Whether it's your first or fiftieth time getting glasses, it is always important to find a pair that matches your style. There are so many choices when it comes to glasses that it can be difficult to narrow your selection. Your lifestyle, personal style, and facial shape should all play a role in your decision.
Will My Glasses Affect My Lifestyle?
Your job and hobbies influence what kind of glasses you need. For example, if you work near computers all day, you'll need different lenses than someone who primarily works with cars. Here are a few examples to help you find the right glasses for your lifestyle:
Glasses for sports. If you play sports, you may want durable glasses that offer eye protection and allow you to move freely.
Glasses for computers. People who work at computers usually benefit from bifocals. The dual lenses allow you to focus on a close object, like a computer monitor, or a faraway object with the same pair of glasses. That means you won't have to tilt your head back to see the monitor.
Glasses for trade occupations. If you work in a specialized field with hands-on work, you'll need glasses with bifocals across the entire lens. These will allow you to see both small and large details, which are essential for electricians, plumbers, or car mechanics.
Glasses for the outdoors. For outdoor activities, you'll need glasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun.
What Glasses Fit My Face Shape?
Glasses are a great accessory to highlight. Knowing which style complements your facial shape will help you find the right frame that feels most comfortable for you. Consider your facial proportions, including the bridge of your nose, eye shape and size, and temple and forehead width, as you explore your options.
Oval Face Shape
Faces that appear narrow with a rounded chin are considered oval face shapes. Even with slightly wider cheekbones, oval-shaped faces usually appear balanced on top and bottom, so most frames are flattering. However, keep in mind that your frames should extend just wider than the broadest part of your face. This will help add width to your narrow face.
Triangle Face Shape
If your forehead is the broadest part of your face, you have a triangle-shaped face. Try to pick out frames that create balance with your forehead. Frames that are wider at the bottom will help create this balance. Round or square frames will emphasize the bottom half of your face, instead of the top.
Round Face Shape
If your cheekbones are wider than your forehead and chin, you have a round face. You should select frames that lengthen your face. Look for wide or rectangular frames that elongate your overall facial shape. If your eyes seem close together, you can add a contrasting bridge colour to create length in between your eyes.
Square Face Shape
If the length of your face is roughly equal to its width and you have a broader, angled jaw line, you have a square-shaped face. When you select frames, your goal should be to soften the angles in your face with frames that have round edges. Oval frames will create lines that smooth out your facial shape. Round frames will also emphasize your eyes and lengthen your nose.
How Can My Glasses Reflect My Personality?
Small details on glasses can say a lot about your personality. Your frames' shape, colour, and material all come together to create a small reflection of how you see yourself.
Here are some trends that may help you select your frames:
Bright colours are generally seen as youthful and energetic. Choose a bright colour if you want to stand out from the crowd.
Woods frames convey sophistication and will give you an air of old-school charm.
Metal frames reflect high-tech interests and will project an intelligent, polished image.
Try on several frames to help you find which design you like best. You will get a better idea of colours and frames that match your style once you try them on. As you decide on a pair of frames, consider your wardrobe as well. Elaborate, brightly coloured frames are fun to try on, but they may not match any of your clothes. What Colour Should My Glasses Be? Consider your skin and hair colour when you pick your frames. If you want your glasses to stand out, choose frame colours that contrast with your skin. For example, a pair of frames with dark rims will flatter a lighter skin tone. Or, if you want less noticeable frames, choose a pair with pastel or thin metal rims. Use your frames to highlight your best features. If you like your eyes, choose frames that draw attention to them. Have fun as you experiment with various options to find the right fit for you. Now that you know how to find the best glasses for your style, be sure to talk to an optometrist at The Eyewear Place about how to take care for your glasses and maintain your eye health.