Oversized Prescription Glasses

You’ve seen it, right? That unmistakable look of oversized prescription glasses — stylish, smart, and definitely bold.

They’re everywhere – celebrities donning them on red carpets, your colleagues wearing them in Zoom meetings, or maybe your favorite Instagram influencer sporting a pair in their latest reel.

It’s a trend that seems to have taken the eyewear world by storm, and for good reason.

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An Uncompromised View

Oversized glasses, as the name suggests, are larger than your typical frames, and they provide a wider field of vision.

With oversized glasses, your entire field of view expands.

It’s like upgrading from a small TV to a home theater system – the experience is simply unparalleled.

Are Oversize Glasses Comfortable?

You might be wondering, “Those glasses are so large, aren’t they heavy?”

It’s true that bigger frames are generally heavier, but there are ways to mitigate the weight so they’re not uncomfortable.

Choosing a lightweight material such as titanium or selecting a thinner, lighter lens if you’ve got a strong prescription will make a difference if you’re worried about heaviness and comfort.

Protect Your Eyes in Style

Besides being in vogue, oversized glasses also provide better protection against dust, wind, and harmful UV rays.

It’s like having your own personal pair of shields, guarding your eyes throughout the day. They’re not just a fashion statement but a smart choice for your eye health.

And if you thought it couldn’t get any better, wait till you pair them with photochromic or light-adjusting lenses.

Also known as under the brand name Transitions™, photochromic lenses darken on exposure to sunlight, turning your trendy glasses into equally stylish sunglasses. 

How to Choose Oversized Prescription Glasses

Consider Your Face Shape

Choosing oversized glasses can feel like a mammoth task, but let’s break it down and start with the basics: your face shape.

It’s an essential factor that fundamentally impacts how a pair of glasses looks on you.

Different frame styles have the potential to complement or contrast your natural features. 

Determining Your Face Shape: A Quick Guide

If the concept of face shapes feels like navigating uncharted waters, don’t worry. You’re not alone!

Identifying your face shape isn’t an exact science, but with a few easy steps, you can make an educated guess.

Step 1: Arm Yourself with a Mirror and a Marker

Stand in front of a mirror with good lighting, push your hair back, and take a good, hard look at your face.

If possible, use a wipe-off marker to trace the outline of your face on the mirror.

Step 2: Analyze Your Face

Forehead Width: Is your forehead wider than your chin? Or is it about the same width as your jawline?

Cheekbones: Are your cheekbones the widest part of your face, or do they fall in line with your forehead and jawline?

Jawline: Is your jawline soft and rounded, or sharp and angular?

Step 3: Identify Your Face Shape

Based on your observations, see where you fit in:

• Oval: If your forehead is only a bit wider than your jawline, and your face length is about one and a half times the width, you’ve got an oval shape.
• Round: If your face is as wide as it is long with no sharp angles, you have a round face.
• Square: If your face length, forehead, and jawline width are almost equal, you’re in the square face club. Most square faces have a pronounced jawline.
• Heart-shaped: If your forehead is wider than your jawline, and your chin is noticeably pointed, you’ve got a heart-shaped face.

Remember, it’s not about boxing yourself into a specific category but understanding your unique features. This understanding can serve as a helpful guide in selecting the most flattering eyewear for your face.

Round Face

Blessed with a round face? If so, you’ve got soft curves that make you look more youthful.

To add some contrast and balance to your features, go for angular or geometric frames. They’ll offer that extra bit of structure and give your face a defined appeal.

Think rectangles, squares, or even hexagons. The point is to pick a frame with opposing characteristics to balance out a wider face.

Square Face

For my friends with square faces, your prominent jawline and broad forehead are standout features. They speak of strength and structure.

To soften sharp angles and create a pleasing balance, round or oval frames are best.

Like picking a frame for a round face, you want to look for glasses that contrast your face shape and draw attention away from strong features.

Oval Face

If you’ve got an oval face, aren’t you the lucky one!

With your balanced features and symmetrical shape, you can pretty much choose any shape you like and look good in it.

Typically, any frame style works well on you.

That said, oversized glasses with a bold, square shape can look particularly chic and offer a stylish contrast.

Heart-shaped Face

With heart-shaped faces, you’ve got a broad forehead that tapers down to a narrow chin.

