How To Find The Best Glasses For Small Faces

Choosing glasses for small faces means paying close attention to style, proportions, and balance to create a look that complements your natural features without overwhelming them.

If you’ve ever tried on glasses and felt like they swallowed your face you’re not alone. It can be frustrating to have glasses that keep slipping down your nose, extend way past your temples, or just looking oversized and clunky. 

The right pair of glasses can do more than help you see, they can highlight your best features, frame your face beautifully, and feel like they were made just for you.

Let’s find you the perfect pair of glasses for your perfectly unique face. 

Understanding Face Shapes and Glasses Fit

Identifying a Small Face Shape

Not sure if you have a small face? It often comes down to proportion more than labels. A smaller face typically has compact features. Think short in length, and narrow in width. 

Here are a few quick signs you might benefit from smaller or “petite” frames:

1. The widest part of your face are your cheekbones. 

2. If glasses tend to slip off, sit too low, or extend far beyond your temples.

3. You often wear the smallest hat size.

Noticing these little signs can make a big difference in finding glasses that truly fit and flatter your face! To dive deeper into your face shape and what to look for, check out our guide. 

The Importance of Proper Fit

Fit isn’t just about comfort, it’s about how glasses look and feel every day. Glasses with an incorrect fit can slip down your nose, pinch at the bridge, feel heavy on your ears, or simply overpower your features. 

On the other hand, when glasses fit correctly, they feel light, sit securely, and become almost invisible. Plus, a proper fit ensures your prescription works as intended. 

Frame Size and Measurements for Small Faces

Key Measurements to Consider

When shopping for glasses that actually fit a small face, size really matters. Here are the key measurements you should check:

• Lens width: How wide a single lens is.

• Lens height: How tall a single lens is.

• Bridge width: The width between the lenses (the part that rests on your nose).

• Temple length: The length of the temple arm, from the front of the frame to the end tip. 

• Frame width: The full width of the glasses from tip to tip.

For petite faces, these specs tend to be on the lower end of the usual size range. For example, many petite glasses feature narrower lens widths, smaller bridges, and shorter temple arms to ensure a snug, comfortable fit. 

How to Measure Your Face for Glasses

Here’s a simple way to measure at home before you order new glasses:

1. Stand about a foot away from a mirror with a ruler or measuring tape.
   

2. Measure the width of your face at its widest point. (usually the temples or cheekbones)
   

3. Note the measurement (in mm) to compare with the Framer Width spec when browsing frames.

If you want help finding narrow frames from Pair Eyewear, our sizing guide might come in handy.

Best Frame Styles for Small Faces

Top 3 Frame Shapes That Work Well

The frame shapes that work best for smaller faces offer balance and softness. They flatter petite features by complementing natural face contours, making your face look more balanced instead of overshadowed.

• Rectangular Frames - Add clean, structured lines. Helping to define and elongate the face without overwhelming it.

• Cat‑Eye Frames - With their upswept corners and vintage flair, lift the face visually and highlight delicate cheekbones. 

• Round Frames - Soft curves help balance sharper features, like a defined jaw or strong cheekbones. 

Why to Avoid Oversized Frames

If a frame feels like it belongs to someone else’s face, it probably does. While trendy oversized looks are fun, if your frame is too wide or too tall, you risk losing facial definition and comfort. 

For smaller faces, frames with subtle, well-balanced proportions tend to enhance a natural look far better than bold, oversized styles.

Material and Thickness Considerations

Frame thickness and material can dramatically affect how glasses look on small faces. Thick, bulky frames can overwhelm delicate features, while slim, lightweight designs tend to feel natural and flattering. 

Many of the best petite-fit frames use materials like thin acetate or polished titanium, which are sleek enough to stay proportional, yet sturdy enough for daily wear. Rimless or half‑rim designs can also be great if you want subtlety. 

Pair Eyewear’s Top Picks for Small Faces

At Pair Eyewear we understand that one size doesn’t fit all, so we make it easy to shop by frame size. We recommend extra-narrow or narrow size to fit your small face. Here are some of our favorites, with measurements to make sure it is the right fit for you:

• The Larkin: A versatile rectangle, that is timeless and effortlessly flattering. 

• Lens Width: 51mm

• Bridge Width: 17mm

• Temple Length: 140mm

• The ella: A chic cat-eye, with a delicate silhouette to perfectly accentuate cheekbones.

• Lens Width: 51mm 

• Bridge Width: 16mm

• Temple Length: 140mm

• The Reese: A softly rounded frame that offers a modern minimalist vibe. 

• Lens Width: 48mm

• Bridge Width: 19mm

• Temple Length: 140mm

• The Twain: A rounded square shape, it has just the right mix of structure and softness.

• Lens Width: 47mm

• Bridge Width: 18mm

• Temple Length: 135mm

How to Read Glasses Measurements

Most glasses have their frame measurements printed on the inside of the temple arm. If you have an old pair, check to see what size has worked well for your face. 

You'll usually see a set of three numbers separated by dashes, like 54-17-145, which represent the lens width, bridge width, and temple length in millimeters.

Quick tip: A wider frame tends to have a longer temple length and wider lens width.  

Tips for Comfort and Longevity

Adjusting Frames for a Better Fit

Even the right frames might need a little tweak to feel perfect. Adjustable nose pads, flexible hinges, and the occasional temple adjustment can go a long way toward keeping your glasses secure and comfortable throughout the day.

If glasses start slipping, digging behind your ears, or pressing on your nose don’t ignore it. For tips on how to adjust them properly, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide on how to tighten your frames in a few quick steps. 

Durability and Maintenance

Smaller, thinner frames can sometimes feel more delicate, but that doesn’t mean they should be fragile. Opt for frames made with durable materials, like cellulose acetate, and well-constructed hinges that can handle daily wear without loosening or bending.

Use simple care routines like regular cleaning, proper storage in a case and occasional tune-ups at a local optometrist to extend the life of your glasses. Treat them gently and they’ll stay comfortable and stylish for years.

What Matters Most When Choosing Glasses for Small Faces

Finding the right glasses for a smaller face comes down to three key things: proper sizing, the right frame shape, and lightweight materials that don’t overwhelm your features. 

Start by checking the frame measurements to ensure a snug, balanced fit. Then, choose flattering shapes, like cat-eye, rectangular, or rounded frames, that enhance your natural proportions. Finally, opt for thinner, lightweight styles that provide all-day comfort without sacrificing style.

At Pair Eyewear, we make it easy to find glasses that are made to fit. Explore our customizable frames designed for small and extra-narrow faces, to find your perfect match today.