How much do glasses frames and lenses weigh?
The weight of your glasses is more important if you have a strong prescription because the combined weight of your frames and lenses can play a role in how comfortable they are. And if your specs also aggravate sinus pain, it can definitely be worthwhile exploring weight in more detail.
We’ve taken a look at the weights of some typical spectacles and sunglasses, including some average plastic lens weights and examples in our own collection.
Lightweights
Metal frames made from titanium are the lightest option. Titanium has a low density, is super strong and resistant to rusting or corrosion making it a great material for glasses. A lot of people are surprised when they pick up a pair at just how light they are.
There are some frames on the market which weigh as little as 3.3g due to their minimalist design. The titanium frames we have in our own collection are either 14g or 15g (without lenses) and combine the metal with acetate fittings too.
Something to consider is that these types of frames do come fitted with nose pads which some wearers like to stay clear of.
Popular acetate and plastic styles
Here we have the following examples:
- Marc Jacobs pink sunglasses - 28g
- Acetate Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses - 45g
- Polished copper Ray-Ban Round Double Bridge sunglasses - 32g
- Black Specsavers plastic glasses with -8 RX high index lenses - 30g
- Ollie Quinn acetate frames with -8 RX high index lenses - 32g
- Ray-Ban Smart glasses with camera - 49g
Minus Eyewear collection weigh in
Here's what our current collection weighs in at:
- Reuben Power frames - 34g
- Yu Power frames - 32g (46g with -10 high index lenses)
- Charlie Power frames - 27g (42g with -9.5 high index lenses)
- Rupert Power frames - 25g (38g with -9.5 high index lenses)
- Oliver Power frames - 24g
- Mati Power frames - 15g
- Rory Power frames - 14g
- Richmond Power frames - 14g
For even more context, our dummy demo lenses are usually around the 4g mark.
Hot and heavy
We’d generally say that a comfortable combined weight would be 45g or below, although it’s really about personal preference. A high negative prescription can mean that the lenses typically add around 13g to the overall weight of your glasses (plastic high index).
If you exercise in your frames, particularly in hot weather, this is where weight plays a bigger role, as heavier glasses or prescription sunglasses tend to fall down your nose a bit more which is annoying. Ideally, like most things you wear, you shouldn’t be too aware that you’re wearing anything if the glasses fit you well.
