FRAME BUYING GUIDE
Choosing glasses frames: what actually matters
Choosing glasses frames is not just about picking a shape you like. The right frame should suit your face, sit comfortably, work with your prescription and feel right for the way you dress every day. A good frame should make you look more like yourself, not like you are trying too hard.
Most people start with style. That is understandable. But as a dispensing optician, I would always look at four things together: face shape, frame size, bridge fit and prescription suitability. When those four areas are right, the frame usually looks better, feels better and performs better with the lenses.
This guide explains how to choose glasses frames properly, including frame shape, frame size, materials, bridge fit, prescription strength, varifocal suitability, face shape, colour and lifestyle. It is designed to help you avoid the common mistakes people make when buying glasses online.
Scott's Professional Advice
The best frame is not always the most fashionable one. It is the one that suits your face, holds your lenses correctly and feels comfortable enough to wear all day. A beautiful frame that slides down, pinches your nose or makes your lenses look thicker is not a good choice.
THE QUICK ANSWER
How to choose the right glasses frames
- Choose a frame width that is close to your face width.
- Make sure your eyes sit reasonably central in each lens.
- Pick a bridge that suits your nose shape, not just the frame style.
- Choose a lens size that works with your prescription.
- For stronger prescriptions, avoid unnecessarily large frames.
- For varifocals, choose enough lens depth for comfortable reading and distance zones.
- Use colour and frame thickness to balance your features.
- Do not rely only on face shape rules; fit matters more.
FRAME FIT
The four measurements that matter most
Most glasses have measurements printed on the inside arm. They normally look something like 52 □ 18 140. These numbers are useful, but they do not tell the whole story.
Lens width
The first number is the width of one lens in millimetres. A 50–54mm lens is common for many adults. Bigger lenses can look bolder, but they may make stronger prescriptions thicker.
Bridge width
The second number is the distance between the lenses. This affects how the frame sits on your nose. A bridge that is too wide can slide down; too narrow can pinch.
Temple length
The third number is the arm length. Most adults wear around 135–150mm. The arms should sit comfortably behind your ears without pulling or digging in.
Frame width
This is often not printed on the frame, but it is one of the most important measurements. The overall width should sit naturally with your face width.
FACE SHAPE
Choosing frames for your face shape
Face shape advice can be helpful, but it should not be treated as a strict rule. Two people can both have a round face and still need very different frames because of their nose shape, brow line, prescription, style and frame size.
| Face shape | Often suits | Be careful with |
|---|---|---|
| Round | Rectangular, square, softly angular frames | Very small round frames that exaggerate roundness |
| Square | Rounder, oval, softened rectangular shapes | Very sharp heavy frames if you want a softer look |
| Oval | Most shapes, especially balanced rectangular or round styles | Frames that are much too wide or too narrow |
| Heart | Lightweight, rounded, fine metal, softer shapes | Very heavy top-heavy frames if your forehead is broader |
| Long | Deeper frames, strong brow lines, balanced oversized styles | Very shallow frames that make the face look longer |
Scott's Professional Advice
Do not choose glasses from face shape alone. A frame can be “right” for your face shape on paper and still be wrong in real life if it is too wide, the bridge does not fit or the lens shape does not suit your prescription.
PRESCRIPTION
Your prescription should influence your frame choice
This is where many people go wrong when buying glasses online. The stronger your prescription, the more important the frame choice becomes. The frame does not just hold the lenses; it affects how thick the lenses look, how heavy the glasses feel and how well the lenses perform.
Minus prescriptions
Minus lenses are thicker at the edges. Smaller, rounder frames can help reduce edge thickness. Very large rectangular frames can make the lens edges more noticeable.
Plus prescriptions
Plus lenses are thicker in the centre. Avoid frames that are too large, as this can increase weight and magnification. A well-centred frame is especially important.
Astigmatism
Higher cylinder prescriptions benefit from stable frames that sit consistently. Avoid loose-fitting frames that move around during wear.
