Different Types of Eyeglass Frames

In order to understand some of the terminology involved in buying prescription glasses frames, sunglasses or other types of glasses, it may be helpful to become familiar with some of it first. With so many options, choosing the right pair can be challenging. Typically, eyeglass frames are categorized according to their material, shape, and type. The following information will help you better understand all the options available to you.

Frame Types

In order to choose the right pair of glasses for your needs, you need to know what you are looking for. A frame can be categorized by its type, which describes how it interacts with the lenses. A full rimmed frame, a semi-rimless frame, a low bridge frame or a wire frame is one example.

Full-Rimmed Frames

Full-rimmed glasses, as their name implies, have rims that surround the entire circumference of the lenses, making them more durable than some other styles (even though most modern eyeglasses are quite durable).

With full-rimmed frames, you are likely to be able to accommodate a greater variety of lens types. Therefore, if you prefer progressive lenses or multi-focal lenses, these frames may be best for you.

There are many types of materials available for full-rimmed glasses, including acetate, plastic, titanium, and others. It is also common for these frames to be available in a wide variety of colors and shapes. This type of frame is ideal for those seeking a bright and bold appearance as well as elegant, timeless style.

Rimless Frames

It may be more appealing to choose frames without rims, as they do not have a rim around the lenses. Instead, the temples and the bridge of the nose connect directly to the lenses, thus leaving less material on the front of the eye.

There are fewer shape options like rimless geometrics, rimless ovals, rimless rectangulars, rimless squares and rimless wayfarers of this low-profile style, however, there are a few choices for materials and colors. Additionally, some rimless frames cannot accept all types of lenses. Therefore, make sure to check the product information to ensure your lenses will be compatible with it if you require something other than single vision lenses.

Semi-Rimless Frames

Generally, this frame style falls between the full-rimmed and rimless categories. It can describe any frame which exposes a portion of the lens edge, but the most common design has the frame rim over the top of the lens and the bottom of the lens exposed.

This style of glasses combines the benefits of the two types above, as they are a little bolder and have a little more personality, while remaining relatively lightweight and low-profile in comparison to rimless glasses.

Semi-rimless frames typically offer a variety of materials and colors, and they often accept a variety of lenses.

Low Bridge Frames

The purpose of these frames is to make them more comfortable for individuals with a lower bridge of the nose. They are designed with a larger and/or lower bridge.

Frames with low bridges may feature full rims, rimless or semi-rimless construction. However, full-rimmed frames with low bridges are more prevalent.

There are low bridge styles that tend to sit more securely and comfortably on the face. If you have a lower nose bridge, it may be worthwhile to look into low bridge styles.

Wire Frames

Lastly, wire frames are a classic look that remains popular because of its simplicity and timeless appeal. These frames can be full-rimmed or semi-rimless with very narrow metal rims. In the past, wire frames were only available with circular lenses. Today, however, you can find wire frames in a variety of shapes including metal cat-eyes, metal geometrics, and many others.

There are only a few color and material options available for these minimalist frames, hence their name. Nevertheless, these glasses can be stylish and elegant, as well as accommodating most types of lenses.

Frame Materials

In addition to selecting the appropriate color and material for your prescription glasses frames, you should also consider the type of material. The material you choose will have a significant impact on the frames and the colors available for them. There are a variety of materials available, but plastics, acetates, wood textures, metals, and titaniums are the most common.

Plastic Eyeglass Frames

It is a versatile, durable and economical material. Also, plastic is relatively lightweight, so you can wear glasses in nearly any color combination, shape, or style. Furthermore, every type of rim (except wire frames) can be found in plastic. You will also have the option of choosing from a variety of textures and finishes, including glossy, matte and more, as well as various textures and finishes.

Despite the fact that not everyone likes the look and feel of plastic, it is currently the most popular material for frames, as there are so many options to choose from. Bold-colored plastic glasses are particularly popular at the present time.

