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When every pair is too large
You visit your local eyewear store. You try dozens of frames. Nearly all of them are much too big. There’s only a handful that fit, and you don’t like any of them. Have you had this frustrating experience?
You may need petite glasses. Petite glasses are made for small or narrow faces. Their size, shape, and style features are all specially designed to fit and flatter small faces. If you want great-looking glasses that fit you the way they were meant to, read on.
Try rectangular, oval, and classic cat-eyes
Rectangular, oval, and classic cat-eye frames are popular choices for small faces. Square and round frames can work too, but sometimes the lenses are too big vertically. Having a bit less height on the lenses can be nicely proportionate to smaller features.
It’s worth noting that changing fashions have an impact on what is collectively considered to “look good.” Five to ten years ago, practically everyone was wearing very short, rectangular glasses because that was very trendy at the time. Now, taller shapes (square, round, taller rectangles) are popular.
Try shapes with less height, as shown on the right side
CURRENT FASHION FAVORS TALLER, BIGGER LENSES
This means:
- Stores are carrying fewer short rectangular and oval frames. If you haven’t updated your frames in a while, you may find that the in-store selection (and online, for that matter) is very different than when you bought your last pair. One more reason why it is hard to find glasses for small faces!
- You can probably pull off a bit more lens height than you did in the past, since it is “the look” of the moment. My current frames have the same width as my old pair, but are nearly double in height! If you are feeling adventurous, you might consider a pair with a few mm more lens height than your old pair.
My lens height doubled when I updated my look.
20122017
(I went 5 years without replacing my glasses. I couldn’t find anything I liked! I bet many of you can relate.)
GO THINNER
I used to prefer plastic because I thought metal frames were boring. Then, I discovered there are plenty of stylish, colorful frames in metal. And because they can be made thinner, they are very flattering on small faces.
If you are like me, you may have found that thick frames overwhelm your face.
Of course, in my case, most of those frames were too big all around. I was delighted to discover that with the right size, I can pull off a little thickness. You might find the same is true, with correct sizing.
Still, many women with small faces find that thinner is better.
This makes sense: there is simply less face to distribute the thickness around. That’s why most petite frames are thin to medium.
If you want to go really thin, favor metal frames, which come the thinnest. Or, go for thin plastic frames (which will still be thicker than the thinnest metal frames).
Semi-rimless frames are less obtrusive
Also known as half-rim, this style has no material on the lower half of the frame, leaving the lenses exposed. Less rim means less material to swallow up your small face.
Choosing your color
Many people (petite and otherwise) find that black frames make their face look washed out. That’s especially true as we age and lose the coloration of our skin.
If this sounds like you, avoid black frames or very dark brown/tortoise.
Instead of black, try blue or burgundy. Instead of dark brown, try tan or a lighter tortoise. If your hair is greying, grey or silver frames are very flattering.
Choosing your color
Many people (petite and otherwise) find that black frames make their face look washed out. That’s especially true as we age and lose the coloration of our skin.
If this sounds like you, avoid black frames or very dark brown/tortoise.
Instead of black, try blue or burgundy. Instead of dark brown, try tan or a lighter tortoise. If your hair is greying, grey or silver frames are very flattering.
Try bold colors with thinner frames
There is a relationship between color and thickness. It makes sense that thick black frames will be more assertive than thin black frames, simply because there’s so much more of it on the thicker pair.
If you like the look of thick glasses, but haven’t been able to make them work, try a dramatic color on a thinner frame. That gives you the bold look you want, without overwhelming your features.
A light, bright color that is opaque will look very assertive. For example, opaque white, turquoise, or pink will pop off your face. Colors like this might look best on a thinner frame, just the same as very dark colors.
Clear plastic frames are both subtle and stylish
Transparent frames are very popular right now.
They may be totally colorless. This is sometimes called “crystal.”
Or, they can come with varying levels of color, from barely-there whispers of color to deep shades that are halfway between opaque and clear.
Transparent frames can be worn thicker since the transparency makes it more subtle in appearance. Also, you have a little more wiggle room on the shape, since the the transparent frame is less assertive than the same frame would be with color.
Thank you for this information, it is proving invaluable. Unfortunately I am the wrong side of the duck pond to be able to order glasses from you, but never the less, we still have the same issues finding petite frames! This will help me find the right needle in the very large, sometimes overwhelming, hay stack! Thank you again.
I was delighted to find your site as this has always been a problem for me. I’ve worn glasses since age 3 and I am very sensitive to fit. I’d love to see more options in lighter neutral shades as the darker frames look too bold on my small face. I also have fair skin and med blonde hair. It looks better when they blend in with my features. Clear frames tend to stand out and look like granny glasses. Smaller openings are better as well for smaller faces (and thicker lenses which I have). I prefer rectangular and oval shapes. Thanks for providing this much needed resource!
Hi Jo, Thank you so much for sharing all of that! I always love receiving requests and suggestions 🙂
Hi
I thinking perhaps I have a low bridge
..though now asian or a now that’s flat anywhere…but with most glasses looking out of the top 25% of lense. Do you have suggestions for me for finding a better frame that’s hopefully not round or square?
Thanks! Julie
Oops. I didn’t proof read that message I posted just now. I am not Asian and my nose isn’t flat
.. bit it’s not very big either. Lol.
Julie
Hi Julie,
Thanks for your message!
“Low Bridge Fit” (aka “Asian fit” bridge) can be a good option for anyone with a low nose bridge (of any ethnicity). The Phyllis frame is my best option for petite glasses for low nose bridge.
However, a narrow nose could also cause the frames to sit too low, especially if the bridge measurement was too wide for your nose. For that, try smaller bridge widths, such as the Kimberly (14) or the Kara (15).
