Of all the buying decisions we have to make, people often find frames to be one of the most daunting. With clothes or shoes we see them on other people or in magazines, and decide on a particular style. Specs are different – you may be limited by your prescription, they are less widely advertised and it’s rare to see them on fashion pages. It is however an important choice, as they are one of the first things people notice about you. So can we help?
If you’ve worn specs before, think about pros and cons in terms of comfort. Go smaller if they sat on your cheeks, felt heavy, or slipped down all the time and drove you potty! Go bigger if you could see the rims or felt them digging in at your temples. If you don’t like nose pads marking your nose or pinching find a plastic or a solid bridge. If plastic makes your face perspire or mists up easily then choose a metal. If metal discolours on you or marks your skin, look for a plastic or hypoallergenic metal.
If you want to change your look, glasses are an easy way to do it. Want specs to be less obtrusive? Look for a small metal, a rimless or a semi-rimless frame. Feel your glasses are boring? Pick a bold plastic or chunky metal with wide sides.
If you’re new to specs, then chat to friends who wear them, scrutinise fashion magazines, browse optician’s shops and websites. Try on as many as possible and take a friend with you, or choose a website that lets you try before you buy. Don’t rush into making your mind up. Fashion is as big a deal with glasses as it is with clothes and other accessories, so don’t feel it’s frivolous to ask about current trends and spend time thinking about colours and styles to suit your look and lifestyle.
