What’s Your Eyewear Made Of (and Why It Matters)

When you’re shopping for glasses or sunglasses, your first thought is probably, “do these look good on me?”

Fair question, but what they’re made of matters just as much.

The materials behind your frames and lenses impact how they feel on your face, how long they last, and even how sustainably they’re made. At WMP, we’re transparent about what goes into our designs so you can choose what feels right for you.

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Frame Materials: The Foundation of Every Great Fit

Acetate: The Designer Standard

If you’ve ever picked up a pair of frames that just felt premium, chances are they were made from acetate. It’s flexible, long-wearing, and naturally hypoallergenic. The best part of acetate frames? They mold gently to the shape of your face for a fit that feels custom-made. They’re basically the gold standard in eyewear.

Why you’ll love glasses made from acetate:

• Medium weight for balance and comfort

• Flexible yet durable enough for daily wear

• Hypoallergenic and gentle on skin

• Naturally molds to your face over time for a custom fit

At WMP, many of our sunglasses are 100% acetate, like our popular Demi style. We also have hybrid pairs with acetate + TR90, so you get that premium feel without the premium price tag.

What is TR90 and Why Does it Complement Acetate in Eyewear Frames?

TR90 is a high-performance lightweight thermoplastic sourced straight from Switzerland.

It’s the reason some glasses feel practically weightless. It’s also the secret to frames that can flex, twist, and bounce back without losing their shape. Perfect for anyone who wants durable, feather-light eyewear that keeps up with real life.

Why do we use TR90 in our frames with acetate?

• So light, you might forget you’re wearing glasses

• Flexible and impact-resistant (no cracks or warping)

• Holds its shape while staying comfortable all day

• Coated in ISO-certified paint that’s safety-tested for skin comfort

You’ll find TR90 in some of our best-sellers like Wesley, where we combine TR90 fronts with acetate temples for a fit that’s built for longevity.

What If You Want Something Heavier? Consider Stainless Steel Frames

Stainless steel is as modern as it is timeless, known for its slim profile, clean lines, and lasting durability.

Why consider stainless steel sunglasses?

• Lightweight but sturdy enough for everyday use

• Corrosion- and heat-resistant

• Hypoallergenic and nickel-free

Our popular Verona frame is a perfect example, it’s sleek, minimal, and refined, with the cool touch and enduring quality only stainless steel can deliver.

Which eyeglass lens is best for you? And what kind of lenses are there?

Your frames might get all the compliments, but your lenses do the heavy lifting. They control the clarity, comfort, and how you see the world (literally). At WMP, we use advanced lens material that always place function at the forefront of our eyewear.

Here’s a closer look at what you’re actually looking through.

TAC 1.1mm: The Everyday Polarized Lens

If you’ve ever slipped on sunglasses that made everything look instantly clearer and vibrant, you’ve met TAC. Made from Triacetate Cellulose, these lenses are lightweight, naturally polarized, and designed to reduce glare without dulling your view.

They’re the go-to lens of choice. About 90% of WMP lenses are TAC lenses because they are the perfect mix of everyday comfort, true-to-life color, and are made to reduce glare.

TR18 Lenses: For Higher Optical Clarity

TR18 lenses offer optical clarity similar to glass but with a lighter, more durable feel. This premium lens material can be polarized or non-polarized, making it a standout choice for both lifestyle and performance eyewear.

Nylon: Precision Meets Performance

We’ve also spent five years developing our most advanced lens yet: nylon lenses that are featured in our Degree Seven Titanium Collection.

Nylon is used in high-performance optics (think sports and precision lenses) because it combines flexibility with incredible visual sharpness. Paired with titanium frames, it delivers the lightest, most advanced experience in our lineup.

These nylon lenses have exceptional optical clarity, they’re ultra-lightweight and flexible, and resistant to heat and chemicals. When these WMP-specific lenses are paired with the precision of titanium frames, nylon lenses deliver a flawless visual experience—light as air, tough as nails, and built to last.

