If you’re shopping around for eyeglasses, you’ve likely come across various frame types to choose from – including full rim frames.
The most common build, full rim prescription glasses are both functional and fashionable, ensuring that you never have to compromise on either.
From classic rectangular designs to trendy cat-eye shapes, there’s a perfect pair waiting to enhance your vision and elevate your look.
Discover the benefits of full rim frames, learn the key differences from semi-rimless and rimless options, and get answers to all your FAQs in this comprehensive guide.
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Types of Full Rim Frames
Full rim frames come in all manner of materials, shapes, and sizes.
They’re made of various metals, plastics, synthetics, and even wood – with each offering its own unique characteristics.
Materials
Plastic/Acetate
If you’re looking for a durable, stylish, and budget-friendly option, choose plastic or acetate full rim prescription glasses.
Both plastic and acetate can be dyed in a multitude of colors and patterns, so you can easily find one that expresses your personality and style.
Acetate (a synthetic bio-plastic made of cellulose) is a bit higher end than standard plastic, with a glossy finish and more substantial build.
Both options are a great choice if you want a reliable and fashionable pair of eyeglasses.
Metal
Metal frames are a great full rim option if you want a sleek and modern look.
Metal frames made from stainless steel or monel, for example, are known for their durability and lightweight design, making them comfortable to wear for long periods.
They also come in a large variety of styles, shapes and designs, but are generally thinner than plastic or acetate frames.
Additionally, metal frames usually come with nose pads that can be easily adjusted for a customized fit, ensuring maximum comfort and visual clarity.
Titanium
In recent years, titanium frames have become increasingly popular due to their lightweight design, durability, and hypoallergenic qualities.
Titanium is an incredibly lightweight yet strong material. It’s resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for those who live in humid or coastal areas.
Titanium eyeglasses often have a unique sheen, giving them a premium appearance, and are mostly available in minimalist designs (you won’t find chunky oversize frames in titanium).
Also, those with nickel allergies or sensitive skin are great candidates for titanium glasses.
Eco-friendly Materials
Some of the most interesting eyeglass frames around today are made from sustainable or eco-friendly materials.
You can choose from a variety of eco-friendly materials for your full rim frames, including recycled plastic and sustainable wood.
Recycled plastic frames are made from post-consumer waste, such as plastic bottles to help reduce landfill waste, or from reclaimed ocean plastic.
They’re quite durable and lightweight, making them a popular choice.
Sustainable wood frames, on the other hand, are made from responsibly sourced wood that’s harvested using environmentally friendly practices.
Wooden frames have a unique and natural look, perfect for those who want to make a fashion statement while being environmentally conscious.
Common types of wood used for full rim frames include bamboo, walnut, and cherry.
Shapes and Sizes
Round or Oval Frames
Choose round frames for a classic and timeless look. Round frames have a circular shape that complement various face shapes, including square and long faces.
They provide a soft and gentle appearance, adding curves to balance out strong jawlines and foreheads.
Oval frames have a slightly elongated shape, and are also good for softening sharp or strong facial features.
Of course, round and oval frames come in different sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your face.
Cat Eye Frames
For a sexy, feminine style, cat eye frames are a great choice as full rim prescription glasses.
Cat eyeglasses have an upswept design at the outer corners that mimics the shape of a cat’s eye, giving them a unique and striking appearance.
They add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any outfit, and can be either bold and daring or understated and elegant.
Square or Rectangular Frames
A classic and versatile option, square and rectangular frames are known for their clean lines and timeless appeal, making them suitable for both formal and casual occasions.
They’re also a great choice for individuals with round or oval-shaped faces, since angular rims help sculpt rounder features and create angles where there isn’t much definition.
Popular square and rectangular styles include slim wireframes, chunky acetate designs, or mixed material options.
Aviator Frames
Aviator frames – made famous by Ray-Ban – are characterized by their teardrop-shaped lenses, thin metal frames, and the double bridge.
Originally designed for pilots in the 1930s, aviators have since become a popular choice for both men and women.
The great thing about aviators is that they suit most face shapes well (and make you look cool).
There’s even a square-shaped aviator that’s sometimes called the navigator.
