Choosing eyeglass frames is an important step in matching glasses to your personality and lifestyle. In the 21st century, you can choose eyeglass frames from a variety of sources. Your optical subscription may provide you with a suitable frame, but the model may not be to your liking. Other sellers may also sell the frame at a price that is much cheaper than the price of the frame in your subscription optics. However, before you buy eyeglass frames, you must determine the shape, size, color, and material of the frames that you will buy.
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Method 1 of 4: Considering Usage Patterns
Step 1. Know how often you wear glasses
The frequency of use of glasses will affect various aspects of frame selection. If you don't wear glasses very often, you may not want to spend too much money on glasses, and may opt for a heavier frame. On the other hand, if you rely on glasses for your everyday life, you may want to buy a frame that is lighter and more comfortable to wear, and be willing to spend more to buy one.
Step 2. Think about your lifestyle
Some activities require you to choose a special eyeglass frame. Daily activities and proximity to water and machinery will influence your frame choice. If you wear glasses when working hard, pay attention to your coworkers' glasses. By paying attention to the frames they use, you will know what kind of frame fits your activity.
For heavy workers, choose eyeglass frames that are shatter-resistant and scratch-resistant to avoid frame repair. You are also advised to choose a frame that is guaranteed. The frame warranty will be indispensable for those of you who wear glasses for activities
Step 3. Consider the style and timing of use when choosing a frame
Some people prefer cheap, practical frames, but if you're going to use your glasses in professional or social situations, you may want to choose a pretty frame. Minimalist eyeglass frames are less expensive, but beautiful frames will highlight your face shape and fashion style.
Method 2 of 4: Highlight Face Shape
Step 1. Know your face shape
The selection of eyeglass frames will depend on the natural shape of your face. Look in the mirror, and compare your face to the diagram to determine the dominant shape of the face.
- If your face is round, choose a square frame, so your face will look thinner and longer. Avoid frameless, oval, or round frames.
- If your face is oval, choose a frame with a strong bridge, and avoid large frames so that your face doesn't look small.
- If your face tends to be square, choose a round frame to reduce the corners of your face.
- If you have a diamond-shaped face, avoid wide frames so that your forehead doesn't stick out. Choose eyeglass frames that are small and round.
- If you have a heart-shaped face, choose a frame that "sticks" under your nose so that the center of your face looks lower, so that the forehead that is larger than your chin will be disguised.
Step 2. Know your skin allergies
If this isn't your first time choosing a frame, you probably already know your skin allergy. However, if this is your first time choosing a frame, have a dermatologist test your skin for allergies. If you're not sure you have a skin allergy but don't want to get tested, avoid certain ingredients that pose an allergy risk.
- Plastic or synthetic frames are generally designed to be hypoallergenic, so they won't cause skin allergies. Prices for plastic or synthetic frames also vary. Synthetic frame materials include cellulose acetate/ zylonite, cellulose propionate and nylon.
- Some metal frames are designed to be hypoallergenic, but others may cause allergies. Metal frames may be made of titanium, stainless steel, beryllium, and aluminum.
- Frames made of other materials, or natural materials, generally do not cause skin allergies. Such frames may be made of wood, bone, or ivory.
Step 3. Pay attention to your skin tone
Most people have warm or cool skin tones. To find out your skin tone, place a piece of white paper next to your face. If your face looks yellowish, tan, or tends to bronze, you have a warm skin tone. If your face tends to be pink or bluish, you have a cool skin tone.
- For those of you with warm skin tones, opt for moss green, dark green, and brown instead of black, white, or contrasting pastel colors.
- If you have a cool skin tone, choose a color like black, white, or a bright color. The brown frame color will contrast with your skin tone.
Step 4. Consider hair color
Like skin, hair color can also be divided into cold (such as pink-blonde, blue-black, and white) and warm (such as tawny, golden-blonde, and gray). Follow the rules above to choose a frame that matches your hair color.
Method 3 of 4: Buying a Frame in the Store
Step 1. Know how much your optics charge to match lenses
Some opticians provide eyeglass frames, and offer a discount on attaching lenses if you purchase frames there. Before buying a lens outside of your subscription optics, make sure the frame price and lens installation costs don't exceed your budget.
Step 2. Pay attention to the price of the frame in the subscription optics
While it may seem that you can save money by buying a frame outside of the optics, the price difference may not be that significant, when you factor in the costs of installing lenses, warranties, and other fees that optics may incur. Therefore, it is sometimes recommended that you buy eyeglass frames at optics.
If you wear glasses at home, you may not need to insure the frames. Be aware of the availability of free repair options when you compare frame prices
Step 3. Compare frame prices in other stores
Some stores may provide frames that are not available on your subscription optics, or may offer far lower prices than the optics. When buying eyeglass frames, don't limit yourself to just looking at stock in one store.
Method 4 of 4: Ordering Frames Online
Step 1. Pay attention to the material, size, weight, and characteristics of the frame
Without the help of an ophthalmologist or optician, you must pay close attention to the characteristics of the eyeglass frame. In addition to knowing the special function, material, and size of the frame, also pay attention to the weight of the frame. Since you can't try frames purchased online, you'll need to compare the specifications to the ones you have at home. Weigh the frame with a small scale, and use the weight of the frame you are currently using as a comparison when choosing a frame on the internet.
Step 2. Know your face size
Make sure you choose a frame that matches the anatomy of the face. Even a properly sized frame may not feel right. Measure your current eyeglass frame, then use the size (in millimeters) as a comparison when shopping for frames to make sure that the frame you buy is the right size.
- Eye size means the width of each lens, from the outermost corner.
- The size of the bridge means the distance between each lens.
- Temple size is the size of the part of the glasses attached to the nose.
- Size "B" is the height of each lens, measured from the highest and lowest points.
Step 3. Measure the distance between the pupils (known as the PD measure, and is measured in millimeters)
Since it is difficult to measure it yourself, ask an optician to measure the distance. However, there are several ways you can measure it yourself at home. By measuring the distance between the pupils yourself, you will be able to save time, and know the approximate size of the frame.
To measure pupillary distance yourself, use a photo. Hold an object you know the size of (such as a pen) over your chin. Take a photo in the mirror, then measure it with a ruler. For example, if the pen measures 127mm, and it looks 25mm in the photo, the scale of the photo is 1:5. So, if the distance between your pupils is 12mm, multiply that distance by 5 to get 60mm. The result of this calculation is your pupil distance
Step 4. Know the rules of the store where you purchased the frame
Make sure you can try the frame, and return or exchange it for free. Also consider shipping costs so you don't spend more than your budget. Choose a seller that provides insurance, warranties, and repair guarantees.
Step 5. Try the frame, and consider returning it
Testing the frame is the most important step when buying a frame online, as self-measurement will not be as precise as optical-measurement. Online sellers may also display specifications and photos that do not match the actual item. Wear the frame for a day, and pay attention to your comfort and visibility.
