The case for plastic sunglasses

Sunglasses are designed primarily to protect the eyes from bright sunlight, however, they are also an excellent way to add personal style to an outfit. They are, without any doubt, a way to showcase personal style and flair. People own multiple pairs so they can match the right pair of shades with their outfits, occasion, and mood. In most scenarios, eye doctors will recommend wearing protective eyewear such as sunglasses anytime the sun is out. Regardless of the season, sunglasses are a daily fashion prescription that most people should be tasked with wearing. In fact, it is the glare of the sun off the snow during winter that can be the most blinding of all.

Men’s plastic sunglasses

Men's sunglasses frames come in plastic, metal and other materials but plastic ones are the most popular. Injection Molded Plastic is by far the number one method used in the making of men's plastic sunglasses frames because it is inexpensive when produced on a large scale. Almost all designer men's plastic sunglasses today are made that way. The primary advantage of this procedure is that it involves very little wastage and is therefore very cost efficient for the manufacturer. Its popularity can be credited to its frames as they can be easily bent and shaped into form. While metal frames for glasses tend to go for the minimalist look, plastic sunglasses generally lean the other way, taking advantage of their thicker, heavier and more rigid look to create bold and colorful statements.

The pros and cons of men’s plastic sunglasses

Plastic sunglasses are the most popular choice because they usually are less expensive, are lightweight and come in a variety of colors and styles. While plastic frames tend to be cheaper, they don’t look as attractive as acetate or horn frames, and have been seen to be less durable. Even though plastic sunglasses produce almost no waste, the plastic used is made using petroleum, which is derived from oil. However, men's plastic sunglasses are much sturdier and have a much wider range of colors and styles. The thicker frames and easily dye-able plastic material make them perfect to create spectacles that range from subtle and stylish to vivid and outrageously loud.

Types of plastic frames

The different types of plastic used in making men's plastic sunglasses include zyl, cellulose acetate propionate, blended nylon, optyl and SPX. Zyl (zylonite, or cellulose acetate) is inexpensive and lightweight and comes in many colors. Cellulose acetate propionate is a lightweight, nylon-based plastic that is hypoallergenic. It is preferred as it is softer than other plastic frames. Blended nylon frames are a popular choice in making sports or safety frames as they are strong and lightweight, these frames are often found in wrap-around styles as they can be easily molded. Optyl is a brand of epoxy resin. When heated, it becomes very malleable, making it easy for the optician to mold the frame to the shape of the face. SPX is increasingly preferred as it is the lightest plastic used for spectacle frames and has a high resistance to perspiration absorption in men’s plastic sunglasses. The market for men's plastic sunglasses is ever growing with over one hundred styles and the selection grows constantly with a variety of lens shapes and frames.