How Custom Sunglasses Are Manufactured：OEM Factory Process from Design to Shipment

Custom sunglasses manufacturing does not start when the factory begins bulk production. In most OEM projects, the real work starts much earlier — when the design idea is checked, the frame material is selected, the lens option is confirmed, the logo method is reviewed, and the sample is approved.

This is why two sunglasses that look very similar in photos can have very different costs, lead times, and production risks. A simple-looking frame may need a new mold. A small logo may require a different printing method. A special lens color may need several rounds of matching before it looks right in real light.

For brands developing OEM or private label sunglasses, understanding the full factory process can help avoid many common problems, including unclear quotations, wrong samples, color differences, logo issues, packaging delays, and last-minute shipment changes.

As a custom sunglasses manufacturer, Higlasser Eyewear usually follows this OEM workflow:

Inquiry → Design Confirmation → Sampling → Sample Approval → Quotation → Deposit → Bulk Production → Quality Control → Balance Payment → Shipment

Below is a practical step-by-step explanation of how a real custom sunglasses project moves from an idea to finished goods.

Quick Answer

Custom sunglasses are manufactured through a full OEM process that includes inquiry, design confirmation, sampling, sample approval, quotation, deposit, bulk production, quality control, balance payment, and shipment.

The exact lead time depends on the frame material, mold requirement, lens type, logo method, packaging, order quantity, and testing needs. For buyers, the key decision is whether to use ready-stock frames, customize an existing mold, or develop a new mold, because this choice affects MOQ, cost, sampling time, and production lead time.

In most OEM projects, the most important step is not rushing into bulk production, but confirming the right sample and specifications before production starts.

OEM Sunglasses Manufacturing Process at a Glance

Before going into each step, here is a simple overview of the full custom sunglasses manufacturing process.

This process may look straightforward, but each stage affects the final cost, lead time, and product quality. In real OEM production, most problems happen when one of these stages is rushed or skipped.

1. Inquiry: The Factory First Needs to Understand the Product

A good inquiry is not only about asking for a price. Before a sunglasses factory can quote correctly, it needs to understand what kind of product you want to make and what level of customization is required.

For a custom sunglasses project, the most useful information includes:

One common mistake is sending only one product photo and asking, “How much is this?” A factory can usually give only a rough price at this stage because the photo does not show the material, lens type, hinge quality, logo method, packaging level, or order quantity.

For brands that are still comparing options, it is better to start with the product direction first. For example, are you developing fashion sunglasses, sport sunglasses, polarized fishing sunglasses, kids sunglasses, designer-style sunglasses, or ready-stock private label sunglasses?

Once the factory understands the product direction, it can suggest a more suitable material, lens option, logo method, packaging level, and production route. This early communication often saves time later, especially for new brands that are not yet sure which specification is best for their market.

2. Design Confirmation: A Good-Looking Idea Must Become a Workable Product

After the inquiry, the factory checks whether the design can be produced smoothly. This step is important because sunglasses are not only about appearance.

A frame must hold the lenses correctly, fit the face, open and close smoothly, and remain stable during daily use. The logo also needs enough space to appear clearly, and the lens curve must match the frame structure. A design that looks good in a product rendering may still need small adjustments before it can become a reliable physical product.

During design confirmation, the factory usually checks:

• Frame shape and size
• Bridge width and nose fit
• Temple length
• Hinge structure
• Lens shape
• Lens thickness
• Lens base curve
• Frame material
• Surface finish
• Logo size and logo method
• Frame color and lens color
• Packaging and labeling requirements

If the design needs a new mold, the factory also has to check the mold structure. For injection sunglasses made with materials such as TR90, PC, or CP, a new mold often takes about 21–40 days, depending on the complexity of the frame.

For metal sunglasses, if a new temple mold or special metal part is needed, tooling may take about 20–30 days before full production planning can move forward.

This is why design confirmation should not be treated as a formality. A small detail at this stage can affect sampling time, mold cost, production stability, and final product quality. In many OEM projects, the best result comes from adjusting the design before sampling, not trying to fix problems after bulk production has started.

