Two pairs of sunglasses can look alike on a screen and feel completely different in your hand. Most of that difference comes down to one thing: the material. Here’s what sets acetate apart from regular plastic, and how to tell them apart.
What Is Acetate?
Cellulose acetate is a plant-based material made from cellulose, the fibers found in wood pulp and cotton. It has been used for quality eyewear for decades. Acetate frames are cut from solid sheets, then shaped and polished, which gives them their depth and smooth finish.
What Are Plastic Frames?
Most budget sunglasses are injection-molded: liquid plastic is pressed into a mold and set in seconds. It’s fast and affordable. The color is often sprayed or printed onto the surface afterward.
The Main Differences
- Color and depth. In acetate, the color runs through the material itself. That’s why tortoiseshell and transparent frames look rich and layered. On molded plastic, color sits on the surface and can fade or wear off.
- Feel and weight. Acetate feels solid and smooth, with a little more weight that sits balanced on the face. Molded plastic often feels lighter and hollow.
- Durability. Acetate is strong yet slightly flexible. Cheaper plastic can turn brittle over time and tends to crack at the hinges.
- Adjustability. With gentle heat, an optician can adjust acetate temples for a better fit. Most molded plastic can’t be reshaped.
- Comfort on skin. Acetate is generally gentle on skin and suits everyday wear.
- Price. Acetate takes more time and material to make, so frames cost more. In return, they last longer.
How to Tell Them Apart
- Look at the pattern. On acetate, the pattern continues along the edges and inside of the frame. Printed patterns stop at the surface.
- Check for seams. Molded frames often show a thin line where the two halves of the mold met.
- Feel the weight. Acetate has a reassuring weight, without feeling heavy.
- Look inside the temples. In transparent acetate, you can often see a slim metal core running through.
Don’t Forget the Lenses
Whatever the frame is made of, the lenses protect your eyes. Look for UV400, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
Which Should You Choose?
A plastic pair works fine as a spare or for a festival weekend. For a pair you’ll wear every day, season after season, acetate is worth it.
All Club Marbs frames are made from acetate, with UV400 lenses. Explore our tortoiseshell and transparent frames, or see the full collection.
Keep reading: What is tortoiseshell? · How to clean and care for acetate sunglasses
