If you’re looking to buy some glasses, but just can’t seem to make your mind up, this guide is for you. We’ll be taking you through tips for how to choose glasses online, trying on glasses online and buying glasses online – all wrapped up in one little article!
How to choose glasses: some top tips
- Choose frames that contrast your face shape. The general rule of thumb for choosing what style of frames to go with is to choose the opposite of your face shape. For example, if you have a very angular or square face, then round frames are a good fit. If you have a round face, consider going with a pair of rectangular frames.
- Choose frame size based on face shape. If you have an oval face, don’t use larger frames that will cover half of your face.
- Choose frames that center your eyes. If your eyes appear too close to the inner corner of the frames, it will make you look cross-eyed. If your eyes appear too far towards the outside corners of the frames, then it will make the glasses look too small. If your eyes happen to be slightly narrow set, then you should avoid a pair of frames that are too wide.
- Choose frames that fit your nose. Because you’ll be wearing your eyeglasses often, you’ll want to make sure that they are a comfortable fit. Avoid glasses that constantly slip down your nose, that leave red marks on your nose, or that cause your eyelashes to touch the lenses.
- One way that you can tell if they will fit your face is by shaking your head. If the frames move as you shake your head, they are too big.
How to choose glasses based on face shape
We think that getting the right glasses for your face is the most important part of buying glasses online. If you’re still struggling with how to choose glasses, this face shape guide should really clear things up and get you started!
DID YOU KNOW?
There are four basic face shapes: square, round, oval and heart-shaped. You’l need to figure out which one you have in order to find some glasses that complement your features.
If you have a square face
You have a well-defined face with a wide forehead, strong cheekbones, jawline and chin. Your most prominent feature is mostly likely your prominent jawline. Round glasses or thinner frames would be a great contrast to your strong features and be better suited to you.
All the curves can help soften your features and compliment your natural looks. We recommend round and oval frames, but aviators or pilot frames are worth a look too!
The best frames for square faces are:
Oval. Oval frames are the perfect accessory for pretty much any occasion. These frames give off a naturally stylish look with minimal effort required. Take it easy, and let these glasses do all the work for you.
Round. No matter how big or small your round frames are, they look exactly how you’d imagine they would – chilled and centered. After choosing this frame, you’ll soon realize that being cool, calm and collected suits you.
Pilot. Aviator glasses will always be on-trend. They look best when worn during those warmer months and add a touch of cool to any outfit.
If you have a round face
The typical features of a round face are wide foreheads, full cheeks and rounded chins. Your face is normally nearly equal in length and width. We recommend glasses with strong details and angles to contrast your soft features.
By adding some contrast, your face can look thinner and longer. We recommend rectangular, butterfly and wayfarer frames.
The best frames for round faces are:
Wayfarer. They are simply iconic. The end. On a semi-serious note though, these glasses have become the most recognizable and most worn glasses of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that these are a must-have pair for both men and women.
Butterfly. These are glasses for the experimental individual. With a cool fusion of round and geometric shapes, designs and silhouettes, our butterfly glasses range has unique frames for everyone.
Rectangle. These are the perfect frames for the quintessential gentleman or the professional woman. If you’re looking to revamp your look or simply make a bold statement, then shop our best looks and get your rectangle on!
If you have a oval face
You have balanced features and high cheekbones, with a slightly narrower chin compared to your forehead. A lot of people consider this to be the most ideal face shape, with the most balanced proportions.
People with oval-shaped faces are really lucky as pretty much any pair of glasses will suit them! However, you should be careful with oversized glasses as they can detract from your naturally balanced features.
The best frames for oval faces are:
Cat Eye. If you appreciate old-school glamour, then cat-eye glasses are the shades for you. You love wearing your vintage coats in winter but would probably prefer the summer months to go on forever! You have a flair for drama and these glasses only enhance your classy vibe.
Round. No matter how big or small your round frames are, they look exactly how you’d imagine they would – chilled and centered. After choosing this frame, you’ll soon realize that being cool, calm and collected suits you.
Wayfarer. They are simply iconic. The end. On a semi-serious note though, these glasses have become the most recognizable and most worn glasses of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that these are a must-have pair for both men and women.
If you have a heart face
The typical complexion of a heart shaped face is a wide forehead, high cheekbones, narrow jaw and a well-defined chin. Your face resembles a heart shape since it is widest at the top and narrowest at the bottom.
The aim when choosing glasses for heart shaped faces is to help create the illusion of a smaller forehead and a broader chin. This can be achieved by choosing glasses that are wider than your forehead. We recommend Pilot/Aviator, wraparound and wayfarer frames.
The best frames for heart-shaped faces are:
Pilot. Aviator glasses will always be on-trend. They look best when worn during those warmer months and add a touch of cool to any outfit.
Wraparound. Generally known for their sporty and practical look, wraparounds are the perfect glasses to wear whenever your adventurous side emerges. Head off to distant shores or hike up a mountain in these sporty, protective glasses.
Wayfarer. They are simply iconic. The end. On a semi-serious note though, these glasses have become the most recognizable and most worn glasses of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that these are a must-have pair for both men and women.
How to choose reading glasses for computer
Computer reading glasses are reading glasses with a blue light filter, or prescription computer glasses. Blue light readers improve both your vision and eye health while using a digital screen. With blue light reading glasses, you don’t have to choose between one pair of glasses or the other.
You can now read small print on the computer while also protecting your eyes from harmful blue light rays. There are over the-the-counter options for both computer glasses and reading glasses online, making blue light blocking reading glasses an accessible option for almost anyone.
At VisionDirect, we’ve got a huge selection of computer reading glasses with blue light blocking technology – we’ve found that they’re one of the best ways out there to protect your eyes from short-wavelength light (and look great doing it).
With affordable blue light glasses from VisionDirect, to high-style frames from luxury brands like Tom Ford, our range really does have something for everyone.
Try on glasses online
Our groundbreaking Virtual Try-On tool is a giant leap for buying glasses online. This forward-thinking technology lets you see how our glasses look without even having to leave your home – perfect for a socially distanced try-before-you-buy!
Just find a pair of glasses you love and click the VTO button to model designer frames and more from home!
If you’ve found this guide and informative, don’t forget to check out our interesting and educational pieces from our Optical Centre. Of course, if this has got you in the mood for buying glasses online, head on over to VisionDirect and check out thousands of pairs from the world’s leading online eyewear destination.