3. Sampling: The Sample Confirms More Than Appearance

Sampling is the stage where the product idea becomes a physical item. It allows the buyer to check not only the look of the sunglasses, but also the material feel, lens effect, frame balance, logo result, and packaging direction.

For OEM sunglasses, samples are usually divided into three types:

Many new buyers only check samples by photo, but sunglasses should be checked by hand whenever possible. A photo can show the general style, but it cannot fully show whether the frame feels stable, whether the temples open smoothly, whether the lenses fit tightly, or whether the frame sits evenly on the face.

When reviewing a sample, the buyer should check:

• Whether the frame feels stable
• Whether the temples open and close smoothly
• Whether the frame sits evenly
• Whether the lens color looks right under real light
• Whether the logo is clear
• Whether the lenses fit tightly
• Whether the packaging matches the brand image

For polarized sunglasses, the sample should also be checked for polarization effect, UV400 requirement, lens color, mirror coating, and surface quality.

If the sample is only used to check the general style, an existing sample may be enough. But if the sample is used to confirm a real production order, the logo, lens, color, and packaging should be as close as possible to the final version. Otherwise, the approved sample may not truly represent the goods that will be produced later.

4. Sample Approval: Small Details Should Be Fixed Before Bulk Production

Bulk production should only start after the sample is approved. At this stage, the buyer and factory should confirm every visible and functional detail.

The confirmation usually includes:

• Frame color
• Lens color
• Lens material
• UV400 requirement
• Polarized or non-polarized lens
• Mirror coating
• Logo size
• Logo position
• Logo printing or laser effect
• Hinge and screw quality
• Packaging style
• Cloth, pouch, case, or box details
• Barcode, label, or instruction card
• Final quantity
• Color breakdown

This step helps both sides avoid later disputes. Once bulk production begins, changing a logo position, lens color, frame color, or packaging style can create extra cost and delay.

One detail that often needs attention is color matching. Frame color and lens color come from different production systems and different materials, so the factory can usually make them close, but a 100% identical color match is not always realistic.

This is especially important when a brand wants the frame and lens in the same color tone, such as a blue frame with blue lenses, a green frame with green lenses, or a special transparent color. For these projects, the best way is always to confirm by physical sample instead of relying only on screen images.

5. Quotation and Deposit: The Price Should Be Based on Confirmed Specifications

A serious quotation should not only show a unit price. It should be based on confirmed product details, because every material, lens, logo, packaging, and testing requirement can affect the final cost.

The main cost factors usually include:

After the quotation is confirmed, the buyer usually pays a deposit before bulk production starts. This allows the factory to prepare materials, arrange production capacity, and start order planning.

For buyers, this is also the point where the project becomes much more specific. The quantity, color ratio, payment terms, lead time, packaging requirement, and inspection standard should all be clear before the factory moves forward.

6. Bulk Production: Different Frame Materials Follow Different Production Routes

Sunglasses manufacturing is not the same for every material. Injection sunglasses, acetate sunglasses, and metal sunglasses all follow different production methods. Their tooling needs, production time, cost structure, and QC points are also different.

This is why the factory should not only ask, “What style do you want?” It should also help the buyer understand which material is suitable for the product positioning, target price, and expected use.

Injection Sunglasses: PC, TR90, and CP Frames

Injection sunglasses are common for sport sunglasses, fashion sunglasses, kids sunglasses, promotional sunglasses, and many private label projects.

The basic process usually includes:

1. Material preparation and color matching
2. Injection molding
3. Trimming and surface treatment
4. Lens cutting and fitting
5. Logo processing
6. Assembly
7. Inspection
8. Packaging

For injection materials such as TR90, PC, and CP, if a new mold is required, the mold time is usually around 21–40 days. After the mold is ready and the sample is approved, bulk production often takes around 40 days, depending on order quantity and complexity.

TR90 is often selected for lightweight and flexible frames. PC is often used when the buyer wants a lower-cost injection frame or stronger impact resistance in certain projects. CP is also used for injection sunglasses where cost control is important.

Injection sunglasses are a good option when the brand needs stable shape, consistent production, and larger quantity. For very small test orders, buyers may also consider ready-stock frames with customized logos before investing in new molds.

