Our Lenses
Our Lenses — TAC Polarised Sunglass Technology
See more. Feel better. Leave less behind.
Most sunglass brands treat lenses as an afterthought — a dark piece of plastic to keep the sun out of your eyes. At Groovy Sunnies, the lens is where it all begins. Because the way you see the world matters.
TAC Lenses — The Smarter Choice for Sunnies
Our lenses are crafted from TAC — Triacetate Cellulose, a material derived from cellulose: one of the world's most naturally abundant organic compounds, found in a third of all plant matter. It's the same base philosophy we apply to our frames. Same values, inside and out.
Unlike conventional single-mould plastic lenses, TAC lenses are built from multiple specialised layers, each performing a specific optical function. The result is uniform, distortion-free light transmission and sharp, precise vision — the kind of clarity that feels effortless.
- Exceptionally clear optics with zero distortion
- Naturally lightweight due to low cellulose density
- More biodegradable and eco-friendly than nylon or polycarbonate alternatives
- The same base material as our acetate frames — consistent, considered, sustainable
For us, eco-friendliness isn't a bonus feature. It's the baseline.
How Groovy Lenses Compare
Ray-Ban — the world's most recognised sunglasses brand — builds most of their range on polycarbonate: a petroleum-derived plastic. Their premium "Crystal" lenses use mineral glass, which is heavier, more fragile, and more expensive, without necessarily offering better everyday performance.
TAC sits in its own lane. The optical quality of TAC lenses rivals glass, while impact resistance matches polycarbonate — delivering the best of both, without their drawbacks.
You get premium lens clarity at a price that doesn't punish you for caring about quality.
TAC vs Polycarbonate vs Glass
| Feature | TAC (Groovy) | Polycarbonate | Mineral Glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optical clarity | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Lightweight | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Impact resistance | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Eco-friendly | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Distortion-free | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
Colour-Enhanced Vision — Made for Manly Beach
Life in Manly is vivid. Our lenses keep it that way.
Groovy lenses are available in colour-enhancing tints calibrated to increase contrast and visual depth — making colours appear richer, more defined, and true to life. Not darker. Better.
The built-in polarisation layer acts as a precision filter that blocks horizontally-reflected glare from water, roads, and sand — significantly improving visual clarity and reducing eye fatigue on long beach days.
The world looks better through Groovy. That's not marketing. That's optics.
UV400 Protection — 100% UVA & UVB Blocked
Every pair of Groovy sunnies is UV400 rated, blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Your eyes are exposed to more sunlight than any other organ. Protecting them isn't a premium. It's a given.
Our polarised TAC lenses deliver superior UV protection and exceptional optical clarity — whether you're on the water, the road, or anywhere the Australian sun finds you.
Light Enough to Forget You're Wearing Them
Because of the naturally low density of cellulose triacetate, TAC lenses are remarkably lightweight — designed for all-day comfort without pressure, sliding, or fatigue.
No adjusting. No fidgeting. Just you, the sun, and nothing in the way.
Australian & New Zealand Compliance — AS/NZS 1067.1:2016
Every pair of Groovy Sunnies meets the requirements of AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 — the Australian and New Zealand Standard for sunglasses and fashion spectacles. When you see this standard, it means the lenses have been independently verified for optical quality, UV protection, and lens category classification.
Lens Category 3 — General Purpose Sunglasses
Our lenses are classified as Category 3 under AS/NZS 1067.1:2016, the highest category recommended for everyday general use in bright Australian conditions.
- High protection against sun glare — ideal for beach, water, and outdoor use
- Good UV protection — blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays (UV400 rated)
- Not intended for direct observation of the sun
- Not for protection against artificial light sources (e.g. solaria)
- Not for use as eye protection against mechanical impact hazards
NOT SUITABLE FOR DRIVING IN TWILIGHT OR AT NIGHT.