Introduction: Why So Many Sports Brands Choose TR90 (and Why You Might Too)

If you’ve been researching frame materials for your next sports sunglasses line, you’ve probably come across TR90 more than once. And there’s a good reason for that.

TR90 has become one of the most popular materials in the sports eyewear world—not because it’s the fanciest, but because it just works. It’s lightweight, flexible, comfortable to wear, and most importantly: it makes production easier.

At Eyewearbeyond, we’ve produced hundreds of TR90 models for clients all over the world—from cycling brands in Europe to fast-moving Amazon sellers in the US. Many of them had never heard of TR90 at first. But once they tested the material, they came back asking for more.

Why? Because TR90 hits the sweet spot between cost, performance, and speed. It’s perfect for brands that want:

• Sunglasses that don’t hurt after 8 hours of wear
• Frames that won’t snap if you throw them in a gym bag
• A smooth production cycle with fewer problems and delays

In this guide, we’ll break down everything we’ve learned about TR90 over the years:
What it is, what it’s good for, where it beats other materials, and what to avoid if you want the best results.

Let’s get into the real-world side of using TR90 for sports sunglasses.

What Is TR90 in Simple Terms?

TR90 is a type of plastic—but not the cheap kind.

Originally developed in Switzerland, it’s a memory polymer known for being super flexible, super light, and skin-friendly. In the eyewear world, it’s now one of the go-to materials for making frames that are:

• Easy to wear
• Hard to break
• And fast to manufacture

Technically, TR90 belongs to the polyamide family (like nylon), but it’s not as dense or heavy. It’s softer, more elastic, and easier to shape into smooth curves and ergonomic temples.

At Eyewearbeyond, we usually describe TR90 like this to clients:

“If you want frames that bend instead of snap—and you want customers to say ‘wow, this feels light’—go with TR90.”

It’s especially common in:

• Entry-level sports sunglasses
• Youth and teen eyewear
• Urban cycling or running models
• Everyday lifestyle-performance hybrids

Plus, it’s naturally hypoallergenic, which means even sensitive users can wear it without skin irritation. No coating needed.

In short: TR90 is your best friend when you want comfort, simplicity, and speed—without sacrificing quality.

Why Do So Many Sports Frames Use TR90?

TR90 isn’t just a trend—it’s a practical choice. For brands that need frames that can handle daily wear, sports movement, and fast production, TR90 checks all the boxes.

Here’s why so many factories and brands (including us at Eyewearbeyond) love using it:

1. It’s Super Flexible, So It Doesn’t Snap Easily

TR90 frames can bend, twist, and stretch—without breaking.
That means fewer customer complaints like:

• “My frame cracked after I sat on it”
• “It broke in my gym bag”
• “The temple arm just snapped”

With TR90, the frame flexes back into shape.

2. It’s Lightweight and Comfortable

This is one of TR90’s biggest selling points: it disappears on your face.
The frame is so light that your customers barely feel it after a few minutes.
Perfect for:

• Long-distance runners
• Cyclists
• Daily commuters
• People who wear sunglasses all day

3. It Handles Sweat, Heat, and Daily Use

TR90 doesn’t react badly to:

• Sweat
• Sunscreen
• UV light
• Light chemicals (like alcohol wipes)

This makes it ideal for sports use—it lasts longer, and looks better over time.

4. It’s Great for Quick Production

TR90 flows well in injection molding, meaning:

• Faster cycle time
• Less shrinkage
• Fewer mold issues

For you, that means:

• Lower mold costs
• Faster lead time
• Better control over product consistency

This is why TR90 is a favorite for brands launching seasonal models or trend-driven SKUs.

5. Color Comes Out Clean and Fast

Unlike materials that need extra coating or painting, TR90 can be colored right in the injection process. That means:

• No need to paint
• No worries about peeling
• Brighter, more durable color options

Want matte black, neon orange, or crystal clear? No problem—just pick the raw material color, and the frame comes out ready to go.

In short:
TR90 makes your production smoother, your frame stronger, and your customers happier. That’s why it’s everywhere in the mid-range sports eyewear world.

