Are you in the market or mood for a new pair of glasses? The selection is vast, with many fashionable, attractive pairs of glasses to browse through. How can you narrow down your options and choose the style of frames that are best for you?
Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Eyewear
- What’s my taste? Do I prefer a bold or subtle expression? Do I favour modern lines, a retro look or more conservative, classic styles?
- Where do I plan to wear these frames- at work, in the backyard, or for social outings?
- What colours work best with my skin and hair tones?
- What are the primary colours in my wardrobe?
- What’s the shape of my face?
- Do I like my current glasses? If not, then what’s the problem?
Bring this information to your optometrist when you pay a visit to the glasses store and most of the work will already be done! Your optometrist, who is highly skilled and an expert in fitting your eyewear, will be able to hone in quickly on the glasses that are most suitable.
How to Judge Fit and Comfort
Research conducted by the eyewear industry indicates that women pay more attention to how glasses appear on their face, while men are more interested in how they feel and fit. Yet even if looks are your primary concern, if your glasses aren’t comfortable – you won’t be pleased for long.
To judge the fit of frames when trying them on:
- Frames should be wide enough for your face and not too snug on sides of your head. The edges of your glasses should extend beyond the sides of your face. This ensures that the temples won’t press in on your head as they rest on your ears.
- The curves at the end of each temple should go past your ear without pushing down on it. If they don’t, then the temples aren’t long enough.
- The built-in nose piece or silicone nose pads should fit comfortably and firmly, without pinching the bridge of your nose. Silicone nose pads can generally be adjusted.
- Your glasses should be able to stay in place when you move your head from side to side. Nod a few times, turn your head right and left and bend over to touch the floor. Make sure that your glasses don’t slip off.
Is One Pair of Glasses Enough?
Take a look at your closet. You likely own more than one pair of shoes, right? Unless you’re on a very tight budget, more than one pair of glasses isn’t a luxury. Eyewear is a hip accessory and the same pair may not be appropriate for all parts of your modern lifestyle. Just like your clothing, your glasses needs differ for home, work and social occasions.
If owning a solitary pair is enough for you, then choose frames that you love and feel good about no matter what you’re wearing or where you go. These glasses will be on your face constantly, so take your time and pick a style that fits your unique personality and vision requirements.