How to choose glass frames? All eyeglass frames must possess functionality, comfort, and aesthetics.
With the continuous progress of science, modern standards for choosing eyeglass frames have developed further compared to traditional standards. Nowadays, people pay more attention to factors such as ergonomics, eye health, and aesthetics when choosing eyeglasses.
In other words, eyeglasses not only need to meet the wearer’s physical and physiological needs but also consider satisfying their psychological needs and other aspects.
Additionally, eyeglass brands, wholesalers, and custom eyewear manufacturers highly prioritize the functionality, comfort, and aesthetics of sunglasses during the designing sunglasses, sunglasses production, and sunglasses quality inspection processes.
Now, we will discuss how to choose eyeglass frames from three aspects: functionality, wearing comfort, and aesthetics
1. Functionality of Eyeglass Frames
When choosing eyeglass frames from a functional perspective, factors such as pupillary distance, lens field of view, and lens edge thickness should be considered. First, the size of the selected frame should be based on the wearer’s pupillary distance, meaning the geometric center distance of the chosen frame should be as close as possible to the wearer’s pupillary distance to minimize lens decentration.
In addition, the height of the lens frame should meet the wearer’s field of view requirements and should not be too small. Thirdly, the larger the frame size, the larger the required lens blank diameter, and the thicker and heavier the lens will be after edging.
Nose pad should also be considered when selecting eyeglass frames. The function of the nose pad is to bear the weight of the frames and lenses, distributing the weight evenly along the bridge of the nose.
There are no strict requirements for the selection of nose supports for eyeglass frames, but it is important to avoid the back surface of the lens touching the eyelashes when wearing glasses, and the lower edge of the frame should not touch the cheeks when smiling.
When fitting bifocals, progressive multifocal lenses, or children’s glasses, it is best to avoid using frames with fixed nose pad to prevent difficulties in adjusting the glasses. Now, let’s discuss in detail how to choose the appropriate eyeglass frames from a functional perspective.
(1) Eyeglass Frame Selection for Individuals with Special Refractive Errors
For people with high myopia, factors to consider when choosing eyeglass frames include: the shape and size of the lens frame, and the structure of specific areas.
(1) Choose frames with wider lens rims to maximize the thickness of the lens edge contained within the rim, reducing the protrusion of the lens front and back surfaces, making the lens appear less thick. For example, non-metallic eyeglass frames can be chosen
(2) Select smaller-sized lens frames to reduce the thickness and weight of the lens edge and glasses.
(3) Choose frames with a geometric center distance close to the pupillary distance to minimize lens decentration, reducing the thickness of the lens edge and the weight of the glasses.
(4) Opt for nose pads with a large surface area and non-slip surface to disperse the pressure on the wearer’s nose bridge and prevent the glasses from sliding down due to pressure.
(5) Ensure there is adequate space between the special parts, such as the nose pad bracket, and the plane of the lens frame, or that the nose pad bracket is easily adjustable to ensure that lenses with a certain edge thickness can be smoothly installed.
(6) elect sturdy and non-deformable temple arms and hinges to support the heavier glasses and meet the need for frequent readjustments. For individuals with high hyperopia, it is best to choose full-frame eyeglass frames; frames with a geometric center distance close to the pupillary distance to minimize lens decentration; if rimless frames are chosen, also pay attention to selecting frames with hinges and nose bridges on the back surface of the lens, otherwise, the lens surface angle curvature will be too large, affecting the opening angle of the temple arms, and in severe cases, impacting the use of the glasses.
When choosing eyeglass frames for astigmatism：
- Myopic astigmatism on the 180° axis (or farsightedness on the 90° axis): Choose a flatter frame for a better look because the lenses are more powerful in the 90° direction (180° direction).
- Myopic astigmatism on the 90° axis (or hypermetropia on the 180° axis): Choose narrower frames for a better look because the lenses are more powerful in the 180° direction (90° direction).
For people with different prescriptions in each eye, choose frames with hinges and nose bridges on the front surface of the lens. This helps avoid lens thickness affecting the look of the glasses.
(2) Eyeglass Frame Selection for Special Lenses
Choosing the right eyeglass frame is crucial for the successful fitting of progressive multifocal lenses, anti-fatigue lenses, and bifocal lenses. The selection criteria include:
(1) Ensure the nasal side of the lens frame is large enough to accommodate the progressive corridor, providing a sufficient field of view for near vision. Avoid choosing rimless frames.
(2) Make sure the frame height and the distance from the pupil center to the lower edge of the frame meet the requirements for the specific product, ensuring sufficient optical zones for both distance and near vision.
