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What Size Sunglasses Do I Need? The Ultimate Sunglasses Size Guide

Trendy girl posing with style REDS Flash 70s Retro Sunglasses from Giant Vintage

Style worn in photo: RED

Just like clothing or shoes, sunglasses come in different sizes. But finding a properly fitting pair of glasses isn’t just a matter of comfort and aesthetics. A proper fit also ensures your eyes are adequately protected from the sun's harmful rays.

Use this step-by-step guide to find your correct sunglasses size and only rock a pair of perfectly fitting Giant Vintage sunglasses.

Step 1: Get Familiar With the Basics

Before you bust out a measuring tape, you should understand the key components of sunglasses sizing, as well as some basic concepts.

Let’s start with three crucial measurements for each pair of glasses:

  1. Lens width. Sometimes called the “eye size,” this measurement refers to the horizontal width of a single lens. You should take this measurement at the widest point of the lens.
  2. Bridge width. Bridge width or bridge size refers to the distance between the two lenses on a pair of sunglasses.
  3. Temple length. Also called temple size, this number shows how long the temples or “arms” are on a pair of sunglasses. Take this measurement from the front of the frame to the tip of the temples.

Note that these measures are usually displayed in millimeters. Some newer Giant Vintage models will also have measurements in inches, but for the most part – millimeters it is!

Besides these three measurements, you’ll also need to know the glasses’ frame width (or frame size) and frame height.

The frame size refers to the total horizontal width of the frame (hinge-to-hinge distance), while the frame height measures its height from the thickest point. Getting the correct frame size is crucial for ensuring a snug and secure fit.

Step 2: Determine the Ideal Measurements

The ideal glasses measurements vary depending on the face width. Generally, faces can be classified into three categories – narrow, average, and wide. This sunglasses size chart should help you determine your ideal measurements:

Step 3: Measure Your Face

Steps 1 and 2 will mean nothing if you don’t know your face measurements. So, let’s get to measuring!

1. Find Your Bridge Measurement

Placing a straight ruler on your nose bridge can help you determine your ideal bridge width. If you’re unsure, use these pointers:

  • If your bridge sits level with or below your pupils, it’s 16 to 18 millimeters wide.
  • If your bridge sits above your pupils, it’s 19-21 millimeters wide.

Of course, bridges can be a lot wider, up to 31 millimeters, so an exact measurement would benefit you more.

2. Find Your Lens Width

As mentioned, the lens width refers to only one lens. However, taking this measurement accurately would be nearly impossible. So, you’ll measure the width of your entire face and then do some math. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Take the ruler and place it length-wise across your face below your eyes.
  2. Keep the ruler straight and measure the distance between your temples.
  3. Subtract your bridge measurement from the figure you get.
  4. Divide the resulting number in half.

3. Find Your Temple Length

Grab the same ruler and place it on the side of your head. The distance from your temple to behind your ear will give you a rough estimate of the temple length your ideal pair of sunglasses should have.

Step 4: Measure a Well-Fitted Pair of Glasses

You can look at Step 4 as an alternative to Step 3.

But in this case, you don’t need a ruler or a tape measure. Why? The frame size and other relevant measurements (e.g., lens height) should be printed inside the arms.

four separate images of four people wearing the following styles NOVAK, LINEAR, CRAWFORD, WEEKDAY from Giant Vintage

Style worn in first photo from left: LINEAR 

Style worn in second photo from left: NOVAK BROWN

Style worn in third photo from left: WEEKDAY

Style worn in fourth photo from left: CRAWFORD

 

Step 5: Consider Your Face Shape

Buying a well-fitting pair of glasses online isn’t just about numbers. You should also consider your face shape. Why? Because certain frame shapes work better with specific face shapes.

Find your go-to Giant Vintage glasses based on your face shape below.

Round

If you have a round face, you’ll want to add some angularity to it through your eyewear choices. Our recommendation? Giant Vintage’s square and rectangular, cat-eye, or browline sunglasses.

Oval

You’ve lucked out! Virtually any eyewear shape will work with your facial features. Just make sure to look for frames whose width matches the widest part of your face.

Heart

Since heart-shaped faces have a wider top, you’ll need to go for frames that are slightly wider than your forehead. This will make your Giant Vintage sunglasses look balanced. So, what shape are we talking about? Well, you’ll look best wearing oval or round, aviator, or rimless sunglasses.

Square

OK, your face mostly consists of clean, straight lines. This means you need to add some curves with your eyewear choices. In other words, oval or round sunglasses will work wonders for your face!

Triangle

Wide frames and playful details on the browline will best complement your face shape. As for eyeglasses shape, look for square and rectangular, cat-eye, or browline sunglasses.

Diamond

If your face resembles a diamond, you're also in luck – you can wear multiple sizes and sunglasses types. But as a precaution, look for models that have lighter bottoms and slightly thicker browlines to strike the perfect balance.

Make Sure Your Giant Vintage Glasses Fit You Like a Glove

With this guide (and the precise measurements displayed for every model on our website), you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect pair of glasses online. Then, all that’s left is to rock them with confidence!

 

Sizing Chart:  ​

Face Width

Lens Width

Total Frame Width

Narrow (4.5-5 inches)

Up to 50 millimeters 

118-128 millimeters

Medium (5-5.5 inches)

51-55 millimeters

129-139 millimeters

Wide (5.5-6+ inches)

Over 56 millimeters

140-150+ millimeters