Acetate Sunglasses: Sheet Cutting, Polishing, and Handwork

Acetate sunglasses have a different production process because they are made from sheet material instead of being injected from a mold.

The process usually includes:

1. Acetate sheet selection
2. Cutting and shaping
3. CNC or milling work
4. Tumbling and polishing
5. Hinge mounting
6. Lens cutting and fitting
7. Logo work
8. Final adjustment and packaging

Acetate frames often have a stronger fashion and premium feel. They are common in designer sunglasses, optical-style sunglasses, and higher-end private label collections.

The production time for acetate sunglasses is usually around 45–60 days, depending on the design, color, quantity, and handwork required.

Because acetate frames involve more handwork, details such as polishing, hinge fitting, and final adjustment are very important. A good acetate frame should not only look polished in photos; it should also feel comfortable and balanced when worn.

Metal Sunglasses: Parts, Welding, Plating, and Assembly

Metal sunglasses include materials such as nickel silver, stainless steel, and titanium. Different metals have different production difficulty, so the production time and cost can vary a lot.

The process may include:

1. Metal part forming
2. Bridge and rim shaping
3. Welding or soldering
4. Surface polishing
5. Plating or coloring
6. Lens fitting
7. Screw and hinge assembly
8. Final adjustment
9. Packaging

Metal production can take longer because there are more parts and more surface treatment steps. If it is a new metal style, some parts may need new tooling, which can take about 20–30 days before production.

For metal sunglasses, bulk production time is often around 40–70 days, depending on the material, structure, plating requirement, and order complexity.

Metal frames are often used for fashion, premium, rimless, semi-rimless, and lightweight designs. They require careful control of welding, plating, screws, and frame balance. Even a small issue in plating or alignment can affect the final look and wearing comfort.

7. Lens Selection and Fitting Are Key to Product Performance

The lens is not only a colored part added to the frame. It decides how the sunglasses perform in real use.

Common sunglass lens materials include:

For a custom sunglasses order, the buyer should confirm:

• Lens material
• Lens color
• UV400 protection
• Polarized or non-polarized lens
• Mirror coating
• Lens thickness
• Base curve
• Anti-scratch coating
• AR coating
• Hydrophobic or oil-resistant coating

For outdoor, fishing, sport, and driving sunglasses, lens function is often more important than appearance. For fashion sunglasses, lens color and mirror coating may be more important for the product image.

A good sunglasses manufacturer should help the buyer choose the lens based on product use, not only based on cost. For example, a fishing brand may care more about polarization and glare reduction. A kids sunglasses brand may care more about impact resistance and safety. A fashion brand may care more about lens color, mirror effect, and overall appearance.

Lens fitting is also important. If the lens curve and frame curve do not match well, the sunglasses may have gaps, pressure points, or unstable fitting. This is why lens confirmation should be part of the early technical review, not something decided only at the end.

8. Logo and Packaging Should Be Planned Before Production

Logo and packaging are part of the manufacturing process. They should not be treated as small details added after the sunglasses are finished.

For sunglasses, common logo positions include:

• Temple logo
• Lens logo
• Metal logo
• Inner temple printing
• Packaging logo
• Pouch logo
• Cloth logo
• Box logo

Each method has its own limits. If a logo is too complex, a small temple area may not show the details clearly. If the logo file is low quality, the printed result may look rough. If the logo position is too small, the factory may need to suggest another method.

In real projects, the factory usually checks the logo file first, then judges the best method based on the material, surface, available space, and brand effect.

Packaging also needs early confirmation. A simple microfiber pouch and a premium hard case have very different costs, MOQ, and lead times.

For private label sunglasses, packaging can include:

• Sunglasses pouch
• Hard case
• Folding case
• Paper box
• Microfiber cloth
• Hang tag
• User manual
• Barcode label
• Carton mark

If these are confirmed too late, the final shipment may be delayed even when the sunglasses are already finished. For private label projects, it is better to confirm the packaging direction during sampling, especially when the buyer needs a logo pouch, custom case, paper box, barcode label, or retail-ready packing.

9. Assembly and Final Adjustment

After the frames, lenses, logos, and accessories are ready, the factory moves into assembly.

