How Should My Glasses Fit?
April 2, 2025 • 6:29 PM
Finding the perfect fit for your glasses is key to both comfort and style. The right frames not only enhance your vision but also complement your facial features for a look that feels effortlessly you.
As online eyewear shopping continues to grow, knowing how your glasses should fit is more important than ever. With more choices than ever before, finding affordable frames that suit your style and comfort has never been easier. That's what we love to hear.
This guide breaks down the essential elements of a great fit, giving you the confidence to choose your next perfect pair with ease.
Eyewear Components: Understanding Frame Measurements
When shopping for glasses, you may notice measurements on the inside of the temples, such as 50-18-140. These numbers correspond to frame dimensions that impact how the glasses fit on your face. Here’s what they mean:
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Distance Between Lenses (DBL): The space between the two lenses, also known as the bridge width, affects how comfortably the glasses sit on your nose.
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A-Dimension: The horizontal width of one lens, crucial for overall frame size.
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B-Dimension: The vertical height of one lens, helping to provide the necessary field of vision.
Understanding these measurements will help you choose frames that complement your face structure while providing optimal comfort and vision.
Key Elements of a Good Fit
To understand how your glasses will fit, let's first look at how they interact with your facial features. The following human characteristics will influence the way your frames sit on your face.
Head Width
Your glasses should align with the natural width of your face, in other words the frame should "frame" your face without being too small or too large.
The temples (arms) should extend straight back without splaying excessively, which indicates a too-small frame.
Of course there are some exceptions when it comes to someone's personal style. Some frames, like quirky, round designs, don’t follow traditional width rules. Some people may wear smaller glasses for a specific aesthetic, such as to achieve a vintage or retro look.
On the other end of the spectrum, oversized frames offer a bolder look for those who want to make a statement. Sometimes, intentionally extending beyond typical sizing norms is the goal.
Nose Bridge Fit
The bridge of the frame should be tailored to fit the natural contours of your nose. If you have a high nose bridge, a frame with a lower bridge might not fit properly. Similarly, if you have a wide nose bridge, a frame with a narrow bridge could cause discomfort.
If the bridge is too narrow, it will pinch or leave red marks on your nose and cause discomfort. On the other hand, if the bridge is too wide, the glasses will slip down your face and need frequent adjustments.
A well-fitting nose bridge will evenly distribute the weight of the frame to avoid pain on pressure points. This is essential for both comfort and the proper function of your glasses.
Ride Height
The ride height of the eyewear refers to how high or low your glasses sit on your face and where the eyes are located in the lens.
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Pupil Location (Up & Down): Your pupils should sit in the upper third of the lens.
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Pupil Location (Left & Right): Your pupils should be centered within the lens width for balanced optical decentration to ensure clear vision. This will also create a well-proportioned look, avoiding frames that appear too wide or narrow.
These are particularly important for progressive lenses, where the proper eye location ensures ample functional area for different magnifications.
Pupillary Distance (PD)
PD is the distance between your pupils, which is essential for lens alignment and proper vision correction. It's important that the pupils are not beyond the midpoint of the optical center of the lens.
At Pair, we help you measure your PD virtually in a few quick steps. Take a magnetic stripe card and hold it above your eyes, with the magnetic strip centered and touching your eyebrows. This allows us to take a quick photo and accurately create your perfect prescription.
Face Shape
Different frame shapes complement different face shapes. While this is more of a style consideration, here are general recommendations:
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Round Faces: Angular frames add structure.
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Square Faces: Round or oval frames soften strong angles.
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Oval Faces: Most frames work well for this balanced face shape.
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Heart-Shaped Faces: Bottom-heavy or round frames create balance.
If you are curious about what face shape you have, this complete guide can help you determine it in just a few simple steps.
Additional Factors for Optimal Fit
Beyond the primary considerations, there are a few other “X factors” that can affect how glasses fit and look. These are things that you might want to look out for as well:
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Pantoscopic Tilt: This is the angle of the lens as worn, which can be influenced by ear position and improper stem length. You’ll want to ensure that this angle is not too steep or too shallow. Ideally the arms of your frames will rest flat and stems will be just long enough to sit comfortably over your ears.
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Cheek Contact: The frame should not touch your cheeks. This tends to indicate the frames sit too low on your nose or aren't the right fit for you.
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Uneven Ear Placement: Some asymmetry is normal and can often be adjusted. However, significant unevenness may cause your glasses to sit crooked, affecting your comfort and vision.
Examples of Good Fit
That was a lot of technical information, so let's break down what makes a good fit. The frame width should align with your face width, the eye placement in the lens is on target, and your eyebrows are still visible. Lastly, the temples rest comfortably without excessive splaying.
Pair Eyewear makes finding the perfect fit easy with our virtual try-on tool. This feature lets you see how frames will look on your face before you buy, all from the comfort of your home.
The Importance of Fit
A good fit is crucial for several reasons:
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Comfort: Properly fitted glasses are more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
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Vision Correction: The correct fit ensures the lenses are positioned optimally for vision correction, especially for those requiring progressive lenses.
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Aesthetics: Well-fitted glasses enhance your appearance.
The Right Fit for You
Finding the perfect glasses doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Armed with the right knowledge about the key factors that influence fit, you can approach your eyewear shopping with confidence.
By understanding what makes a great fit, you can avoid common discomforts like slipping frames, pressure points, or an unflattering shape.
Now, you’re ready to select frames that not only complement your look but also offer optimal vision and comfort. Helping you see and feel your best every day!
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