and sleek appearance, stainless steel has long been a choice of eyewear designers.
Pros: Stainless steel is non-corrosive, durable, strong, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. It can also be easily shaped into ultra-thin eyewear styles and has flexibility, which adds to the wearer's comfort.
Cons: Stainless is still not as lightweight, heat-resistant or flexible as titanium.

Carbon fiber sunglasses are ultra-light, ultra-thin, and one of the lightest materials on the market. Despite being roughly half the weight of titanium eyewear, it has excellent impact resistance. 

Carbon fiber is famous for toughness, flexibility, and there's no risk of deformation. It's also more corrosion, temperature, and radiation-resistant than metal frames and has good elasticity. 

These properties make carbon fiber sunglasses an outstanding choice for those who lead active lifestyles or are tough on their eyewear.