Frame materials look alike in a photo and feel very different on your face. Here is a plain list of the ones sold in India, what each is like and who it suits. For the three most common head to head, see TR90 vs acetate vs metal.
Metals
- Stainless steel: strong, thin and affordable. Widely used. Quality of the finish varies.
- Titanium: light and corrosion-resistant, and usually comfortable for sensitive skin. Costs more.
- Monel: a nickel-copper alloy common in mid-priced frames. Easy to shape, but it contains nickel, so tell us if you have sensitive skin.
- Aluminium: very light and often used for slim, modern styles.
- Memory metal (flexible alloys): springs back after bending, so it tolerates being sat on or twisted.
Metal frames usually come with adjustable nose pads, which makes fitting easier. Cheap plating can wear or tarnish with sweat.
Plastics
- Cellulose acetate: plant-based plastic cut from layered sheets, so it holds rich colours and patterns, such as tortoise-shell. Solid and premium. Can warp in heat.
- TR90: a nylon-based thermoplastic that is very light and flexible, and tolerates heat and sweat. See what is TR90.
- Injection-moulded plastic: a low-cost moulded plastic. Fine for a spare, but it can be brittle and harder to adjust.
Rarer materials
- Wood and bamboo: natural look, usually heavier and less adjustable.
- Horn: traditional and expensive.
- Carbon fibre: very light and rigid, usually in premium or sports frames.
Comparison
| Material | Weight | Flexibility | Adjustable | Watch for |
|---|
| Stainless steel | Light | Medium | Yes | Plating quality |
| Titanium | Very light | Springy | Yes | Cost |
| Monel | Light | Medium | Yes | Nickel sensitivity |
| Acetate | Medium | Moderate | With warmth | Heat |
| TR90 | Very light | High | Limited | Solvents, heat |
| Injection plastic | Light | Low | Limited | Brittleness |
How to choose
- Start with comfort. Light and well fitted beats the "best" material badly fitted.
- Think about use. Children and sport: TR90. Style-led: acetate. Minimal and adjustable: metal.
- Check your skin. Tell us about sensitivity to metals.
- Ask about repair. See repair versus replacement.
Check the size too: bridge and temple size explained. Browse eyeglasses.
Want to see a frame before you buy?
Tell us which frame you are considering and we will answer your questions about it. In Aligarh you can try frames in the shop, or have 10 to 15 brought to your home for ₹100.
Ask Deepak Optical about a frame.
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