(3) Select adjustable nose pad frames, with a frame-to-eye distance not exceeding 12mm after adjustment, to obtain the widest field of view. Ensure the Pantoscopic Angle is around 10° to 12°, and the glasses’ lower edge does not touch the face when smiling to avoid discomfort.
(4) Choose frames with freely adjustable and sufficiently long temple arms. The frame material should be sturdy and not easily deformed.
When choosing frames for tinted lenses (prescription sunglasses for individuals with refractive errors), pay attention to the following points:
- The lens frame size should not be too large. This is different from the oversized frames typically found in regular sunglasses.
- The curvature of the eyeglass frame should be as close as possible to the curvature of optical eyeglass frames, otherwise it can affect the wearer’s visual quality.
(3) Eyeglass Frame Selection for Special Groups
For people who enjoy sports, the eyeglass frame selection should meet the following requirements:
The frames should be soft, flexible, and impact-resistant, providing safe protection for the face during sports activities.The frame design should fit closely to the face, with the edges of the frame hugging the facial contours to prevent strong wind from irritating the eyes during fast-paced activities.
When choosing eyeglass frames for children, pay attention to the following points:
（1）Opt for non-metal materials as they are lighter, safer, and less prone to damage and distortion. Non-metal frames are also soft and adjustable, making them gentle on a child’s delicate skin.
（2）Choose lightweight frames to reduce pressure on a child’s developing facial features, particularly the nose bridge.
（3）Ensure a wide field of view, as children have a broad range of visual activities. Avoid frames that create shadows or blind spots, and opt for thinner frames for an unobstructed view.
（4）Select frames with a higher nose bridge or adjustable nose pads to provide a comfortable fit, considering that many children have lower nose bridges during their developmental stage.
（5）Pick bright and colorful frames, as eyeglasses can serve as both tools and toys for children. They are more likely to enjoy wearing vibrant frames.
（6）Make sure there are sufficient accessories available for the chosen frames, as children’s glasses may be more prone to damage due to their active nature. This ensures easier maintenance and repairs.
2. Comfort of Eyeglass Frames
This is the most important part of how to choose glasses frames, Selecting suitable eyeglasses also requires considering their comfort when worn. Factors such as frame material, lens material, lens size, and frame fitting can affect the comfort of wearing glasses. To achieve comfortable wear, it’s essential to choose the right frame and lens, as well as making proper adjustments to the frame fitting.
For example:
- For active teenagers, glasses can easily slip off, causing the eyes to not see through the optical center of the lenses, affecting the wearing effect and comfort. Consider adding ear hooks or elastic bands to the temple arms for a more secure fit.
- For middle-aged and young adults, especially men, the temple arms can be corroded by sweat over time, reducing wearing comfort. To alleviate this discomfort, add sweat-resistant sleeves or anti-corrosion films to protect the temple arms.
- For middle-aged and elderly patients wearing reading glasses, adding a glasses cord or chain to the temple arms can make it convenient to hang the glasses around the neck when not in use.
- For middle-aged and elderly people wearing progressive multifocal glasses, using adjustable nose pads can increase the comfort of wearing and using the glasses.
3. Aesthetic Appeal of Eyeglass Frames
As science continues to advance, people’s criteria for choosing eyeglasses have evolved compared to traditional standards. In addition to meeting the wearer’s physical and physiological needs, modern eyeglass selection also takes into account the wearer’s psychological desires. Here are some factors to consider regarding the aesthetic appeal of eyeglass frames:
(1) Choosing Eyeglass Frames for Different Genders and Age Groups
（1）Different genders: When selecting eyeglass frames for different genders, it’s essential to consider their facial features and characteristics. Generally, men have more rugged facial lines, rougher skin, and straightforward personalities. Therefore, their eyeglass frames should be bold, with strong lines and a solid bridge. Women’s frames should be more delicate and rounded, with smooth, flowing lines and a graceful bridge.
（2）Different age groups: The most significant differences between older and younger individuals are their temperament and skin quality. Older people generally have more experienced and cautious demeanors, looser skin, more wrinkles, and more prominent facial features.
They should choose frames made of thicker, deeper-colored materials, gold, or silver, with a solid bridge for a more stable appearance. Older women’s frames should not be too bright compared to younger women’s frames.
Frames with decorative elements or patterns on the temple arms are suitable for older women, as they should be elegant and stylish. Younger people have softer skin and facial lines, so they have a broader range of eyeglass frame styles to choose from, depending on their occupation, occasion, and attire.
(2) Choosing Eyeglass Frames for Different Face Shapes and Facial Features
Face shapes can be roughly classified into six categories based on their geometric shapes: square, rectangle, round, heart, inverted heart, and oval. The aesthetic principle for choosing eyeglass frames is to highlight the strengths, conceal flaws, and achieve a symmetrical and balanced appearance. Usually, we must to know how to choose a glasses frame, and we must try it on more and check how it fits with the face.