Varifocals
Varifocal lenses need enough depth for distance, intermediate and reading zones. Very shallow frames are not usually ideal.
FRAME MATERIALS
Acetate, metal, titanium and mixed frames
Frame material affects comfort, weight, adjustment, durability and style. There is no single best material for everyone. The right choice depends on how the frame fits and how you intend to wear it.
| Material | Best for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Acetate | Bold style, colour, everyday optical frames | Usually comfortable, but bridge fit is important because many acetate frames have fixed nose pads. |
| Metal | Lightweight looks, adjustable nose pads, refined styling | Often easier to adjust at the bridge, but some fine metal frames may not suit very thick lenses. |
| Titanium | Lightness, strength, premium comfort | Excellent for all-day wear, often a strong choice for people who dislike heavy frames. |
| Combination | Balanced style, mixed texture, modern classic looks | Can offer the structure of acetate with the adjustability of metal components. |
BRIDGE FIT
The nose bridge is where comfort is won or lost
A frame can look perfect from the front and still be uncomfortable if the bridge is wrong. The bridge controls how the frame rests on your nose, how high the lenses sit and whether the frame slides during the day.
Keyhole bridge
Often found on acetate frames. Can work well if you have a narrower or higher nose bridge, but fit varies by design.
Saddle bridge
Spreads weight across more of the nose. Common in acetate frames and can be comfortable when the shape matches your nose.
Adjustable nose pads
Usually found on metal frames. Helpful if you need more adjustment, have a lower bridge or struggle with frames slipping.
Scott's Professional Advice
If frames often slide down your nose, do not automatically choose a smaller frame. The issue is often bridge fit, nose pad position or weight distribution. Adjustable nose pads can make a big difference.
STYLE
Frame shapes explained
Round
Soft, classic and often creative. Works well when the size is right, but can look too small if undersized.
Square
Strong, structured and confident. Good for adding definition, especially to softer facial features.
Rectangular
Clean, versatile and easy to wear. Often a safe choice for professional everyday glasses.
Cat eye
Lifts the face visually and adds personality. Best when the outer corners do not sit too wide.
Aviator
Relaxed and distinctive. Often deeper in shape, so prescription and varifocal suitability should be checked.
Oversized
Fashion-led and expressive. Works best with suitable prescriptions and careful frame width selection.
COLOUR
Choosing the right frame colour
Frame colour changes how glasses sit against your face. Some colours blend in; others create contrast. Neither is right or wrong. It depends whether you want your glasses to feel subtle, premium, bold or expressive.
| Frame colour | Effect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Strong, defined, bold | People who want their glasses to be a feature |
| Tortoise | Warm, premium, softer than black | Everyday wear with character |
| Clear or crystal | Modern, lighter on the face | A softer look without disappearing completely |
| Gold | Warm, refined, classic | Fine metal frames and understated styling |
| Silver or gunmetal | Cool, clean, minimal | Professional or subtle everyday glasses |
| Colour accents | Personality and contrast | Second pairs, statement frames or creative styling |
DECISION TREE
Which frames should you choose?
Use this quick decision tree to narrow down the safest frame choice before you order. It does not replace professional fitting advice, but it will help you avoid the most common online frame mistakes.
1. Do you already own glasses that fit well?
Yes: use the measurements printed inside the arm as your starting point.
No: focus first on frame width and bridge fit rather than choosing only by style.
2. Is your prescription stronger?
Yes: choose a smaller, well-centred frame to help reduce lens thickness and weight.
No: you have more freedom with larger or bolder shapes, provided the fit is right.
3. Are these for varifocals?
Yes: choose a frame with enough lens depth for distance, intermediate and reading zones.
No: frame depth is usually less critical, although comfort and eye position still matter.
4. Do frames often slide down?
Yes: consider adjustable nose pads, a better bridge fit or a lighter frame.
