Acetate and Bio-Acetate Sunglasses
Many of our frames are made from acetate. Our Italian acetate comes from Mazzucchelli, and our bio-acetate frames use a plant-based acetate. Every pair is designed in Stockholm and has UV400 lenses.
What is acetate?
Acetate, or cellulose acetate, is a material made from cellulose. Frames are cut from sheets of it and then shaped and polished, so the color and pattern run through the whole frame instead of sitting on the surface.
Many Corlin frames are made from Mazzucchelli acetate from Italy with German OBE hinges. Bernard, Monza and Modena are made from bio-acetate.
Why acetate works for sunglasses
Three things set acetate apart:
Acetate sunglasses from Corlin
Five frames in Italian acetate and three in bio-acetate.
Acetate frames
All sunglasses-
Louis Tortoise BrownItalian acetate1 299 SEK
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Selma Tortoise BrownItalian acetate1 499 SEK
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Gelo Tortoise BrownItalian acetate1 299 SEK
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Alex Tortoise BrownItalian acetate1 299 SEK
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Jimi Tortoise BrownItalian acetate1 499 SEK
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Bernard Brown Gradual BrownBio-acetate749 SEK
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Monza Tortoise GreenBio-acetate699 SEK
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Modena Tortoise GreenBio-acetate699 SEK
How to choose
Start with these three questions:
Compare our acetate frames
Material, hinges and lens width for each frame:
| Frame | Material | Hinges | Lens width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louis | Italian acetate (Mazzucchelli) | German OBE | 52 mm |
| Selma | Italian acetate (Mazzucchelli) | German OBE | 52 mm |
| Gelo | Italian acetate (Mazzucchelli) | German OBE | 55 mm |
| Alex | Italian acetate (Mazzucchelli) | German OBE | 54 mm |
| Jimi | Italian acetate (Mazzucchelli) | German OBE | 53 mm |
| Bernard | Bio-acetate | – | 54 mm |
| Monza | Bio-acetate | 3:2 metal | 54 mm |
| Modena | Bio-acetate | 3:2 metal | 54 mm |
Not sure about the size? Our sunglasses buying guide explains what the numbers mean.
Italian acetate from Mazzucchelli
Many Corlin frames are made from Mazzucchelli acetate from Italy and fitted with German OBE hinges. Tortoise frames such as Gelo and Jimi show how the pattern runs through the material, so no two fronts look exactly the same.
Read more about our designer sunglasses.
Bio-acetate: Bernard, Monza and Modena
Bio-acetate is a plant-based acetate. Bernard is a rounded aviator cut thick in bio-acetate, and Monza and Modena are oversized frames with 3:2 metal hinges and deep lenses.
Browse oversized sunglasses.
Acetate or metal?
Acetate frames are thicker and come in more colors and patterns. Metal frames are thinner and often have adjustable nose pads. Both come with UV400 lenses.
Browse metal sunglasses.
How to care for acetate frames
Clean the lenses with a microfiber cloth and keep the frames in their case. Avoid leaving them in a hot car, since heat can change the shape of acetate. If the fit loosens, you can adjust it yourself with warm water.
See how in our size guide.
Questions about acetate sunglasses
What is acetate?
Acetate, or cellulose acetate, is a material made from cellulose. Frames are cut from sheets of acetate and then shaped and polished, so the color and pattern run through the whole frame instead of being painted on the surface.
That is also why tortoise patterns look slightly different on every pair, and why the color won't wear off at the edges over time.
Is acetate better than regular plastic?
Acetate is a type of plastic, but it is made differently from injection-molded frames. Instead of being cast in a mold, it is cut and polished, and the color runs through the material instead of being painted on.
Acetate also has more depth in color and pattern, and it softens with heat, so you can adjust the fit yourself. That is why it is widely used for eyewear.
What is bio-acetate?
Bio-acetate is a plant-based acetate. It looks and feels like regular acetate, and you adjust it the same way, with warm water.
At Corlin, Bernard, Monza and Modena are made from bio-acetate. Bernard is a rounded aviator, and Monza and Modena are oversized frames with deep lenses.
Can I adjust acetate frames myself?
Yes. Acetate softens with heat, so you can adjust the fit at home. Warm the temples under warm water for 10 to 20 seconds, then bend them gently. Let the frame cool before you try them on again.
If the sunglasses feel loose, bend the temple tips slightly inward. If they feel tight, bend the temples slightly outward. If one temple sits higher than the other, place the sunglasses on a flat surface and gently bend the lifted temple down until both rest evenly.
Always be gentle and never force the material. You'll find step-by-step instructions in our size guide.
Can I return sunglasses from Corlin?
Yes. Shipping is free, and you have 30 days to return sunglasses from Corlin.
If the fit is almost right, try adjusting the temples first. A small adjustment with warm water often makes a big difference.