VINTAGE CARE GUIDE
CARING FOR YOUR VINTAGE EYEWEAR
While most pieces are deadstock or gently worn, vintage eyewear benefits from extra care. Here's how to keep yours in top condition, season after season.
YOUR EVERYDAY EYEWEAR RITUALS
Always store your eyewear in a case when not in use- vintage frames are often one of a kind.
Never lens-down on surfaces (no one likes scratched lenses).
Open and close the arms gently — vintage hinges can be delicate.
Avoid heat (like radiators or cars) — it can warp certain materials.
Clean with a soft cloth only — no sprays with alcohol or acetone.
MATERIALS - WHAT YOUR FRAMES ARE MADE OF
ACETATE FRAMES - Care Tips:
Keep away from heat (like radiators or hot dashboards).
Wipe with a soft cloth — oils from skin can dull the shine.
No soaking or heavy water exposure — moisture can damage older acetate.
OPTYL FRAMES - Care Tips:
Optyl is a patented lightweight, hypoallergenic thermosetting plastic. It's heat-sensitive and will return to its original shape when gently warmed — often used in bold, sculptural designs which are injection moulded.
Clean gently with lukewarm water and mild soap. no alcohol or acetone-based cleaners.
Never try to reshape it at home — leave it to the pros.
METAL FRAMES - Care Tips:
Wipe regularly to avoid tarnish.
Dry thoroughly if exposed to moisture.
Some vintage metals may contain nickel — check if you’re allergy-prone.
Be gentle when opening and closing the arms.
Check screws occasionally — a mini screwdriver works wonders.
COMBINATION FRAMES (METAL + ACETATE) - Care Tips:
These hybrid styles are particularly common in the 80s–00s. The metal bridge and temples often require more care than the acetate fronts.
Avoid twisting the bridge — it may loosen the metal-acetate join.
Tighten loose screws gently with a small eyewear screwdriver.
LENS LOVE - KEEP THE LOOKING SHARP
Vintage lenses are just as special as the frames they come in. Here's how to care for them — and what to know about their quality, age, and potential quirks.
VINTAGE LENS CARE + INFORMATION
Clean with lens spray and a microfibre cloth.
No harsh chemicals — they’ll ruin vintage coatings.
Keep lenses away from rough surfaces to avoid scratches.
Many lenses are original vintage — treat with care
VINTAGE SUNGLASSES LENSES (60s–00s)
Many of our sunglasses come with original lenses, which may be:
CR-39 plastic lenses (lightweight, impact-resistant, popular from the 70s)
Glass lenses (common in 60s–80s luxury frames, especially European brands)
Nylon lenses (lightweight, used in sportier 90s–00s styles)
Polycarbonate (PC) lenses are lightweight, impact-resistant lenses commonly used in both modern and vintage eyewear — known for their durability, thin profile, and built-in UV protection.
Note: Some lenses may not have modern UV400 protection. If this is a concern, we’re happy to recommend replacement lens services. We are currently looking at implementing and testing all our vintage lenses for UV filters.
OPTICAL LENSES
Many of our optical frames come ready for prescription fitting by your local optician.
We sell frames without prescription lenses installed unless otherwise stated.
Most vintage frames — acetate, metal, or Optyl — can accommodate modern optical lenses.
A skilled optician can help preserve the integrity of the frame during fitting.
At this time we do not have a lens replacement or optical lens fitting service, we are working on it!
Every pair is a little different — and that’s part of the charm.