Which Lens Material Is Best for Sunglasses?

Not all lenses are created equal. Whether you’re boating, beach-hopping, or chasing sun on the weekends, your lens material matters for clarity, durability, and comfort. Here’s how the most common types compare:

🥇 Nylon (HydroClear™ by Rheos)

Used by: Rheos, Maui Jim (in some models), high-performance sports eyewear

Pros:
✔ Exceptionally lightweight and flexible
✔ Highest saltwater and chemical resistance
✔ Optical clarity close to glass, but much lighter
✔ Excellent impact resistance
✔ Naturally anti-fog and distortion-free

Cons:
— Slightly more expensive to produce
— Requires precision manufacturing (but we’ve got that covered 😉)

Bottom Line:
HydroClear™ (nylon) offers the best all-around performance for water living, combining clarity, durability, and ultra-light comfort—plus it floats when paired with our lightweight frames.

🥈 Polycarbonate

Used by: Oakley, Ray-Ban, Sunski, most mid-range sport brands

Pros:
✔ Lightweight and shatter-resistant
✔ Inexpensive and easy to mold
✔ Good UV protection

Cons:
— Lower optical clarity (may distort over time)
— Prone to scratching if not coated
— Can yellow or fog with age and heat exposure

Bottom Line:
A decent budget-friendly option, especially for sports use—but it doesn’t hold up as well to saltwater or long-term wear.

🥉 TAC (Tri-Acetate Cellulose)

Used by: Low-cost polarized brands on Amazon, Goodr, gas station brands, giveaways

Pros:
✔ Ultra-affordable
✔ Lightweight
✔ Basic polarized filtering

Cons:
— Extremely easy to scratch
— Poor optical clarity
— Delaminates over time in sun and heat
— No real durability under pressure or saltwater

Bottom Line:
TAC lenses are best for backup shades or short-term use—not daily or coastal adventures. Most break down after one season.

💎 Glass

Used by: Maui Jim (SuperThin Glass), Costa, premium classic styles

Pros:
✔ Highest optical clarity of all lens types
✔ Scratch-resistant
✔ Long-lasting if handled carefully

Cons:
— Heaviest lens material
— Can shatter under impact
— More expensive and less flexible
— Not ideal for floating frames or high-motion sports

Bottom Line:
Great clarity and longevity—just not ideal for active or water-based use. Glass and saltwater don’t mix well.

🧪 Quick Comparison Table

🌞 Why We Chose Nylon for HydroClear™

Our HydroClear™ lenses are made from premium Nylon Optics because nothing else comes close for water-loving lifestyles. You get:

• Crystal-clear vision with zero distortion—our proprietary lenses have been lab tested as clear as glass lenses

• True color enhancement without over-saturating

• Maximum durability with salt, sand, and sun

• Featherlight performance that feels like you're wearing nothing at all

When paired with our floating frames, you’ve got a pair of sunglasses built for the coast—and built to last.