A Full List of Sunglass Parts
Have you ever wondered what each part of a pair of sunglasses is called?
We know, there’s nothing like finding that perfect pair of shades that somehow checks all the boxes of what you were looking for. Whether it's the chic style the sunglasses exude, the immaculate protection they offer or the way they flawlessly frame your face, some sunnies fit you so well it feels as if they were created solely for your liking.
For those who are curious about what parts were meticulously assembled in order to produce the magic that is your favorite pair of shades, you’ve come to the right place! This article will detail the anatomy of sunglasses and break down each sunglass part by name along with defining its function.
Read along to get a full list of sunglass parts including an easy-to-read diagram for when you need to reference things on the go!
Diagram of Sunglass Parts
Check out the diagram below to see the names of each sunglass part.
Sunglass Anatomy Diagram
Full List of Sunglass Parts
Check out the list below for a breakdown of sunglass parts, their function and what they look like.
Table of sunglass parts
Sunglass Parts: Names and Function
Now let's break down all the parts of sunglasses according to their name and function.
Frame Front
The front of the frame is perhaps the most distinguishable style characteristic of a pair of sunglasses and can be made using a multitude of materials, colors, shapes, styles and sizes. The functions of the frame front are to hold the lenses in place and define the aesthetic of the sunglasses.
The function of the frame front is to hold the lenses in place as well as defining the aesthetic of the sunglasses.
Bridge
Located between the two sunglass lenses, the bridge arches above the nose and joins them together.
The function of the bridge is to connect the lenses as well as hold the bulk of the weight of the sunglasses. With custom frames, the bridge can be adjusted to fit your face perfectly.
Top Bar
Some styles, like aviators, are known to have a double-bridge (also known as a top bar or brow bar) which is an additional bar that sits above the bridge and attaches either the rim or the lenses.
The function of the top bar is to provide additional support and stability to the frame. Many people also appreciate the added design element that comes with wearing top bar sunglasses. This makes them a top aesthetic choice for fashion-lovers.
Lenses
Perhaps the most important sunglass part, sunglass lenses are the piece of the shades that the wearer sees through. They can be made out of a variety of materials including plastic, polycarbonate and glass.
Lens Rim
The lens rim, sometimes referred to as the eye wire, is located on the front of the sunglasses. Its main function is to seat the lenses and keep them in place. From a style perspective, the rim is a prominent part of the eyewear design. They can be created in many color and shape variations depending on frame type.
The different rim frame types are full rim, half rim and rimless.
Full rim frames completely outline the lens with metal or plastic-based material and hold the lenses in place with a lens groove.
Half rim frames cover either the top or bottom of the lenses, leaving the other side exposed and hold the lenses in place with a thin nylon cord called “supra”.
Rimless shades have no frame, but rather have temples that screw into the lenses and a nose bridge that connects to each lens, holding the sunglasses together.
Nose Pads
Sunglass nose pads are the small circular pieces of cushion that sit on the sides of your nose to help them fit comfortably and secure them in place. They are easily adjustable and are most commonly found on sunglasses with metal frames.
Polyvinyl chloride, silicone and polycarbonate are the materials most commonly used to make nose pads, though titanium, ceramic, glass and rubber are sometimes used as well.
Pad Arm
The pad arm is the piece that attaches to the nose pad in order to hold it in place and allow the wearer to adjust the frames for their comfort.
End Piece
The end piece is located on the outer edge of the rim and extends outwards in order to connect the temple to the front part of the shades.
Hinges
The hinge is the part of the sunglasses that connects the end piece to the temple so that the shades can fold inward. Some hinges, known as spring hinges, allow for hyperextension resulting in a better fit for the wearer.
Screw
The screws can be found on the hinges as their function is to connect the temples to the end piece. These tiny screws, primarily made of stainless steel, support the opening and closing of feature of the shades.
Temple
The temples, often referred to as the arms, are the pieces of the sunglasses that extend to sit on top of the ear in order to hold the shades in place.
Temple tips
Made of a soft plastic or rubber material, temple tips slide securely over the end of the sunglass arms, providing a secure and comfortable fit. The soft material also helps to relieve pressure behind the wearer’s ears caused by the glasses for maximum comfort. Also referred to as earpieces, temple tips are most common on metal frame sunglasses.
Clip-ons
Clip-ons are a pair of two detachable sunglass lenses that are connected by a bridge and are made to fit over the lenses of your glasses via a clip or magnet. They come in a variety of shapes, tints, sizes and protection-styles and are an affordable alternative to purchasing a prescription pair of sunglasses.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: a full breakdown of sunglass parts by name and function! Whether you’re here for information on sunglass parts for replacement and repair purposes, or are just curious about the itemized configuration of sunnies, we hope to leave you well-informed on all aspects of sunglass anatomy.
