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Black Frames

Black in every finish the materials allow: matt and polished acetate, and metal in anodised and painted black.

112 frames

About Black Frames

KUBORAUM accounts for the largest share of the black frames here: Black Shine, Black Matt, and frames where black sits beside gold, silver or havana, or is named Black Night. Cartier comes next, mostly in Gold / Black or Black / Grey, then J.F. Rey, Blake Kuwahara, Oliver Peoples, Res/Rei, DITA, OVVO, Henau, Oscar Mamooi and Matsuda.

Most are acetate; the rest are metal or combine the two. In acetate, black is cut from a solid plate, so a scratch shows black underneath, and the frame holds an optician’s adjustment. The finish is the whole difference: Black Shine is polished to a gloss, Black Matt is left flat, and Oliver Peoples splits the difference with Semi-Matte Black.

Every shape, most sizes

Black appears in every shape, from rounds, squares and rectangles to geometrics, ovals, cat-eyes and an aviator. Eye sizes run from 41mm to 64mm with a median of 51mm. The frame size guide explains the three numbers inside the left arm.

Most of these frames are one of a kind. They ship as frames for your own optician to fit lenses, free and insured within the US with a signature on delivery. Returns are accepted within seven days of delivery, less a 15 percent restocking charge; discounted frames are final sale.

Matte or glossy black glasses: which is better?

Gloss reflects light and reads as a sharper outline; matt absorbs it and reads softer, closer to the face. Neither wears better. KUBORAUM makes many of its shapes in both, which is why we hold Black Shine and Black Matt frames, sometimes the same model in each finish. Oliver Peoples’ Semi-Matte Black sits between the two. Pick by how much you want the frame to be noticed.

Do black frames suit everyone?

Black is the safest colour on most complexions, but a heavy black acetate rim can look harsh on very fair skin or fine features. A thinner rim, a smaller eye size or a matt finish softens it. With black frames from 41mm to 64mm across the eye, some of them metal, there is a light version and a bold one. A photo sent to us gets a straight recommendation.

Does black acetate scratch or fade?

Acetate is cut from a solid plate, so the black runs through the whole rim; a scratch shows black, not a different colour underneath. Metal frames in black carry a finish over the metal, which is why we name the frame’s material on every listing so you know which you are buying.

Can I get prescription lenses in black frames?

Yes. Every black frame here ships as a frame, and your own optician fits lenses to your prescription. Black acetate is a good match for a stronger prescription because the thick rim hides the lens edge. Our lens guide explains what to ask for. Both of our shops belong to the Eye Rx practice, where fittings happen if you are local.