Choosing new glasses

Choosing new glasses is a big decision – it’s not an everyday purchase so you need them to be right first time. You may love the frames but do they really suit the shape of your face? Are they right for the kind of lenses you need? Are they the best value? At Eyesite, we’re experts in what looks good and works best for you as an individual, so you can depend on us to help you make the right choice.

Come in and speak to our friendly team of qualified dispensing opticians and optical advisors, who will help you select the right frames and lenses for you. Don’t worry if it takes more than one visit, we aren’t counting!

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Tips on choosing the right glasses for you

Glasses are fashionable and functional, so it may take a little time to find the pair that suits you best. You’ll probably have an idea of the kind of frame style you want before you visit us but we recommend being open to ideas. You may find that something you thought would never work for you actually looks just right, so throw caution to the wind and try on as many frames as you can.

Well-chosen eyewear can enhance your appearance by balancing your face shape, neutralising imperfections and emphasising your best features. Understanding your face shape and proportion is the key to selecting frames most suited to you. If you don’t know where to start first, here are a few pointers:

STEP ONE

Identify Your Face Shape

Oblong

The oblong face is longer than it is wide and has a long straight cheek line. DO select frames that have a top-to-bottom depth – try round, deep or low-triangle shapes, or frames with strong horizontal lines and decorative or contrasting temples.

Triangle (base down)

The triangular face has a narrow forehead that widens at the cheek and chin areas. DO choose frames that accent the eyes and are wide enough to balance the jaw line – try frames that are slightly top heavy. DON’T select low-temple styles.

Heart

The heart-shaped face has a very wide forehead and high cheekbones. The face narrows gradually to the chin. DO choose frames that are light in colour; rimless styles are also effective – try frames that are wider at the bottom. DON’T select decorative frames or that are top heavy.

Round

A round face is just that – width and length in the same proportions and little to no angles. DO choose slightly angular frames – select high or mid-height temples to help create a longer profile.Try and avoid choosing excessively rounded or squared styles.

Oval

An oval face is considered to be the ideal shape because of its balanced proportions. DO select frames that are as wide or wider than the broadest part of your face. DON’T choose frames with low temples.

STEP TWO

Picking the right glasses for your face shape

Frames come in all shapes and sizes, from Aviators to Wrap Around. Different frames suit different face shapes, so it’s important to get the style that best suits you; not just for style, but also for comfort.

Aviators:

Classic ‘droplet’ style made popular thanks to Top Gun. These iconic frames are suitable for any face shape.

eyesite frame diagram showing different shapes

Browline:

Traditionally thought of as ‘horn-rimmed’, browline glasses frames are best suited to symmetrical, squarer shaped faces.

Geometric:

The sharp angles of geometric glasses frames are less suited to round faces than other shaped faces.

Oval:

People with rounder faces should avoid oval glasses frames. Circles inside circles only serve to emphasise the roundness.

Rectangle:

People with round faces should consider rectangle frames. They break up the curve of your face and add new, contrasting lines.

Round:

Like oval glasses, round glasses frames (John Lennon-style) are best suited to rectangular faces.

Wayfarers:

Classic Wayfarers suit those with triangle, square and round shaped faces, however there are variants on the classic, so it’s possible to suit many face shapes.

The thing to remember when it comes to frames and styles is that opposites attract. Round frames look better on square faces, while rectangular frames look better on round faces.

Here are some additional glasses frame fitting tips for enhancing or neutralising prominent features on your face:

A long nose: Low, dark, straight bridges shorten the nose
Close-set eyes: Clear bridges widen close-set eyes
Wide-set eyes: Dark bridges make wide-set eyes appear closer together
Long profile: Low temples shorten a long profile
Short face: High temples lengthen a face
High forehead: Try a frame that is level with the brow, or slightly higher to shorten a high forehead
Wide jaws: Wide jaws can be offset by a narrow frame
Narrow face: Decorative or contrasting temples can widen a face

Choosing Sunglasses

If you’re looking to freshen up your shades this summer, or at any time of the year, make sure you choose your perfect pair of sunglasses. At Eyesite, our expert team are always happy to advise you on the latest styles and trends, and help you discover what will work best for you.

Find Out More

Video Imaging – see how you look without the effort

At Eyesite we have the very latest video imaging system so that you can see how you look in different styles before you make your decision. State-of-the-art technology ‘VISIOFFCE’ can display four different frame choices at once and record short videos of you wearing different styles so that you can compare for yourself how you look in them. This is particularly useful if you find it difficult to choose frames without your usual visual correction. We also have some handy iPad’s if you need a couple of quick snaps of you wearing your new frames!

We will give you as much or as little help as you would like when you are selecting your frames, so feel free to browse through our ranges at your leisure or allow us to help you choose the right frames for you.
The Vision Council of America has a fantastic website which gives you many more tips about choosing your frames, as well as the latest fashion trends.

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