It’s a unique shape that has a lot of character (think Reese Witherspoon or Scarlett Johansson).

The good news is nearly any frame shape will look good on you.

The most important thing to look for is a frame that’s wide enough at the temples to be proportional with your forehead.

Consider Your Prescription and Lens Type

Selecting the right lens is crucial when choosing oversized glasses. 

Lens Thickness

A high prescription means thicker lenses, making your glasses appear bulky.

If you’ve got strong nearsightedness or astigmatism, high index lenses (1.60-index and above) are lighter, thinner, and more attractive.

Lens Material

Besides unattractive thickness, heavy lenses are uncomfortable, making your glasses slide down your nose or dig into your ears.

Lighter, higher-index lenses including polycarbonate lenses are more comfortable, particularly if you have a strong prescription or require bifocal or progressive lenses.

Lens Coating

Oversize glasses = larger lenses, which are more susceptible to scratches, smudges, glare, and UV rays.

Protective coatings such as anti-scratch, anti-reflective, anti-fog, blue light blocking, and UV protection can enhance both the performance and longevity of your glasses while protecting your eye health and vision quality.

Your Personal Style and Preference

Choosing a pair of oversized glasses isn’t just about your prescription and face shape, it’s also about you. It’s your chance to let your personality shine.

Classic Style: Timeless Elegance

If you value timeless elegance, simplicity is key. Choose frames with in a tried-and-true shape  and a neutral color palette.

You might consider black or brown frames with rectangular or round eyewires, with thin or medium rims.

It’s the eyewear equivalent of the quintessential little black dress—always in vogue.

Trendy Style: Bold and Modern

As a trendsetter at heart, you’re drawn to frames that command attention.

Choose designs that are eye-catching and modern with a vibrant color palette.

Maybe it’s a red or purple frame in a cat-eye or aviator shape with thick or chunky rims.

For you, your eyewear says you’re not just following trends, you’re setting them.

Retro Style: Nostalgic and Quirky

So you’re a vintage soul who loves a dash of nostalgia, you say?

Retro-inspired designs are right up your alley.

Try oversized glasses with a vintage design and patterned color palette such as tortoise shell or horn-rimmed frames with a square or oval shape and full or half rims.

You’ll be bringing the charm of the past into the present in a delightful way.

The Latest Trends in Oversized Prescription Glasses

Oversized glasses aren’t just a statement; they’re a lifestyle, rocked by style influencers and trendsetters, celebs and regular folks alike.

Here’s a sneak peek into the hippest designs in popular styles:

Cat-Eye Glasses

Defined by their almond-shaped lenses and upturned corners, cat-eye glasses have remained a favorite since the vintage era.

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A popular choice, this Gucci pair is an oversized acetate cat-eye frame with a light brown tortoise design and gold accents, oozing old Hollywood glamour and style.

Round Glasses

Always in style, round glasses flatter a variety of face shapes, presenting endless opportunities for experimentation.

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This oversize round metal frame has spring hinges for extra comfort and fun detailing on the temples and bridge. It’s perfect if you’re into nerdy chic.

Square Glasses

Oversized square glasses are bold, constructed, and perfect for balancing out rounder faces.

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This pair of oversized square glasses from Glasses Shop is surprisingly lightweight (because it’s made of TR90 nylon). You can also get them made into Rx sunglasses to boot.

Oversized Aviators

If making a statement is your game, oversized aviators might be your claim to fame.

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Aviator sunglasses are a timeless style, and come in varying shapes like this squarish version from Vint & York. It’s a luxe pair that oozes fashion and sophistication (plus it’s handmade in Italy).

Where to Buy Oversized Prescription Glasses

Whether you’re on the hunt for your first pair of oversized glasses or looking to expand your collection, it’s essential to know where to shop.

Both online retailers and brick-and-mortar optical shops offer distinct advantages and opportunities. 

Online Retailers: Convenience and Variety at Your Fingertips

Purchasing oversized glasses online brings a wealth of benefits.

It marries convenience with variety—you can shop in your PJs at home or while waiting for your coffee at the café, and have a whole world of styles and price points to choose from.

But how do you ensure a successful online shopping experience?

