Decision Hub

Sunglasses Sourcing Comparisons

Four side-by-side tables to settle the decisions that shape your sunglasses program: frame material, lens type, sourcing channel and shipping terms.

Most sourcing mistakes come from comparing options in the abstract. These tables put the real trade-offs side by side so you can match each choice to your budget, market and use case. Recommended columns reflect the best all-round option for a typical first program — your ideal choice may differ, and we are happy to advise.

Comparison 1

Acetate vs TR90 vs Metal frames

The frame-material decision drives cost, weight, color and durability. See our frame materials guide for detail.

Criteria
Acetate
TR90 nylon
Metal alloy
Look & feel
Premium, glossy, substantial
Light, sporty, modern
Slim, classic, refined
Weight
Medium
Lightest
Light–medium
Color depth
Deepest (sheet/laminate)
Good (injection/coat)
Plated finishes
Impact resistance
Moderate
Excellent (flexible)
Good (can bend)
Unit cost
Higher
Lower at volume
Medium
Tooling / MOQ
Stock colors at 50; custom sheet ~600
Mold cost; favors volume
Lower tooling, easy plating
Best for
Fashion & optical lines
Sport, kids, high-volume
Aviator, round, rimless
Comparison 2

Lens types: Polarized vs Gradient vs Mirror

The lens defines performance and price. Full detail in our lens technology guide.

Lens type
Polarized
Gradient
Mirror / REVO
Primary benefit
Cuts glare
Style + sun-to-low fade
Fashion flash + light cut
Best use
Driving, fishing, water, snow
Driving, everyday fashion
Fashion, bright sun
UV400
Yes
Yes
Yes
Optical clarity
High (less glare strain)
High
High (hard-coated)
Screen visibility
Can dim LCDs
Normal
Normal
Relative cost
Higher
Low–medium
Medium
Pairs well with
Sport-wrap, aviator
Wayfarer, cat-eye, square
Square, shield, sport
Lens type
Polarized
Gradient
Clear / blue-light
Tint / darkness
Dark, fixed
Dark top → light base
Minimal / none
Glare control
Best
Good (top)
None
Indoor / low-light use
No
Limited
Yes
Driving legality
Yes (cat 2–3)
Yes
Yes
Relative cost
Higher
Low–medium
Low–medium
Typical buyer
Sport, outdoor, optical
Fashion, driving lines
Optical, computer eyewear
Comparison 3

Factory-direct vs Trading agent vs Marketplace

How you source affects price, control and compliance. See sourcing & compliance.

Criteria
Factory-direct
Trading agent
Marketplace
Unit price
Lowest (no markup)
Higher (agent margin)
Variable, often higher
Customization depth
Full OEM/ODM
Depends on factory access
Limited / stock
Quality control
Direct, in-house QC
Via agent
Buyer-managed
Compliance docs
Source directly
Through agent
Often unclear
Communication
Direct with maker
One layer removed
Platform messaging
MOQ flexibility
50 pairs
Varies
Sometimes lower (stock)
Best for
Brands wanting control & margin
Buyers wanting hands-off
Tiny test buys / blanks
Comparison 4

Incoterms: FOB vs CIF vs DDP

Shipping terms decide who handles freight, duty and risk. More in our logistics guide.

Term
FOB
CIF
DDP
Seller arranges freight
No
Yes (to port)
Yes (to door)
Seller pays duty
No
No
Yes
Buyer freight control
Full
Limited
None
Customs clearance
Buyer
Buyer (import)
Seller
Simplicity for buyer
Medium
Higher
Highest
Cost transparency
Highest
Medium
Bundled
Best for
Experienced importers
Buyers wanting freight handled
First-timers, e-commerce

LumiShades offers all three terms. FOB Ningbo gives experienced importers the most control; DDP gives newcomers and e-commerce sellers a single delivered price.

Still deciding? Ask a sunglasses engineer.

Tell us your use case and budget. We will recommend the frame, lens and terms that fit. Reply within 12 hours.

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