Nose pads can also help with both of the above issues. Consider the Julie or the Teresa.
Thank you for visiting my store! I hope you find a great fit.
I’m hoping that you have tortoise shell frames that have nose pads for the petite face.
Hello Mary,
Thanks for your message! We do have many tortoiseshell petite glasses. However, none of them are currently available with nose pads. Do you prefer the nose pads for low bridge fit, progressive lenses, comfort, or something else? Some of our shoppers have used adhesive nose pads that you can stick on to the bridge of acetate frames. They are affordable and easy to buy online.
I’ve been hunting for somewhere like you for years, as I hate wearing glasses – I’ve worn them since I was 4, and am now 60, but have never been able to find a pair I’m happy to wear (I try to wear gp contact lenses as often as I can!)
If only you were available in the UK! Please consider it, as it’s so difficult to find attractive frames here!
Hi Elaine,
Thank you for your message! It’s nice to know that there are women out there who are looking for the business that I am building. I’m sorry that I am not yet international. I will grow it as quickly as I can 🙂
I was so excited to find your website but found that most of your temple lengths are still too long. I really need 130mm but that seems hard to come by.
Hi Hilda, Thanks so much for letting me know what you need. I do hear requests for shorter temple lengths. If you have a moment, I’d love to hear what size you need for the rest of the frame. Thanks for writing!
Thanks for the tips. I have been looking for frames to fit my small face for 2 yrs. my current glasses look like your 2012 frames, I bought mine in 2007!! My daughter and nieces always comment on my “outdated” glasses. Unfortunately, we live in a small city/town and the availability of stylish frames is nil. Looks like I’m going to have to make the 260 mile round trip to find some attractive petite frames. 😕
Thanks for sharing your experience, Annie! Since 2007 is quite a long time to be shopping for frames. I hope you find the right fit soon!
Thanks for the excellent information about having a smaller face and finding the right frames! It’s not easy! Especially now with bigger frames being the trending look. I relate to going into a store to find frames and everything is too big, with maybe just a few pairs that are suitable in size, but I don’t like them. All of your tips on size, lens height, frame thickness and shape, I’ve learned through trial and error over the years. I’ve worn smaller rectangular, oval and cat eye frames with my current ones being a cat eye that looks great! Unfortunately, I also have a prescription for a high minus and a need for progressives , but a pretty flat bridge so getting the right vision correction has been really hard! I feel that it’s harder to see clearly with my new Bevel glasses (Quinoa Victoria) as they just fit too close to my eyes and my eyelashes touch the lenses. I often resort back to wearing my old pair (Bevel Amy). I look forward to checking out your specific suggestions.
Thank you for your comment, Leila! Bevel is a great brand. And yes, it sounds like a tricky combination you have there between prescription requirements and a low nose bridge. I’d recommend that you try my Phyllis frame. Past shoppers who have struggled with the eyelashes hitting the lens in other plastic frames found that they did not have that issue with the Phyllis because of the way the bridge is shaped. I’ll be curious to hear how it goes if you give it a try!
Do you offer custom designs?
Hi Misty, Thanks for asking! I am open to discussing this possibility. Please reach out at [email protected], and I look forward to speaking with you.
Hi! Can you tell me what brand your glasses are in the 2017 picture?
Hi! My old glasses were by Prodesign Denmark.
I still love your frames, and wonder if you’ve made any progress on your goal of shipping internationally? ♥️ A petite frames fan from Australia.
Hi Jem, Thank you for your comment, I appreciate that so much! It is good to be reminded that small face ladies overseas are still interested. I definitely continue to plan to expand. I unfortunately can’t say when but please stay tuned. Thank you!
I was wondering what glasses do you have on in the video. In the video at 3 minutes 4 seconds where you talk about top heavy, darker, thicker frames
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wikFAOF0xVc&t=3s
Hi Kristie,
Thanks for checking out my video!
Those are the Teresa frame in Black/Silver. They were very popular, have sold out, and are currently on pre-order, along with some new colors:
Teresa Black/silver
Teresa Brown
Teresa Gold
Hope that helps!
I am an older man with small face. Looking for a shorter distance frame glasses with smart looking appearance. Ur help is really appreciated.
Thanks so much for getting in touch! I am very interested in making men’s frames in the future. I will follow up via email.
I’m so glad there are others! I sometimes dream of what folks with more average sized faces get as far as choosing a between tens and even hundreds of possible frames and designers, because I can imagine it must be many degrees more exciting than my much smaller child sized frame selection. Not to say I don’t love it when ray ban for kids puts out a new style; I have a google alert set just for this, but to have so much selection, that dream will always gnaw at me.
Of course the other thing we should discuss is the wearing of hats, as there is a lot of normal sized adult headed folks who have no concept that we exist, and they seem to only realize we do after insisting we put on a certain hat they believe will fit us. I’m nearly 45 years old and this same awkward encounter continues to this day!
Thank you for sharing that! Yes, definitely a different game to have that kind of selection. I often hear stories of how frustrating it is to go to a store and see so many beautiful frames and the vast majority are outside your size range. I’m happy to offer a bit more options 🙂 Hats are a great idea and one I’ve considered offering! Please feel free to share any requests for hats for small heads!
Love your input! I would like to know the name of the Crystal frames you put on second out of the three crystal lenses, the Pink Crystal ones.
Thanks for doing what you do! Currently wearing kids girls frames which I love but have been discontinued 😿
Hi Joansie,
Thanks for your message! Discontinued frames is something I hear about a lot.
I’m not sure I understand your question, but it sounds like you are referring to the Phyllis frame in Crystal Rose. They are currently out of stock but may be reissued in the future, if we get enough requests.
Thank you,