Manufacturing Considerations When Using TR90

TR90 is a friendly material—for both the user and the factory. But that doesn’t mean it’s foolproof. If you’re planning to produce sports frames with TR90, there are a few things you need to know to avoid common pitfalls.

Here’s what we’ve learned after producing thousands of TR90 frames at Eyewearbeyond:

1. Injection Molding Needs Good Temperature Control

TR90 is flexible, but it’s also heat-sensitive during molding.
Too hot, and it burns. Too cold, and it won’t fill the mold properly.

• Ideal temp: 230–260°C
• Cycle time: ~35–45 seconds
• Mold design: smooth flow lines, no sharp corners

✅ Pro tip: We pre-dry TR90 granules before injection to reduce bubbles or warping.

2. Frame Shape Matters—Don’t Make It Too Thin

TR90 is elastic, but that doesn’t mean you can go ultra-slim.

⚠️ What happens if the frame is too thin?

• Temples feel floppy
• Frame warps after cooling
• Customers feel “cheap” quality

✅ Best design approach:

• Rounded curves, not sharp edges
• Temples with solid middle thickness
• Bridge with enough support for lens weight

3. Surface Treatment: Don’t Spray—Inject Color Instead

TR90 doesn’t bond well with paints or coatings.
So if you’re thinking of spraying a metallic finish or a logo—stop right there.

⚠️ Why spraying doesn’t work:

• Paint peels over time
• Coatings can crack during bending
• Printing rubs off with sweat

✅ Instead:

• Choose pre-colored raw material
• Use pad printing or laser engraving for logos
• Try two-color injection for contrast temples or logos

4. TR90 Molds Are Affordable—But Still Need to Be Precise

Mold costs for TR90 are lower than for nylon, and usually similar to PC.
But don’t cut corners—if the mold isn’t designed for TR90’s shrinkage and elasticity, the frame won’t fit well or look right.

💡 At Eyewearbeyond, we adjust:

• Gate placement for better material flow
• Cooling channel layout to avoid deformation
• Shrink compensation rate (typically 0.5%–0.8%)

5. Don’t Over-Complicate the Design

TR90 is best when used simply and efficiently.

✅ Works well with:

• One-piece front frames
• Classic curves
• Rubber nose pads or TPR temple tips

❌ Avoid:

• Angular geometry with sharp tips
• Extra-thin “floating” bridge structures
• Glossy paint finishes

Keep it simple, and TR90 will do the rest.

TR90 is forgiving—but only if you know its limits. With the right mold, material settings, and structure, you’ll get a frame that looks good, feels good, and lasts longer.

TR90 vs PC vs Nylon — Who Wins Where?

If you’re trying to decide which material is best for your sports sunglasses project, you’re not alone. Many of our clients at Eyewearbeyond start by asking:

“Should I go with TR90, PC, or Nylon?”

The truth is—there’s no one winner. Each material fits a different business goal. Here’s how they compare in real-world production and usage:

🔍 Quick Comparison Table

Which One Should You Use?

• ✅ TR90:
  Choose this if you want a comfortable, affordable, and fast-to-produce frame. Perfect for startups, DTC brands, or seasonal lines that need quick turnover.
• ✅ PC:
  Use PC when you want a rigid, durable material with a clean finish—good for functional sunglasses, kids’ eyewear, or price-sensitive SKUs.
• ✅ Nylon:
  Ideal if you want to stand out with a premium, performance-driven product—especially for tactical gear, pro cycling, or high-end outdoor markets.

At Eyewearbeyond, we help many clients mix and match:

• TR90 for volume products
• PC for core SKUs
• Nylon for flagship hero models

This strategy helps you build a strong product ladder without overcomplicating production.

What Types of Products and Brands Use TR90 Frames?

TR90 is everywhere—but smart brands don’t use it randomly. It works best in lightweight, comfort-first eyewear, especially where speed, cost control, and daily wearability matter most.

