Shopping for sunglasses for your child often starts with style—fun colors, cute shapes, or mini versions of grown-up trends. But beyond appearances, there’s something just as important to consider: the material they’re made from.
Most kids’ sunglasses are made of plastic, but not all plastics are created equal. The frame material plays a major role in how comfortable the sunglasses are, how well they fit, and how long they last—especially in the hands of active little ones. In fact, the right material can mean the difference between a pair that’s worn happily every day and one that ends up at the bottom of a toy bin.
That’s where TR90 comes in. This advanced, kid-friendly plastic has become a favorite in premium children’s eyewear for its unique blend of flexibility, durability, and feather-light feel. In this blog, we’ll break down what TR90 is, why it’s ideal for young wearers, and how it supports both comfort and protection for growing eyes.
What is TR90?
TR90, a high-performance thermoplastic developed in Switzerland, belongs to a class of advanced polyamides known for their strength and flexibility. Its semi-crystalline structure allows frames to bend without breaking—ideal for everyday wear and tear.
On average, TR90 weighs 20–25% less than standard plastic, reducing pressure on the nose and ears. This lightweight feel enhances long-term comfort, especially for younger children.
Highly resistant to heat, cold, sweat, and chemicals like sunscreen. TR90 retains its shape and color even in rough conditions. BPA-free and hypoallergenic, making it safe for sensitive skin and everyday chewing habits in toddlers.
Backed by industry data and ophthalmic recommendations, TR90 is considered an ideal material for children’s eyewear—offering reliable protection, flexibility, and comfort in one.
TR90 vs. Other Common Eyewear Materials
Material plays a crucial role in children’s sunglasses—far beyond just aesthetics. Compared to common frame options such as acetate, polycarbonate, or metal, TR90 offers a distinct advantage: engineered specifically to handle the unpredictability of everyday life with kids.
TR90 is a Swiss-made thermoplastic nylon that’s incredibly lightweight—up to 50% lighter than acetate and 30–35% lighter than polycarbonate. That means no heavy frames slipping down little noses or leaving red marks after a day out. And unlike acetate, which can be stiff and brittle, TR90 is flexible and bounces back from drops, twists, and tugs—perfect for active play.
Even compared to polycarbonate, TR90 performs better under pressure. It resists cracking, handles heat and UV exposure like a champ, and keeps its shape even with rough handling. And unlike metal, which can irritate sensitive skin or feel too rigid, TR90 is hypoallergenic, BPA-free, and gentle enough for babies and toddlers—even those going through a chewing phase.
Why TR90 Works Great for Kids
TR90 combines flexibility, lightness, and resilience—qualities essential for active children. Designed to handle drops, twists, and everyday play without breaking or warping. Weighs 20–25% less than regular plastic, minimizing pressure on the nose and ears. A lightweight fit supports longer wear without discomfort.
Gentle on sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic, BPA-free, and free from common irritants. Suitable for children with sensitivities or families seeking safer everyday materials.
Highly resistant to heat, moisture, and sunscreen—maintaining shape and color through changing environments.
What to Look for in a TR90 Frame
1. Check for genuine TR90
With TR90’s rising popularity, some brands slap the label on regular plastic or nylon frames. Look for clear mentions in the product specs—authentic TR90 is often BPA-free, ISO-certified, and sometimes FDA or CE compliant. When in doubt, shop from trusted brands that specialize in kids’ eyewear.
2. Flexibility without floppiness
A good TR90 frame should gently flex—especially at the arms or bridge—without cracking or losing shape. That bounce-back quality is what makes TR90 great for handling drops and toddler chaos. But it should also hold its shape well enough to fit snugly on your child’s face.
3. Fit and comfort come first
Smooth edges, lightweight feel, and a soft nose bridge are must-haves. For toddlers and infants, padded temples or elastic straps help keep glasses in place without pinching or slipping. A frame that’s comfy is one your child will actually wear.
4. Don’t forget the lenses
TR90’s toughness pairs best with high-quality lenses—look for polarized, UV400 protection with shatterproof, scratch-resistant coatings. After all, what’s the point of durable frames if the lenses can’t keep up?
5. Fun, kid-approved designs
TR90’s flexibility allows for playful, colorful shapes—think stars, hearts, or mini aviators. Let your child pick their favorite! If they love how they look, they’re more likely to keep their sunnies on.
Little Sunnies Recommends
At Little Sunnies, we’ve made it our mission to create sunglasses that kids actuallywant to wear—and parents can truly trust. That’s why all our frames, especially in our toddler and big kid collections, are crafted using high-quality TR90 or similar ultra-flexible, BPA-free materials. These frames are designed not just for aesthetics, but with real childhood in mind: they’re lightweight for long wear, soft enough for sensitive skin, and durable enough to withstand playground tumbles, car seat naps, and endless on-off stretching.
We take children’s real-life needs into account. From fidgety fingers and rough play to sweaty naps in car seats, our sunglasses are built to endure it all without breaking, bending out of shape, or causing discomfort. Our frames meet stringent FDA safety standards, and every lens provides 100% UVA and UVB protection with polarized glare-reducing technology.
For the tiniest faces, our baby collection (ages 0–2) features sunglasses with soft curves, snug fits, and optional head straps that stay comfortably in place. Shapes like classic ovals (Alex), hearts (Jamie), and cat-eyes (Billie) add adorable personality while delivering real protection.
As children grow and explore the world more independently, our bigkid collection (ages 3–10) steps in with fashion-forward designs that match their expanding sense of style. Think mini aviators (Sky), vintage squares (Taylor), and playful florals (Sunnie)—all crafted from child-friendly materials that look sharp and feel even better.
For families who value flexibility and portability, we also offer foldable designs likeSkylerandCasey, making it easy to stash a pair in a pocket or backpack for spontaneous sunny adventures.
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