Collection: Chloe Acetate Glasses

Chloé acetate glasses are the heart of the maison's optical collection — richly coloured, beautifully finished frames cut from cotton-based acetate, the material that gives designer eyewear its depth, warmth and character. This is our largest Chloé edit, spanning cat-eyes, pilots, rounds and rectangles across every size, and every frame is genuine, sold by Ardor Eyewear as an authorised UK stockist and ready to be glazed with your prescription. If you want frames with real presence and colour that plastic simply cannot imitate, acetate is where to look.

What makes Chloé acetate glasses special

Acetate is a premium, plant-derived plastic built up in layers, which is exactly why Chloé acetate glasses carry such luminous colour. Havana tortoiseshell is the classic — look closely and you will see amber, chocolate and honey suspended within the same frame, shifting as the light moves. That depth is impossible to achieve with cheaper injection-moulded plastic, and it is the reason acetate has remained the material of choice for luxury eyewear for decades. Alongside Havana you will find deep greens, warm browns, burgundy, soft pinks and clear crystals across models such as the CH0238O cat-eye, the CH0339O Pilot and the CH0172O.

Acetate is also comfortable and adjustable. It warms slightly to the touch and can be gently reshaped by an optician, so the fit at the nose and ears can be tuned precisely to your face. It is hypoallergenic too, which makes it a reliable choice for sensitive skin that reacts to some metals. The trade-off — a little more weight than thin metal — is easily offset by the balance a well-made acetate frame achieves once glazed.

Shapes and sizes within the Chloé acetate glasses range

Because this collection is so broad, it is the best place to explore Chloé's design language across shapes. The cat-eye is the signature — softly lifted at the outer corner, feminine and instantly recognisable, seen in the CH0241O in Havana and the elegant CH0238O. Pilots and soft squares like the CH0339O bring an easy, unisex-leaning elegance, while rounded and rectangular styles keep things understated for work and everyday wear.

You will also find the full spread of sizes here, from neat 53mm frames to generous 56mm fronts, so whatever your face width there is an acetate Chloé to suit. Checking the numbers inside your current arm — lens width, bridge, temple, in millimetres — is the quickest way to match yourself to the right frame, and our team is happy to confirm before you buy.

Acetate versus metal frames

Acetate gives you colour, warmth and a bolder frame front; metal gives you a slimmer, more minimal profile and a lighter feel. Many wearers own one of each for different moods and occasions. If you find yourself drawn to a barely-there look instead, our Chloé metal glasses offer the same maison quality in thinner materials. There is no wrong answer — it comes down to whether you want your eyewear to make a statement or quietly disappear.

Prescription lenses for your Chloé acetate glasses

Almost every frame in this collection can be glazed with prescription lenses through Ardor. We fit single vision, varifocal glasses, bifocals, blue-light-filtering lenses for screen work, light tints and photochromic lenses that darken outdoors. Acetate frames tend to hold lenses securely thanks to their solid rims, and the range of sizes here means we can usually find a frame with the right lens height for varifocal designs.

Prefer to wear them plain, or waiting on an updated prescription? These make superb clear eyesight glasses frames too. Glazing typically adds around 7 to 10 working days for the lab work, UK delivery is free, and our 14-day returns policy gives you room to be certain.

Caring for acetate frames

Acetate rewards a little care. Clean the lenses and frame with a microfibre cloth and lens spray rather than a shirt hem, which can leave micro-scratches. Store the glasses in their case when not worn, and — importantly — keep them out of prolonged heat, such as a sunny car dashboard, because sustained warmth can slowly relax acetate and loosen the fit over time. If the frame ever feels slack, a quick professional adjustment restores it, since acetate reshapes easily when gently warmed. Treated well, a good acetate frame keeps its colour and comfort for many years.

Choosing an acetate frame for your face shape

Acetate's boldness makes shape choice especially rewarding. If your face is round, a soft-rectangular or angular acetate frame adds welcome structure and definition. If it is square or strong-jawed, a rounded or cat-eye acetate softens the angles. Oval faces are fortunate — almost any acetate shape suits them, so the choice comes down to colour and mood. Heart-shaped faces, wider at the top, are flattered by frames that add a little visual weight lower down, which is where a warm Havana cat-eye works beautifully. Because acetate frames make more of a statement than fine metal, matching the shape thoughtfully to your face pays real dividends, and our team is glad to talk it through if you are unsure.

More Chloé and designer eyewear to explore

Love the acetate look with sun protection? Our Chloé sunglasses bring the same rich materials to tinted lenses. To see how Chloé sits alongside other houses, browse the full designer eyeglasses UK range, or explore Gucci glasses for another take on luxury acetate. Everything we glaze lives together in the main glasses collection.

Frequently asked questions

What is acetate and why is it used for glasses?

Acetate is a premium, plant-based plastic built in layers, prized for its rich, deep colour, comfort and adjustability. It is the traditional material of luxury eyewear because it holds colour and finish far better than cheaper plastics.

Are Chloé acetate glasses heavier than metal ones?

Slightly, but a well-balanced acetate frame sits comfortably once glazed, and the trade-off buys you bolder colour and a warmer feel against the skin.

Are these frames genuine Chloé?

Yes. Ardor Eyewear is an authorised UK stockist and every acetate frame is 100% authentic Chloé, supplied with its case.

Can I add my prescription?

Almost always. We glaze single vision, varifocal, bifocal, blue-light, tinted and photochromic lenses to your prescription, and the wide range of sizes helps us match lens height to your needs.

How do I stop acetate frames loosening?

Keep them out of prolonged heat and store them in their case. If they do loosen, acetate reshapes easily and a quick professional adjustment restores the fit.

How long does an order take?

Plain frames ship promptly; prescription orders take around 7 to 10 working days for glazing, then free UK delivery.