How to choose eyeglass frames that last 5 years (not 5 months)

A great frame isn't just a pretty shape. It's a piece that spends 12 hours a day on your face, takes autumn rain, January cold, blind tosses onto the bedside table — and still needs to hold up.

1. Material first

• Acetate: the reference for durability and color depth. Ray-Ban Wayfarer, Persol 649, Tom Ford — all acetate.
• Metal (titanium, monel, stainless steel): lighter, ideal for thin frames.
• Injected plastics: cheaper, but they break faster. Fine for kids, less so for an adult investing.
• Wood or horn: beautiful, but they demand consistent care.

2. The hinge makes all the difference

On a frame built to last, the hinge is riveted (screwed), often with 5 or 7 barrels. On the cheapest models, it's a simple plastic weld — the first point of failure. Premium brands like Persol, Oakley, Maui Jim and Tom Ford pay particular attention to this.

3. Shape: match the face, not the trend

• Round face: angular frames (rectangular, geometric) to add structure.
• Square face: rounded or oval frames to soften.
• Oval face: almost anything works — enjoy it.
• Heart-shaped face: frames wider at the bottom (aviators, modern wayfarers).

4. What about the lenses?

A gorgeous frame with low-end lenses is like a Porsche on worn winter tires. For lenses that last: anti-reflective coating, scratch-resistant treatment, and a proper index (1.6 or 1.67 for an average prescription, 1.74 for strong ones). We configure all of this for you in store.