How to choose ACETATE frames | EVERYTHING You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered why some plastic frames cost more than others? Would you like to be able to distinguish quality glasses from overpriced garbage? Well, this video is for you!

We're comparing a Chanel frame (made by Luxottica) against truly handmade acetate frames from China, Italy and Japan, to see what the differences really are...

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[Phillydog]

About to go to my optometrist at 3:30 today and thought I’d educate myself on frame quality. You’re very detailed and knowledgeable. Thanks!

[sbedekar]

This video never made me skip sections. Very well explained. Superb

[jameswashington]

Never knew how acetate eyewear were made, great informative presentation in showing the details that make it high tier 😎

[jennifertichacek]

I have purchased Barton Perreira frames for many years and never knew why! I just asked my optometrist what was the difference between Parton Perreira and Wayfarer frames. He didn't give me a very good answer but you did! Now I can justify buying a pair of Barton Perreira sunglasses that sort of look like Wayfarers but are not!

[a.b.v.o.i.c.e.]

Today my first Gast Anima Caramel glasses arrived.. I can't describe in words how impressed I am with the quality because I've been buying Persol for years and was regularly disappointed.. thanks for the recommendation so much!!! You made my day:)

[bpark]

The problem with acetate is that it is made like paper, involving the mixing of sulfuric ACID to cotton & vinegar. I assume you have heard of "archival acid free" paper. The acid that made it, is its seeds of destruction. In expensive paper, the acid is leached out after making. But for cellulose acetate plastic, it is non-porous. It is much more difficult to get the acid out & invariably some remains, contributing to its degradation. It also has "water of hydration" (which you mention) which is part of its chemistry. I have seen recommendations to soak frames in water periodically to restore what's lost. It is less stable chemically than other plastics as it is organic, like wood. Even the best acetate degrades! Like wood, it swells & shrinks with changes in humidity.

[nickg]

I love the Gast as an affordable range but also the barton perreira if I can afford them. I will take a drive up to get my next specs from yourselves, your channel and advice has helped me so much!! Thank you.

[ivandolynnyy]

In the optician which i'am working we selling a mass production luxottica acetate frames and more luxury L.A. Dita brand, which is made in Japan. There's a noticeable difference in finishing, the Japane made frames are the way better.

[lindakuo]

Love seeing the production of acetate. Re: the dulling of the frames, my Celine frames totally deteriorated that way. So interesting to be educated on the nuances of acetate frames.

[davidliu]

Robert usually avoids the square framed glasses but in this one you showcased the Mente...and the Mapi.. the difficulty of choosing GAST frames without seeing them on yourself but gotta say, they look sharp.. if their customer svce weren't so awful I'd have ordered a pair already... and now seeing this you got me thinking again.... lol ... as always, love your series.

[curlyhairdudeify]

8:20 I bought a pair of tortoise shell Alexander McQueen (Italy) frames... And the acetate has a lot of hairline cracks in the inner part of temples, and the nose part has micro "bubbling".

[Rene.Mortel]

Thanks for this video, precise and understandable for noobs like me. When I got my first pair of handmade Japanese acetate sunglasses, the outstanding quality and feel just blew my mind. So I wanted to know more.

[johngrath]

Hey Rob. Super interesting. Thank you for another 10/10 video.

[Ryan.Mon]

I’ve watched this 3x in one day. Great work. I’m still getting some take aways.

[uneparmilesautres]

That's why I take mines at a crafstman, who polish by hand, and offer custom made frame, choice for colours, line etc. wich really fit. (I'm french and we are lucky to have many choice there for custom made)

[stephencaine]

Very informative and entertaining. Can you do one episode on prisms?

[steveeb]

Very informative video as usual Robert ! Any feeling about Hackett Bespoke ?

[francoiss]

I have a broken noise, so déviating noise, in other words, no glaces will look good on my face, but after multiple videos that I liked, I can clearly say this was interesting to watch and learn.

[miho]

Hi Robert, Great video and very informative! What do you think of Yuichi Toyama, Eyevan and Ahlem frames?

[MrShinobi]

Great content Robert. I especially appreciate the info on the different quality of Acetate. 👌