Acetate, metal or titanium: which frame material to choose

Cellulose acetate

Acetate is a plant-based material with a colour range no other material matches: it is the only one that allows deep marbled, tortoise and translucent sheets. Block-pressed acetate that is then milled is the highest grade: it polishes to a mirror finish, can be heat-adjusted for fit, and can be restored years later. Injected acetate, used in budget production, has flatter colours and tends to go dull. Acetate's limits are weight, higher than metal for the same volume, and sensitivity to solvents, perfume and tanning lamps.

Metal: monel, steel and beta-titanium

Metal frames allow thin profiles and adjustable nose pads, so fit is easier to control. Monel is inexpensive and easy to solder but can release nickel; stainless steel is stiffer and neutral; beta-titanium combines springiness with shape memory, ideal if you tend to bend temples. Metal's weak point is plating: once worn through it exposes the substrate and needs professional re-plating rather than simple polishing.

Pure titanium

Titanium weighs roughly forty per cent less than steel, does not corrode even with sweat, and causes no skin reactions, making it the best choice for metal allergies or all-day wear. Japanese titanium constructions, often screwless and weld-free, are the most durable frames on the market. They cost more than common metal, need specific tools for adjustment, and come in a more restrained colour range.

Niche materials

Buffalo horn and laminated wood offer a unique look and warm fit, but they dislike water and thermal shock and need periodic treatment with dedicated oils. Fibre-loaded nylon frames, typical of sports eyewear, resist impact and will not warp in the sun, but they cannot be heat-adjusted, which leaves little room for fine tuning.

Choosing by use case

For sunglasses worn daily in the city, pressed acetate offers the best balance of looks and repairability. For reading or long screen sessions, titanium reduces pressure on the nose. For sport, technical nylon is the only sensible option. On FRAMEO the frame material is a search filter, so you can narrow the catalogue before you start comparing brands and prices.