How Wide Should Glasses Be?
Feeling comfortable in your eyewear starts with learning how glasses should fit your face. But wait--don’t all glasses fit the same? Contrary to popular belief, everyone’s frames can fit differently, and knowing your face shape is fundamental to finding the best glasses for you.
So, what should you know before picking out your new eyewear? Let’s discuss the basics, starting with how wide your glasses should be.
How wide should glasses be?
The width of your frames is one of the first things to examine. For children, glasses that are too large can slip down the face, which can be uncomfortable and inhibit the purpose of wearing glasses: vision correction.
How wide should glasses be on a person in general? Your frames should go a little past your broadest facial feature (often the cheekbones). You should be able to see your eyes in the mid-region of each eyeglass lens. If the frames of your glasses are too close to your eyes, your glasses may be the incorrect size.
Here are some general guidelines to use for the width of your eyewear
- Tiny Face: 125mm to 129mm
- Mid-Sized Face: 130mm to 134mm
- Larger-Than-Average Face: 135mm to 139mm
The height of your frames can vary. For instance, rectangular eyewear (which we recommend for those with rounded facial features) isn’t that tall, but it is wide. In contrast, round frames are about the same size all the way around, making them great for softening strong angles in your face.
What can you do if your glasses are too small for your head?
Having undersized eyewear can be uncomfortable and make you think twice before reaching for your glasses in the morning. As an adult, you might be more likely to check with an optometrist to make sure your glasses fit, but children may not speak up if their glasses feel too small or tight.
To find out if your glasses are too small for your head, look for these signs:
- Eyes toward the outer edge of your frames vs. in the center
- Facial indents left behind from the temples
- Pinching from the nose pads
If you notice these problems, we suggest dropping by your local optical store for a free adjustment or to find new frames. For Eyes has options for men, women and kids, and whether your glasses are too small or wide, we’re confident we can help you find a new pair that feels more comfortable and better suits your needs.
For those who wear prescription glasses, we’ll need to have a copy of your eye prescription to replace your frames. And if you don’t have a prescription, we’ll help you schedule a comprehensive eye exam to get you the proper corrective lenses.
If you’re wearing glasses for cosmetic purposes, no prescription is necessary. We’ll aid you in finding frames that suit the width and height of your face. With our wide selection of designer eyewear and more economical brands, you’re sure to find a style that speaks to you.
Summary: What size of glasses should you get?
While the best frames for each face shape vary, the overall width of glasses to get is generally the same for everyone. How wide should glasses be? For the most flattering appearance, we suggest purchasing eyewear that is a tad wider than your largest facial characteristic.
The width of your eyewear also affects where your eyes sit in the lenses. Your eyes should be in the middle of each eyeglass lens for the best visibility. If you notice any signs of your glasses being too small for your head, such as squeezing from the nose pads or temples, it’s best to visit a nearby optometrist’s office. Our team can adjust your eyewear or recommend new frames as needed.
Shop at For Eyes for your next pair of glasses
Show off your unique style and browse our wide variety of frames from your favorite brands for men, women and kids. Stop by your local For Eyes or order online at your convenience.
