Understanding the relationship between frame width and face width changed how I shop for glasses. For years, I struggled with frames that looked too small or too large on my face, until I learned this simple principle.
Frame width should match or be slightly narrower than face width. I measure my face width at the temples - the widest part of my face. My face measures about 140mm across, so I look for frames in the 130-140mm range.
Frame width isn't always listed, but I can calculate it from the measurements on the temple. The formula I use is: lens width + bridge width + lens width. For example, a 52-18-140 frame has a total width of about 122mm (52 + 18 + 52).
I measure from temple to temple at the widest point. I use a flexible measuring tape and stand in front of a mirror. This gives me my baseline number to work from.
I've experienced both extremes. Frames too narrow create pressure on my temples and look pinched on my face. Frames too wide slide down constantly and look oversized. Neither is comfortable or attractive.
I always check the lens width first. For my 140mm face width, I look for lens widths between 50-54mm. Combined with a standard 16-18mm bridge, this gives me the right total frame width.
When I try frames, I check three things: the frames shouldn't extend past my temples, they shouldn't create pressure points, and they should sit stable without sliding. If all three check out, the width is right.
Frame style affects how width looks. Rectangular frames can go slightly wider on my face than round frames. Thick frames look wider than thin frames with the same measurements. I adjust my target width based on style.
I can go up to 142mm total width with rectangular frames. The angular shape doesn't extend as far visually, so slightly wider measurements work.
I stay closer to 135mm with round frames. The curved shape extends further at the sides, so I need narrower measurements for the same visual effect.
My oval face shape is forgiving with width. Friends with square faces need to be more careful - frames that are too wide emphasize the width of their face. Round faces benefit from slightly wider frames to add balance.
Temple length (the third number) doesn't affect face width fit, but it matters for overall comfort. My 140mm temples work with my frame width to create a balanced fit. Shorter temples would create pressure even with correct width.
When buying online, I calculate total frame width before ordering. I add the lens width, bridge width, and lens width again. If the total is within 5mm of my face width, I know it will work.
For a 52-18-140 frame: 52 + 18 + 52 = 122mm total width. My face is 140mm, so this frame is 18mm narrower than my face. That's perfect - frames should be slightly narrower than face width.
Even with correct width, I sometimes need adjustments. My optician can bend the temples slightly to improve fit. This fine-tuning makes a good width measurement into a perfect fit.
I used to think bigger frames looked better because they covered more face. Wrong. Frames matching my face width look more natural and proportional. I also used to ignore the bridge width in my calculations - that's a mistake that led to wrong total width estimates.
Now every pair I buy fits properly. No more sliding, no more pressure points, no more frames that look wrong on my face. Understanding frame width versus face width was the key to consistent, comfortable glasses shopping.
All my glasses now fall within my ideal width range. If you loved this article and you also would like to be given more info regarding web site kindly visit the web-page. My everyday pair is 52-18-140 (122mm total), my reading glasses are 50-17-140 (117mm total), and my sunglasses are 54-18-145 (126mm total). All work perfectly because they match my face width.