Glasses used to be ugly and boring. Not these days, now you have such a variety of frames available that you can literally choose any style to fit your face and personality. The options can be a little overwhelming, however, unless you understand just what is being offered. This article will offer an overview of the different types of frames available to you.

Eyeglass Frame Materials

Knowing what materials your frames could be made of is a good start. Once you have chosen a material, you can move on to styles.

Metal

This is definitely one of the most popular types of frame. Metal is sturdier than plastic and depending on the type, can be quite moldable.

Aluminum: This is extremely lightweight, but compared to other metals, it tends to break and bend more easily.

Monel: A combination of nickel and copper, this is a very moldable metal that makes for very comfortable glasses. However, anyone who is sensitive to nickel won`t be able to wear this type of frame.

Stainless Steel: While strong and resistant to weather and abuse, stainless steel frames tend not to mold well. They are quite springy, so these types of frames often fit very comfortably.

Titanium: One of the best metals that can be used for eyeglass frames, titanium is strong and light. The downside is that it can`t be colored, so you will be limited the metallic color.

Plastic

You might not imagine that there are many different choices when it comes to plastic, but the truth is that new combinations are constantly being invented. Because of this, you have a wide variety of plastics to select from, each with its good points.

Copolyamide: A sturdy, flexible material that is most commonly used to create eyeglass frames for athletes and other active types.

Nylon: This material is quite resistant, but it does have a limitation in color . . . nylon is only available in solid colors, you can`t make it translucent.

Rubber: When you need a more flexible frame that is easily moldable, a mixture of rubber and nylon can be just the material you`re looking for.

Zyl: This material is actually the most used for eyeglass frames. The name Zyl is a brand name for cellulose acetate and it is durable and holds up to quite a bit of wear.

Other Materials

You can also find eyeglass frames made of other materials like carbon fiber, which is strong and light and a very common material found in frames.

Frame Styles

No matter which frame material you choose, you will still need to pick out a style of frame that suits you. The best way to find this out is to simply try on several different styles. When you find one that suits your face, look at the different variations within that style to get the one you like.

Rimless: These actually use the lens on its own, with the only actual frame being the attached arms on the sides. Rimless frames are very low profile and are a great choice for anyone who doesn't really like the look of frames.

Semi-Rimless: Allows you the support of a frame, without the irritating line across your vision at the bottom. Semi-rimless glasses only have the frame on the upper part of the lens, leaving the lower area unsupported. These tend to be sturdier than rimless frames.

Full frame: Just like what it sounds, a full frame goes all the way around the lens and offers complete support. For many children and active persons, this is the best option.

Choosing the right material and frame style for your face and lifestyle can be a bit challenging, but knowing what your options are is an excellent start.