Glasses frames come in all different shapes and sizes. It’s extremely important when you’re shopping around for your next pair that you ensure they not only work well with your look (i.e. style) and facial shape and structure but also that they’ll fit you! You certainly don’t want your frames contrasting your face shape or fashion choices, but it would be near impossible if your prescription eyeglasses were constantly falling down your face. So, enjoy this guide to choosing the best possible fit for your next pair of glasses frames!
Personal fashion choices and face shape play a big role in helping determine what your eyeglasses should look like. When you wear glasses daily, they become a part of you, and therefore a big part of your ‘look’! If for instance, your style is very specifically Hipster, your look wouldn’t be complete without the big wayfarer Geek Chic glasses frames! If you like to be more casual in your fashion choices, maybe a pair of hip and modern rectangular full frames would do the trick. Now that glasses come in all shapes and sizes, it’s up to you to ensure that they help compliment your style choices. Your facial structure and shape are also important in helping you pick out your next pair of frames. If, for instance, you have a very wide, rounded face, you’ll want to check out frames that have rigid edges and sharp lines; while if your jaw bone is more squared off, rounder frames might work better. It’s all about contrasting the shape and size of your face to ensure that the glasses compliment you rather than work against you.
The size of the frames that you choose is probably the most important component however to choosing your next pair of glasses. Most glasses frames have the needed measurements printed on the inside arm of one of the temples. All measurements that pertain to eyeglasses are determined in millimeters, so anytime you see numbers within the realm of optical needs, it is most likely mm. Glasses measurements are broken down into three (sometimes four) sections: lens width, temple length, lens height, and the full width of both lenses. The average lens width is between 45-53mm; the average temple length is between 135-150mm, and the average lens height is about 30mm. Sometimes glasses companies are kind and will also give you the full width of the front of the frame (which is a bit easier for us when determining if it’ll fit nicely).
If you’re not able to check the inside arms of the frames you’re looking to buy – perhaps you’re checking out a pair of eye glasses online, for example – take solace in the fact that most online eyeglasses companies list these measurements for you. This is particularly important when buying glasses online because you don’t have that aid of being able to physically try them on. Whether you choose to get your next pair of glasses online or in your local frame shop, be sure you get those measurements right! You certainly won’t be sorry. Good luck, and happy shopping!
Elea Kalin is a fashion stylist – turned optical specialist. Her focus is on accessories and statement pieces – like prescription eyeglasses. She is currently working for GlassesUSA.com – the easiest way to buy glasses online, which now offers free shipping all over the US