Choosing the right pair of frames can be confusing. First of all, there are different terms used for different parts of a frame. This explanation should help you understand more about glasses.
- Eye wires (Rims)
- Part of the frame that holds the lenses in place.
- Bridge
- This is the arc above the nose. Many frames include adjustable nose pads to optimize comfort.
- Temples
- Also known as ‘arms,’ the temples are the part that extends over the ears to keep the frame in place. Plastic coatings that cover the ends of the temples are known as temple tips.
With such a huge variety of eyeglasses frames on the market, it can be hard to decide which style to choose. There are 3 basic styles:
- Fully-rimmed frames completely encircle the lenses.
- Semi-rimless also known as half-rimless have a frame that only partially encircles the lenses.
- A more popular style these days are rimless frames, where there is no frame encircling the lenses, and the metal bridge and temples are mounted directly onto the lenses. This type of frame is not recommended for reading glasses. Reading lenses are very thin around the edge and are likely to crack around the drilled holes or temples.
In addition to different styles, there are also different materials to take into consideration when choosing a pair of glasses.
- Metal Frames – A combination of different metals are normally used for metal frames. Titanium is popular these days as it is durable, long-lasting and corrosion-resistant. Beryllium is also favorably used for its durability, flexibility and lightness. Another metal commonly used is stainless steel, which is lightweight, strong, durable and suitable for people with sensitive skin.
- Plastic Frames are great for those who want something more colorful and lightweight. Zylonite, an extremely lightweight plastic that can include layers of colors, is commonly used. A nylon based frame is suitable for sensitive skin and are commonly used in sports frames for its flexibility, durability and high resistance to hot and cold temperatures.
There is a huge array of frames in a number of colors. It is important to choose the correct color to match your skin tone. Wearers are categorized into 2 skin tones – cool and warm skin tones.
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Cool Skin Tone – If you have blue, green or grey eyes with black, blonde or brown hair, you have a cool skin tone. Frames colors suited for cool skin tones include black, pink, silver and blue.
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Warm Skin Tone – If you have brown, black or hazel eyes with black, brown, blonde or red hair, you have a warm skin tone. Frame colors that suit warm skin tones include orange, white, gold, green and brown.
Choosing a new glasses frame is an investment, so it’s important to choose one that you feel comfortable and look good in. Picking a shape that is opposite from your face shape will complement your look.
- Round – If you have a wide forehead with a circular chin and cheeks, you have a round face. Glasses with angular shapes such as square or rectangular will suit a round face. Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore both have round faces.
- Oval – An oval face is well-balanced with well-proportioned features. If you are lucky enough to have this face shape, both round and angular frames will suit your face shape. Charlize Theron and Beyonce Knowles have oval face shapes.
- Square – A square face shape is as wide as it is long with sharp, angular features. Round or oval frames suit someone with this face shape as it softens the angular lines. Celebrities with a square face shape include Janet Jackson and Hilary Swank.
- Rectangular – A rectangular face shape is one which is longer than it is wide with angular features. Rectangular or square shapes will not suit this face shape. Instead, opt for round or oval frames to flatter your face shape. Gwyneth Paltrow and Terri Hatcher have this kind of face shape.
- Triangular – If you have a narrow forehead and cheekbones with a wide jawline, you have a triangular face shape. Similar to those with a square face, choose a frame that is round to offset angular lines. Best friends Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham boast triangular face-shapes.
- Heart-shaped – A heart-shaped face is wide at the forehead and cheekbones with a narrow chin. This type of face shape suits both angular and round frames. Jennifer Lopez, Claudia Schiffer and Michelle Pfeiffer all have a heart-shaped face.
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