Best eyeglass frame manufacturers for 2020

Glasses - for some it is a necessary item, without which it is impossible to live fully, while for others it is an element of style. In either case, it is important to choose a high-quality frame. Below we will describe what kind of spectacle frames are and which manufacturers are leaders in their production.

What material do companies use to make it?

The material used for the manufacture of frames directly affects the weight of the accessory. Affects strength, aesthetics and service life. The cost of the goods also changes. In 2020, various materials are taken for the manufacture of frames: plastic, metal, leather and bone. There are expensive and cheap options on the market, ranging from Chinese consumer goods to expensive single models.

They are mainly made from 3 types of materials:

1. Plastic;
2. Metal;
3. Natural raw materials.

The listed materials are divided into types. For plastic models, use cellulose acetate, nylon and carbon fiber. Titanium, aluminum, steel are used for metal frames. Natural raw materials include horns, bone, leather, turtle shell, wood. The material directly affects the comfort of use. Weight, aesthetics, strength and other indicators depend on the selected raw material. Also, the material affects the cost. Each material has advantages and disadvantages.

Plastic frames

Plastic is most often used in the manufacture of a lens holder and stands out for a number of positive qualities:

Plastic is easy to process, takes the desired shape and color. The material is cheap, therefore it is used in the manufacture of large quantities. Glasses with such a frame are available for every fifth person. There are a wide variety of types of plastic, cellulose acetate is considered the priority material.

Cellulose acetate models

Financially, they suit most people, everyone gets what they need. All well-known manufacturers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Vogue Prada use this material in the manufacture of frames. The new collections also feature eyewear models using this polymer.

Cellulose acetate also has disadvantages. At the points of contact with the skin, the frame loses color, this is due to the ingress of sweat on the plastic. As a result, they lose their appearance. However, the low cost makes it possible to purchase such glasses as the previous model wears out.

What other polymers do manufacturers use in their manufacture?

Plastic is a type of artificial material. Experts create innovative polymers that are immediately introduced into the production process. Commonly used polymers in manufacturing are:

1. Grilamid is the newest type of plastic used to make frames, windshields, telephone wires, etc.Products made with this polymer are uniquely resistant to high temperature indicators. The glasses are calmly under the open rays of the sun, do not heat up and do not melt. The glasses keep their shape throughout the entire service life. Grilamide frames are lightweight and suitable for children. Currently, frames made using this polymer are not easy to obtain, they are not available in all optical salons.
2. Nylon - often used in the forties in the production of stockings, later began to be used in the manufacture of spectacle frames. They do not lose their shape at temperatures below zero, are resistant to external damage. Mostly nylon is used to make sports glasses and trendy glasses for the shape of the face. Nylon is hypoallergenic, which is a good plus. The disadvantage of nylon is poor UV resistance, the frame becomes brittle over time.
3. Propionate - similar in composition to cellulose acetate, it is used to make parts for spectacle frames, or rather earhooks. The product, completely made of this polymer, is several times stronger and lighter than cellulose acetate.
4. Carbon is a tensile resistant polymer, it does not tear, as strong as steel. Manufacturers use high-tech glasses for making.
5. Kevlar - used for the manufacture of glasses, helmets, sports equipment. Capable of withstanding heavy impacts.
6. Optil is a heat-resistant polymer that does not cause allergies, is lighter than cellulose acetate and does not corrode. It is widely used in the production of glasses from the Carrera company.

SPX is a polymer patented by the famous company Silhouette. She has been using it in frames since 1982. SPX is an excellent goggle material and offers a number of benefits such as impact resistance, heat resistance and resistance to damage. The polymer has properties such as elasticity, lightness and resilience. The material does not cause allergies.
Glasses made of metal: pros and cons.

Metal frames

The second most popular material is metal, the main advantage of the material is its strength. High-quality metal frames should be resistant to rust. In the manufacture of frames, such metals as titanium, aluminum, steel, flexon, monel are used. In many cases, the base is made of metal, all other parts are plastic or silicone.

Advantages:

Which metal is better?