According to the golden ratio principle in aesthetics, eyebrows serve as a dividing line for the face. If the eyebrows are located at the upper 2/3 of the face, it creates a balanced, pleasing look. Based on the height of the eyebrows, faces can be divided into three types: balanced, long, and short.
Most frame styles are suitable for balanced faces; long faces need darker frames to “lower” the brow line, while short faces require transparent bottom edges to “raise” the brow line.
Generally,Different frame choices can reflect different personalities.
Here are some eyeglass frame selection guidelines for specific face shapes:
(2.1) Square face: A square face is shorter, with a prominent jawline and sharp angles.
For general eyeglasses: Choose round frames, especially those with a round bottom, to visually soften the angles. Also, select frames with a smaller lens height, higher temple position, and transparent lower edge to make the face appear longer.
For sunglasses: If you have a square face, avoid square frames, as they emphasize the face’s flaws and appear rigid. However, square frames with rounded corners and a clean, soft design are suitable. Additionally, butterfly-shaped frames with smooth curves or large oval frames are fitting. Unlike Westerners with prominent cheekbones, Easterners have more developed side cheekbones, so a larger spherical curvature is suitable.
Large frames can make the face look smaller. High temple designs and overly round frames can emphasize the square face shape, so try to avoid them. Elaborate temple designs can draw attention to the sides, making the jawline appear wider, so be cautious.
(2.2) Rectangular face: A rectangular face is longer, with a prominent jawline and sharp angles.
For general eyeglasses: Choose round frames to visually soften the angles, while selecting frames with a larger lens height, a temple position in the middle, and dark frame color to shorten the face shape.
For sunglasses: Rectangular faces can easily appear too mature and strict, lacking a friendly feel. However, appropriate sunglasses can cover up inherent flaws. Avoid square sunglasses for rectangular faces, as the sharp contours can make the face look longer and give a cold, stern appearance.
Sunglasses with an overall curved design are suitable for square faces but can make rectangular faces appear even longer and narrower, so be cautious. Choose sunglasses with chic decorations on the frame to divert visual focus away from the face shape. Thick-framed sunglasses can disperse the attention to the sides, effectively covering the flaws of a rectangular face.
Butterfly-shaped sunglasses are especially effective at dispersing attention for rectangular faces. Moreover, frames with decorative, elaborate temples or designs emphasizing the upper edge can make the face appear wider. Simple and cute round frames or large square frames are also suitable for rectangular faces.
(2.3) Round face: A round face is shorter and lacks sharp angles, requiring distinct angular frames to improve facial contours.
For general eyeglasses: Choose frames with a smaller lens height, higher temple position, and transparent lower edge to elongate the face. Round-faced girls may look cute and young, but they may also appear less distinctive and have difficulty presenting a fashionable and capable temperament.
For sunglasses: Round faces look cute and childlike, so try to avoid perfectly round sunglasses. Sunglasses with frames similar to the face shape are suitable for round faces. Some linear or square frame styles can help balance the overall facial lines.
Round faces should avoid overly delicate frames, as they can emphasize the cheekbones and cheeks. Choose frames with a width similar to or slightly wider than the widest part of the cheeks for a more harmonious look. Avoid simple designs; elaborate designs can make the overall appearance more mature and capable.
Aviator and square frame styles are suitable for round faces. To make the cheeks look slimmer, opt for frames with temples higher than the temples. Square frames are suitable, but if the corners are too prominent, they can further emphasize the flaws of a round face, so be cautious.
(2.4) Heart-shaped face: The heart-shaped face, also known as an inverted triangle face, has a broad forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a narrow, pointed jawline.
This face shape is imbalanced, requiring frames with an opposite appearance to increase the width of the lower face.
For general eyeglasses: Choose frames that are narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, with a lower temple position. Thick frames or frames with additional decorations on the lower part can make the delicate lower face appear fuller. Flat oval frames can change the cold impression, while designs with elongated lower edges of the lenses are also excellent choices.
For sunglasses: Choose monochromatic sunglasses to adjust the visual focus on the face. Avoid aviator-style sunglasses and frames with an overly wide horizontal width, as they can further emphasize the drawbacks of a pointed chin, making the face look harsh. Butterfly-shaped frames can accentuate the features of an inverted triangle face, so try to avoid them.
In general, frames with a width wider than the cheeks are not suitable, as they make the contrast between the broad forehead and the narrow chin more prominent. Material is as important as frame shape. In comparison to metal frames, round plastic frames can effectively compensate for the flaws of an inverted triangle face, and they can be confidently chosen.
