Finding frames you love is key to the glasses selection process, especially if you’re going to wear your new specs everyday. Without basic knowledge of frame styles, though, finding the perfect frames for your face could take all day.
When choosing frames for your glasses, it’s important to consider shape, size, functionality, comfort and color.
Choosing the right frames for your face is up to you, but it’s important to follow professional guidance and advice. Your prescription, astigmatism and other factors play a role in which size and shape of frames will work best for your vision. Once you understand the features to look out for, you’ll have a good place to begin your frame style selection.
Frame Styles: Considering Cosmetics
If you’re like most patients, cosmetic concerns are the number one consideration when selecting eyeglass frames. There are three main aspects that make frames aesthetically appealing for your face and look.
- Size.Frames should generally be proportionate to your face. Whether your face is big, small, wide, narrow or long, look toward frames that match your face size and shape. People with big faces should steer clear of tiny frames. Similarly, people with long faces should try to choose taller frame options. The width of your glasses should also match your face. We’ll take measurements of the width of your face and distance between your pupils to help with this.
- Color.There are a lot of elements to consider when selecting the color of your frames. Generally, you should prioritize the tone of your skin first, the color of your eyes second and your hair color third. Most people have an overall look that is either “warm” or “cool.” Warm looks do better with lighter frames, while cool looks should stick with black or dark frames. Your optometrist can help you better understand color guidelines as you shop.
- Shape.There are plenty of rules when it comes to face shape and glasses. While you may decide to break these rules in the end, considering your face shape and its frame recommendations is a good place to start when you’re shopping for new glasses. Common face shapes include square, diamond-shaped, round, triangular, ovular and oblong. Each face shape has a few styles of glasses that typically complement it best. These complementary styles often offset the shape of the face with contrasting angles and dimensions. As you begin your search for the perfect frame style, ask us which frame shapes will work best for your face.
Frame Styles: Finding Functionality
Like most people who need vision correction, you’ll probably end up wearing your new glasses every day. Since your frames will spend a lot of time on your face, choosing a comfortable, functional option is vital.
- Functionality.Your lifestyle, work, hobbies and habits are unique, and your needs may be different than those of other people. Certain frames are made for certain needs. If you’re active, you want glasses that will stay on as you move. If your work is physical, you want glasses that won’t break easily. If you often dress formally for work, you want frames that don’t detract from your style. Many of our patients who regularly wear glasses opt to invest in multiple pairs intended for use in different settings.
- Comfort.If your glasses aren’t comfortable, you may not wear them when you need them. Choosing frames that are comfortable and wearable is vital in the selection process. Our eyeglass frame shop technician can help adjust the frames to better fit the bridge of your nose, the width of your temples and the contours of your ears. Even with adjustments, though, some glasses will be more comfortable on your face than others.