Eyewear packaging has one structural decision in it, whether the box holds the frames directly or holds a case that holds the frames, and everything else follows from that. This guide covers how to specify; the sunglasses box product page is where to order.
Measuring frames properly
- Fold the frames the way they will be packed, temples crossed or stacked consistently.
- Measure the overall width across the widest point, usually the hinge or the temple end, not the lens edge.
- Measure the folded depth, front to back, which is where a wrap or a sports frame grows.
- Measure the height of the folded assembly at its tallest point, usually where the temples cross.
- Repeat for the largest frame in the range, and size to that.
Frame ranges vary more than people expect. A single carton that takes every frame you sell is simpler to stock and, because the die is included, no more expensive to tool than one sized to an average frame.
Box or case, and what it changes
| Setup | Sizing basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carton holds frames directly on a tray | Folded frame dimensions plus tray | Slimmest and cheapest, less protection in transit |
| Carton holds a hard case | Closed case dimensions | Case is the product; carton is a sleeve around it |
| Carton holds a soft pouch | Pouched frames, measured as a soft block | Needs a little extra clearance, the pouch is compressible |
| Gift set with cloth and card | Assembled stack including accessories | The cloth and card add real depth, measure assembled |
Protecting lenses without a hard case
If the frames travel in the carton alone, the lenses must not touch board. A microfibre cloth wrapped around the frames, a soft pouch, or a tray that supports the frames at the hinges and keeps the lens faces clear all work. A tray that holds the frames by the front and leaves the temples floating is the usual mistake, since the temples then bounce and mark the lenses. Tell us how the frames sit and we will cut the tray to suit.
Retail versus ecommerce
A retail eyewear box is judged on the shelf and in the hand: a rigid two piece box or a magnetic closure box gives the weight and the closing sound that a premium frame implies. An ecommerce pack has to survive a courier, so either build the retail box in corrugated or add a mailer sized to the outside of the retail box plus cushioning. Many brands do both, a rigid inner and a printed corrugated mailer.
Materials and finish
Rigid press board wrapped in textured or coloured stock is the premium route and takes foil stamping and embossing well. Standard white cardstock suits a full colour printed carton. Kraft suits a natural or recycled positioning. Corrugated stock is the choice for a mailer that also carries print. Finishes include gloss and matte lamination, spot UV, foil stamping and embossing.
Ordering
The minimum is 100 boxes, with pricing from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes confirmed on your written quote, and the die, plates, design support, US shipping and a digital proof included. Turnaround is quoted per job in three lanes, rush (expedited production plus air freight), standard (air) and cost saver (sea), from about 7 business days, plus 2 to 5 for delivery. Rigid boxes with specialty wraps sit at the longer end and imported specialty work can run up to about 12 weeks.
Order on the sunglasses box page, or send the measurements of your largest frame to the quote form. Related: rigid boxes.
