Acetate vs TR90 Frames: How to Choose
Choosing between acetate and TR90 starts with the material, then comes down to the individual frame: its shape, colour, measurements and available lens options. Here is how to compare the two in the MICHAEL collection.
What do the material names mean?
Cellulose acetate is a cellulose-based plastic used in eyewear. Material producer Mazzucchelli describes acetate sheets in solid, translucent and multicolour finishes. This helps explain the variety of colour effects available in acetate frames.
TR90 is a polyamide material designation used in eyewear. EMS-GRIVORY describes its Grilamid TR family as transparent polyamides and lists TR90 within that family. These are general material references; the examples below use the material descriptions recorded for each MICHAEL model.
For a useful comparison, put two actual frames side by side. The material category is only one part of the design. Frame shape, bridge dimensions, temple length and the selected lenses all matter to your final choice.
Two square frames to compare
MICHAEL 2622 — acetate
- Listed material: acetate frame and temples.
- Listed measurements: 52 × 27 × 146 mm.
- Colour choices: Tea brown, Black and Translucent gray.
Start here if one of these colours and the square outline match the look you want. Open the product page to compare each colour and its photographs.
View MICHAEL 2622 acetate frames
MICHAEL 8019 — TR90
- Listed frame material: TR90.
- Listed measurements: 51 × 25 × 148 mm.
- Colour choices: Sandy tortoiseshell and Gray blue.
This is another square-frame option with a different colour selection and different bridge and temple measurements. Compare those details with a pair you already find comfortable.
Read the three measurements together
The numbers above are lens width, bridge width and temple length, in that order. Lens width describes one lens opening; it is not the total width of the frame. For these two models, the bridge and temple measurements differ as well as the lens width, so use all three numbers when making your comparison.
See the frame measurement guide for an illustrated explanation. If a frame feels uncomfortable or needs adjustment, ask an optical professional to assess it.
Everyday care
Follow the care instructions supplied with your finished glasses. ZEISS recommends lukewarm running water and gentle cleaning, followed by a clean microfibre cloth. When using a cleaning product, choose one suitable for your lenses, coatings and frame finish. Keep your glasses in a protective case when you are not wearing them and away from excessive heat, such as a hot car.
Contact MICHAEL if you need help identifying the right care instructions for your pair.
Choose the frame, then review your lens options
Use the material filters in the shop to narrow the collection, choose a colour, and check the measurements on the product page. Open the available lens options for that frame and review the combined price before adding your pair to the cart.
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Sources and product details
Model names, colours and measurements come from the MICHAEL product records reviewed for this guide. General material and care references: