Most sunglasses under 50 euros are made from injection-moulded plastic. It is cheap to produce and easy to shape, but it shows. The finish is flat, the colours are limited, and the frames feel flimsy within months.
What is acetate?
Acetate is a plant-based material derived from cotton fibres and wood pulp. It has been used in premium eyewear since the 1940s. Unlike plastic, acetate sheets are cut and shaped individually, which is why each frame has depth, richness, and a slightly unique pattern.
Why we chose Italian acetate
We source our acetate from Mazzucchelli, a family-run factory in northern Italy that has been producing eyewear materials since 1849. Italian acetate is known for its colour consistency, surface polish, and durability.
The differences you will notice
- Feel: Acetate feels warmer and smoother against your skin. It does not have the cold, slippery feel of injection plastic.
- Weight: Our frames weigh an average of 28 grams. Light enough to wear all day without pressure points.
- Colour depth: Acetate allows for layered, translucent colours that plastic cannot replicate.
- Hypoallergenic: No nickel, no silicone nose pads. Safe for sensitive skin.
- Durability: Acetate is more resistant to stress fractures. Combined with our five-barrel spring hinges, the frames hold their shape over time.
Premium materials at an honest price
At Frame Studio, we believe the materials should speak for themselves. Italian acetate, UV400 polycarbonate lenses, and reinforced hinges. Two pairs for 49 euros, because cutting out middlemen should not mean cutting corners.