And with all the variations of this iconic style, you can even find acetate aviators with thicker rims too.
Oversized Frames
If you really want to make a statement, oversized frames are in vogue.
As the name suggests, they’re larger than standard eyeglasses, often extending beyond the width of your face for a dramatic effect.
They usually have a taller lens design too.
Oversize frames come in various shapes, such as round, square, and cat-eye just like standard-size glasses.
Acetate oversize frames tend to be chunky with thicker rims, but you can also find oversize metal eyeglasses with thin rims too.
Best Full Rim Prescription Glasses
Ottoto Santana
Jonesing for the bookworm vibe? The Ottoto Santana and it’s perfectly round rims are right up your alley. The black metal frame evokes classic sophistication and can be dressed up or down.
It’s lightweight, looks great on everyone from young adults to seniors, and fits most average size faces comfortably.
Donning it makes you look smarter by a few IQ points (or at least ups your style IQ). It’s easy to customize it to your prescription needs, including bifocal, progressive, and even Transitions® lenses.
Smith Optics Overtone Rx
If you like how some sunglasses curve more to fit your face, check out Smith Optics Overtone frame. It’s a 6-base curve frame that’s perfect if you’re a rough-and-tumble, physically active person.
The Overtone has grippy nose pads and spring hinges to ensure a comfortable, secure fit, and even includes single-vision Rx lenses with premium anti-reflective coating in the cost.
A durable, classic rectangle frame with clean lines, it’s so lightweight and easy to wear that you may even forget you’re wearing them!
EyeBuyDirect Taiga Acetate & Wood Glasses
The Taiga by EyeBuyDirect is the perfect combo of clean modern aethestics and natural sustainability.
A mixed-material frame combining acetate and natural wood coloring, it embodies a timeless appeal with dark gray rectangular rims and wooden arms.
Spring hinges provide good adaptability and durability, and the wood temples have a natural grip to keep your glasses securely in place, even in active pursuits.
And if you’re in a hurry, you can even get these as a complete pair of prescription glasses with 2-day delivery!
Ray-Ban RB5154 Clubmaster
There’s nothing quite like an original, and Ray-Ban’s iconic Clubmaster frame is a testament to it’s timeless appeal.
Not your standard full-rim frame, it’s bold browline is paired with bare metal rims on the lower half for a modern, yet classic look.
Make it yours in your preferred color combo like black on silver (pictured), gold tortoise, or in a transparent crystal.
You can also choose between authentic Ray-Ban Rx lenses or more affordable generic lenses customized to your script.
Oakley AirDrop
Oakley’s Airdrop eyeglasses are a blend of modern innovation and classic style. Made of Oakley’s famous O Matter material, it’s exceedingly durable without compromising comfort.
The streamlined rectangular wrap frame has Oakley’s signature straight arms, with rubber Unobtainium ear socks for excellent grip when you sweat.
A popular pick among men, it has options for different eye sizes and lens customization. The Airdrop isn’t just a piece of eyewear but a versatile accessory adaptable to individual style and functional needs.
Warby Parker Toni
No best-of list would be complete without a pair of tortoise shell frames for the sexy librarian look. So here you go – Warby Parker’s Toni is that pair, with it’s rounded square rims and light-colored yellow marbling.
Versatile and roomy enough for wide faces, it’s as fitting for a professional setting as it is for a casual outing.
Try it on virtually, or the real thing at home for 5 days with Warby Parker’s free home try-on program.
Full Rim vs. Semi-Rimless and Rimless Frames
Now that you know what full rim frames are, how do they compare to semi-rimless or totally rimless glasses? Let’s take a look:
Full Rim Frames
Pros:
- Durability: Full rim frames have a sturdy construction, providing optimal lens protection. Their durability makes them suitable for active lifestyles or for those who aren’t careful when handling delicate eyewear.
- Style Variety: Available in a wide range of materials, colors, and styles, full rim frames cater to diverse tastes. Whether you prefer a classic, bold, or contemporary look, there’s a full rim option for you.
- Eye Protection: The complete rim design provides extra coverage and protection from the elements and sunlight.