Titanium is one of the best materials used to make metal frames. Titanium is gray or silver in color and is one of the lightest metals used in optics. It is durable and non-allergenic.

Titanium models are beautiful and sophisticated, they look representative. All popular brands produce glasses from this metal; in optics there is a large assortment of such models. An example is glasses from Jean Paul Gaultier, Silhouette Sil Titan Contour, Brille.

Premium metal frames are made of titanium. For mass production, an alloy of titanium with chromium, iron, nickel, cobalt and aluminum is used.

What other metals are used for making?

Manufacturers make frames from monel - an alloy of nickel and copper. Products made with this material are durable and resistant to corrosion. Basically, the frames are covered with varnish, this protects the skin from direct contact with metal. Such glasses are discarded after prolonged use.

Flexon is a memory alloy of nickel and titanium patented by the Marchon Eyewear brand. When deformed, the product can be returned to its original shape. Basically, children's glasses are made from this material, as they are more susceptible to deformation.

Stainless steel - an alloy of chromium and iron, has strength and reliability. Glasses made of this metal are lightweight and affordable, moreover, they are hypoallergenic.

Aluminum is a material often used in manufacturing. Lighter than titanium, does not corrode.

Metal products are stronger than plastic ones, but heavier. In addition, they have a higher cost. The service life of such glasses is much longer.

There are even models in gold and silver on the market, but these are mostly exclusive.

Frames made from natural materials

Natural materials include: wood, bone, leather, turtle shell, tusks, horns. These materials are used less often than metal or plastic. They are more expensive, mostly handmade.

It has a number of advantages:

Products made from natural materials are in the elite product category. The main disadvantage is the high price, regardless of the type of natural material. Even wood is not inferior in price, since the most expensive types of wood are used. The cost of such glasses is high, but you can be sure that such a frame is made exclusively.

Choice of frames

The frame can be made of various materials, it can be cheap or expensive, inferior or exclusive. You can find models made of platinum interspersed with expensive stones. What kind of frame to choose?

The choice is yours, the frame should be comfortable and fit the face. After all, it does not affect vision, but only holds the lenses. Despite this fact, the frame is very important when choosing glasses.

When choosing a frame for glasses, it is worth paying attention to the quality and strength of the material; the lenses must be securely fixed and not fall out when the head moves. When choosing metal frames, you should pay attention to titanium. It is strong, lightweight and durable, and is neutral and non-allergenic. One drawback is the high price.

A good option would be frames made of non-ferrous alloys, they are slightly heavier in weight than titanium ones, but at a cheaper price.

Cheap products from China, it is better not to purchase them, they are made of unknown metals, light and soft. The service life is rather short, since the lenses are harder than metal and deform the frame over time.

The details of the frame are fastened with hinges, they must be of high quality material, then you can count on the frame to last longer than usual. At the same time, if someone is allergic to metal, you can choose a frame with silicone earhooks, they will protect your head from squeezing.

The frame is divided into types:

Rim.

Semi-rim.

Rimless.

In the first version, the lens is completely surrounded by a frame and is made mainly of metal or plastic. In the second version, the frame is attached to the lens only in the upper part, the rest of the lens is secured with nylon line. The rimless frame is bolted on. This option is suitable for those who do not want glasses to stand out on their face.

In order for the frame to emphasize facial features and hide flaws, you need to keep in mind:

• face type;
• style;
• Colour.

Choosing a frame by face type

Important tips when choosing glasses according to the shape of the face and its type:

• Many models are suitable for people with an oval face shape. You can opt for frames slightly larger than the face.
• To hide a long nose, you need to choose glasses with low-set ears and a wide bridge of the nose.
• For rounded features, sharper, straight frames with sharp lines will do.
• To make facial features more narrowed, select rectangular models with high-set ears.
• For a triangular face, round or oval frames are more suitable. It is advisable to make a small accent on the lower frame, this will make the chin less sharp.
• Rectangular facial features will help hide the oval frame.
• The rimless option will help to soften the facial features.
• With a trapezoidal face shape, frames with wide ears are more suitable.
  Trapezoidal users should look for cat-eye frames or accessories with wide ears.

