What Are Sunglasses Lenses Made Of? Nylon vs. Polycarbonate vs. Glass
Sunglasses lenses are made from one of a few materials, and the choice sets the ceiling on how clear, light, and tough your lenses can be. The main options are nylon, polycarbonate, CR-39, and glass. Nylon is the premium sweet spot, combining excellent optical clarity with low weight and strong impact resistance. Glass is the clearest but heavy and prone to shattering. Polycarbonate is tough and cheap but distorts more. Here is how they compare, and why we build with nylon.
The four lens materials, compared
| Material | Optical clarity | Impact resistance | Weight | Scratch resistance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Excellent, low distortion | High | Light | High with coating | Premium everyday and active wear |
| Polycarbonate | Good, more distortion | Very high | Light | Low without coating | Budget and high-impact sports |
| CR-39 (plastic) | Very good | Moderate | Medium | Moderate | Prescription lenses |
| Glass | Best | Low, shatters | Heavy | Excellent | Pure optics, low-impact use |
No single material wins every column, which is why the right choice depends on what you actually need from a pair of sunglasses.
Nylon: the premium balance
Nylon is the material the best sunglasses tend to use, because it balances the things that usually trade off against each other. It delivers excellent optical clarity with very low distortion, it is light on your face, and it resists impact far better than glass. With a good scratch-resistant coating, it also holds up to daily handling.
That balance is why our lenses are Japanese nylon, and why we integrate the polarization and tint through the entire lens rather than applying a film to the surface. More on that in what makes a high-quality polarized lens.
Polycarbonate: tough and affordable, with a catch
Polycarbonate is extremely impact resistant, which is why it shows up in safety glasses and sports eyewear, and it is inexpensive. The trade-off is optical clarity. It distorts more than nylon or glass, and it scratches easily unless it carries a hard coating. It is a fine budget choice, but you can see and feel the difference next to a premium nylon lens.
Glass and CR-39
Glass offers the best optical clarity and scratch resistance of any lens material, but it is heavy and it shatters on impact, which makes it a poor choice for active or everyday sunglasses. CR-39 is a lightweight plastic with very good clarity, most common in prescription lenses, but it is less impact resistant than nylon or polycarbonate.
What to look for
- A premium material like nylon for the best balance of clarity, weight, and impact resistance.
- Polarization built through the lens, not a surface film that wears off.
- Full UV400 protection, which is separate from polarization.
- A scratch-resistant coating so the lens stays clear.
For how the frame materials compare, see our companion guide on titanium vs. acetate vs. stainless steel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for sunglasses lenses? For most people, nylon, because it combines excellent optical clarity, low weight, and strong impact resistance. Glass is clearer but heavy and shatters; polycarbonate is tougher but distorts more.
Are nylon lenses better than polycarbonate? Nylon offers better optical clarity and less distortion, while polycarbonate offers slightly higher impact resistance at a lower price. For everyday premium sunglasses, nylon is usually the better balance.
Are glass lenses worth it? Glass has the best clarity and scratch resistance, but it is heavy and prone to shattering, so it is a poor fit for active or daily wear.
What lenses do William Painter sunglasses use? Japanese nylon polarized lenses with the polarization integrated through the entire lens, full UV400 protection, and a scratch-resistant coating.
Want lenses built from a premium material? Shop our sunglasses: Japanese nylon polarized lenses, full UV protection, and a lifetime warranty.