This stage may include:

• Lens fitting
• Screw assembly
• Hinge checking
• Nose pad installation
• Temple alignment
• Frame balance adjustment
• Cleaning
• Final appearance check

Assembly is important because small problems can affect the wearing experience. A frame may look good in photos, but if the temples are not balanced, the sunglasses may sit unevenly on the face. If the screws are too loose, the frame may feel unstable. If the lenses are not fitted correctly, there may be gaps or pressure marks.

This is especially important for acetate and metal sunglasses because both materials often need more hand adjustment. For higher-end sunglasses, final adjustment is not just a technical step; it is part of the perceived quality of the product.

10. Quality Control: What Should Be Checked Before Balance Payment

Before shipment, the sunglasses should pass quality control. For OEM orders, QC is especially important because the buyer may not be present during production.

A practical QC checklist may include:

Clear inspection standards help reduce risk before balance payment and shipment. A buyer can also request special inspection points before production begins, such as:

• Lens testing
• Logo rubbing test
• Hinge opening test
• Screw tightness check
• Packaging drop test
• Color comparison
• Carton packing check

The best time to discuss QC requirements is before bulk production, not after the goods are finished. When inspection points are clear from the beginning, the factory can control them during production instead of only sorting problems at the final stage.

11. Balance Payment and Shipment

After QC is completed and the goods are ready, the buyer usually arranges balance payment. Then the factory prepares shipment.

Common shipping methods include:

• Express shipping for samples or small urgent orders
• Air freight for faster bulk delivery
• Sea freight for larger orders
• Railway or truck shipping for some regions

Before shipment, the buyer should confirm:

• Shipping address
• Consignee information
• Carton information
• Invoice details
• Packing list
• Customs documents
• Shipping method
• Delivery schedule

The final delivery time depends on the shipping method, destination country, customs process, and season. For urgent orders, the shipping plan should be discussed early, especially when the order includes custom packaging, special labels, or retail-ready cartons.

How Long Does It Take to Manufacture Custom Sunglasses?

The full lead time depends on material, mold requirement, sample approval, order quantity, packaging, and testing requirements.

Here is a general reference:

These are general production references. The exact lead time should be confirmed after the design, material, sample, quantity, and packaging are clear.

If the buyer needs custom packaging, special lenses, new molds, or testing reports, extra time may be needed. In real production, lead time is not only about how fast the factory can make the frame. It also depends on how quickly samples are approved, how stable the specification is, and whether all accessories are confirmed on time.

Ready-Stock, Existing Mold, or New Mold: Which Option Should You Choose?

Not every custom sunglasses project needs a new mold. For many brands, the best production route depends on the order quantity, budget, timeline, and level of customization.

For new brands or first-time buyers, ready-stock frames with custom logo can be a practical way to test the market before investing in a new mold.

For brands that already have a clear design direction and stable order quantity, existing mold customization or new mold development may be more suitable.

The factory should help the buyer compare these options before sampling, instead of pushing every project into the same production route.

What Brands Should Prepare Before Contacting a Sunglasses Manufacturer

Before asking for a quotation, it is helpful to prepare a simple project brief. The buyer does not need to have every technical detail ready, but the following information will make communication much faster:

• Product style or reference image
• Target customer and market
• Expected quantity
• Frame material preference
• Lens material or lens function
• Logo file
• Logo position
• Packaging idea
• Color requirement
• Sample requirement
• Testing or certification requirement
• Expected delivery time

If the material or lens is not clear yet, the factory can suggest options based on the product use and budget. A fashion brand, sport brand, fishing brand, and kids eyewear brand may all need different frame materials, lens functions, and packaging levels.

The clearer the project brief is, the easier it is for the factory to suggest a practical solution. This does not only make communication faster; it also helps the buyer receive a quotation that is closer to the real production cost.

Final Thoughts

Custom sunglasses manufacturing is not only about making a frame and adding lenses. A successful OEM project depends on clear design confirmation, correct material selection, careful sampling, stable production, detailed QC, and well-planned packaging.

For brands, the most important step is not rushing into bulk production. It is confirming the right sample first.

