You’ve finally found a stylin’ pair of glasses but how do you know if it fits your face properly? In this article, you’ll learn all the key elements that make up your frame and how they all play a role in achieving the best fitting frame for your face.
(This page contains affiliate links. OGR may receive compensation if you click a link and make a purchase.)
Eyeglass Frame Anatomy
Front and Center
- Eyewire – The part of the frame that holds your lenses.
- Bridge – The part of the frame that connects both lenses and distributes weight on the nose.
- Saddle Bridge – shaped like a saddle and distributes the weight of the frame across the sides and the top of the nose. Usually found on plastic frames.
- Nosepads – Two pieces that may be attached directly to the frame or pad arms. These help keep the frame in its proper position on the face. Usually found on metal frames.
The Profile
- Temples – Attach to the front of the frame and extend over and behind the ears to help hold the eyeglasses in place.
Eyeglass Frame Sizing
You can find the frame size written on the inside of the temple, which corresponds to the measurements indicated above.
Some retailers provide a frame width measurement as a way of determining fit. To calculate your Total Frame Width (TFW), just add together: A+A+B = Total Frame Width.
Example : 54+54+18=126 (All measurements are in millimeters, i.e. MM)
126 mm = 4.96 (~5) inches (1 inch = 25.4 mm)
If your ideal TFW is 126mm, a measurement that is +/- 3mm will be comparable. You can also measure your current pair of glasses for the frame width.
This information will come in handy, especially if you’re purchasing glasses online. Once you know the total width of a frame that fits properly, you can use that measurement as a guide for future frame selections.
How Should Glasses Look On My Face?
Here are a few things you should look for when you are trying on new glasses.
Eyewire
It’s essential to make sure your eyes are centered in the frame. When your eye position is correct, it is easier to properly align the optical center of your eyeglass prescription for optimal visual clarity.
Oversized frames are trendy right now. However, there is a fine line between oversized and too big.
Ask yourself, can I see my eyebrows through the lens? If so, the frame is too large. Instead, the browline of the frame should be below or flush with your eyebrows.
Another indicator that eyeglasses are too large is when the bottom rim sits on your cheeks. If the frame leaves a mark on your cheeks when removed, choose a different frame.
Bridge
The bridge of the frame should sit comfortably across your nose. A saddle bridge should fit snug with no gaps at the top or the sides. If nose pads are present, they should sit flush on either side of your nose. They should not sit at an angle where they dig into your nose.
Temples
These are the three main points to check for a proper temple fit.
- Temples should fit flush to the side of the head. They should not leave any indentation marks after wearing.
- The temple bend should reach over the top of the ear. A temple that bends before the top of the ear is too short. On the other hand, a temple that is too long will make your glasses “slip” down the nose. However, both of these situations can be remedied with a proper adjustment.
- Temples shouldn’t be too thick. Thick temples can create a blind spot and compromise your peripheral vision.
Try 5 Pairs of Glasses At Home
How Should Glasses Feel On My Face?
There are a few common issues that indicate your eyewear is not fitting properly. Most eyewear can be adjusted to fit your face comfortably. You can fix some problems with a simple adjustment, while some issues require choosing another pair.
You shouldn’t immediately be aware of the frame on your bridge. If the frame feels very heavy on your nose bridge, it’s best to select a lighter weight frame. There’s no way to change the weight of the frame.
The frame bridge should straddle the bridge of your nose and sit comfortably.
- Frames styles with no nose pads – Your glasses shouldn’t leave a mark on your nose. You can’t adjust a saddle bridge. Instead, find a frame with a different bridge size. If you have a narrow bridge, consider a plastic frame with a keyhole bridge.
Try This Pair On At Home For Free!
- Frames styles with adjustable nose pads – The arms that hold the nose pads can be adjusted. They can be widened to lower the frame or narrowed to lift the frame on the face.
The temples should wrap around the back of the ear comfortably.
- If temples are too short, they will bend before the ear. They’re adjustable if the length allows.
- If temples are too long, the frame will slide down the nose with head movement. Too long temples are a prevalent issue and can be easily fixed with a proper adjustment.
- If you feel pain or pressure behind your ears, the temple bend is not correct. This occurs when the tips of the temples are not correctly angled and is correctable.
The best pair of glasses are ones that don’t have to be adjusted at all. When you select the proper frame, there is nothing more flattering or comfortable to wear. The great news is, with appropriate adjustments, your glasses can look and feel as if they were made just for you.
Cynthia is a published author and freelance writer that has enjoyed a career in the eyewear industry for more than 25 years. In 2016, she decided to combine her passion for writing with her experience as an Optician and launch her company, Pizzini Writes. She now dedicates her days to writing about the latest optical-related news and trends for various publications and independent retailers.
Learn more about her at www.pizziniwrites.com