Acetate Eyeglass Frames

The process of making acetate out of natural fibers is similar to that of plastic when it comes to the characteristics of glasses frames. However, they also have some additional advantages. It is even more durable and can hold complex textures better than wood, making acetate frames ideal for simulating other materials.

The material is also considered to be more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based plastic. People choose acetate for the benefits associated with plastic frames, as well as the premium look compared to injection-molded plastics.

Wood Texture Eyeglass Frames

Frames manufactured with this material have the appearance of wood but do not have the disadvantages of actual wood. Most often, this is achieved by using acetate, but plastic can also be used. Wood texture frames are typically highly durable, and may be available in light, dark, and black colors and designs replicating a variety of wood textures.

There are many people who enjoy wood texture as it has a natural appearance. Wood texture is suitable for frames with an elegant appearance that have a little more depth than a solid color.

Metal Eyeglass Frames

A variety of metals can be used to make eyeglass frames, including rimless, semi-rimless frames, metal club master and many other shapes shapes. Wire frames are also made from metal, and are quite popular. The strength of metal allows metal frames to be designed with thinner sections than plastic or acetate frames. Additionally, this is a common design to maintain light weight and comfort while wearing the glasses.

For those who wear glasses, metal frames are an excellent choice. They can be worn in professional settings, with dressy outfits, or casually.

Titanium Eyeglass Frames

Eyeglass frames are especially popular with titanium because it offers an exceptional weight-to-strength ratio. This impressive metal is corrosion-resistant as well as hypoallergenic, making it lightweight and comfortable as well as strong and durable as metal frames.

Although titanium frames are typically more expensive than other options, they tend to last for a very long time due to their durability. In addition, titanium frames are available in very trendy styles, making them a very popular choice for eyeglass wearers.

Frame Shapes

As a final consideration, prescription glasses frames can be classified by shape. This refers to the shape of the lens and frame, primarily from the front. Generally, it is recommended to select a frame shape that is appropriate for the shape of your head.

Rectangle Glasses

It is important to note that rectangle glasses are not actually rectangular. All eyeglasses have rounded lenses. However, they are closer to rectangular shape than any other frame shape. The lenses are typically angular and slim in appearance, and each lens is significantly larger than it is tall.

In general, slim rectangular glasses are suitable for those with ovals, round faces, and heart shapes. However, they can be worn by nearly anyone. Individuals with very square or diamond-shaped faces are advised to avoid rectangle frames. All people, regardless of their age, are able to find trendy rectangular glasses in a variety of colors, sizes, and materials.

Oval Glasses

In comparison to some other options, this style provides a relatively slim and modest appearance. Oval frames are noticeably rounder than wide rectangular glasses. The lenses, however, are also wider than they are tall, as is the case with rectangle glasses. You can find trendy oval glasses in a wide variety of materials, colors, and sizes.

It is very common to see people wearing thin oval glasses or thick oval glasses whether they are seeking a fashionable look or something a little more low-key and timeless. Typically, these glasses work well for individuals with square, diamond or heart-shaped faces.

Round Glasses

The round glasses name implies that the lenses are relatively circular. Several popular figures, including John Lennon and Steve Jobs, have sported male round glasses over the years. This classic, retro look is best complemented with wire frames. These glasses vary in shape between true circles and slightly off-circular (typically the upper rim of the lens is slightly flatter).

Aesthetic round glasses can be found in a wide variety of materials and colors. It is generally preferred that they be framed with metal or wire. They are best suited to people with square, diamond, heart-shaped, and round faces. Although round glasses are fewer than rectangular or oval glasses, we have a broad selection of options available.

Square Glasses

Despite still having rounded lenses, aesthetic square glasses offer a more angular style compared to rectangle glasses. They are reminiscent of a retro, intellectual look. They are popular because of their timeless nature. They are easy to style with a variety of outfits. In addition to being available in all materials and colors, optical square glasses can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Traditionally, this shape has been popular among men, but there are plenty of options available for women as well. This shape tends to work best for people with round or oval faces. They tend to work less well for people who have square, heart-shaped, diamond, or pear-shaped faces.