Shop Affordable Oversized Eyeglasses

Check Frame Measurements: Most online retailers provide detailed measurements of their frames, such as lens width, bridge width, and temple length. This will help you gauge if a frame is too big or small for you.

Read Reviews: Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality, comfort, and durability of the glasses.

Try Before You Buy: Many sites offer virtual try-on tools that let you visualize how the glasses will look on your face. Some even have free home try-ons for you to try out the real thing!

Understand The Return/Exchange Policy: If you’re not happy with your glasses or they don’t fit well, you’ll have the opportunity to return or exchange them for another pair.

Reputable online stores like EyeBuyDirect and Zenni Optical offer a wide range of budget-friendly oversized glasses.

If you’re after designer brands, GlassesUSA and SmartBuyGlasses are great options with tons of premium designers.

Traditional Optical Shops: Expert Guidance and Perfect Fit

Of course, traditional brick-and-mortar optical shops offer the advantage of hands-on assistance.

You get expert advice tailored to your unique needs and can try on multiple frames to find the perfect fit.

Additionally, in-person stores often offer warranty service, ensuring your glasses are protected in case of damage or defect.

Ask Questions: The best part about being in-store is having access to opticians who can answer your questions on the spot and help you find the right pair of glasses.

Try On Different Frames: Utilize the opportunity to try on a variety of frames. This will help you find a style that not only suits your face shape but also feels comfortable.

Compare Prices: Prices can vary between stores. Don’t shy away from comparing prices and looking for the best deal.

Popular brick-and-mortar stores such as LensCrafters and Warby Parker offer a great selection of oversized glasses, ensuring you’ll find the right pair to match your style.

How to Wear Oversized Prescription Glasses

Making a fashion statement with oversized prescription glasses isn’t just about the frames you choose, but also about how you style them. 

Balance Your Proportions

The key to rocking oversized glasses is balancing your proportions. Here’s how you can achieve that:

Match Your Face Width

Choose frames that align with the width of your face.

If they’re too wide, they can make your face appear smaller and vice versa.

Avoid Too Much Contrast With Your Skin Tone

Look for colors that either match or contrast just enough with your skin tone.

For example, if you have a warm skin tone, consider colors like tortoiseshell, gold, or honey.

Those with cool skin tones might find silver, black, or pink frames more flattering.

Go Minimal on Makeup and Accessories

Oversized glasses are already a bold statement. Complement them with minimal makeup and accessories to avoid overwhelming your look.

If you have an oval face with a cool skin tone, you might opt for oversized black square frames.

Pair these with a nude lip color and small stud earrings to create a balanced, chic look.

Experiment with Colors and Patterns: Unleash Your Creativity

Adding color and patterns to your oversized glasses can level up your style quotient. Here’s how:

Complement Your Eye, Hair, or Outfit Color

Colorful frames can either complement or contrast beautifully with your eyes, hair, or outfit.

For instance, green frames can enhance green eyes, while red frames add a bold pop of color to a black-and-white outfit.

Try Fun Patterns

Frames with patterns add a playful touch to your style, such as a floral design for a springtime look, or tortoiseshell frames for a retro vibe.

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FAQs

What Are The Pros And Cons of Wearing Oversized Prescription Glasses?

Pros: Oversized prescription glasses give you a larger field of vision, provide more protection against dust and wind, and make a fashion statement.

They can add a distinctive element to your personal style and can be flattering on many face shapes.

Cons: They can be slightly heavier due to the larger lens and frame size, potentially causing discomfort if worn for extended periods.

Also, if not chosen wisely, they can overwhelm your face and not complement your features well.

Are Oversized Prescription Glasses More Expensive Than Regular-Sized Glasses?

The cost of prescription glasses can vary widely based on factors such as the brand, frame material, and lens specifications.

Typically, the size of the glasses—oversized versus regular—doesn’t significantly impact the price. High-quality oversized frames can be found in a range of prices, just like regular-sized frames.

Do Oversized Prescription Glasses Offer Better Vision Coverage?

Yes, oversized prescription glasses typically provide a broader field of vision because of their larger lens surface.

This can be particularly beneficial for people wearing multifocal lenses, as there needs to be enough surface area for varying powers.

However, vision clarity also depends on other factors like lens quality, accurate prescription, and correct positioning of the glasses.