Tortoiseshell, crystal, black: how to choose your frame colour

We often talk about the shape of sunglasses, much less about their colour. Yet colour is the first thing people notice. The same frame takes on a completely different attitude in black, tortoiseshell or crystal. Here is how to find the shade that suits you.

Black: the timeless choice that never goes out of style

Black is the ultimate essential. It structures the face, adds confidence and goes with everything, from a white t-shirt to a tailored jacket.

Who is it for? Anyone who wants a pair to wear every day without a second thought. Black especially flatters dark hair and olive skin, and adds contrast to fair complexions.

Our tip: pair a black frame with gradient or coloured lenses to break its classic look. Black then becomes a real signature.

Tortoiseshell: character with warmth

Inspired by the pattern of a turtle's shell, tortoiseshell blends browns, ambers and honey tones. Every pair is unique, because the pattern lives within the material itself, especially in acetate.

Who is it for? Tortoiseshell softens the features and warms up the face. It is ideal for golden or tanned skin and for brown, red or dark blonde hair. Vintage and elegant, it is perfect for a Riviera look.

Our tip: tortoiseshell loves natural tones: beige, off-white, khaki, denim. It is also the easiest colour to wear for a first statement pair.

Crystal: lightness and modernity

Transparent, or crystal, frames have become a must-have. They reveal the material, visually lighten the pair and give a contemporary, almost architectural look.

Who is it for? Anyone who wants sunglasses that get noticed without being overpowering. Crystal works with every skin tone and suits slim faces that a dark frame could overwhelm.

Our tip: play on contrast with dark or coloured lenses. A crystal pair stands out as much with an all-black outfit as with a beach look.

Coloured translucents: for those who dare

Green, blue, smoky pink: coloured translucent acetates keep the lightness of crystal while adding real personality. They are for anyone who wants their sunglasses to be the statement piece of the outfit, like the Boost in translucent green.

Choosing by skin tone

• Warm skin tone (golden undertones, tans easily): tortoiseshell, honey, amber, green, and black with warm lenses.
• Cool skin tone (pink undertones, burns in the sun): black, crystal, smoky grey, blue.
• Neutral skin tone: you can wear anything, so choose by style.

A simple test: look at the veins on your wrist. If they look green, your skin tone is warm. If they look blue, it is cool.

Choosing by hair colour

• Brown or black hair: black for a bold look, tortoiseshell for a softer one.
• Chestnut and red hair: tortoiseshell is made for you.
• Blonde hair: crystal and light shades, or black for strong contrast.
• Grey or white hair: black and bold colours instantly modernise the face.

What if you could only choose one?

If you are hesitating, ask yourself one question: do you want your sunglasses to blend into your style, or to define it? For an everyday pair, go for black or tortoiseshell. For a signature pair, try crystal or a translucent colour.

And nothing stops you from owning two: one for every day, and one for the days you want to be noticed.

Frequently asked questions

Is tortoiseshell out of fashion?
No, it is one of the most timeless colours in eyewear. It comes back every season, on increasingly modern shapes.

Does a transparent frame turn yellow over time?
Quality acetate ages well if properly cared for: clean it with lukewarm soapy water and keep it in its case, away from direct sunlight.

Does the frame colour affect UV protection?
No. Protection depends only on the lenses. Frame colour is a matter of style.

Find your colour

Black, tortoiseshell, crystal or translucent: discover every shade of our frames in our men's sunglasses and women's sunglasses collections. And to learn more about the material we use, read our article on acetate in eyewear.