Choosing a frame by face color type

For people with an autumn color type, a base of brown and green is suitable, an ivory shade will not look bad.

For people with a winter color type, a base of cold colors or transparent ones is suitable. The metal should look like silver.

For people with a spring color type, a base of blue, beige and yellow is suitable. It is better to choose metal for gold, emphasizing facial features.

For people with a summer color type, golden foundations are suitable, a more tanned face will go purple and lilac.

Russian manufacturers of spectacle frames

In Russia, suitable glasses are sold both in specialized optical stores and in online stores. Today the most popular brands are:

"Harry Cooper"

A newcomer to the domestic market, the company was founded in 2014. The manufacturer is engaged in the production of sunglasses and models with a diopter, for work on a PC. The main feature of the manufacturer is the Italian high-quality plastic for frames. This plastic is used by luxury brands. Highest quality lenses with anti-glare and sun protection.

The company offers more than 30 types of frames for women and men. With each purchase, the manufacturer gives a cover and a napkin.

Important! The manufacturer works with famous designers from Russia.

"Alan Blank"

A young company whose aim is value for money. Manufacturers give a guarantee that everyone will find what they need. Regardless of whether he works as an office employee or keeps pace with fashion.

You can buy the product in optics stores, as well as on the manufacturer's website. The site also has a “virtual fitting room” function, which will allow you to choose the right frame.

Optika futura

The manufacturer produces glasses in various styles. A large assortment allows the buyer to purchase both a vintage model and a modern daily one. Each model is assembled by specialists by hand, using only good quality materials and high-tech lenses from the manufacturer Carl Zeiss, which also produces Italian plastic.
Spunky

The chip of the manufacturer is the manufacture of original frames for ordinary and sun-protecting glasses. The manufacturer's chip is the material used for the souls. The frame is made of high quality wood and bamboo. The shape of the frame is traditional, but the material is exclusive.

How to choose the right brand?

To choose the right frame for yourself, you need to consider several important tips:

• read information about the brand via the Internet in advance, at home, in a relaxed atmosphere;
• take several manufacturers whose models and prices suit you;
• if there is an option to try on glasses from different manufacturers, you need to do it. Some frames may be uncomfortable to sit or press on the temples.

Remember! Buying glasses from a Russian brand is not only the manufacturer's support, but also a way to save money. After all, a similar model of a foreign manufacturer will be many times more expensive.

Popular global brands of spectacle frames

• Carl Zeiss is a German manufacturer specializing in optics. The company occupies a high position in the world market.
• Essilor is the largest international manufacturer from France. For over 160 years they have been manufacturing lenses, optical equipment, frames.
• Rodenstock is a German manufacturer in the field of optics.
• Hoya is a global manufacturer from Japan that has been in the optical market for many years.
• Seiko is a Japanese manufacturer with a leading position in the global optics market. The world leader in the manufacture and sale of titanium frames and other products for vision correction.

Signs of high and low quality

Products of low quality differ from high ones in the following ways:

• low quality frames show traces of adhesion;
• traces of mold and grinding remain on plastic products;
• for high-quality frames, the screws are covered with a special substance so that they do not unscrew;
• precious metals and alloys are used for the manufacture of expensive frames, therefore they are lightweight;
• frames made of high quality materials are hypoallergenic.

Conclusion

Choosing a brand to frame your glasses is an important but not the primary criterion. When choosing frames, the compliance of the model in terms of convenience is much more important, i.e. the interpupillary distance, the width of the bridge of the nose and general convenience should be suitable. There are also limitations on the thickness of the lens, so a thin frame will be difficult for people with poor eyesight to fit just because the thickness of the lens will not allow it to be installed in an elegant frame.

However, the modern eyewear market is so wide that almost any buyer can pick up his model, the only question is the budget and the availability of fitting in a particular locality.

Share in the comments, glasses in a frame from which material you prefer. And if it's a branded model, what is your impression of its quality?