(2.5) Inverted heart-shaped face: The inverted heart-shaped face has a narrow forehead and a wide, prominent jawline.
For this face shape, the principle of frame selection is indeed the opposite of the heart-shaped face. Therefore, when choosing general eyeglasses and sunglasses, it is suitable to choose frames that are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with a higher temple position.
In addition to considering the modification of the face shape, the selection of frames should also take into account the modification of facial features. From an aesthetic point of view:
(1) Low bridge or nose pad-free frames can make the wearer’s nose appear shorter, while a higher bridge can visually make the wearer’s nose appear longer.
(2) For those with a larger pupil distance, they should choose frames with a darker bridge color and avoid obvious decorations on the outer edge of the frame. This can highlight the nose pad area and create a visually smaller pupil distance.
For those with a smaller pupil distance, they should choose frames with a lighter bridge color and opt for frames with noticeable decorations on the outer edge, which can create the visual effect of a larger pupil distance. Avoid choosing a dark-colored bridge, as it can make the pupil distance seem even smaller.
(3) For those with poor eye conditions or asymmetrical eyes, regardless of whether the pupil distance is large or small, it is recommended to choose larger frames and tinted lenses to modify and enhance the appearance.
Additionally, people with large mouths should choose frames with larger lens circles, while those with small mouths should do the opposite. In general, make the size of the mouth proportional to the size of the lens circle to help conceal the size of the mouth.
4. Frame selection for people with different skin tones
(1) People with yellowish skin should avoid any frames with yellow color, as it will make their skin tone appear even more “yellow” and give them a poor complexion. This group of people should choose frames in light and bright colors such as pink, brown, silver, and white. This can effectively harmonize the overall facial color and improve the wearer’s complexion and even temperament.
(2) People with fair skin can choose from a wider range of colors and should opt for frames with elegant, light hues, such as soft pinks, golds, and silvers. However, for those with very fair skin, it is not recommended to use black frames, as this can make the wearer appear unhealthily pale. It is suggested to choose coffee, burgundy, or pink frames, which can give you a charming and healthy glow.
(3) People with dark or wheat-colored skin are advised to use frames in colors like burgundy or blue, as these can create a good effect and exude a low-key charm. For those with slightly reddish skin, the goal should be to reduce the redness, so the best frame choices would be gray, light green, or blue.
5. Frame selection for different clothing and occasions
The pairing of eyeglass frames with clothing can be chosen according to one’s own temperament and style and color. Generally, there are three types when we cho0se the glasses frame :
(1) Harmonious style: The color of the glasses and clothing should be chosen in similar tones to complement each other.
(2) Contrast style: The color of the glasses and clothing should be chosen in contrasting warm and cool tones to set off each other.
(3) Accent style: Use striking eyeglass colors to embellish clothing, creating a focal point effect.
Choosing a pair of glasses that suits your personality and the occasion is essential. For formal occasions, it is appropriate to wear smaller frames with delicate designs, which are both elegant and professional. For casual or social events, it is suitable to choose fashionable glasses that are both youthful and stylish. Of course, you can also choose glasses with irregularly shaped lenses according to your personal preferences for attending some unique, personalized parties.
6. Frame selection for people with different professions
(1) Leaders: Generally, leaders have a solemn, deep, and decisive temperament. Therefore, the glasses they wear should be dignified, generous, made of precious and delicate materials, and exude a sense of solemn beauty.
(2) Intellectuals: Usually introverted, steady, and cautious in their behavior, intellectuals are well-spoken and knowledgeable. The glasses they choose should be calm, dignified, and have minimal decoration. The materials should be delicate and sophisticated, reflecting an educated and steady beauty.
(3) Artists: Artists have a bold, open-minded, eloquent, romantic, confident, and graceful temperament. The frames they wear should be generous, versatile, intriguing, and romantic, fully showcasing the artists’ unique charm.
(4) Students: Characterized by innocence and liveliness, students have a strong desire for knowledge, adaptability, and are greatly influenced by their environment. They should choose sturdy, durable, and simple frames that reflect the purity and simplicity of students.
(5) Business and economic workers: Their identity should showcase wealth, so the chosen frames should be luxurious, exquisite, and made with precision. Choosing designer brands can fully express their luxurious beauty.
Conflicts can arise when considering the functionality, comfort and aesthetics of a frame. In this case, sunglasses manufacturers recommend that individuals should weigh the appropriate criteria according to their needs. Sometimes, having multiple pairs of glasses can help resolve different conflicts, which is why the concept of “multiple glasses for one person” is widely accepted.
