If you are on the quest to purchase your first pair of glasses, or if you intend to swap or replace your existing team, you will encounter a wide variety of products. From the frames’ material and colour to the Shape of the lenses, you’ll have a lot of options to consider. To make the process a bit simpler, walk through the list of five factors to consider before browsing any further.
1. Do You Need Bifocal or Progressive Lenses?
As vision changes with ageing, many people may need bifocal or progressive lenses to see better. Both types are multifocal lenses with more than one focus point to help you see up close or from a distance, depending on your needs. But what makes these two lens types different?
- Bifocal Lenses– These lenses have two viewing areas (distance prescription on top and reading distance on the bottom) divided by a line. Unlike progressive lenses, you can’t achieve the appearance of a single vision with this model. However, bifocal lenses do have the price advantage over progressive lenses, which tend to cost a bit more whether you buy them online or at your optometrist’s office.
- Progressive Lenses– These multifocal lenses can have up to three viewing areas (distance, intermediate, and near vision). Unlike bifocal lenses, progressive lenses have no visible line; their design is invisible and continuous, giving the appearance of a single-vision lens. You will hardly notice the differences in the viewing areas instead of the “image jump” feeling that some people may experience with bifocals. Various options also exist for those who spend a lot of time in front of the computer. Once you decide on a lens type, you can shop here and pick out the perfect frames.
2. Face Shape
When deciding on the type and Shape of your eyeglass frames, remember that not all styles adapt well to the Shape of your face, and the wrong choice can leave you with a less natural look. If you aren’t sure about the appropriate style for your face shape, follow these guidelines:
- Oval– With an oval face, the forehead is slightly wider than the curved chin, and the cheekbones are the widest part. To envision an oval face, think of Kelly Rowland. The perfect choice: square or rectangular frames that are as wide as the area around the eyes.
- Square– The square face is similar to that of singer Rihanna, with straight sides and a slightly tilted chin line. The square type of face shape is nearly as broad as it is long, and rounded, thinner frames that are a little wider on the sides complement it best.
- Round– Remember actress Jennifer Lawrence? She’s a prime example of a celebrity with a round face shape. This type resembles the square face, but with softer angles and the sides curved outwards. The chin is rounded, and the cheekbones stand out, so the best bet is to adopt rectangular, angular, or geometric frames.
- Heart– The chin is pointed, and the forehead is the widest part of this type of face, like an upside-down triangle – think of actress Reese Witherspoon. It’s the most versatile kind of look and combines with oval-shaped frames.
- Rectangular– The rectangular face shape is similar to the square face, but it is longer than wide, with the forehead, cheeks, and chin line of the same width. Also called elliptical, it’s the Shape of model Gisele Bündchen. With the right size, any frame style matches this type.
- Diamond– The face of actress and singer Jennifer Lopez is an excellent example of a diamond-shaped face, with a pointed chin and protruding cheekbones. If you have this face shape, look for frames that strike a balance with your forehead.
3. Skintone
If your face’s Shape determines the Shape of your frames, the skin tone is the most critical factor when selecting your glasses’ colours.
Ideally, you should choose colors that complement your natural tone. Skin tones are usually “warm” or “cool.” In the first category, the skin has yellowish or greenish tones; colder tones tend to look more bluish or pink.
Warm or cool tones combine with colors of the same intensity: beige, brown, gold, pink, orange, white, red, yellow, and green for warm tones; black, grey, pink, blue, and purple for cool tones.
The glasses’ color should add an extra dimension to your look, contrasting your skin tone with a lighter or darker color.
4. What “Look” Do You Want to Achieve?
The frames you choose can say a lot about you. The right model will automatically reflect your style as much as the shoes or clothes you wear. Here are a few common fashion motifs and the glasses that work best for those with a similar style:
- Smart and Sophisticated– Circular frames convey a passionate reader vibe and a smart and elegant look. With a thinner frame, they also look more vintage.
- Sporty– Sports frames are strongly associated with specific brands and have a design that resembles action. But it’s not enough to choose a format that looks cool: the glasses need to fit well in the face, with adjustable arms and nosepiece.
- Retro– Cateye or aviator frames can both create an instant retro vibe. Cateye glasses pop in colors like vibrant red, and aviators always look good with a golden frame.
- Neutral– Frames in a more conservative shape and color are ideal at work. In this case, opt for classic shapes and discreet frames in shades such as silver, gray, brown, and black.
- Artsy– You can show off your creative side by adopting modern shapes and colorful frames in vibrant tones, such as red or orange, or even floral patterns.
- Bohemian– Oversized sunglasses or glasses with large, round or square frames are ideal for the nightlife. You can also choose unusual shapes and sizes—your glasses should look unique.
5. Do You Wear Hats or Jewelry Often?
What you wear on the top of your head, or around it, should communicate the same message as the type of glasses on your face.
If you have chosen frames with a hipster feel, for example, a knitted hat will match perfectly. But a more sophisticated or elegant frame will look great combined with a felt hat, beret, or a fedora.
In the case of jewelry, do you tend to wear silver or gold? If so, be careful with glasses with metal frames or accents, as they can clash with what you’re wearing. Your jewelry should complement the color of your frames: gold frame with gold jewelry, silver frame with silver jewelry.
See Better, Look Better
Hopefully, these tips make it easier to find the perfect pair of glasses for you. The truth is that you don’t have to be a fashion expert to find a model that looks good.
Just keep in mind that the ideal lens type can improve your vision and, consequently, your quality of life and that the frames you use can say a lot about your personality. Choose a style that not only matches your face shape or skin tone but also shows people who you are as well.