If you’ve ever perused the best eyeglasses online, no doubt you’ll have come across endless styles and colors, but the question most people ask sooner than later is: how should glasses fit your face? It can be a bit of a puzzle if you haven’t worn this type of eyewear before, but there are some key things to look out for.
It’s important to learn these too, as when you’re buying via a website, you won’t get the full benefit of having your specs properly measured and fitted by an optician in the way you would in store. However, if you’re mindful of what to look out for, then it will be easy to tell whether your new glasses fit your face properly (or not).
So whether you’re looking for some new frames or you’re unsure whether your current ones suit your face and sit well, read on for our top tips. And if you’re open to wearing other types of vision wear too, take a look at our guide to the best contact lenses online.
How should glasses fit your face: Tips for a great fit
Making sure your specs fit properly is crucial if you want to get the most out of your prescription and ensure comfort and ease of use too. Here’s how to tell if they’re a good fit:
- The arms of your specs should fit snugly around the ears, and there should be no pain or discomfort that makes you remove them often.
- They should not press too firmly around your temples, if they do or if they leave a mark, then they need to be adjusted.
- Your specs should feel comfortable around the top of your nose and stay put as your head moves around. They should not dig in or leave a mark.
- When you smile, the frames should not touch the apples of your cheeks.
Whatever style you choose, they should fit well and feel comfortable day and night. If your frames are causing you discomfort, or they slide down your nose or sit too high or too low, they aren’t the right fit for you. Sometimes all it takes is a minor adjustment, but if not, you might need a new pair.
What to look for in a well-fitting pair of glasses
There are several different factors involved when it comes to making sure your glasses fit your face properly. Here’s what to consider when trying on new frames:
Frame width
This shouldn't be wider than the width of your face at the temples, while the frames should be no higher than your eyebrows. If you have a small or narrow face, pick frames less than 129mm wide. Medium-width face shapes should choose frames that are between 130-139mm, while wider faces will be ok with frames over 139mm.
Eye position
To ensure you get a good fit for your prescription, your eyes should be as central as possible within the lens.
Bridge measurement
The measurement across the bridge of the glasses (between the lenses) should offer an even fit with minimal space at the sides of the nose, but without leaving indents.
Level of pressure
There should be even pressure across all areas including behind the ears, nose and at the temples. Ill-fitting specs feel uncomfortable and even painful in these spots.
Arm length
The arm length of the frames should extend comfortably beyond the ear, only touching the sides of your head in front of your ears.
How to choose frame styles and colors that suit you
With so many styles to choose from, finding the right frames can be tricky. To help narrow down your search, and to find the best style for you, it’s best to choose glasses that suit your face shape, skin tone and hair color.
For instance, if you have a round face shape, angular frames will balance out your features. People with a heart-shaped face look great with circular or geometric frames. Other face shapes include square, which suits rounder frames, while oval-shaped faces look great in most shapes, including frames that are wider around the eye, such as an aviator style.
When it comes to color, pick one that matches your skin and hair shade, which generally fall into cool or warm tones. For instance, skin that is ‘cool’ will have blue-ish or pink undertones, while ‘warm’ skin is more peachy or yellow. Brown-toned black hair and golden blond is considered ‘warm’, while blue-toned black hair and strawberry blond is ‘cool’.
Frames that are ‘cool’ colors include black, silver or plum, while ‘warmer’ colors could be khaki, gold and copper. Try different frames until you find a color that suits, but ultimately it’s worth remembering that the right choice for you is the one you can afford and that accommodates your prescription.
Speak to your coverage provider about what they will and won't cover before you spend a dime. And if you don't yet have cover, take a look at our guide to the best vision insurance to see if it's worth your while.
