Retro prescription glasses are staging a major comeback—sales in the vintage eyewear category grew 25% in 2024 alone. For brands, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge: how to meet demand without compromising on quality or cost. If you’re expanding your retro line, partnering with a vetted Chinese manufacturer becomes essential, offering a balance of high-quality craftsmanship and cost-efficiency.
I’ve seen this firsthand with Minghang Eyewear, established in 2000 in Taizhou. With 1,000+ staff and their own R&D and production lines, Minghang handles everything—from design to finished product.
In the next sections, I will guide you step by step—from picking material to passing quality checks—so you can confidently build or grow your eyewear line.
Table of Contents
Why Source Retro Prescription Glasses from China?
China makes about 90% of the world’s eyewear—that means lower costs for your brand. You get faster lead times, bulk pricing, and innovation at your fingertips. That dominance comes from huge factories, experienced workers, and prices that beat most other countries. Retro looks—think thick frames, tinted lenses and cat-eye shapes—are back. China has the know‑how to make them in big quantities.
Design & Materials Essentials
When designing retro frames, here’s what matters most in materials and lens options:
Frame Material Options
Each material has its own strength. It helps manufacturers meet different customer needs and likes.
| Material | Key Advantages | Potential Drawbacks | Best Use Case |
| Acetate | Bold colors, strong feel | Longer production time (up to 3 mo) | Brands seeking vibrant, fashion-forward designs |
| Metal | Lightweight, hypoallergenic | About 15% higher cost | Premium or minimalist style eyewear |
| TR90 | Flexible, lightweight, impact-resistant | Less luxurious appearance | Sporty or affordable lightweight eyewear collections |
Lens and Coating Technologies
Retro frames can look good, but lenses today also do more, like:
- Prescription Lenses: Tailored to individual vision requirements.
- Anti-Blue Light Coatings: Protect eyes from prolonged screen exposure.
- UV Protection: Safeguard against harmful ultraviolet rays.
- Anti-Scratch Coatings: Ensure lens longevity and clarity.
By adding these technologies, you help your retro eyewear look good and work well.
Manufacturing & Production Workflow
Production Steps
Producing retro prescription glasses involves multiple precise steps. Here’s what a typical workflow looks like:
- Material Selection: Choosing high-quality materials like acetate or metal.
- Frame Cutting: Using CNC machines to shape the frames accurately.
- Hinge Attachment: Employing laser welding or traditional methods for secure hinges.
- Polishing: Multiple stages of tumbling and hand polishing to achieve a smooth finish.
- Lens Fitting: Inserting prescription lenses with precision.
- Quality Control: Rigorous inspections to ensure product standards.
How Chinese Manufacturers Ensure Quality?
Ensuring the quality of retro eyewear is paramount. Manufacturers implement stringent quality control measures, including:
- AQL Inspections: Assessing product batches for defects.
- Hinge Testing: Verifying the durability of frame hinges.
- Stress Testing: Simulating real-world usage to ensure frame resilience.
These steps make sure every pair meets global quality standards.
How to Evaluate Chinese Eyewear Manufacturers?
Vetting Manufacturers
Selecting the right manufacturer involves thorough due diligence:
- Audits: Conducting factory audits to assess capabilities.
- Certifications: Verifying compliance with international standards like ISO, CE, and FDA.
- Factory Visits: Direct inspections to evaluate facilities and operations.
This helps you avoid low-quality partners and find a factory that understands your brand’s standards.
Compliance & Safety Standards
Adhering to compliance and safety standards is crucial for market acceptance:
- EU and US Regulations: Ensuring products meet regional safety and quality standards.
- Environmental and Social Compliance Audits: Verifying sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices.
Compliance with these standards is essential for brands aiming to enter or expand in international markets.
Custom Design and Branding Services
MOQ & Order Flexibility
Some factories offer low MOQs, making it easier for small brands to test the market.
Custom Designs & Packaging
Customization options include:
- Frame Designs: Tailoring styles to align with brand identity.
- Logo Etching: Adding brand logos for personalization.
- Packaging: Designing unique packaging solutions to enhance brand presentation.
These customization services enable brands to create distinctive product offerings.
Pricing, Logistics & Supply Chain
Before placing an order, get clarity on costs and shipping. Key areas to cover include:
- Sample vs. Bulk Pricing: Evaluating costs for initial samples and bulk orders.
- Shipping Terms: Understanding Incoterms and associated costs.
- Tariffs and HS Codes: Navigating import duties and classification codes.
Clear communication with manufacturers regarding these aspects ensures smooth transactions and cost-effective operations.
Sourcing Strategies & Best Practices
Sourcing from China isn’t just about finding the cheapest factory. Here are proven strategies to get the most value:
- Conduct Small Trial Orders and Audits: Mitigate risks by starting with smaller orders and evaluating manufacturers’ capabilities.
- Attend Key Trade Events: Participate in events like the Wenzhou Optics Fair and Canton Fair to network and discover new suppliers.
- Be Transparent About Payment Terms, Lead Times: Clear communication fosters trust and smooth business relationships.
Implementing these strategies can lead to successful partnerships and quality product outcomes.
Conclusion & Frequently Asked Questions
You now see that sourcing retro prescription eyewear needs smart design, good materials, fast production, and following rules.
If you’re exploring a new collection or supplier switch, consider reaching out to discuss custom retro designs. Let’s talk—whether you want samples, quotes, packaging options, or a full collection rollout.
Contact Minghang Eyewear today to discuss your custom retro project.
