What Makes a Good Pair of Kids' Sunglasses? A Look at the Materials Behind Oh! Cherise

Anyone who has watched a toddler treat sunglasses like a chew toy, a frisbee, or an accessory to be sat on knows that kids' eyewear has to survive a lot more than sunshine. That's why, at Oh! Cherise, we're picky about what our frames are actually made of. Two materials do most of the heavy lifting across our kids' sunglasses collection: TR90 and TPEE. Here's what they are, why we use them, and how to think about them when you're choosing a pair for your child.

TR90: The Bendable, Nearly Unbreakable Frame Body

TR90 is a lightweight nylon-based copolymer that was originally developed for aerospace and technical eyewear applications. In kid-friendly terms: it's the material that lets a frame get twisted, sat on, or stepped on and pop right back into shape instead of snapping.

Why it works for kids:

• Flexible with memory – TR90 can flex significantly and returns to its original shape, which matters when little hands (or a backpack) bend the frame.
• Ultra-lightweight – Kids are more likely to actually keep sunglasses on if they barely notice they're wearing them.
• Impact and UV resistant – Built to withstand rough play and long days outside without degrading.
• Hypoallergenic – A safer bet for kids with sensitive skin, since TR90 is generally low-reaction.

We use TR90 primarily for the main frame structure and temples on our more "everyday adventure" styles — the pairs meant for the playground, the beach, and everything in between.

TPEE: The Soft-Touch Comfort Layer

TPEE (thermoplastic elastomer) is a softer, more rubbery material, often used where comfort and grip matter most rather than structural rigidity. Think of it as the material equivalent of a soft-touch phone case.

Why it works for kids:

• Soft and cushioned – Ideal for nose pads and temple tips that rest directly on a child's face.
• Excellent grip – Helps sunglasses stay put during active play instead of sliding down a small, still-developing nose bridge.
• Elastic and comfortable – Reduces pressure points, which matters for kids who are less tolerant of anything that feels tight or pinchy.
• Heat and chemical resistant – Holds up to sunscreen, saltwater, and a hot car dashboard without breaking down.

How Oh! Cherise Combines Both

Most of our kids' sunglasses aren't pure TR90 or pure TPEE — they're a combination:

• TR90 forms the durable, flexible frame front and temples that need to survive drops and bends.
• TPEE covers the nose pads and temple tips that touch your child's skin, adding grip and comfort.

This pairing gives kids sunglasses that are tough enough for daily wear and tear, but still comfortable enough that they'll actually want to keep them on.

Quick Guide: Which Matters More for Your Child?

If your priority is...	Look for more of...
Surviving rough play, drops, and bending	TR90
All-day comfort and staying in place during activity	TPEE
A frame that won't irritate sensitive skin	Both – but especially TPEE contact points
Lightest possible feel	TR90

The Bottom Line

Neither material is "better" on its own — they solve different problems. TR90 gives kids' sunglasses their durability and structure; TPEE gives them their comfort and grip. At Oh! Cherise, we use both together so parents get a pair of sunglasses that can handle a kid's day without a kid ever having to think about it.