Men's glasses: Frames and lenses
Comfort, fit and durability rank high with men when it comes to choosing their glasses.
While many men are concerned with style, they usually won't forsake comfort and fit just to look good in popular men's eyeglasses styles.
Comfort and fit
Here are some key areas to check out to make sure the men's frames you choose will be comfortable and fit well.
Make sure the frames are wide enough so the temples of the frame don't press against the side of your head. The front of the frame should be slightly wider than your face so the temples don't touch your head as they extend back to behind your ears.
Next, make sure the temples are long enough. The should be of adequate length so enough of the temple rests behind your ears to keep the frame securely in place. The curve at the end of the temple should extend over the ear without pressing down upon it.
Also, check the bridge (nose piece) of the frame for comfort and fit, it should fit flush but not tight on your nose. Many glasses have adjustable silicone nose pads that allow your optometrist to fine-tune the fit. For frames without adjustable nose pads, make sure the fit is secure without pinching the bridge of your nose.
Finally, when you find a frame you like have the optometrist of optical dispenser adjust them to fit, then move your head up and down and also bend over as if to pick something up from the floor to see how well the glasses stay in place. With the properly adjusted nose pads and temples, your glasses should stay secure without feeling tight or uncomfortable. Remember they will still need adjustment once fitted with lenses.
Durability
Men who want spectacles that are more durable than usual should consider frames made from titanium, stainless steel and flexible materials, such as Flexon.
Titanium and stainless steel are stronger and more durable than other metal frame materials. Flexon, a titanium-based alloy, will return to its original shape even if you twist or bend the frame severely.
Five lasting trends in fashionable men's spectacles
Men's frame styling has become much more masculine, with older shapes and sizes being reborn with a modern twist.
Masculine shapes and double brow-bar styles have re-emerged. Made with newer and often more durable materials, these classic styles are back in vogue.
Larger and bolder eye sizes and frame shapes are in, be careful not to go too big if you have a small face.
Rimless and semi-rimless styles, where the spectacle lenses are fastened to the frame by screws (rimless frames) or a transparent nylon wire (nylor frames), are perfect for the man who wants a modern or minimalist look. Combine a pair of rimless glasses with anti-reflection lenses and the glasses practically disappear.
Titanium is a very popular material for men's frames. Used in golf clubs, bicycles and space shuttles, titanium is super lightweight, non-corrosive, very durable and stylish as well. Titanium frames rate high in both the function and the fashion categories.
Other options such as stainless steel and aluminum are also popular frame materials because they are lightweight and durable.
For a young, hip or retro look, men are turning to plastic frames, which come in a wide variety of styles, including thin plastics, bold, black '50s-style frames and layers of coloured acetates laminated together to create a unique effect. Classic shapes in tortoise shell patterns also are likely to remain in style forever.
Page published on Tuesday, 17 March 2020