If your brand is planning a custom sunglasses project, Higlasser Eyewear can help review your design, suggest suitable materials, check logo options, prepare samples, and support OEM or private label production.

Send us your design, reference photo, quantity, lens requirement, logo file, and packaging idea. Our team will help you check the best production solution for your project.

Request a Custom Sunglasses Quotation

Planning a custom sunglasses project? Send us your reference photo, target quantity, lens requirement, logo file, packaging idea, target market, and expected delivery time. These details help us review your project faster and give a more accurate quotation.

If you are not sure which material, lens, logo method, or production route is suitable, you can also send us your target price and product positioning. Higlasser Eyewear can help you compare ready-stock customization, existing mold customization, and new mold development before sampling.

To help us quote faster, please include:

• Reference photo or design drawing
• Estimated order quantity
• Preferred frame material
• Lens requirement, such as UV400, polarized, mirror coating, or special color
• Logo file and logo position
• Packaging idea
• Target market
• Expected delivery time

This helps reduce development risk, control cost, and confirm the right production plan before bulk production starts.

FAQ

What is the first step in custom sunglasses manufacturing?

The first step is confirming the product details. A factory needs to understand the frame style, material, lens type, logo position, quantity, packaging, and target market before giving an accurate quotation.

Can sunglasses be manufactured from only a photo?

A photo can help the factory understand the style, but it is usually not enough for final production. The factory still needs to confirm size, material, lens type, logo method, color, and packaging details.

How long does it take to manufacture custom sunglasses?

For many custom sunglasses orders, production may take around 40–70 days after sample approval, depending on the material and complexity. If a new mold or tooling is needed, extra mold time should be added.

What is the MOQ for custom sunglasses?

The MOQ depends on the frame type, material, color, lens, logo method, packaging requirement, and whether the order uses ready-stock frames, an existing mold, or a new mold.

In many OEM sunglasses projects, MOQ is often higher for new colors, new molds, special lenses, or fully customized packaging because the factory needs to arrange materials, production, color matching, and inspection standards.

For new brands or market testing, ready-stock frames with custom logo can usually be a more flexible option. This allows buyers to start with lower development risk before moving into full custom production or new mold development.

How long does it take to make a custom sunglasses sample?

Sample time depends on the level of customization. If the buyer only needs to check an existing frame, the sample can usually be prepared faster. If the sample needs custom logo, special lens color, packaging, or a new mold, the sampling time will be longer.

For a serious OEM order, the sample should be close to the final production version, including frame color, lens option, logo effect, and packaging direction.

Can I add my logo to existing sunglasses?

Yes. In many private label projects, buyers can add their logo to existing sunglasses frames. Common logo positions include the temple, lens, inner temple, pouch, cloth, case, and box.

However, the factory needs to check the logo file, logo size, material surface, and available position before confirming the best logo method. A very complex logo may not show clearly in a small temple area, so another logo method may be recommended.

Should I choose ready-stock sunglasses or develop a new mold?

It depends on your budget, timeline, quantity, and design requirement.

Ready-stock sunglasses with custom logo are suitable for new brands, small test orders, or buyers who want a faster and lower-risk start. Existing mold customization is suitable when the buyer wants OEM customization without paying for a fully new frame mold. New mold development is better when the brand needs a unique frame shape, exclusive design, or more control over structure and sizing.

A good sunglasses manufacturer should help you compare these options before sampling.

Why is sample approval important before bulk production?

Sample approval helps confirm the frame shape, color, lens, logo, fitting, and packaging before mass production. It reduces the risk of mistakes and avoids costly changes during bulk production.

Can the frame color and lens color be exactly the same?

The factory can try to make the colors close, but 100% matching is not always possible because frames and lenses use different materials and production methods. For special color projects, a physical sample is the best way to confirm the result.

What affects the price of custom sunglasses?

The price is affected by frame material, lens material, lens function, logo method, packaging, quantity, mold or tooling cost, and testing requirements.

What should I prepare before asking for a quotation?

You can prepare a reference photo, expected quantity, frame material, lens requirement, logo file, packaging idea, target market, and expected delivery time. If you are not sure about some details, the factory can help suggest options based on your project.