Choosing a pair of spectacles or sunglasses can be a rather daunting task at the best of times, wondering if it’s the correct size or if it suits your face. This guide should help to put your worries to rest as we show you what to look for in choosing a suitable frame. Soon you will be trying on sunglasses and spectacles in confidence, armed with the knowledge you need, to end up with a great looking pair of specs.

Choosing a frame that fits

Frame sizes usually are specified as “52 ? 20 ? 135″. In this example this means that the lens diameter is 52mm, the bridge distance is 20mm and the arm length is 135mm.

If you can find these markings on your current frames then you can use these measurements for choosing your new spectacles or sunglasses, because a frame with similar measurements should fit in a similar way. Please note though, these measurements do not have to match exactly (1 or 2 mm difference would be fine ), so just use them as a guide.

Don’t worry if you can’t find any markings because we also specify two other measurements that are easier to understand and help give a better idea about the size of the frame.

Total frame width is the total width across the front of the frame in mm

Frame depth is the height measured from the top to the bottom of the front of the frame in mm.

Simply measure your current frames with a ruler and compare with the measurements of the frames chosen. (These measurements are only to be used as a guide to help you choose your new frames, and may vary by a millimetre or two). You can now be sure of getting a comfortable fitting pair of glasses that look great!

How to choose a frame that suits you

Oval face

Your face length is roughly equal to one and a half times the width.Your face is well balanced with high cheekbones and a gently curving jaw. Your forehead is slightly wider than your jaw.

- Most frames look good with this face shape, just make sure the size of the frame is in proportion to your face.

Square face

Your face is as long as it is wide with a deep forehead and square jaw line.

- Choose frames that are more curved, and avoid slim square or angular shaped frames.The top of the frames should sit high on the face.

Long oblong face

Your face is longer than it is wide with high cheek bones and a deep forehead.

- Frames should cover as much of the centre of the face as possible so that the length is minimized. Choose wider frames and styles with a heavier top. Strong looking large square frames can often balance a narrow looking face. Avoid small subtle shapes.

Round face

Your face is as wide as it is long and is fairly short in height with a wide forehead.You have full cheeks and a rounded jaw line.

- Angular frames tend to suit people with round faces, as this provides some definition and shape to your face. Frames should be wider than they are deep and squarer in shape. Deep colours help, or frames that have decoration where the arms meet the frame. Arms that meet the frame at the top would also look good. Avoid large or round frame shapes that would make your face look even rounder.

Triangular face

You have a broad forehead and cheek bones, with a narrow mouth and chin.

- Frames with a thin rim or semi-rimless are best to balance the lower half of the face, and try to make them sit lower down. A slender, curved or rounded frame will look good. Avoid styles which have a greater width at the top of the frame, as this will only reflect the shape of your face rather than enhance your look. Avoid large frames and square shapes.

HOWEVER, if you already wear specs then you will have an idea of which styles tend to suit, so only use this as a rough guide. A good rule is to choose a similar style to frames you have had before which you have been happy with. This way you can confidently choose a pair of spectacle frames or sunglasses over the internet and be sure that they will suit you. Hence you now have the greater choice of eyewear which you would not usually get on the high street, such as designer sunglasses, aviator-styles etc.

I hope this guide has been of use, and remember, the most important thing is to enjoy your spectacles and sunglasses!

Stephen Jenkins is a UK optician who qualified in 1989 and has his own high street practice in Chesterfield, Derbyshire (Watson and Jenkins Opticians). The practice also sells designer sunglasses online and is an official supplier for Oakley, Rayban, Gucci and most other brands. Advice is available on ultraviolet light and how to choose the most suitable tint for your sunglasses. Regular news updates from the world of eyecare, such as the latest gene therapy treatments for certain forms of blindness. Free fast UK delivery and low cost worldwide shipping. Visit http://opticalreflections.co.uk/