Cons:
- Weight: They can be heavier compared to semi-rimless or rimless frames, putting more pressure on your nose or behind your ears.
- Obstructed Vision: Full rim frames can restrict your field of vision, particularly in the periphery. This can be annoying or even dangerous when it comes to reading or driving.
Who Benefits Most from Full Rim Frames:
Full rim frames are an excellent choice for:
- Active Individuals: Those who lead an active lifestyle or are generally rougher with their eyewear are best suited for full rim glasses.
- Fashion Enthusiasts: If you value style and want your eyewear to make a bold statement, full rim frames offer endless design possibilities.
Semi-Rimless Frames
Pros:
- Lightweight: Semi-rimless frames are generally lighter due to their reduced material, making them comfortable for all-day wear.
- Unobstructed Vision: With no rim at the bottom, semi-rimless frames provide an unobstructed view, making them a great choice for those who do a lot of reading or handiwork.
- Contemporary Look: Their modern and minimalistic appearance appeals to individuals who prefer a sleek and subtle aesthetic.
Cons:
- Fragility: Semi-rimless frames are more delicate than full rim frames, with the exposed bottom part of the lenses vulnerable to damage.
Who Benefits Most from Semi-Rimless Frames:
Semi-rimless frames are suitable for:
- Professionals: Individuals in professional or office settings who want to maintain a sophisticated or contemporary appearance.
- Prescription Lenses: Those with prescription lenses who prioritize comfort and clarity often find semi-rimless frames to be an excellent choice.
Rimless Frames
Pros:
- Ultra-Lightweight: Rimless frames are incredibly lightweight due to their minimalist design and thin temple arms.
- Inconspicuous: They provide a nearly invisible look, making them ideal for those who want their eyewear to be discreet.
- Customization: Rimless frames often allow for a high degree of customization in lens shape and size.
Cons:
- Fragility: Rimless frames are the most delicate of the three styles and require careful handling and storage to prevent damage. They’re also less adjustable due to the lack rims.
- Lenses Smudge Easily: Because there’s no rim bordering your lenses, it’s easy to smudge your lenses when you put your glasses on or take them off.
Who Benefits Most from Rimless Frames:
Rimless frames are a great choice for:
- Minimalists: Individuals who prefer a subtle, minimalist look will appreciate the nearly invisible appearance of rimless frames.
FAQs
What Does Full Rim Glasses Mean?
Full rim glasses refer to eyeglasses where the frames completely encircle and support the lenses. They provide a defined edge to the lenses and are available in a variety of materials, colors, and designs.
Are Full Rim Glasses Better?
Whether full rim glasses are “better” depends on individual preferences and needs. Full rim glasses tend to be more durable because the frame fully supports the lens, and they also offer a broader range of stylistic choices.
However, some people prefer the minimalist look of rimless glasses or the hybrid appearance of semi-rimless frames.
What’s The Difference Between Full Rim and Half Rim Glasses?
Full rim glasses have a frame that entirely surrounds the lens, providing maximum support and a defined look.
Half rim (or semi-rimless) glasses, on the other hand, have a frame that only covers the top part of the lens, leaving the bottom portion exposed.
This gives semi-rimless glasses a subtler appearance, blending the sturdiness of framed glasses with the minimalism of rimless styles.
How Do You Adjust Full Rim Glasses To Fit Better?
Adjusting any type of glasses frame – whether full rim or not – should be approached with caution to avoid damage. Here are some general guidelines:
Metal Frames: Gently bend the arms using small pliers if they’re too loose or tight behind the ears. Ensure even pressure to avoid breaking.
Plastic Frames: If they feel tight or out of shape, you can warm them up using warm (not hot) water or a hairdryer on a low setting. Once slightly malleable, gently adjust. Allow them to cool to retain the new shape.
Nose Pads on Metal Frames: You can adjust the nose pads gently with your fingers or with pliers to sit across your nose more evenly.
Temples: If glasses slide down your nose, bend the temple tips slightly downward to keep them secure behind your ears.
Professional Adjustment: If you’re unsure or uncomfortable adjusting the glasses yourself, visit an optical store for professional adjustments.