Lens Enhancements and Coatings

ClearVue™ Anti-Reflective Coating

Our ClearVue™ coating combines an anti-reflective layer to reduce glare with an oleophobic finish that helps resist fingerprints and smudges. Together, they keep lenses clearer for longer and make cleaning simpler.

You’ll find this treatment on our Fairway and Shield Collections, as well as select non-polarized frames. It’s a small detail that makes everyday wear noticeably easier.

Triple Black Lenses

Our darkest lens built for the brightest days.

Triple Black lenses allow only 10% of visible light to pass through, making them ideal for intense sunlight and high-glare conditions. For comparison, our standard black lenses transmit around 15%, offering a slightly lighter tint while maintaining protection.

Every Triple Black lens is polarized to reduce reflections and improve visual clarity, yet remains safe for driving and everyday wear. Shop the Blackout Collection and experience the ultra-dark tint for yourself.

Comfort & Design Details

Double-Mold Injection Temples

A small detail that makes a big difference in comfort.

Instead of using a single material, double-mold injection temples combine two: a sturdy inner core for structure, and a softer outer layer for grip and flexibility. The result is a temple that holds its shape while staying comfortable and secure even during movement.

You’ll find this construction on select performance and active styles, where durability meets a better fit that doesn’t slip or pinch.

WMP Eyewear Hinges

Hinges are a small, but essential part of your glasses. They keep your frames where you want them on your face, and while opening and closing them. At WMP, we use both classic Barrel Hinges and flexible Spring Hinges to balance durability with day-long comfort.

What are Barrel Hinges?

Traditional by design, barrel hinges use interlocking metal “loops” connected by a tiny screw. We have 3 to 5-barrel metal hinges, and the more barrels, the stronger the connection. You’ll often find five-barrel hinges on our thicker acetate frames, adding a premium weight and feel that stands up to daily use.

Our Tate frame features five barrel hinges, offering just the right amount of strength and flexibility in a clean, minimalist design.

What are Flex Hinges?

Our Flex Hinges are spring-loaded, allowing the temples to gently flex outward for a more forgiving fit which are ideal for wider faces or active days. They move with you, not against you, keeping your glasses comfortably in place from morning to night.

Our Jacob frame showcases the benefits of flex hinges beautifully, offering a forgiving fit and day-long comfort with modern styling.

You can find detailed material and lens information for each frame right on its product page.

FAQs about Eyewear Material

Q: Why are acetate sunglasses better?
A: Acetate sunglasses offer a premium look and feel that traditional plastic can’t match. They’re more durable, hypoallergenic, and flexible, and they mold to your face over time for a custom fit. Acetate also allows for vibrant colors and patterns that truly stand out.

Q: How do I adjust acetate frames?
A: Acetate frames can be gently adjusted by applying low heat, typically with warm water or a hairdryer on low. Once slightly warm, the temples or bridge can be carefully bent for a better fit. If you’re unsure, we always recommend visiting an optician for professional adjustment.

Q: What are anti-reflective lenses?
A: Anti-reflective (AR) lenses have a special coating that reduces glare from screens, headlights, and harsh lighting. Ours include an oleophobic coating, which also resists smudges and makes cleaning easier. They’re perfect for driving, working on digital devices, or reducing eye strain in bright environments.

Q: What’s the difference between TR90 and acetate?
A: TR90 is an ultra-lightweight, durable plastic that flexes without breaking, great for active lifestyles. Acetate is slightly heavier, offers a more luxurious feel, and allows for vibrant colors. Many of our frames combine both materials for the perfect mix of style and performance.

Q: Are WMP lenses polarized?
A: Yes! About 90% of our sunglasses are polarized, helping reduce glare from water, roads, and glass surfaces. They're great for driving, outdoor activities, or simply clearer vision on bright days.