How to Measure Sunglasses

You can have the most awesome pair of sunglasses but if they don't fit right, they're just not going to look good on you. Instead of spending hours trying on sunglasses or finding out by trial and error, find out how to get the perfect pair of sunglasses with the helpful tips about measurements below.

Face Size Matters

The first thing you want to consider in finding the ultimate pair of sunglasses or pair of glasses for you is your face and head size. That way, you can find the perfect pair of sunglasses for your proportions to make sure all fits including frames, lens, and all the other measurements.

It just makes good sense to proportion your face to your sunglasses. It's well worth the effort as you will learn.

How to Size Your Face and Head

You may already know that you have a small head or a large head, but getting the exact measurements is the best way to find the ideal fit. You will need to measure down to the millimeter if you want to get it exactly right.

While it sounds too tedious and frivolous, the process will ensure the sunglasses you choose are a good fit for you and will ultimately cut out a lot of hassle.

Begin by measuring your face using the millimeter side of a cloth-measure device or measuring tape. To measure, go from one temple to the other to see what size temple spacing you have.

Go horizontally across, floating the cloth in front of your face, and don't go too close to the lens of your eyes when you measure from one temple to the other. The measurement will be referred to as your facial size when you want to determine the best frame size for your face. And...that's a good sign.

Sizes of Sunglasses

There are three main sizes that are figured when it comes to glass and sunglass to determine how they fit. They are as follows:

Measure Eye Size

The eye size of a sunglass is found by the lens width at the widest part of the eyeglasses. This lens measurement is typically the point of reference commonly used when size is displayed on the product on a label or note and is usually in millimeters.

You will want to check it out before your purchase to determine the best fit according to size. Some brands offer many sizes while others stick with a minimum of one or two choices. The measurements you take of your face can be matched as closely as possible with whatever options are offered so they fit great.

Measure Bridge Size

The bridge size of sunglasses is found by measuring the device that connects the lenses. The material will typically be plastic or metal, depending on the style.

To determine the bridge size, measure the lenses from one bridge to the other, beginning and ending at the same innermost point of the side. Jot the number down so you don't forget when you are ordering online or are at the store.

Measure Temple Size

The temple size refers to the arms of the glasses frame. The measurement inside of the temple can be taken with a ruler. Determining the distance should begin at the hinge of the arms on the frame and continue in a straight line to the furthest part prior to where the curve of the frame begins.

Please note that there are two numbers to add to get the sum of the temple size. The next number will be determined by using the ruler to figure the length from the top of the curves behind the ears to the tips. located where the frame goes behind your ears to secure them in place. Add the two together to get the distance.

Frame Size

The frame size is something you will definitely want to note when making your purchase. If you are buying them in person at a store, take a look in the mirror to make sure the shape of the sunglasses is a good match too. Pay attention not just to the frame of your face and the frame of the glasses, but see how they coordinate.

If your face is narrow, even if the frame size is technically correct, the lens size may be too large. If the style is one that stands out a lot, the look may be too bold for a small face. Also, if your face is small, you will not want the arm of your sunglasses to be too long or it won't look good nor will it fit comfortably. Likewise, the lens size should be proportionate to the frame size too.

Frame Shape and Style

To find sunglasses that are the ideal match for you, consider the shape of the lens and the frame. Square frames work well with round-shaped faces and round frames go well with square faces.

If the sunglasses have mirror lenses or gaudy style frames, they may appear larger yet if you go a size down, they may not fit comfortably due to the arm length so it is best to try them on at the shop. The heaviness of the frame plays a part too. If the frame is too heavy, it will slide down your nose.

Bridge Width

The general width that is noted on the glasses for the width, including the bridge, end piece, and lenses) should be 6 millimeters over what your face width measures. But, if they are even within 2 mm of that number of your face width measurements, you should be good to go as long as they fit good on your nose.

Another way to figure is by adding up the width of the sunglass lens and multiply by two along with the bridge size. If that sum is within 2 mm of the width of your face, the fit should be great.

Lens Width

The general width of sunglasses will actually inform you of how large the total size they are. To get a rough idea of how big the pair of glasses is, measure your face in millimeters as you did from one temple to the other to figure temple length.

Measure the temple segments separately to know the wide of the bridge and lens and you can also figure the total width a divide by two to find each lens width. Knowing at least part of the equation is better than not having a clue to go on at all.

From the temple arm, measure the distance to the other temple arm. That is the dimension to look for when shopping for glasses. The width of the lens matters too.

Know Before You Go

If you can shop in person, you'll be able to tell by trying the product on but many people prefer to shop online for reasons of convenience and to find more varieties in styles in which case, the dimensions you calculated will come in handy in finding the best sunglasses for you.