Noah's First-Ever Sunglasses Are Handmade in Japan and Built From Biodegradable Acetate
The Angus and The Keating differ in hinge count, frame thickness, and colorway range, but share the same handmade Japanese construction throughout.
Summary
- Noah has launched its first eyewear collection with two sunglass styles, The Angus and The Keating, both priced at $288 USD
- Both frames are handmade in Japan from 100% Bio-circular acetate, certified biodegradable, and fitted with mineral glass lenses offering 100% UVA/UVB protection
- The Angus comes in Tortoiseshell and Black; The Keating adds a third option in Green and uses a slimmer frame with five-barrel hinges versus the Angus’s seven
Noah has released its debut eyewear collection, introducing two sunglass styles — The Angus and The Keating — both handmade in Japan from 100% Bio-circular acetate with mineral glass lenses.
The material foundation is the same across both frames and worth unpacking first. Bio-circular acetate is a certified biodegradable material derived from bio-based sources rather than conventional petroleum-based plastics, and its use here carries Noah’s established commitment to material accountability into a new product category. Mineral glass lenses, chosen over the polycarbonate that dominates most sunglasses at this price point, offer superior optical clarity and scratch resistance at the cost of slightly more weight. The combination of biodegradable frame material and glass lenses is a deliberate stack of material choices, each one prioritizing performance and environmental integrity over the cheaper alternative.
The hardware decisions on both frames merit attention. Custom rivet heads appear on each style, adding a tactile detail that references workwear and vintage eyewear construction without reading as costume. The hinges are where the two frames diverge most specifically. The Angus uses two-tone seven-barrel hinges plated in gold and silver, while The Keating uses two-tone five-barrel hinges with the same plating treatment. The barrel count difference is a functional one: more barrels distribute mechanical stress across a wider span, which affects how the hinge feels over repeated opening and closing. The seven-barrel construction on The Angus gives it a slightly more substantial action; the five-barrel on The Keating is lighter and more minimal in its movement.
The frames differ in thickness as well. The Angus measures 8mm at the frame, giving it a more architectural, present profile on the face. The Keating comes in at 6mm, which contributes to its lighter, more classic silhouette alongside the round lens shape. Both share identical bridge and temple dimensions: 22mm and 145mm respectively, with adjustable temples and prescription eligibility across both styles.
The colorway split between the two frames is also notable. The Angus is offered in Tortoiseshell and Black only. The Keating extends to three options by adding Green, which sits comfortably within Noah’s broader seasonal palette and gives the round frame an entry point that the more architectural Angus does not have. For a debut collection, offering the additional colorway on the more classically shaped frame is a considered commercial decision. It gives the Keating a wider reach without diluting either style’s identity.
Both frames ship with a complimentary fabric case and lens cloth. Both are prescription eligible, extending their utility well beyond seasonal use.
The Angus and The Keating are available now online for $288 USD each.