Here’s where we see TR90 used most often in the real world 👇

1. Urban Sports and Commuter Sunglasses

• Think: cycling to work, running in the park, weekend hiking
• Target users: urban athletes, fitness lovers, commuters
• Product style: wraparound or semi-rimless, with rubber grip
• Retail range: $29–$59 USD

✅ Why TR90 works: Super lightweight + flexible temples = no pressure on the head or ears during movement.

2. Fast-Moving DTC Brands

• Think: brands selling directly on Shopify, Amazon, or TikTok
• Product type: trendy colors, affordable price point, big volume
• Retail range: $35–$79 USD

✅ Why TR90 works: It’s easy to inject in many colors, mold costs are low, and production is quick. Perfect for testing multiple SKUs or seasonal collections.

3. Youth and Teen Sunglasses

• Think: eyewear for school-age athletes, Gen Z style seekers
• Product needs: flexible, light, safe (no sharp parts)
• Frame style: bold shapes, fun colors, smaller sizes
• Retail range: $25–$49 USD

✅ Why TR90 works: It’s skin-safe, won’t break easily if dropped or bent, and feels soft on the face. Parents love the safety—kids love the feel.

4. Entry-Level Outdoor Brands

• Think: budget-friendly sunglasses for general outdoor activities
• Channels: chain stores, wholesalers, souvenir markets
• Selling point: comfort + sporty look at a low price
• Retail range: $29–$59 USD

✅ Why TR90 works: You get that “sporty” image without high production costs. TR90 holds shape, takes color well, and is easy to scale up.

5. Lightweight Fashion-Sport Crossovers

• Think: brands mixing fashion with activewear (e.g., yoga + lifestyle)
• Frame style: minimalist, matte, oversized or cat-eye sport shapes
• Retail range: $39–$69 USD

✅ Why TR90 works: Lets you build stylish shapes that don’t weigh much—important for all-day wear or low-impact sports like walking or stretching.

TR90 isn’t for extreme performance gear—that’s where Nylon shines.
But for 95% of daily-use sport and hybrid eyewear, TR90 offers the best balance of comfort, production ease, and cost efficiency.

Commercial Pros & Cons of TR90 for B2B Buyers

TR90 isn’t the flashiest material in the eyewear world—but when it comes to building a profitable, low-risk, and fast-moving product line, it’s one of the smartest bets you can make.

Let’s look at it from your side—as a brand owner, wholesaler, or eyewear distributor.

✅ Top Commercial Advantages

1. Low Entry Cost, High Flexibility

• Mold costs are low ($800–$1200 USD for most models)
• Easy to test new shapes or seasonal drops
• Good for A/B testing or launching limited collections
• Ideal for startups or new brands with limited budgets

2. Fast Lead Time

• TR90 flows well in molding = shorter production cycle
• Coloring is done in-material = no need for painting time
• Less post-processing = fewer QC problems
• You get products faster to market, especially during peak season

3. Great Value-to-Price Ratio

• Feels better than cheap plastics like acrylic
• Looks sporty and clean without premium coating
• Customers feel the comfort and elasticity—even at a $39–$59 price point

You don’t need to sell at $129 to justify a good margin.

4. High Customer Satisfaction, Low Return Rate

• Frames don’t break easily → fewer replacements
• Lightweight → fewer comfort complaints
• Good elasticity → less shipping damage

If you sell DTC or care about reviews, TR90 helps protect your brand reputation.

⚠️ Possible Limitations to Watch

1. Less “Premium” Look

TR90 is still plastic, and some customers may compare it to higher-end frame materials like:

• Acetate
• Nylon
• Metal or metal-hybrid constructions

💡 Pro Tip: Upgrade the overall feel by adding TPR nose pads, dual-injection temples, and a laser-engraved logo. These elements significantly improve perceived quality without increasing cost too much.

2. Not Ideal for Heavy or Oversized Frames

While TR90 is flexible, that same flexibility means:

• The frame may feel too “soft” or unstable in oversized designs
• It’s not the best choice for thick lenses or heavy front structures

💡 Suggested Fix: Use TR90 for small to medium-sized frames with narrow bridges, and add anti-slip rubber temple ends or internal metal wire for extra support.