No: keep close to a similar bridge style and overall width if your current fit works.
5. Do you want subtle or statement?
Subtle: choose fine metal, crystal, soft tortoise or lighter colours.
Statement: choose black, bold acetate, thicker rims or a more distinctive shape.
6. Still unsure?
Choose the frame that fits best, not just the one that looks best in the photo. If you are between two options, professional advice is worth getting before lenses are made.
Scott's Professional Advice
If you are choosing between two frames, I would usually prioritise the one with the better width, bridge fit and lens size over the one that is simply more fashionable. A frame that fits properly will nearly always look better once the lenses are glazed.
ONLINE BUYING
How to choose frames online without guessing
Buying glasses online works best when you treat frame choice as a measured decision, not just a visual one. Product photos help you understand the style, but the measurements help you understand whether the frame is likely to work for you.
- Compare the frame measurements with a pair you already like.
- Check the lens width and bridge width carefully.
- Look at the overall frame width where available.
- Think about your prescription before choosing a large frame.
- Use virtual try-on as a style guide, not the only deciding factor.
- Ask for professional advice if you are unsure between two sizes or shapes.
Scott's Professional Advice
Virtual try-on is useful, but it should not replace proper frame fitting judgement. It helps you see the style. It does not always tell you whether the bridge, width and prescription suitability are right.
COMMON MISTAKES
Frame mistakes to avoid
Choosing too wide
This makes the eyes sit too far inwards, can cause slipping and often makes the frame look less refined.
Choosing too large for the prescription
Large frames can increase lens thickness and weight, especially with stronger prescriptions.
Ignoring the bridge
The bridge controls comfort. A poor bridge fit can ruin an otherwise excellent frame.
Only following trends
Fashion matters, but fit and suitability matter more if you want glasses you actually wear.
INTERNAL LINKS
Useful Burghley guides
Buying Prescription Glasses Online
Read the guide before ordering if you want the full buying process explained clearly.
Understanding Your Prescription
Read this guide if you are unsure what your prescription numbers mean.
PD Explained
Read this guide to understand why pupillary distance matters when ordering lenses.
Choosing Prescription Lenses
Read this guide if you need help choosing lens type, thinning or coatings.
FAQS
Choosing glasses frames FAQs
How do I know what glasses frames suit me?
Start with frame width, bridge fit and eye position. Then consider face shape, colour and style. A frame should sit naturally on your face with your eyes reasonably central in the lenses.
Should glasses be wider than my face?
Usually, no. Glasses should sit close to your face width. A slightly wider fashion frame can work, but if the frame is much wider than your face it may slide, look oversized and affect lens appearance.
What glasses are best for a strong prescription?
For stronger prescriptions, smaller and well-centred frames are usually better. Avoid unnecessarily large lenses, as these can increase thickness and weight. Lens thinning may also be recommended.
Are large glasses bad for prescription lenses?
Not always, but large frames can make lenses thicker and heavier, especially with higher prescriptions. They can also make varifocal positioning more demanding if the fit is unstable.
Are metal or acetate glasses better?
Neither is automatically better. Acetate offers stronger style and colour, while metal frames are often lighter and have adjustable nose pads. The best choice depends on your fit, prescription and style preference.
What frame shape is best for varifocals?
Varifocals usually work best in frames with enough vertical depth and a stable fit. Very shallow frames are not ideal because varifocal lenses need room for distance, intermediate and reading areas.
Can I choose frames online without trying them on?
Yes, but you should use measurements, frame fit guidance and professional advice rather than relying only on photos. Comparing with a pair you already own is one of the best starting points.
What if I choose the wrong frame?
If you are unsure, ask for advice before ordering. At Burghley & Co, every prescription order is reviewed so obvious suitability concerns can be checked before lenses are made.
Need help?
Unsure what to choose?
If you are not sure about your prescription, frame size or lens choice, ask before you order.