Best Material for Glasses Frames:Metal vs. Plastic
People want to know what the best material for glasses frames is. This is a tricky question because plastic, metal and composite are suitable for different purposes as primary materials. Factors like comfort, lifestyle and even clumsiness affect which material is best for your glasses.
What are the best eyeglass frame materials? Find out below.
2 Main Glasses Frames Materials: Metal vs. Plastic
Do you know what glasses frames are made of? There are two main glasses frame types, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Metal Glasses Frames
People like metal frames for their subtle look—they can be so subtle you might not even realize someone is wearing glasses. Many options are available in both colors and types of metal.
The metal frames category encompasses a wide range of metals, including:
- Titanium
- Monel
- Beryllium
- Stainless steel
- Flexon
- Titanium
- Aluminum
Pros and Cons of Metal Glass Frames
Pros of metal:
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
- Flexible
- Adjustable
Cons of metal:
- Potentially uncomfortable around the nose
- May need frequent adjustment of the nose pads
- May trigger allergies
- May be vulnerable or weak around the hinges
- Not suitable for high prescriptions (i.e., thick lenses)
Plastic Glasses Frames
Plastic (also known as acetate) frames offer various colors, shapes and patterns. People typically like plastic frames for their color choices, thickness and durability.
Types of plastic frames include:
- Zyl (zylonite)
- Nylon
- Optyl
- Polyamide
- Cellulose propionate
Pros and Cons of Plastic Glasses
Pros of plastic:
- Diverse in style
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Affordable
- Hypoallergenic
Cons of plastic:
- Not adjustable
- Snappable if exposed to extreme stress or pressure
- Heavier than metal frames
- Don’t come in half frames (e.g., for reading glasses)
- Vulnerable to colors fading over time
Awards for Best Eyeglass Frame Materials
Even knowing the different frame materials, it’s hard to decide what the best material for glasses frames is for you. It’s time to decide which material is best for specific eyewear needs. Let’s roll out the red carpet and see which frames win the Golden Glasses award.
| Plastic | Metal | |
|---|---|---|
| Most Likely to Be AffordablePlastic is a less expensive material compared to metal. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pair of glasses, it's best to go with plastic. | |
|
| Most Hypoallergenic If you have trouble with allergies, plastic is your best bet. That’s not to say plastic allergies don’t exist; they’re just less common. If you have a plastic allergy, look for glasses frames made from any non-nickel metal. | |
|
| Most LightweightMore specifically, go with titanium frames if you want glasses that feel barely there. Titanium is lighter than most metals and plastics and is very durable, too. Metal frames tend to be slimmer than plastic frames, so if you are looking for lightweight frames, be sure to check out frames made of metal. | |
|
| Most DurableThe winner in durability is Flexon, a unique material for metal glasses frames. Flexon is a revolutionary material made of memory metal (a titanium and nickel alloy), rubber and stainless steel to create frames that can bend. That’s right, an accident won’t break these frames; they can be adjusted to regain the shape they had when you purchased them. | |
|
| Most ComfortableMetal frames are more adjustable than plastic frames, and they feature nose pads that offer extra cushioning for sensitive noses. These traits help metal frames qualify as most comfortable, because they can be adjusted for an optimal fit. | |
|
| Best for KidsPlastic frames are less expensive to replace, which can easily happen if you have a child who’s rough on glasses. Worried about replacing your child’s glasses? Add Visionworks Protect to your next frame purchase. Plastic frames are safer if they break, because plastic tends to snap while metal bends. Plastic frames also come in more color options, making them more appealing to children who may not want to wear glasses. | |
|
| Best for an Active LifestyleMetal frames are durable and tend to bend more than break, making them perfect for people with active lifestyles. Whether you spend your time working out or hiking, metal frames are more likely to survive the trip. | |
|
| Most PersonalityPlastic frames come in more colors, designs and shapes than metal frames due to the versatility of the material. Plastic glasses tend to be thicker than metal, so exciting glasses designs and colors stand out more when made from acetate. | |
|
| Best Classic StyleMetal frames tend to have simple styles that look timeless rather than trendy. The sleek lines and classic colors of metal frames make them the perfect choice for those seeking a classic style. | |
|
Composite Frames
What if you could get the best of both metal and plastic frames? You can with composite frames (also known as combination frames).
Composite frames are made of more than one material, meaning a single pair of glasses may incorporate multiple metals or even plastic and metal in the same frame.
The pros of composite frames are that they bring the best of all the materials they’re made of. For example, you can have the flexibility of metal frames with the thickness of plastic ones. However, it’s important to note that depending on the material combination, the frames may also share the weaknesses of the materials listed above.
Find the Award-winning Glasses for Your Lifestyle
We understand each person has different needs for glasses beyond their prescription lenses. We offer a wide selection of glasses in multiple styles and brands. Plastic, metal, composite—we have them all!
Even when you know the best material for eyeglasses that suit your life, you may still wonder how to pick out glasses based on your face shape.
Whichever eyeglass frames you choose, Visionworks offers a 100-day guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. Changed your mind? Change glasses.
Find the closest Visionworks to schedule an eye appointment today!
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Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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