5 TYPES | FIND THE RIGHT SUNGLASSES LENS MATERIAL FOR YOU

Lens material affects the weight, durability, clarity, and protection level of your sunglasses. Whether you're a style-savvy skater or an outdoor enthusiast, understanding the differences between lens materials like glass, TAC (Tri Acetate Cellulose), and PC (Polycarbonate) can save you from disappointment with your new shades. Read on and choose wisely.

• Superior optical clarity
• The best scratch resistance

• Heavy
• May shatter upon impact

Glass lenses are the OGs of sunglasses. They offer the crispest vision of any lens material and are highly resistant to scratches, making them perfect for everyday use. Glass lenses are heavier than their plastic counterparts and can shatter upon impact, so they’re not exactly ideal for high-impact sports or activities where durability is key.

• Lightweight
• Excellent polarisation capabilities

• Less scratch-resistant than glass
• Reduced optical quality

TAC lenses are incredibly lightweight, making them comfortable for all-day wear. They’re also known for their excellent polarising capabilities, which means they're great at reducing glare from reflective surfaces like water or snow. While they provide good optical clarity and are more impact-resistant than glass, they're not as scratch-resistant, so a little extra care is needed.

*Please note that not all TAC lenses are polarised. The ones below are.

• Highly impact-resistant
• Lightweight

• Less scratch-resistant
• Reduced optical clarity compared to glass

Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight, impact-resistant, and offer excellent UV protection. They’re a top choice for sports sunglasses, children's eyewear, and safety glasses. PC lenses are also up to 10 times more impact-resistant than plastic or glass lenses, making them virtually shatterproof. But they’re more prone to scratching, so we recommend scratch-resistant coating options if you intend to be rough with them.

• Better optical clarity than polycarbonate
• Lightweight
• Good scratch resistance

• Less impact-resistant than polycarbonate
• Bulky in prescription glasses

CR-39, a plastic polymer, strikes a balance between glass and polycarbonate lenses. It offers better optical clarity than polycarbonate, weighs less, and is more impact resistant than glass. They have excellent scratch resistance, though not quite as good as glass, so they’re a good option for those who want high-quality vision and durability without the weight of glass lenses.

• Superior impact resistance
• Lightweight
• Better optical clarity than polycarbonate

• The most expensive of the plastics

Trivex lenses offer a similar profile to polycarbonate lenses – lightweight, strong, and with full UV protection – but with better optical clarity. They’re also more resistant to chemicals and their light weight and strength make them a great option for those with high prescriptions.

If optical clarity is your top concern, nothing beats glass. For an active lifestyle, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses offer durability and protection. TAC lenses are great for reducing glare without breaking the bank, while CR-39 provides a happy medium for everyday use.

The main question you have to ask yourself is: “Do I need to block glare?”

Quality non-polarised PC lenses and polarised TAC lenses are about the same price, and if you drive a lot or fish, go for polarised TAC. But if you’re looking for all-round sunglasses for everyday use around town, PC lenses will give you greater clarity.

Understanding these materials' nuances empowers you to pick the perfect pair for your style, comfort, and protection. Next time you're browsing for sunglasses, remember it's not just about how they frame your face; it's also about how they colour your life.

Read more about lens coatings here.