The three main types of eyeglass frames by rim construction are full-rim, semi-rimless and rimless. Shape and material describe different features: a round frame can have a full rim, and a titanium frame can have several shapes. For wholesale buying, record these details separately. That gives a supplier a clearer request than a list that mixes “round,” “metal” and “rimless” as competing options.
This guide explains the terms you will meet in frame catalogs and how to use them in a buying brief. It covers frame selection for wholesalers, optical retailers and private-label brands. Lens selection and individual prescription fitting belong with the optical professional handling the finished glasses.
Start with the rim construction
A rim, also called an eyewire, borders the lens. The Vision Expo ophthalmic products course handout distinguishes full frames, semi-rimless mountings and three-piece drilled rimless frames in its “Frame Styles” section. These terms describe the lens support rather than a particular material or fashion category.
Full-rim frames
A full rim surrounds each lens. The border may be visually prominent or quite fine. Both a thick acetate front and a thin metal front can belong to this category.
On a supplier shortlist, record the actual model as well as “full-rim.” The category alone does not specify the front dimensions, bridge, hinge or finish. Request front and side views to understand the complete frame.
Semi-rimless or half-rim frames
A semi-rimless frame has a rigid border around only part of the lens. A common arrangement uses a cord to retain the exposed section in a lens-edge groove. Other mounting designs exist, so ask how the selected model holds its lenses.
For a buying brief, request the model’s mounting information and available replacement parts. Have the optical lab confirm the frame is suitable for its planned lens work before approving an order.
Rimless frames
A rimless design has no surrounding eyewire. In a three-piece drilled system, the bridge and outer attachments connect to the lenses through model-specific fittings.
Ask what the supplier delivers: components, a frame with demonstration lenses, or another agreed configuration. A catalog photograph does not establish which parts or assembly instructions come with the order.
Do not use rim type alone to rank weight, durability or price. Those comparisons require actual models, matching supply scope and evidence for any performance claim.
Use shape names to describe the outline
Shape labels help you search a catalog, but suppliers may use different names for similar outlines. Include a reference image or model number when the exact contour matters.
- Round and oval: curved outlines; an oval is more elongated.
- Rectangle and square: angular outlines with different proportions. Compare the actual width and depth rather than relying on the label.
- Cat-eye: an outline with raised outer corners. The amount of lift varies by model.
- Aviator or pilot: a style family often associated with a teardrop outline. Check the actual lens shape and bridge arrangement.
- Geometric: an umbrella term for angular designs such as hexagonal or octagonal outlines. Specify the contour you want.
These names are also used in All About Vision’s frame-style guide. For a buyer, they are useful search terms rather than a complete specification.
Browline describes an emphasized upper front. It does not automatically mean semi-rimless: inspect whether a thinner rim continues around the lower lens. Likewise, a clear frame is a color or transparency choice, not a separate rim construction.
Treat face-shape suggestions as styling preferences. They cannot replace a size check or tell you which models your customers will buy.
Record the material separately
Use a separate field for material. Where parts differ, identify the front and temples individually. “Metal frame” is a broad description; it does not confirm an alloy or show that every component uses the same material.
Our frame material guide covers the main material families. For a frame with different front and temple materials, use the combination-frame checklist to clarify the component specification.
Keep size and fit separate from style
Two rectangular frames can have different dimensions and bridge designs. Request the supplier’s size information for each model, including lens width, bridge width and temple length. Ask for other dimensions needed by your buyer or optical lab, rather than filling missing fields from a photograph.
Terms such as “wide,” “small” or “oversized” need a dimensional reference. Confirm the measurement method when comparing suppliers. A style label does not establish a suitable fit for an individual wearer.
For prescription use, arrange a sample review with the optical professional responsible for lens fitting. The commercial decision to stock a style and the clinical decision to fit it are separate responsibilities.
Turn the shortlist into a supplier request
Use one record per proposed model. A practical first request can contain:
- A model number, product link or reference photo.
- Rim construction and preferred outline.
- Front and temple materials, where known.
- Required dimensions or the sample you want evaluated.
- Colors, quantities and target market.
- Logo, packaging and replacement-part questions.
Mark undecided items as questions to the supplier. You do not need a finished engineering drawing to begin discussing existing styles.
For example, “Please suggest full-rim rectangular models with an acetate front, and provide dimensions, temple material and samples” gives a supplier a usable starting point. It requests options without pretending that a complete specification already exists.
Once you have model references, review the budget assortment guide to decide which options earn a place in the order. A different color does not necessarily fill a missing size or construction need.
Request options for your collection
Browse our eyeglass frame catalog for model references, or describe the type you want to source. Titanium Frames reviews wholesale, private-label and OEM/ODM inquiries. Send your shortlist with quantities and any target price, and ask which options can meet the brief.
Frequently asked questions
Are titanium frames a fourth rim type?
No. Titanium describes a material. Full-rim, semi-rimless and rimless describe construction. Confirm both fields for the actual model.
Is browline the same as half-rim?
No. A strong upper border can sit above a thinner lower rim. Check the lens perimeter and mounting method instead of classifying the frame from its upper outline alone.
Which type should a wholesaler order first?
Start with the needs of your customers, the models available and the order budget. Compare samples and supply terms before choosing quantities. There is no single rim type or shape that suits every wholesale range.
Do I need a technical drawing to ask for a quote?
For an initial discussion, a model reference, product link or photo can help. Explain what you want to keep or change. The supplier can then identify missing information and whether an existing style or new development is appropriate.