Guide to finding the most flattering frame size for your face

Getting the shape right is only half the equation. The other half is size. A frame that is too wide or too narrow can throw off your whole look, even if the silhouette is perfect.

This guide helps you understand how frame sizing works and how to find the most flattering fit for your face, whatever your features.

The Luz

Why frame size matters

Frame size affects how balanced your face looks when you wear glasses. A pair that is too wide can make your face appear smaller, while a frame that is too narrow can feel restrictive and add unintended proportions.

The goal is to find a size that aligns with your natural facial structure, so the glasses feel like a natural extension of your face rather than an accessory fighting against it.

How to read frame dimensions

Most glasses include three measurements, usually printed on the inside of the temple arm:

- Lens width (e.g. 50): the horizontal width of each lens in millimetres.
- Bridge width (e.g. 18): the distance between the two lenses.
- Temple length (e.g. 145): the length of the arm from hinge to tip.

The most useful number for fit is the lens width. Combined with the bridge width, it gives you the total frame width.

How to measure your face

To find the right frame size, measure the width of your face at its widest point (usually across the cheekbones) using a soft measuring tape or a ruler held up to a mirror.

As a general rule:

- Small faces (under 130 mm): look for frames with a lens width of 44–48 mm.
- Medium faces (130–140 mm): frames with a lens width of 48–52 mm tend to work best.
- Larger faces (over 140 mm): frames with a lens width of 52 mm and above offer better balance.

The Elvie

Small frames: precision and refinement

Small frames work well on narrower or more delicate face structures. They tend to feel light and understated, without overwhelming your features.

If you have a small face, avoid oversized models that extend well beyond your temples. Jimmy Fairly offers compact silhouettes that keep proportions clean and refined.

Try: slim ovals like the Elvie, small rounds, or minimal rectangles.

The Elma JF Colors

Medium frames: the most versatile option

Medium frames suit the widest range of face types. They are the easiest choice if you want something that feels balanced and effortless.

Most Jimmy Fairly classic shapes fall into the medium range, making them a reliable starting point whether you are choosing sunglasses or prescription frames.

Try: classic aviators like the Elma, soft squares, or balanced cat-eyes.

The Halo

Large and oversized frames: presence and confidence

Oversized frames work best when your face has the width or structure to carry them. On a wider face, they can feel immediately natural. On a smaller face, they can be worn intentionally as a style statement, as long as the fit stays comfortable.

Check that the frame does not slide down your nose and that your cheekbones do not touch the lower rim when you smile.

Try: oversized aviators like the Halo, or bold rectangles.

The Palm

Key fit checks before you commit

Beyond the numbers, always try frames on and check the following:

  • Your eyebrows should sit just above the top of the frame (or align with it for some styles).
  • The frame should not touch your cheeks when you smile.
  • Your eyes should be centred in the lenses, not too high or too low.
  • The frame should align with your cheekbones, neither much wider nor narrower.
  • The bridge should sit comfortably on your nose without pinching.
The Riviera

How to choose the right frame size for you

  • Face width under 130 mm: look for compact or small-sized frames to keep proportions balanced.
  • Face width 130–140 mm: medium frames are your most versatile option.
  • Face width over 140 mm: medium-to-large frames will feel the most natural.
  • Unsure of your width? Use the lens width and bridge width numbers to estimate: a frame with a 50 mm lens and 18 mm bridge has a total front width of around 118 mm.

Frequently asked questions

The frame should align with your cheekbones without extending far beyond them. Your eyes should be centred in the lenses, and the frame should not touch your cheeks when you smile.

Lens width is usually the most useful number. Combined with bridge width, it tells you the total front width of the frame, which you can compare to your own facial width.

Yes, if they fit comfortably at the bridge and do not slide. Oversized frames can be worn as a deliberate style choice, but comfort should always come first.

Generally yes. For optical frames, fit and weight matter even more since you wear them all day.