Large Glasses

There is something classic about these glasses. They have been around since around the mid-20th century. They may go in and out of fashion, but they have made a big comeback recently as a result of geek chic and the popularity of retro style.

It is possible to find large frames primarily made of plastic and acetate in a variety of colors and styles. This shape can also be found in some metal glasses like large geometric glasses. As a result of their enduring popularity, they work well for almost all facial shapes. However, they are less effective on people with smaller faces.

Horn Glasses

A horn rimmed frame was traditionally created from actual horn. Today, however, the term refers to an easily recognisable shape of these glasses. They are full-rimmed with a relatively large upper section, particularly at the temples. As an example, Oversized wayfarer glasses offer a timeless look that offers a vintage appearance.

These frames are best suited to individuals with oval or rectangular faces, but they are also suitable for anyone. You’ll find them in a variety of colors. The most common materials are plastic and acetate. Sometimes, however, they are made from natural materials, such as horn.

Browline Glasses

Consider oversized browline glasses for a throwback style that is on the rise. This style evokes the fashions of the 1950s and 60s. This style is intended to resemble eyebrows. A classic example of the browline style can be found in Ray-Ban classic clubmaster glasses, with a bold upper rim shaped in brown, black or tortoiseshell and a metal bridge and lower rims.

As a matter of tradition, these glasses are only available in a limited number of colors. They are now made from plastic and acetate, which allows you to choose from a broader array of colors (wood clubmaster glasses are now also available). It is recommended to choose a neutral color if you wish to achieve a classic appearance. The oval, square, diamond, and pear faces can all benefit from this style.

Aviator Glasses

Among the most popular shapes in glasses, particularly for sunglasses, are Aviators. In the past, retro aviators were mainly worn by pilots, but today, they are worn by men and women alike. Part of the reason for its popularity is its forgiving nature. It is possible to wear these glasses on anyone with any face shape, but they are particularly suitable for oval, round, square, pear, and heart-shaped faces.

It is most common for these glasses to be made of metal or wire frames, which is the style of the original design. However, other materials may also be used.

Cat-Eye Glasses

This style of glasses is known for its flair and boldness and is popular at the moment as a way to give the appearance of confidence while still being playful. Womens cat-eye glasses are generally considered feminine in nature. It is named so because its high and bold eyebrows are reminiscent of the shape of a cat’s eye (thus its name).

The most common material for these types of sunglasses is plastic, acetate, and metal. They are available in a variety of colors and designs. Many people like to wear them with bright, bold colors. They are best suited for square or diamond-shaped faces, but are quite forgiving on other kinds of faces.

Oversized Glasses

In terms of shape, oversized glasses are less about form and more about size. They are frames that are larger than standard eyeglasses, and they come in a variety of styles and appearances.

A pair of extra-large frames can be worn by both men and women, but are generally more popular among women. They are often suitable for most faces, but oval faces should be avoided.

Geometric Glasses

Geometric glasses also fall into this broad category, which consists of sharp angles and daring shapes. Like thin squares and thin rectangles, they generally have rounded corners. However, there are a few cool geometric glasses which have sharper angles than their counterparts.

It is possible to find trendy geometric glasses in a variety of materials and colors, but with an avant-garde appearance that makes a statement. Everyone, regardless of their face shape, can find a pair that suits their needs. In contrast to people with angular faces, people with heart-shaped faces tend to fit small geometric glasses well. The most stylish geometric glasses are suitable for people with more angular faces.

Get your New Eyeglass Frames Today

You are now prepared to find the prescription glasses frames that are perfect for your face based on the above information Start by trying on different frames to find your best fit. Then, take your measurements and compare them to the size chart. Finally, choose a style that complements your face shape and personality.