3. Surface Coating Limitations

TR90 doesn’t bond well with surface paint or coating, which means:

• Paint may peel or fade over time
• Glossy or metallic spray finishes are not long-lasting

💡 Best Practice: Skip the painting. Use pre-colored injection material, dual-color molding, or go with matte/textured finishes directly from the mold for better durability and consistency.

🎯 So, Is TR90 Worth It for You?

If you’re building:

• A high-volume SKU
• A “light and comfy” product line
• A fast fashion or sports lifestyle crossover collection

👉 TR90 gives you speed, profit margin, and happy customers.

If you’re chasing ultra-luxury feel or complex shapes—consider nylon or acetate.

But if you’re a smart buyer looking for a reliable material that scales well, TR90 is hard to beat.

Common Mistakes and Buyer Tips When Working with TR90

TR90 is easy to work with—as long as you know its limits. But over the years at Eyewearbeyond, we’ve seen a lot of buyers (even experienced ones) make small but costly mistakes when designing or ordering TR90 frames.

Here are the most common issues—and what to do instead.

❌ Mistake #1: Trying to Spray Paint TR90 Frames

TR90 doesn’t hold paint well. It has low surface energy, so coatings and glossy finishes:

• Peel after sun or sweat exposure
• Crack at bending points
• Make the frame look cheap over time

✅ Better solution: Use pre-colored resin or two-tone injection. The color is clean, won’t fade, and production is faster.

❌ Mistake #2: Making the Frame Too Thin

Some brands try to create a “lightweight” look with ultra-slim temples or thin bridges.
With TR90, this can backfire:

• Temples feel too soft or unstable
• Frame warps after demolding
• Glasses feel flimsy or low-quality

✅ Better solution: Keep solid mid-thickness, especially around:

• Temples (2.5–3.5mm recommended)
• Nose bridge (stabilize lens structure)

❌ Mistake #3: Using TR90 Molds for PC or Nylon

We’ve had clients ask:

“Can I use my old PC mold and just change the material?”

Technically? Yes.
Practically? No.

Why:

• PC and TR90 shrink at different rates
• Flow behavior differs → leads to poor lens fit or warping
• Surface texture changes

✅ Always create or adjust the mold based on the actual material.

❌ Mistake #4: Applying Fancy Metal Parts or Decorations

TR90 is flexible, but metal isn’t. Mixing in fixed metal pieces (hinges, logos, accents) can lead to:

• Separation during flexing
• Broken bond areas
• Sharp corners that break the smooth feel

✅ Use soft materials with TR90 like:

• Rubber tips
• TPR nose pads
• Laser-engraved logos

❌ Mistake #5: Overthinking the Finish

Some brands want a “premium look” with coating, UV layer, texture, etc.
With TR90, less is more. It’s a sporty, everyday material—let it do its job.

✅ Go for:

• Matte or soft-touch surface
• Bold, fun color options
• Simple curves + ergonomic shapes

💡 Final Tips From Our Factory Floor

• Stick with simple, rounded frame shapes
• Avoid sharp edges—they make TR90 frames look cheap and crack more easily
• When in doubt: sample first! We offer low-MOQ TR90 prototyping so you can test before committing

Conclusion: Is TR90 Right for Your Brand?

If you’re looking to create comfortable, durable, and cost-effective sports sunglasses that your customers will actually enjoy wearing, TR90 is a smart choice.

It’s not the most luxurious material—but it’s one of the most practical:

• Light enough for all-day comfort
• Flexible enough to survive real-world use
• Fast and affordable enough to scale your business

At Eyewearbeyond, we’ve helped brands around the world use TR90 to:

• Launch their first product line
• Add a lightweight sports series
• Create affordable SKUs with excellent margins
• Reduce return rates and improve customer reviews

Whether you’re building a startup brand, running a large wholesale operation, or adding variety to your catalog, TR90 gives you room to grow without breaking the bank.